Creative Flower Choices for Your Wedding Bouquet

When you picture a bridal bouquet, does your mental image include roses, peonies, or baby’s breath?

It would make sense if it did since those blooms are among the all-time most popular flower choices for weddings. (Other top choices include the anemone, dahlia, calla lily, hydrangea, jasmine, lilac, orchid, ranunculus, sweet pea, and tulip.)

And while there are reasons why these blooms are selected so frequently — from the symbolism of roses to the beauty of orchids — there’s nothing wrong with going in a different direction. Maybe you’d like to add something with special meaning to you or to work in something a bit out of the ordinary.

Need a few seeds of inspiration? We can help.

Irises

These delicate blooms are a great way to add touches of dramatic color to your bouquet. Most people picture irises in a shade of purple, but you also can opt for shades of apricot and peach, brown, pink, white, yellow, dark cherry, and more.

Delphinium

Tall and striking, delphinium (also known as larkspur) is an extremely popular wedding bouquet choice, especially in the summer. This bloom is available in a wide range of colors, though the two most popular choices are white and baby blue. Carry it solo, in one or more colors, for a stunning bouquet.

Red Ginger

Roses and tulips aren’t the only flowers with special symbolism. Ginger plants symbolize strength and prosperity, and red ginger, in particular, represents fiery passion: all of which bode well for a happy marriage.

These vivid flowers are ideal if you want your bouquet to have a tropical theme—or if you simply want to add some pizazz to your bouquet.

Kale

We’re cheating a bit with this suggestion because while Kale doesn’t exactly make the list of all-time favorite wedding bouquet flowers, it has been a trendy choice lately, particularly for rustic weddings.

“Flowering Kale creates a very natural and captivating farm to table look,” notes FiftyFlowers.com. “These rosette blooms can be used as a striking focal or filler flower.”

Herbs

Kale is one of many options for infusing creativity into your bouquet. Herbs can contribute delicate scents and unique visual appeal as well. And while herbs are making a comeback today, including them in bouquets is a tradition that goes back centuries. Herbs that lend themselves well to bouquets include eucalyptus, lavender, mint, rosemary, and sage. An added bonus: Many of these herbs have calming properties, perfect for those moments just before you begin your walk down the aisle.

Protea 

Interest also has been building in the protea, or sugarbushes, from South Africa. Varieties include the big king protea, the pincushion protea, and the blushing bride protea (sounds like a perfect bouquet choice).

“The blushing bride protea is ideal for the bride who likes flowers that are classics with a modern twist,” the Fluid Petal writes. “The flowers have a blush-colored center, with pointed petals that range in color from snowy white and ivory to cream with tinges of pale pink. The delicate blooms are feathery and light, giving your florals an ethereal feel.”

Butterfly Ranunculus

These flowers are known for their “dainty, iridescent petals” and lend themselves especially well to bouquets.

“The ranunculus butterfly is a lovely option as a secondary bloom for a more organic or garden-style bouquet, since it features multiple flowers on each stem,” Roots Floral Design writes.

Carnations

This underrated flower is just starting to gain traction as a wedding bouquet choice.

“There are many antiquated opinions about carnations; some people believe they are cheap flowers. They are cost-effective, but not cheap looking,” florist Teresa Eoff told Brides magazine.

Carnations are durable and can add an element of lushness to a bouquet.

Cosmos

These five-petaled flowers can add a romantic element to your bouquet.

In addition to white and pink cosmos, you can opt for the dramatic appearance of brownish-red chocolate cosmos.

Go Texas

Our Houston-based venue frequently serves clients who are proud of their Texas ties. If that describes you, maybe you’ll want to add plants native to the Lone Star State to your bouquet.

Texas is especially well known for its gorgeous wildflowers, the bluebonnet in particular.

A few additional choices include daffodils, hyacinth, vivid Indian paintbrush, and purple coneflower.

Whether you go with a traditional blend of flowers, something more unique, or a combination of both, just remember that the ultimate goal is to create a bouquet that adds to the joy and beauty of your day. If it feels right to you, you’ve succeeded.

Options for Environmentally Friendly Invitations

When you’re planning a wedding, you tend to gravitate toward choices that help illustrate the personalities, tastes, and priorities of you and your spouse-to-be.

If lush greenery and flowers fill you with joy, you may opt for a garden wedding. If you’re all about showmanship and creating a spectacular day for your guests, you may decide to go all out with your entertainment.

