Let’s face it, Miami is a popular destination for just about everybody. If most (or all) of your wedding guests are flying into town, it makes sense to look at venues that are easy to get to. Make sure to choose one that’s close to the city center so your guests don’t have far to travel (Miami Beach, City of Miami, Coconut Grove, and Coral Gables are central). Or go for one stop shopping by choosing a hotel for your destination wedding, it’s so much easier to have all your festivities in one spot. Some of our favorites for destination weddings include:
Creating Gorgeous Save the Date Cards
One of things I was most excited to do when planning my wedding was to send out save the date cards. I couldn’t wait to officially announce my upcoming wedding to the people I love. But when I got into the process of making the save the dates, I realized that there’s a lot more to it than I thought. I won’t lie to you, planning a wedding is hard – there are lots of times when it feels a little less than fun. If you’re like me, the tasks that are the hardest to check off the wedding to-do list are the ones where there’s a ton of details to consider. But with a little bit of preparation and the right tools any wedding task can be easy. Here’s how to print custom save the dates the easy way from start to finish.
Get your details ready
In order to send out save the date cards, obviously you will need to know your wedding date! But make sure that date is completely confirmed. Remember that the purpose of the save the date card is to remind your guests to request time off of work, think about attire, and start to make travel plans. So if your details change, it could cause a lot of trouble for your guests.
How do you make sure your date is totally confirmed? If you’ve got a signed contract and made a deposit payment on your wedding venue, you should be good to go. If you’re getting married on private property (like a relative’s house), make sure to get written permission from the owners with some general guidelines. And if you plan to tie the knot in a public setting like a beach, be sure to check out permits to ensure date availability.Doing a little bit of work up front can save a big headache down the line.
Create a guest list
Now that you know your details, you need to create a list of recipients. The big question is who should get a save the date card? That’s really a topic for a whole separate blog post. But a good guide is to make a list of close family on both sides, then add in friends that you’ve talked to in the past year and wouldn’t mind spending a couple of hours with at a dinner party. Remember that you can always invite more people later.
After you have your guest list, it’s time to get addresses. This took me a lot of time when I was doing my save the date cards because I didn’t have a lot of that info and it took a lot of phone calls to get it. Luckily there are tools that can help you with this, like Basic Invite’s free address collection service where you can request your addresses. You share a link via social media or email, collect addresses, and even get free envelope printing. Get started at the Basic Invite website: https://www.basicinvite.com
Eye on Design
Now it’s time for the fun part, designing your save the date cards. Some couples choose to DIY this or hire a calligrapher, but there are even easier options where you can print custom save the dates online. If you’re not a graphic designer or super artistic then this is definitely the way to go since you can start with a design template that you like then customize it to your wedding colors and style. I like Basic Invite’s ability to completely customize the color of any template down to the littlest detail with 180 unique colors. They also provide matching invitation suites and envelopes in 40 different colors so after you customize your design it looks cohesive with all of the other printables at your wedding.
It’s important to order a sample so you can see the colors and the quality of your save the date cards. This is the first impression your guests will have of your wedding styles so the details need to be perfect. If you choose to print custom save the dates then you should always request a custom sample (Basic Invite does this too).
Send them out
Now all the hard work is done! Once your custom save the date cards are printed the last step is to assemble them – put your card in the envelope, secure it with a sticker, and add postage. Make sure you’re using enough postage for this since save the date cards and wedding invitations tend to be heavier than standard first class mail. You can go to the post office to order the wedding stamps they have available or make your own custom ones online.
Once you’re ready, drop off your save the date cards at your local post office then set back and wait for the compliments to roll in.
Extra credit
Congrats, you just sent out your save the date cards! To make things even easier, you can make your wedding invitations at the same time and print them out a little later on. Most couples choose to send the formal invitation 3-4 months before the wedding.
This is also a great time to get started on your wedding website. Your website will be the place where your guests will get all of the wedding-related info they need, like hotel and travel info, the list of events, maps and directions, and a link to your registry. It’s best if your website mirrors the design of your save the date cards and wedding invitations, so if your card printing company allows you to host your website with them it’s a good choice for this (Basic Invite does).
