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Are your wedding expenses adding up and causing you to stress out over your rising reception cost? Don’t worry; Devoted to Your Event has the solution for you! We are bringing you a list of great tips to decorate your reception for a low cost.

 

 

1. Choose a location that has a lavish look on its own. This will eliminate you from having to purchase a lot of décor, thus save you money in the end.

2. Create your own table runners. If you or someone you know is a crafty individual, go to your local fabric store and buy the fabric of your choice for your tables.

3. Go for chic and simple centerpieces. Instead of purchasing expensive flowers or grand table toppers, consider purchasing tall clear cylinders from your dollar store and put artificial flowers inside.

4. Light up the room. Use candles, dramatic lights, and inexpensive chandeliers to create the illusion of an upscale venue.

5. Bling it out. Jewels and little crystals can always take your décor to a new level, and the great thing is that these eye-catching items are very inexpensive.

6. Hire a musical group that has both a DJ and instrumentalists. This will lower your cost for entertainment and provide you with both a band and the top radio hits!

7. Desserts are pricey. If you want a large wedding cake and don’t have the money for it, use artificial layers to give you the illusion. No need for all of the layers to be edible! Cupcakes are another awesome alternative.

8. While we are on the topic of food, hire a friend or family member to do the catering. Everyone has that one person they know who is an awesome cook, and their prices will be way less than a caterer you don’t know.

9. Go on a shopping spree at the local craft stores and see what you find! There are some gorgeous items in these stores, some even greater DIY items, and all for fantastic prices.

10. Ask your newlywed friends if you can borrow some of their old wedding décor. Most couples don’t want to throw everything away right away, but they also don’t want to hold on to everything for too long.

These were just a few tips for you to take a small budget and turn it into a reception that looks very expensive. Contact us for more ways to be luxurious on a budget!

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

Resources:

Finello, K. (2015, August 19). 75 Ways to Throw a Luxury Wedding on a Budget.

Retrieved February 19, 2017, from http://bridalguide.com/planning/wedding-budget/75-ways-to-build-a-luxury-wedding-on-a-budget?page=4

DTYE has seen several engagements happen already in the year 2017, and this is a great sign for how the year is going to go! This month we are going to focus on special ways to announce your engagement to the world. There are so many different ways to do this so keep reading for more!

1. Face to Face: If you don’t get proposed to with all of your family and friends around then you definitely need to make it a point to get everyone together to announce the big news! Dinner or family outings are great options. If getting everyone together is not doable then pay visits to a few people.

2. Phone Calls: Some family members may be located out of state and you don’t want to keep the news from them too long, so picking up the phone is an option you can use as well.

3. Social Media: Most engaged couples cannot wait to share their news on social media. You will see the classic ring post, the post of the guy on one knee in the middle of proposing, or a post of the couple with the fiancé showing off her ring. This is a great way to share with all of your extended friends and family.

4. Engagement Party: Some couples like to keep the reason for the party secret and others are open with sharing the news prior to the party. If you are keeping this a secret then you have to think of a good cover up reason to host a party! A few good examples you can use as disguise are birthday parties, holiday parties, super bowl parties, etc! Then, once everyone arrives you can share the big news.

 

5. Engagement Photos: If you are the kind of couple that can keep a secret then setting up engagement photos to use for your big announcement is a great idea! Gentlemen, if you and your fiancé are into spontaneous events, then consider taking it a step further by proposing one day and then arranging for a glammed up photo shoot the day after! This way you will have beautiful photos to use and share right away.

Of course there are many other great ways that you and your fiancé can share this big news with others, but be sure that that is not the main thing you are focusing on. After getting proposed to, you and your fiancé deserve a little time bask in the newfound happiness! Announce this news when you want it and how you want it. And by the way…congrats in advance to all of our budding romances this year!!!

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

Source:

Ingalls, A. (n.d.). 7 Ways to Announce Your Engagement. Retrieved January 27, 2017, from

http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/230657/announcing-your-engagement

A bride-to-be has some big responsibilities to take on once she says “I Do,” but where does she begin? Well…we have the answer for you! We know a place where a bride can go to get a plethora of information, bridal shows! Making the decision to attend a bridal show is something that is very beneficial for a bride and here are five reasons why!

1. This is where you will gather the most information at once:

You can learn information on planning your wedding, the components you will need, talk with professionals about wedding advice and more.

2. You can compare prices and services:

At these bridal shows there are tons of vendors present from décor, catering, floral companies and more. You can visit all the ones you are interested in and decide on the one that best fits your budget. Checking out all of the vendors before hand is a great way to prep for the event.

 

 

3. You can register and sign up to win prizes:

Many of the vendors offer giveaways to potential couples who visit their booths like photography sessions, desserts, wedding dresses and more.