And, if you’re passionate about protecting the planet, you may look for ways to throw an environmentally friendly wedding, beginning with the save-the-date and the invitations you send.

Eco-friendly invitations have been a strong trend during the last couple of years, and wedding industry experts expect them to remain in demand this year. That’s good news if this approach appeals to you because you can choose from a wealth of options. 

Here are just a few of the ways you can invite people to your wedding in a way that’s kind to the earth.

Save the Date—And the Planet

Increasing numbers of invitation providers, including print-on-demand service, Zazzle, are offering creative, environmentally friendly save-the-date and invitation options.

For example, you can find plantable save-the-date invitations printed on paper embedded with seeds, usually wildflowers or herbs. After the recipients receive them and (hopefully) add your wedding to their calendar, they can plant them and grow something beautiful.

Along the same lines, more and more couples are making their save-the-dates that can serve as mementos of the bride and groom—including mugs, small, framed photos, and refrigerator magnets—so recipients can save them well into the future.

Whether you choose plantable or a different option, you can avoid waste by sending your save-the-dates to households instead of individuals. A good rule of thumb is to order save-the-dates for half the number of people on your guest list, possibly throwing in two or three extras for last-minute plan changes and a souvenir for you. 

Another save-the-date trend gaining traction is skipping the paper altogether and creating an electronic message. E-invitations are a popular, user-friendly option, or you can take a more personal approach and send a video with your wedding location, date, and your wedding website.

It’s not necessary to engage a professional videographer to do this, but depending on your goals and standards for your final production, it can be a wise investment.

Alice Prendergast of WeddingWire Canada suggests injecting a sense of fun into your video and, if possible, working in footage that helps illustrate your relationship.

“Dig into your social media archive or check your computer for any clips the two of you have taken on nights out or on vacations past,” Prendergast wrote. “As an added bonus, that’ll give your guests a bit of insight into your love story before your big day rolls around.”

Going Green With Your Invitations

While the ideas above aren’t necessarily limited to save-the-dates, you also have eco-friendly options geared specifically for your invitations. And these creative innovations aren’t limited to wedding invitations, by the way, they also work for other celebrations, from your parents’ big anniversary party to your best friend’s bridal shower. They’re also a good fit if you want to send invitations to your wedding after-party.

Some companies, for example, provide invitations on 100% post-consumer recycled paper, plant a tree for each order, or donate a percentage of your purchase to an environmental cause. You also can find invitations that are printed sustainably, possibly with soy or vegetable ink. 

If you don’t find a recycled paper option that speaks to you, you also can explore papers made from sustainably grown materials, possibly bamboo or hemp.

Here are a few more ideas to consider: 

Send wedding postcards, which save paper, and refer people to your wedding website for more details. Another twist on this is to create a save-the-date that does double duty and encourages people to follow your website for wedding information.

Consider paying a professional calligrapher, which bypasses the chemicals and energy expenditures associated with printing. You’ll also have the benefit of gorgeous, elegant invitations.

You also can choose a printing service that offers carbon offsetting. This means it balances the activities involved in creating your final product, from paper milling and printing to shipping your invitations, with environmentally beneficial activities such as tree plantings.

Taking a few extra measures to make your invitations eco-friendly is definitely manageable, and if protecting the earth is a goal close to your heart, they’ll make your wedding (and bridal shower) preparations all the more satisfying.

Make Your Holiday Party a Feast for the Senses

Have you been put in charge of holiday party plans for your company, organization, or family?

Don’t stress out: A memorable event is within your reach.

Many of the successful holiday parties we see are a feast for the senses: Think about surrounding your guests with tantalizing aromas, a gorgeous venue decked out in glowing lights, and classic holiday music. By setting the right mood, you’ll be able to put your guests in the holiday spirit.

Not sure where to start? These tips and ideas might help.

Start planning the party now.

If possible, we encourage you to start your planning early—ideally in the summer. That gives you enough time to create a budget, develop your ideas, and make all of your arrangements. The more time you give yourself, the less stressful the planning process will be.

Put a twinkle in your guests’ eyes.

Have you noticed that in recent years, more and more houses are being decked out in lights well before Thanksgiving? While some may grumble when they see decorations go up “early,” we understand what drives people to put them up. Few things evoke the holiday season like the glow of lights. They help set the mood. They’re like comfort food for the eyes.