Don’t worry, it seems like getting out save the date cards and invites is a lot of work but with the right tools it can be pretty easy. And when it’s done you’ll have a major task to check off of your wedding to-do list. It’s also the start of your process for starting to look for your other vendors. If you’re wondering where to start with decor, we can help! Ask us how The Bride Candy can help you make your wedding gorgeous and romantic with flowers.
The 3 things a Bride forgets on her Wedding Day
A wedding day can be extremely stressful especially if it’s under the blazing South Florida sun. Stress might cause you to forget a few things even after months of planning the wedding of your dreams. From the day of your engagement to the wedding day, you’ll be preoccupied with picking out bridesmaids to finding the perfect dress and venue. But you may have overlooked a few little things to be 100% prepared for your wedding day. Here are three things that will save you from a wedding day headache.
Eat!
The preparation before a wedding is pretty intense. And one thing is for sure: you’ll won’t want to face the day on an empty stomach! Make sure to arrange for you and your bridal party to have breakfast and lunch as well as snacks throughout the day. This can be arranged by just asking someone to pick up food. This simple task saves everyone from frustration (and hanger!) later in the evening. It’s also really important to remember to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water will allow you to be a happy bride under Florida’s intense heat.
Bring extra comfy shoes!
Your heels may be gorgeous, and I know you want everyone to marvel at them and their gorgeousness. However, your heels can also be very uncomfortable and cause pain and blisters later in the night. Remember to bring an extra pair of flats or sandals – anything that you may find comfortable to ensure you will be able to dance for your entire wedding! The good thing is that your gorgeous gown will take all the attention and no one will notice that you slipped into comfier shoes. If you absolutely, positively can’t part with your wedding shoes, make sure to break in your heels prior to the wedding or use a shoe insert to enhance the comfort of your heels.
Have an Emergency kit
This kit can include anything that you feel will be needed throughout your wedding. A hair and makeup kit are necessary. Your hair and makeup squad may have made you look stunning throughout your ceremony, but now it’s time for your reception. From the sweat to the tears (sweat is inevitable under the South Florida sun) throughout your wedding, there comes a point where you and your bridesmaids must touch up. This kit may include eye lash glue, samples of the makeup used by your make-up artist, hair spray, etc. You should also have a separate kit for wardrobe malfunctions. This kit may include band-aids for blisters, a needle and thread, deodorant, etc. Band-Aids are a must as blisters on your wedding day are dreadful.
Throughout all the craziness you may endure on her wedding day, always remember that the most amazing part about a wedding is that every person in the ceremony is there to celebrate your relationship! It is important to create the most memorable experiences throughout your wedding. Remember to appreciate every moment! So with a little extra preparation, you’ll be sure to have fun!
The Bride Candy can make your special day extra beautiful. Ask us how we can make your wedding dreams come true.
Creating a Storybook Wedding Invitation
When planning our wedding, my fiancé and I really cared about our guest’s experience. Since I was very young I dreamt of a fairytale wedding and Jeremy was a history teacher and naturally loves historic venues. We wanted the invitation to echo the essence of our venue: The Ancient Spanish Monastery. I always dreamt of a book-styled wedding invitation and Jeremy, someone who has loved reading books since he was very young, loved the idea. So we put our heads together and came up with the perfect invitation for us. Read how we created our dream wedding invitations with the help of our friend Tasha from Tinta + Pulso.
The first step: Story Books
The very first thing we needed was the actual books! It’s hard to find beautiful ornate books so we searched far and wide for a vintage book shop. We came across this book store called Dunbar Old Books. This hole-in-the-wall bookstore had everything we were looking for, beautiful books with ornate covers in different colors and styles. This part was very fun to do, we loved searching for the books and I love the smell of old library books. All the books varied in price from $10-$20. Some books were almost 100 years old! Once we purchased the books we knew exactly the size we needed the physical invitation to be. Each book was different which made all of our guests feel special and we picked each one especially for them.
