Peaches by Plums

Who else wants to get married on a roof top?

via Lucid Ambiguity

I once pictured myself living in New York City, being in some awesome creative design job and going to indie type parties on roof decks. I since realized that the world isn’t like Sex in the City and this only happens to the rich and famous.

This doesn’t stop me in thinking how cool it would be to get married on top of a downtown city roof top. It would be even better if you could have The Beatles play at your reception (see photo above.)

I would love to know if anyone has done this!

How to prepare for your venue appointments

via Once Wed

Shopping for your wedding venue can be both exciting and stressful. There are so many different types of venues that it can be difficult to determine what you are looking for. Here are a few tips from a seasoned pro on making the process a little easier for everyone!

1.) Decide on your budget for the reception.

This is the very first thing you need to do. As they say with wedding dress shopping, never try on a dress you can’t afford because you will ultimately fall in love with it…it is the same with venue shopping. Put together a list of venues that fit within your budget and go to those first.

2.) Determine the top three types of venues that you are interested in.

You could spend months looking at every place imaginable but it’s not necessary. If you limit your search to what you really like, it will save you time and stress. Once you have decided which type of venue you like (historic, modern, loft, library, etc.) dive deeper into those specific locations to find your style and vision.

3.) Once you are ready to start searching call the venue to set up an appointment.

Please Please Please, call before you arrive. Wedding coordinators are very busy with other appointments, meetings, tastings, etc. They may not always be able to drop everything to meet with you. To ensure that you’ll get the attention that you deserve, please call ahead first.

4.) To maximize your time at your appointment put together a list of questions that you will ask each venue.

Of course you’ll have questions that will pop into your head once you leave but it’s good to have some prepared before you come.

5.) Arrive on time!

Most likely the wedding coordinators’ days are filled with back to back appointments. When you arrive late it only shortens your time at the hotel. We want you to have a great experience but sometimes it is hard when we are rushing along so we don’t keep the next appointment waiting.

6.) Be honest and tell us what you think.

We didn’t design the room so it won’t hurt our feelings if you tell us that it’s just not your style. We would rather you be honest so we don’t waste your time in calling you constantly. 

7.) Have an open mind.

Sometimes it can be hard to envision a space when the room is set for a meeting or convention. Ask us for ideas! We are there to help execute your vision. It is amazing how a room instantly transforms with the right lighting, linen, flowers and chairs.

A Candlelit Pier

via Snippet & Ink

This room looks effortlessly beautiful. The natural wood against the soft beach blue is simply perfect.

When you are designing your reception remember that less is sometimes more. You don’t always need the bells and whistles to make a big statement.

Case and point.

Is champagne a deal breaker at a wedding reception?

via { wit + delight }

When talking to brides I’ve heard mixed reviews. Some feel that it’s a staple and a statement of celebration and others find that no one really cares about it.

At our wedding reception we decided to have a champagne cocktail reception and I have to say, it was amazing. We didn’t however have a champagne toast during dinner. It was a nice trade off.

Personally I feel that it’s nice to incorporate champagne in some way at your wedding. It’s like the icing on the cake.

ruffles & ruffles

via Style Me Pretty

baby girl pink

via little white book

wine tasting at a wedding, do you dare?

There are many benefits to having a small guest list. One is being able to host a wine tasting and have it go off successfully!

With only about 30 guests at our upcoming wedding in Ireland we are contemplating something interactive such as this.

Apartment Therapy wrote an awesome article on “how-to” conduct a wine tasting.  It can be as formal or informal as you would like. You can really tailor it to your wedding.

Also, be such to speak with the food & beverage director at your venue.  They will be able to share with you the wine that will go nicely with your menu.

via Apartment Therapy

For Mary’s tips and directions on how to “taste wine” click here.

Having a lot of guests at your wedding but really want to incorporate a wine tasting? No fret! This is an activity that would really go over well at a bridal shower or even your rehearsal dinner.