And when you’re holding a holiday party, lighting will be one of the most effective tools you have to get people in the spirit of the celebration. Here are a few tips:

-Consider soft lighting—which as a bonus, will make guests look even better in photos—for a warm, intimate setting, and complement them with twinkling strings of light in strategic locations.

-Candles, possibly as table centerpieces, can add to the overall effect. But don’t put them in high-traffic areas, like buffet tables, where there’s a risk of lit candles getting bumped or knocked down.

-Weave in other decorative touches, from traditional garlands and winter elements to more personal items like photos of guests or shared memories from the last year.

-Add some extra sparkle. Glitter and glam are in this year, entertaining expert Julie Blanner told Real Simple magazine. "You can add in subtle touches by rimming cocktail glasses with clear or gold sanding sugar, adding a touch of edible gold dust to desserts, or laying it in on your table(s)."

When it comes to food, go for the oohs and aahs.

Food is always a powerful way to enhance your guests’ experience and make your celebration linger pleasantly in their memories. This is particularly true for holiday parties because we associate so many holiday foods with positive memories.

“If the holidays are a time for family, then food and tradition are the ties that squeeze those families together,” John Ingold wrote for The Denver Post. “Recipes are passed down through generations. Sometimes they are changed or lost, then revived and learned again. The goal isn’t nutrition but continuity, a bond across the years.”

You may not be able to replicate Aunt Ruth’s amazing Hanukkah latkes or the Bûche de Noël recipe your boss remembers eating as a child, but if you offer a selection of sumptuously made holiday classics, mixed with a few creative options (possibly Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls or a pizza wreath) to keep things fresh, you’ll have a lot of happy guests on your hands.

A few more thoughts on what you serve: Your beverage selection will add to the flavor of the party, too. Again, classics (like eggnog or punch) are always strong choices, along with appealing non-alcoholic options like hot chocolate or holiday mocktails.

Music will matter.

Since holiday parties are sensory experiences, music plays an important role in creating ambiance. You have the option of bringing in a DJ or a band, but if your planning time or budget is nearly spent, consider asking your venue if they can help you. They may be able to pipe in holiday music or help you present your favorite holiday party playlist.

Speaking of playlists, you can find options created specifically for office parties on Spotify. Or, you can poll your guests in advance and invite them to make song suggestions. Either way, try to aim for an eclectic mix of new and classical selections that will appeal to a variety of preferences.

Don’t forget your reindeer games. While setting the mood is important for holiday party success, don’t forget to encourage fun. You can enlist help in the form of a comedian, magician, or other professional entertainers. Additional options include a photo booth and games.

Try a creative theme. Just like theme weddings, theme parties are a great way to delight your guests—and to inspire your party-planning creativity. Maybe you’d like to have a Christmas movie theme that you incorporate into invitations, centerpieces, décor, food, music, and games. (We’ll leave it up to you to decide whether to include “Die Hard.”) Additional possibilities include pajamas, a winter wonderland, or a giving-focused celebration.

Ultimately, planning a holiday party doesn’t have to be overly complicated or stressful.

If you focus on creating a cozy, welcoming atmosphere; aim for quality food; and work some merriment and fun into the day, your holiday party is likely to be a true crowd-pleaser.

A Look at Event Professionals and What They Do

Do you know the differences between event planners and event producers? How about event coordinators—Do you know what they do?

If you’re a little fuzzy on what these roles involve, don’t feel bad: You’re in good company.

Many, even those in our field, get a bit confused about who does what in the events industry. But there are important distinctions among each role that you should know about.

This article can serve as your guide. Once you have a solid understanding of what distinguishes event producers, planners, and coordinators from one another, you’ll be better able to make educated decisions about seeking their services. And, you’ll be able to fully realize the benefits of their knowledge and skills.

Planners and Producers: There Is a Difference

While most people have at least heard of event planners, few outside of the events industry are familiar with event producers. That’s ironic because planners actually are a subset of producers.

“The event planner is responsible for designing a strategy and taking care of the small details, while the event producer is responsible for using their production expertise to deliver a good experience for both the attendees and the client,” event solution provider Vario wrote in a recent blog.

As RGI Events puts it, “Event production goes above and beyond traditional event planning by combining event management with creative and technical production, focusing on the overall event experience. All producers are planners, but not all planners have the technical skills and knowledge of a producer.”

Producers often map out and manage the technical aspects of an event, from directing production staff to making sure audio-visual equipment is set up properly.

But the differences between planners and producers don’t stop there.