Second step: The Invitation
Now it was time for some professional stationary help. We contacted our friend Tasha from Tinta + Pulso who took our vision and designed these beautiful invitations that took my breath away. She asked me all the details of our wedding, which was very important so she could bring our vision to life. The theme was a storybook wedding but there were two very important elements. The ceremony was geared towards my love for flowers and my childhood of growing up in my fathers garden. The reception was to resemble a library where Jeremy spent a lot of his childhood with his head buried in a book. Tasha loved this idea and since the invitation already resembled “Jeremy’s library” with the book, she added florals to the invitation suite to bring in the “Christopher’s library” element. She presented us with a beautiful proposal. We also wanted a card catalog pocket in each book for the Details and RSVP cards. Tasha had the amazing idea of making them with a vellum material that made them translucent with a floral print, which was one of our favorite parts of the invitation!
Third Step: The Assembly
Once we received our beautiful invitation suites it was time to assemble them which was the most difficult and least fun part of the experience. With double-sided tape we attached the vellum packets and invitations to each book. We added a wax seal to the top of each invitation to make it look as if the invitation was secured by the wax seal. Next we added the ribbon strap which forced each guest to look at the inside front cover where the invitation was located. We cut a slit in the folding crease inside the front and back cover of each book, then used wire to feed a ribbon through the spine of the book. It took a steady hand and a lot of patience. We used brass buttons with velcro to close each ribbon strap. I wouldn’t recommend doing this if you have a big guest list. It took us lots and lots of time. Luckily we have a guest list of 40 which meant each household had one book each that equaled to about 25 books.
With patience, some professional help and lots of wine our beautiful fairytale invitations were created. We wrapped each invitation in beautiful wrapping paper and added a tag with the name of our guests. We loved the reactions we received from our guests. It was the prefect prelude to our wedding and made everyone very excited. Our friends and family could see our personality in the invitation and are now curious to see the ceremony and reception areas we named “Christopher Garden” and “Jeremy’s Library”. I want to take the time to thank our friend Tasha for not only designing our beautiful invitation but for her exceptional customer service. Even during a pandemic she made our experience an amazing one.
My last piece of advice is to remember that your invitation is the first chapter in the story of your wedding. This is your opportunity to make your guests excited, to enhance their experience, and preview your wedding theme. I hope you guys enjoyed it as much as we did! Make sure to visit Tinta + Pulso on instagram for more wedding stationary inspiration!
5 Unique Ways To Use Flowers At Your Wedding
If you’re like us, you’re obsessed with flowers. They can make just about anything better! And a wedding isn’t really a wedding until you add lots of flowers to it. But beyond your bouquet and centerpieces, where else can flowers make a magical moment at your wedding? Here are some of The Bride Candy’s top picks for unusual places to use flowers at your wedding that will wow your guests!
Fountain Flowers
If your venue has a fountain, it’s automatically going to be a focal point of your wedding. Why not take it to the next level with flowers? You can always float some candles and petals in the fountain for a muted romantic effect, or you can choose to go large with floor arrangements surrounding the fountain and asymmetrical foam arrangements in the tiers. Flowers do great in fountains even in direct sunlight.
Staircase Garland
There’s nothing quite like descending a beautiful staircase to make a grand entrance at your wedding. If it has a railing, add a light garland and pillar candles to decorate it without breaking the budget. Or go all-in on a whimsical installation that climbs the banisters and adds a sense of floral drama. Beautifully decorated stairs are a popular photo and video spot, so it makes sense to do something special with them.
Semi-circle Wedding Altar
Wedding arches have always been a popular ceremony backdrop. But what if the natural background for your wedding ceremony is already beautiful? You can create a beautiful and intimate space to tie the knot with a semi-circle wedding altar. It looks especially stunning outdoors! And often these flowers can be repurposed after the ceremony.
Floral Chandelier
For a grand and opulent decor statement, it’s hard to beat a chandelier. And the way to make it even more romantic is to fill it with flowers! Add ivy and flowers to existing chandeliers to make them stand out. Or ask your florist about custom suspended installations to go over your tables or dance floor. It’s one of the most impactful ways to use flowers indoors or in a tent, and is sure to be one of your wedding’s WOW pieces.