4. You can find out what is trending now:

Much like the world of fashion, the wedding trends are constantly shifting. Vendors are known to showcase the newest trends at these wedding shows to attract the modern couples. Bridal shows sometimes even have a fashion show to showcase these amazing trends!

5. You can possibly score some deals:

The competition is tough at these shows between the vendors; everyone wants to secure new clients. In order to do that, vendors are known to promote some deals if you book them during the event! Bring your wallet because you may come up on a great opportunity!

There is a lot to cover at a wedding show so it is definitely great if you come with a friend, or even better, another bride-to-be. Most shows cost to enter but their prices are very low. Trust us, this is definitely something that a bride to be should attend. You will leave with many business cards, new insights, free samples, and great new connections on top of having an awesome time!

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

 

Bishop, J. (2016, January 14). 5 Reasons Why You Should Attend a Bridal Show.
Retrieved December 30, 2016, from http://thebudgetsavvybride.com/5-reasons-attend-bridal-show/
Bridal Show Benefits | Bridal Show Producers International | Wedding Planning Shows (n.d.). Retrieved December 30, 2016, from
http://www.bspibridalshows.com/Bride-Bridal-Show-Benefits.aspx

Wedding Receptions are undoubtedly the liveliest part of a wedding. The stress of a wedding is over and the time to celebrate with your most cherished friends and family begins. The question after you’ve partied the night away is how do you end the night? Many clients often wonder what they are supposed to do to close out their reception and here you can find several great suggestions!

1. End on a slow song:

This will tone down the mood and be very fitting for a night filled with upbeat dancing. Everyone can get up and join in on that last song of the night.

2. Make a closing speech:

Around the time that you are thinking about wrapping up the reception, you and your spouse can take the stage or the microphone one last time to thank everyone for coming out and being a part of your special day.

3. Have the DJ announce the last song:

This is often seen or heard after the couple makes a closing speech. If the DJ makes the announcement it can make it look like it was his call and not the couples decision. Therefore, if you have those partygoers who wanted to stay all night they wont be upset with you!

4. End on a timeless sing-a-long:

Select a song that all generations know and love and it will have everyone on one accord as the night ends.

5. Set off balloons, confetti or fireworks (if your venue is outside):

What better way to end with a bang than this! This can happen right before or after the final song of the night with one final cheer before everyone leaves!

There are many ways that you can end your reception and these don’t even cover half of them! It all depends on what you as the couple wants, and what your venue permits. Whatever you choose, have fun while doing it and make all of your guests leave wanting more!

Sources:

Ending your wedding reception on the right note. (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://mikestaff.com/ending-your-wedding-reception-on-the-right-note/

5 Ways to end your wedding with a bang. (n.d.)Retrieved from

http://www.brides.com/story/how-end-your-wedding-with-bang

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

Wedding days are supposed to be fun, but with all the stressful planning that some couples go through, sometimes things can become not so pleasant. To be sure that you really make it all worth it, here are 10 super fun ideas that you can include in your big day. These ideas will surely put a big smile on your face and everyone around.

1. Hold a pre-wedding party or field day:

This is a great way to get your wedding party acquainted if they don’t already know each other! Plan a fun day out on the town, some physical activities, or a fun party to build the relationships.

2. Create a snapchat filter:

Now a day’s social media is really becoming a big part of people’s everyday lives. Snapchat, the newest platform, is extremely popular and so are the filters. It has gotten so popular that you can pay and create your own! Wedding filters are the next big thing and it is something that a lot of brides and grooms are opting in to! Check out this link for more information https://www.snapchat.com/on-demand

3. Prepare for a highly anticipated first look:

Want to build up even more anticipation from your groom? Have him be blindfolded once he gets to the altar so he doesn’t see you until the moment before you begin your vows! The reaction on his face will be truly priceless.

4. Incorporate designs into the wedding isle:

There are many ways that you can have cool designs on wedding isle. You can have lights, colors, pictures, and more to make the actual ceremony be just as fun!

5. Toss something at the couple as they leave the ceremony:

Tossing rice is something that has been around for many years, however recently we have seen couples take a modern twist on this! Tossing pom-poms balls, glitter, and confetti are three of the best items to throw and a great way to show love and excitement for the new couple.

6. Arrive to or leave your wedding / reception in style:

A traditional limo is not your only option for transportation any more. Sports cars, water vehicles, helicopters, bikes, motorcycles, etc. can all be super fun ways to make memories with your spouse.

7. Have an expert tasting session during the cocktail hour or reception:

Wine and beer tastings are very popular during weddings. Be sure to look around for a great brand and one that most people may not have tried before. They may end up leaving with a some of their own!

8. Have an interactive guest book:

You can have a guest book that asks for advice, tips, and encouraging messages for the couple. In addition it doesn’t have to be in book format. Modern couples get large boards, photo books, posters and much more! Being able to look back on something like this will be priceless for your marriage.