Planners help clients identify a purpose, vision, and budget for their events and determine what steps will be necessary to realize the client’s goals, from selecting the event location to lining up speakers.

 A producer then figures out the best approach to executing those steps and does what it takes to ensure their success.

Event producer Stephanie Jayko, founder of Knock Out Productions, contrasted the role of event producers and planners during an interview with Event Planning Blueprint.

“On the event-planning side…they’re putting together what the client wants and needs and all of the little pieces into a spreadsheet, whether it’s in their mind or a real one. They’re building the road map that becomes the event.

“As a producer, we come in and work on the road map that has already been laid out for us,” Jayko continued. “We look at all of that and determine what is needed to accomplish those different things, how to build the world within each stop on that road map. We're a little more on the technical side and a little bit more on the creative side.”

Where Producers Shine

Wondering what that looks like?

Depending on the event, a producer’s responsibilities could include developing strategies for executing clients’ visions, reviewing and editing event proposals from other team members, implementing the vision of the event by hiring appropriate vendors, and managing event logistics, among other tasks.

A Closer Look at Event Planners

While event planners often are members of the teams that organize large events like those described above, they also can help with personal events, from anniversary parties to weddings.

Examples of tasks that event planners handle include meeting with clients to discuss their event’s purpose, working with clients to establish an event’s time, location, program, and cost, helping clients develop event themes, researching lodging, transportation, and services surrounding the event, coordinating with venue staff members.

And, if you enlist a planner for your wedding, they can help with such tasks as serving as your overall wedding advisor, helping you select a wedding venue, guiding you through contracts for vendors (photographers, entertainment, flowers, etc.), scheduling and attending vendor meetings, coordinating hotel rooms and transportation for your guests, providing input on wedding design and fashion, building your wedding website, mailing invitations, and tracking reservations, among other things.

What About Event Coordinators?

Basically, event coordinators do the legwork required to implement what’s been planned. They often assist event planners.

“Generally speaking, the planner makes critical decisions regarding, what, when, who, and how,” Geoff Beers wrote for The Balance Small Business. “An event coordinator, on the other hand, is responsible for making sure all of the details are executed and that each vendor shows up on time and performs appropriately.”

According to Beers, large organizations may have two coordinators for every planner, and smaller operations may have one coordinator on call for all of the event decision-makers.

“Either way, there is a typically a direct line of supervision over the coordinator position,” he wrote.

 On the day of events, coordinators generally are at the venue, working as a go-between for the client, vendors, and the venue staff.

So, now you know who you can turn to for help planning your wedding or event.

The important thing to remember is whatever you have in mind—whether it’s a party, corporate gathering, charity gala, or your wedding—you can find event professionals with skills and expertise that match your needs.

Self-Care During Wedding Planning

When it comes to managing stress, self-care is a hot topic. In fact, one could make the case that brides and grooms in the trenches of wedding planning would do well to engage in a bit of self-care themselves. But how do you make time for yourself when you’re up to your eyeballs in making the myriad tasks and decisions that go into planning your big day?

Well, we won’t say it’s easy, but it will be well worth it. 

Why you should prioritize your needs leading up to your ceremony

When you’re trying to select the ideal wedding venue, decide if you want to change your name after the wedding, and finalize countless other details, the stress can add up. It may even impact your health. Keeping yourself well and happy in the lead-up to your wedding day — and of course, during the event itself — is part and parcel of a memorable experience. 

Also, it could be a boon to your relationship. Wedding planning can be difficult for couples, but it can be managed. In addition to communicating your needs to your intended, taking time to do something good for yourself will go a long way toward helping you deal with wedding-related disagreements that inevitably pop up.

And, self-care could prevent you from making hasty decisions regarding the wedding. When you’re feeling overwhelmed and overwrought from the endless planning, you may find yourself making choices you normally wouldn’t. Those less-than-well-advised decisions may rear their ugly head on the big day when it’s more than likely too late to make a change.

Taking time for yourself doesn’t have to be very involved or even expensive. The primary idea is to engage in a soothing activity that leaves you feeling refreshed, stress-free, and happy.

Consider scheduling weekly or monthly massages in the lead-up to your wedding. Even one massage could work wonders! Or how about a facial?

If exercise is your happy place, you could try a yoga class or any other workout session, or keep it simple and commit to regular walks after dinner or on a weekend morning.

And remember, any of these routines can be done with your partner by your side. Deborah Cohan, associate professor of sociology at the University of South Carolina-Beaufort, spoke to Martha Stewart Magazine about the importance of couples keeping to a routine together.