Cake Flowers
It’s true that some wedding cakes can be stunning all on their own. But with trends leaning towards naked cakes and other minimalist designs, it’s a good idea to look beyond the cake topper when decorating a cake. Choose smaller and more delicate flowers that match your theme. The cake doesn't need a lot of flowers, so this is where a little bit of extra budget can really go a long way, especially if you’re having a cake cutting.
No matter where you choose to focus your floral energy, it’s always worth it to go over the top. We can help! Ask The Bride Candy about how we can create a standout floral experience at your wedding.
Micro weddings: Why we are choosing one and how to stick to it
I’ve been in the industry for a very long time and for a while I thought I wanted a big wedding. That is until I started to change as a person. I started liking intimate dinners and gatherings. I also noticed the bigger the wedding, the more expensive it gets. For someone like me that’s bad news since I have expensive taste. When Jeremy and I got engaged we were bombarded with the “I better be invited” sayings from loved ones, distant relatives and friends, and even strangers. So let’s talk about the positives of the micro-wedding! Why are they on-trend and how we can stick to our guns if we choose to have one.
Why small?
For my thirtieth birthday I had a party. It was wonderful but one thing I regretted was I was too busy playing host. I had to watch my best friends party without me. I was called to all directions. I see that happen way too often at weddings. I had a bride tell me she felt like a ghost at her wedding. With so many photos, traditions, and toasts it can become very overwhelming but most of all it takes so much of your time. You just feel obligated to spend time with everyone. With small weddings you can take your time, have fun and enjoy your wedding.
The pros of micro weddings
I think the biggest take away is budget. If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll be able to afford a lot more and if you have a decent budget it will go way further. Talk about being able to afford a mini over-the-top wedding! Let’s not forget more money for the honeymoon and maybe a house! Millennials are now focusing on buying houses rather than hosting the old school big weddings of the past. Which is why micro weddings are becoming more trendy! Not to mention after these crazy pandemic times it’s also safer to have a micro wedding.
How do I stick to my guns?
This is a decision you have to make with your partner and stick with it. If it weren’t for my fiancé and I holding each other accountable, we would have caved in a long time ago. It’s hard and it can be sad at times. It also becomes complicated when you have a close friend that your partner isn’t close to. You both must decide together what number of guests and who fits into that number. People will try to make you feel guilty, but the truth is if someone loves you, they’d understand. Remember a wedding is for you and your love, and no one else.
Weddings aren’t just weddings but the beginning of a marriage. It’s about your partner and you. So if a micro wedding is something you desire, go for it with no shame! I’m not! I take solace in the decision my partner and I made together. Our relationship and all relationships should not revolve around one day, while a marriage and true friendships are forever. So go ahead put your love and goals first. Take some financial and planning stress off the wedding checklist. Save some money or use your budget to get a Pinterest-perfect wedding you can afford. Always remember at the end of the day we are here to love and that’s all that matters.
Coronavirus Help for the Wedding Industry
Photo by Vanessa Velez Photography
The Bride Candy is fortunate to be part of an amazing community of wedding vendors that specialize in making dreams come true. Unfortunately, many of us have been heavily impacted by the current pandemic. Before all else, I hope you’re staying safe and healthy and relatively sane during these crazy times. There’s a lot of information and misinformation out there on what steps to take to try to minimize the impact to business. We sat down with our friend Carlos Canasi, a Miami-based CPA, to get the scoop on what help is available to small businesses in the industry. This post is geared towards Florida-based small businesses, but there are national resources mentioned as well.
What is being done to help?
The most consequential help available is under the CARES Act, passed earlier this year. “The purpose of the CARES act is to provide relief to individuals, businesses, and government organizations by public funding of $2 Trillion dollars,” said Carlos. It’s a sweeping bill that has multiple provisions that may pertain to you, like stimulus checks, expanded unemployment, and grants and loans to small businesses. To a lesser extent there are also state programs available, but major funding for just about all help comes from the CARES Act. Here’s what you can expect.