9. Share fun facts:

Whether you place them on the guest tables, around the room, or verbally share them, trust us when we say that your guests will love learning fun facts about you and your spouse!

10. Have song selections for the DJ:

We all know that the couple will have their set songs for the wedding but what about the guests? Take the time to create little song request cards that your guest can fill out and send to the DJ throughout the night. The songs can be crazy and fun and really make the crowd have a good time!

All in all there are truly so many things that one can do to incorporate some fun ideas in their wedding, and we hope that these few are a good start! One thing that you can never go wrong with is setting up surprises. Remember there is no such thing as too much fun during a wedding!

 

 

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

Sources:

150 Ways to Make Your Wedding Unforgettable. (n.d.). Retrieved October 29, 2016.

http://www.bridalguide.com/planning/the-details/reception/unique-wedding-ideas#137047

20 Secrets to a Fun Wedding Reception. Retrieved October 29, 2016, from

https://www.theknot.com/content/secrets-to-a-fun-wedding-reception

Wang, P. (n.d.). 31 Impossibly Fun Wedding Ideas. Retrieved October 29, 2016, from

https://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/impossibly-fun-wedding-ideas?utm_term=.gij6v2Z3Q7#.ivnPbVm4rz

Now a days wedding receptions are transforming from what was once a nice gathering for everyone to congratulate and the bride and groom, into a true grand party for the couple and their guests. Receptions are the best part of a wedding because everyone can finally relax, let loose and party the night away! In most cases, you can’t have a wedding reception without the alcohol…which unfortunately can get very expensive. Will you have an open bar? How many guests are you inviting? What types of liquor are you serving? All of these are important questions that can greatly alter how much you spend on drinks. Keep reading to see the some great ways that you can cut alcohol costs at your wedding.

1. Offer one to three signature cocktails.

Instead of having an open bar which can run you several thousand dollars, have a few personalized drink selections that will be offered. These drinks will consist of a few set liquors thus eliminating the option of guests picking and choosing whatever they want.

2. Skip the champagne toast OR pour the glasses half full

Now, this is a small change to implement but it definitely will add up in the end. Providing a full glass of champagne is not needed, because chances are, your guests will care more about the liquor at the bar. So to save a few hundred dollars, only pour them a half glass, or you can skip the toast entirely and let them toast with what they have in their hands.

3. Serve only beer and wine.

This trend is very popular with the modern bride. You can offer a variety of different beers and wine and this will total up to less than a variety of straight liquor. If you want to go this route then consider offering a “tasting” hour with some local brews and wine to make your guests feel like they are getting something great out of this experience.

4. Shorten the open bar hours.

If you must have an open bar and are concerned with the price, simply shorten the hours! Instead of having an open bar all night, just make it end a few hours earlier. This will not only save you a great deal, but you will be able to feel better about your guests leaving the reception safely because they will have time for their buzz to wear off.

.Pay her head, instead of per drink.

Some caterers offer the option to pay per head, instead of per drink and if they do, they take the offer. You will end up saving more money paying per head, even IF everyone doesn’t get a drink. Chances are that the ones who are drinking will have several drinks a piece and paying her head will cut the costs.

6. Speaking of the liquor, eliminate top-shelf brands from the selection.

If you absolutely MUST have an open bar then an option for you is to eliminate the most expensive brands of liquor. Your guests can get just as “lit” off of less expensive brands, and no one should complain since the drinks will be free.

7. Host a day time wedding.

Guests always tend to drink much more at weddings that are in the night, as opposed to weddings that are during the day. So if your plans are not set in stone ye, look into an earlier wedding time as an option to save money!

8. Hire a friend who is a bartender.

Have any friends who are licensed bartenders? Definitely see if they wouldn’t mind assisting with your reception and they probably won’t charge you as much as other bartenders will! Think of it as a wedding gift from them to you!

All of these tips and more can go great for lessening your wedding bill, and at the same time they will be so small that no one will have any less fun…trust us!

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

Source: http://www.borrowedandblue.com/all/wedding-blog/top-10-ways-to-cut-alcohol-costs-at-weddings

Selecting a location for your rehearsal dinner is something that couples put a lot of effort into. This night is usually spent with the couple, their families and the wedding party so you want your venue to be one that is really intimate and special. Keep reading to find out 9 of the best rehearsal dinner locations in the area!