Getting a Stimulus Check
There’s been a lot of press about the one-time non-taxable $1200 checks coming from the government. How do I get that money? “You need to do nothing,” said Carlos. “The government knows who and where you are (literally) and will directly deposit the funds into your account. You won’t have to file anything to receive the rebate.” But not everyone is eligible to receive a check. “The government will use your 2019 tax return or your 2018 tax return to determine if you qualify. If your income is $75,000 or less - or $150,000 or less if you’re married - you’re eligible for a $1,200 individual or $2,400 married couple rebate. If you have dependent children under 17, you’ll also get $500 per child. If you make over $75,000 or $150,000, your rebate will be reduced by $5 for every $100 over $75,000 that you make. But if you make over these threshold amounts, you won’t get a rebate: Individual: $99,000; Head of household with one child: $146,500; Joint filers with no children: $198,000. To qualify, you can’t be claimed as a dependent by others and you must have a work-eligible social security number.”
“The government knows who and where you are (literally) and will directly deposit the [stimulus] funds into your account.”
Filing for Unemployment
One of the major aspects of the CARES Act is that it expands state unemployment payment levels and eligibility. “You are eligible for unemployment as a self-employed person under the CARES Act,” said Carlos. “You are entitled to $600 a week for up to four months.” And that’s on top of Florida’s determination (up to $275 a week depending on your previous income). You can apply for Florida Unemployment via website, phone (1-800-204-2418), or paper form. This is an excellent benefit and you should take advantage of it! You need to apply soon - there are hundreds of thousands of people in front of you. Call centers have been overwhelmed and the Florida Unemployment website frequently goes down, so the most reliable way to apply is to complete the paper application and mail it in. If you need help, contact your State Senator’s office – they are experts at getting things unstuck that are tied up in bureaucracy. If you’re outside the state of Florida, go to this website and select your state to find your unemployment office.
Photo by Care Studios
Getting a grant by taking a loan
There’s been some information going around that says small business owners might be eligible for disaster grants. But this grant is actually an advance on a loan from the SBA. “To get money to businesses that need it quickly, anyone who applies for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) can request an emergency grant on that loan of up to $10,000,” said Carlos. “This money will be distributed by the SBA (Small Business Association) within three days. The grant can be used to maintain payroll, provide sick leave, buying materials, paying your mortgage or rent, and repaying any obligations you can’t currently pay because you’ve lost revenue from COVID-19.” You are eligible for this as long as your business is under 500 employees. Sole proprietors, LLCs, and Corporations are all eligible. Find out more and apply at the SBA website.
The EIDL itself is expansive. “You can borrow up to $2,000,000 on a 15- or 30-year term,” said Carlos. “The interest rate is 3.75% for businesses and 2.75% for Not for Profits.” The EIDL is not a forgivable loan. “And you don’t want it to be forgiven! The SBA will only forgive your loan if you go completely out of business.”
“You need to apply soon - there are hundreds of thousands of people in front of you.”
Should I take out a loan?
“Borrowing is a unique/personal decision. There isn’t a one-size fits all formula,” said Carlos. “For most small businesses, a quick “back of the napkin” calculation is a good way to start.” Ask yourself these questions:
How much cash do I have available to pay current and future debt?
Is there anything I can liquidate to come up with cash?
What’s my current monthly debt?
Is the interest rate favorable? Do I have credit cards with better interest rates than the loan offers?
Is there a penalty for paying back the loan ahead of maturity?
You’ll also want to do a bit of forecasting. “Create a spreadsheet in Excel forecasting the next 12 months. Include your forecasted cash inflows and outflows,” said Carlos. If you need help putting together a spreadsheet like this, contact Carlos here.
Photo by Vanessa Velez Photography
How can I financially survive this pandemic?
Everyone is worried about cashflow right now, but to best protect your finances you’ve got to stay safe! “Follow the CDC guidelines and stay home. Getting out and being exposed can end up in unnecessary medical expenses, and worse, health complications,” said Carlos. If you need help, start with the people who are closest to you. “Many times we’re afraid of asking for help because we’re proud people. And by asking for help I mean asking friends and family for business, financial advances (keep your promise, of course), CPAs for advice, etc. Be able to rely on your community and share with others whatever knowledge you acquire.”
“Remember that 87% of the population is still employed and many of those are willing and able to spend their dollars.”
This is also a prime opportunity to explore other potential revenue streams for your business. “There are still plenty of folks who are employed and willing and able to hire you for services not traditionally rendered,” siad Carlos. “Are you a wedding planner? Create and sell a step by step guide to preparing a dream wedding. Florist? Start hosting floral workshops online. Catering? Start meal prepping for people or add a “COVID” discount to anyone who prepays for your services. Yes, it’s not ideal by any stretch of the imagination and unemployment is at 13% - that means 87% of the population is still employed and many of those are willing and able to spend their dollars.”
If you’re unable to generate other revenue streams, try adding social distancing to or modifying the prices on your existing product and focusing on breaking even. “Are you a photographer? Sell your service for in-home photo shoots while maintaining social distance – pull out that mega zoom, baby!” said Carlos. Or try lowering your prices temporarily to be more competitive. “We all want to make a profit, of course! But right now we likely want to afford housing and food more than anything. So, think of how you can reduce your pricing or offer prepayments to allow you to break even during the pandemic.”
Still feeling confused or anxious? You’re not alone. Let’s chat about it over FaceTime or Zoom – just reach out. You can also reach out to Carlos for more CPA questions. Sending love and blessings your way. Stay safe!
Venue Spotlight: Curtiss Mansion
Photography by Csanchez photography
There’s no shortage of amazing venues in Miami. But one of the The Bride Candy’s favorite venues to work in is one that doesn’t look all that Miami from the outside, but has a whole lot of Miami history on the inside. Today, we’re talking about the Curtiss Mansion in Miami Springs. It’s a venue that I love so much it’s where I chose to get engaged!
It’s Got Style
Curtiss Mansion was the home of Glenn Curtiss, aviation pioneer and developer of Miami communities like Opa Locka, Hialeah, and Miami Springs. It’s built in the Pueblo Rival style, so when you drive up to it you can immediately tell that this is a truly unique venue that looks like it would be just at home in Santa Fe as it is in Miami Springs. Some of the standout features of the venue are the porte cochere (the covered entrance at the front), the front lawn, the interior courtyard, the back arbor, the bridge to nowhere, and the lake. All make a great backdrop for photos, and you can bet that there’s a lot of styled shoots and engagement photos that happen at the mansion.
It’s Comfortable
What makes the Curtiss Mansion an amazing venue is its versatility. It’s got a lot of space! With the addition of a newly paved exterior courtyard, it can now accommodate weddings of over three hundred. But no matter if you have a huge wedding or an intimate one, Curtiss is a comfortable spot to host your celebration. One thing the venue really excels at is everything pre-wedding. Many brides choose to get ready at the mansion since they have a dedicated bridal suite. That makes getting to the first look and pre-wedding photos a snap. It’s a great idea to get those out of the way early so you can enjoy your cocktail hour.
Many couples choose to do the ceremony in the expansive front lawn. Shaded by trees, it’s the perfect spot to exchange vows. Consider adding bistro lighting for extra ambiance. Wondering where to put the dancefloor? The interior courtyard is the perfect place to dance the night away and it looks great with uplighting and DJ lights. There’s also a fair amount of interior space in case of rain, making the Curtiss Mansion a smart venue choice.
It Comes With Great People
My favorite part about this venue is working with the Curtiss Mansion family. It’s run by Sherry and Javi, two of the most dedicated people in the industry. “We do what we do because we believe in true love ,” said Sherry. “It’s important to us that every couple has an amazing experience here.” Many venues simply provide the space and a set of rules and walk away. But the Curtiss Mansion give you that personal touch. They are happy to give advice on what works well and they have a list of outstanding vendors who can help you bring your wedding dreams to life. Sherry is also a BIG supporter of same-love weddings and actively looks to promote the venue to couples from all walks of life.
If you’re looking for an affordable Miami venue with exceptional customer service, The Bride candy is happy to recommend the Curtiss Mansion as an option for you. Tell them I sent you!
Coronavirus update: How can I save my wedding?