 

Maryland:

1. Boxwood Estate Winery’s Tasting Room- 137 Waterfront Street, Oxon Hill, MD:

This wine tasting room restaurant is perfect for the wedding party that likes to indulge. You can rent out the whole area for an even as well. It is surely a great place for a rehearsal dinner. http://www.thetastingroomwinebar.com/national-harbor.html

2. Chesapeake Beach Resort & Spa- 4165 Mears Ave, Chesapeake Beach, MD:

The venue is beautiful, the location is relaxing and the food is spectacular. http://www.chesapeakebeachresortspa.com/?utm_source=theknot.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=theknot

Washington, D.C.:

1. The W Hotel- 515 15^th St. NW, Washington, DC:

At the W Hotel you can experience many different room styles, restaurants, bars, and rooftop fun. It is the perfect place to invite your wedding party to for an fun yet intimate rehearsal dinner. http://www.wwashingtondc.com

2. The Odyssey- 600 Water Street, SW, Washington, DC:

Here you can enjoy all inclusive dinner packages, stunning views, live entertainment and creative cuisine. http://www.odysseycruises.com/washington-dc/groups/wedding-venue

3. Clyde’s of Gallery Place- 707 7^th Street NW, Washington, DC:

Clyde’s is located in the Chinatown/Penn Quarter which is a very vibrant neighborhood. Here you can have access to a private indoor balcony with its own bar that would be perfect for a rehearsal dinner. http://www.clydes.com/gallery

4. The Hamilton- 600 14^th St. NW, Washington, DC:

The Hamilton is a super popular hotel and great for events. With its upbeat vibes and great scenery this is a must on our list. http://www.thehamiltondc.com

Virginia:

1. Top of the Town- 1400 14^th St. N, Arlington, VA:

This location is noted as having one of the best views in town according to Washingtonian Magazine. This site is elegant, fun, and sure to never have a dull moment when enjoying the views over dinner http://www.topofthetown.com

2. Dolce Vita Restaurant- 10824 Fairfax Blvd Fairfax, VA:

Located in the heart of Fairfax this restaurant has been serving Italian food for over 20 years. They offer a wide range of menu options, catering, and plenty of specials. http://www.dolcevitaitaliankitchenandwinebar.com

3. The Overwood- 220 N Lee St, Alexandria, VA:

Here you will find modern American cuisine, specialty cocktails, and great premium draft and bottled beer. Paired with a warm ambiance and hospitable service you will surely feel at home for your reception dinner. http://theoverwood.com/?page_id=585

To check out even more great locations for your rehearsal dinner be sure to visit TheKnot.com and adjust the search location to match your preferred area! Happy planning, hope you have as much fun as we did searching for locations!

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

When it comes to a wedding reception one of the biggest things to plan out is the seating arrangements. The location and the number of guests play a large role in your decision. Some couples have seating arrangements and other opt to not have one at all. Lets dive into the main factors of this decision.

Seating arrangements are meant to help, not be a hassle. They are put in action to help keep things organized, ensure that all tables and seats are filled, to help the flow of traffic into the reception area, and to reduce the anxiety of guests trying to find seats with the individual(s) they came with.

When developing your seating chart be sure to look at the entire guest list. In most cases couples keep their families together sitting across multiple tables. When it comes to the rest of the guests you can put specific friends together or mix and match those two people you that have been trying to get to meet up! Most people also always put the children together at a kids table. If you do decide that you are having seating arrangements you should also have place cards, escort cards, or a seating chart to make things even more organized.

Now, not all wedding require seating arrangements. If you wedding is going to be small and intimate then setting aside time to create a seating chart should not be your focus. For example, a wedding of 50 people may not need a detailed plan.

So the decision is entirely up to you! For a smaller party seating arrangements are not a must, but for larger parties you would greatly benefit from setting aside the time to plan out your guests seats. Whatever you do make sure it is the right decision for you, and one that will cause as little stress as possible during this crucial planning process!

Reception Seating Etiquette Musts. (n.d.). Retrieved July 30, 2016, from

https://www.theknot.com/content/etiquette-seating-charts

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

During your wedding planning you will find that there are a lot of little things you can do to make your wedding special and make your guests feel that way too. Setting up escort cards are a cute way to show that you care, along with helping the reception flow in much more smoothly.

Escort cards can easily be one of the most important pieces of stationary that you have at your wedding but do you know what they really are? Most people tend to think that “escort cards” are the same as “place cards” but they aren’t. Place cards are the cards at the reception tables to show you exactly what seat you are in, and escort cards are what you take at the entrance of the reception or wedding to direct you to your table. This is something that minimizes a great deal of wandering bodies.

Along with the obvious reason for creating an escort card there are also a few other reasons that prove they are a good touch for your wedding. First, they would allow for you to show off your creativity. Second, they are just another way you can incorporate your theme into your wedding. Third, they can be super fun to make. And last, it could be a keepsake that your guests may want to take home!

There are so many great ways one can create an escort card so your design is truly up to you! Check out this blog post on Brides.com for 35 INSANELY creative escort card ideas that you could use to add a great personal touch to your wedding. Explore your options and have fun while making yours!

 

 

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