There’s a lot that goes into planning a wedding, but one thing no one counted on was that a global pandemic would mean that many weddings over the next two months won’t happen. It’s a really stressful time! You’re worried about your health and the health of your loved ones. The last thing you want to do is to put your wedding guests at risk. You’re thinking about cancelling or postponing your wedding. But you’ve paid your deposits and signed contracts. What can you do to save your special day?
Stay calm
Right now your focus should be on making sure that you and your partner are safe. Maybe you’re under self-quarantine already or preparing for it. Give yourself time to process everything that’s happening and be kind to your yourself for the emotions that you’re feeling. Nothing about this is easy.
One thing to remember is that everyone in the wedding industry is in the same boat right now. There are many concerned people who have weddings in the next two months. You can expect that your guests, vendors, and venue will be understanding as you start your conversations with them. We are all focused on health right now, and we will understand why you might want to postpone your wedding.
Talk to your venue
If your wedding is around the corner, it’s very likely that your venue may have already reached out to you. It’s unlikely that venues will proceed with events over the next eight weeks now that the CDC had issued its latest recommendations. Talk to your venue about your options. Most will offer to apply your deposit to a new wedding date. Be sure to have one in mind – many other couples are doing the same thing right now and future dates are filling up fast.
Talk to your vendors
Once you’ve talked to your venue, it’s time to touch base with your vendors. Make sure to reach out to everyone – your caterer, florist, rentals, officiant, and entertainment. If you have a new wedding date, now is the time to share it. You can do this all in one email to all your vendors to quickly see if they are available on the new date. Make sure to ask them if their services will be affected by the new date (maybe the showcase flower on your wedding bouquet won’t be in season anymore, for example).
Check your orders
Right now it’s hard to get anything from overseas. If you’ve placed and order for a dress or ring and expect it to be shipped to the United States, you should get in contact with your seller right away. Ask your seller what you can expect and what options they can give to you to make sure you get your items.
Tell your guests
Your guests are probably expecting to hear from you about your wedding especially if they’re traveling to it. Right now most people are unwilling (or unable) to fly. Reassure them that you still intend to have a wedding but that you’ve postponed the date for everyone’s safety. You’ll need to get confirmations again from your guests since the new date might affect your guest count. That’s okay – as long as the most important people are there it will all be worth it in the end.
Feeling overwhelmed? Tell me what’s on your mind and I’ll do my best to give you advice to make the process a bit easier. Everyone in the wedding industry loves love and wants you to celebrate your special day. We are here to support you!
Fur Babies And Weddings
Tips on how to keep them safe and comfortable on your special day.
Photography by uriel-photography
We love our fur babies and they are a big part of our families. It’s becoming very popular to involve them in our weddings. And why not? They make everyone smile and look really great in a flower collar. Some couples decide to even use their pet as a ring bearer! It’s a great idea to involve your pet in your wedding. But weddings can be dangerous for pets. Taking a few simple steps can make sure that your pet is happy and healthy at the end of your wedding.
Photography by laylle digital media
Designate a handler
You’re going to have your hands full on your wedding day. It’s a good idea to choose someone to be responsible for your pet during the wedding. Make sure you choose a person that doesn’t have other wedding responsibilities so they can keep a close eye on your pet. I highly recommend hiring a handler. Not only are they professionals but you don’t want your guests baby sitting your fur baby do you? Too often I see family members forget about the animals and well that’s when the chaos starts. In general, you want to be sure that your pet doesn’t cause damage to the venue (so you can get that deposit back) or that your pet doesn’t get injured. Make sure to talk to your venue so you have a place where your pet can stay for most of the wedding. If you need help finding a professional handlers ask you're planner or even us!
Photography by care weddings
Be careful of toxins
For your pet to be comfortable, they need food and plenty of water. But you’ll also need to keep them away from things that might make them sick. That includes some wedding flowers! Lilies, anthuriums, holly, poinsettias, and tulips are all very poisonous to pets. It’s also common to treat wedding florals with hydration chemicals that are also toxic. Make sure your handler keeps your pet away from any and all wedding flowers (except for a floral collar designed for your pet – I always use safe flowers).
Photography by uriel-photography