"Rituals are grounding, reassuring, and they are something to count on. They can anchor a couple and convey trust and emotional reliability," she said.  

To be clear, we’re not recommending dieting during your wedding planning. Instead, think about foods that will improve your energy, overall health, and well-being.

High on the list of stress-busting food is celery. The phthalide it contains can help reduce stress hormones and lower blood pressure. Foods high in omega-3s, like avocados, salmon, and trout, are great stress-busters, too, and foods with magnesium, including nuts and seeds, help reduce anxiety.

In addition to your spouse-to-be, don’t forget the other important people in your life. They can also offer a great escape and be an element of self-care. You could schedule a lunch date with a friend or family member with the agreement that wedding planning will not be a topic of discussion. 

Also, don’t be afraid to delegate some duties to trustworthy friends and family who would be happy to take some tasks off your hands.

There is no doubt that pulling together all the elements of a successful wedding can throw even the best of us into a full-blown breakdown if we’re not careful. But remember, you and your partner, not to mention your guests, deserve the best version of yourself as you walk down that aisle and marry the love of your life! So take care to invest in your mental, physical, and emotional health to ensure you’re able to recover, recharge, and be ready when it comes time to take your vows.

Your Guide to Wedding Thank-You Notes

Even in today’s era of email, texting, and social media, there’s something to be said for messages written on real paper. This is particularly true when it comes to thank-you notes, which not only brighten recipients’ day but also do some good for those who write them.

The benefits of handwritten thank-you letters actually was the subject of a psychological study led by Amit Kumar, assistant professor of marketing at the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas in Austin, in collaboration with Nicholas Epley, professor of behavioral science at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

“Saying thanks can improve somebody’s own happiness, and it can improve the well-being of another person as well—even more than we anticipate, in fact,” Kumar said. “[Writers] think about things like, ‘Am I going to get the words just right and am I going to be articulate?’ That might be a barrier to actually sitting down and writing the thing. But when you’re the recipient of something like a gratitude letter, you tend to evaluate things on the basis of warmth and prosocial intent. As long as somebody’s expression is sincere and warm and friendly, recipients are often going to have a very positive reaction to that.”

We hope the knowledge that both writing and receiving notes of appreciation are beneficial will give you comfort as you look ahead to working on your wedding thank-yous.

(By the way, thank-you card etiquette calls for a separate note for your wedding shower gifts and the gifts you receive at your wedding. It’s not a good idea to combine them.)

In case you’re still a bit apprehensive about your note-writing marathon or wondering what you should say, we also have some basic guidelines and tips for you.

A Simple Structure

Wedding etiquette expert Elaine Swann, founder of The Swann School of Protocol, told Brides magazine that all a thank-you note requires are a few simple elements between the opening (Dear Aunt Sandy) and the sign-off (Love, Olivia).

Thank the recipient for what you’re grateful for, whether it’s a gift, a guest’s presence at your wedding, words of encouragement, someone who lent a hand, or all of the above.

Say something about what you’re grateful for: possibly why you’re excited about the luxurious towels you received or how much it meant to you that the person you’re writing to helped you mail invitations or create reception centerpieces.

Of course, you can add more thoughts if you’d like, but ultimately, being sincere will be more important than being lengthy.

One of the best ways to make people feel appreciated is to work details in your notes. Avoid generic statements like “Thank you for your generous gift.”

Here’s an idea for a special touch: Enclose some photo booth shots of you and your new spouse in the envelope.

“Make sure they (note recipients) know you are talking about their gift,” a Love & Lavender blog suggested. “For example, ‘Thank you for the wok, our nightly stir-fry meals taste so much better!’”

An exception to this guideline: thanking people for their cash gifts.

“Whether they gave you a $20 gift or a $200 gift, all should be treated equally and you should never ever, ever mention the amount (ever.) within your message,” online bridesmaid dress shop Kennedy Blue wrote in a recent blog.

Pro tip: If you know one of your guests gave you something, but there’s some confusion about which gift it was, write a note thanking them for attending your wedding. Tell them how much you appreciate them for celebrating your special day with you.

Thank The Ones Who Helped Make Your Wedding Successful

While this is not mandatory if you appreciate the businesses that helped make your big day unforgettable, go ahead and thank them, too.

We recommend a short note that highlights how they stood out, whether you appreciated the thoughtful service that your wedding venue provided or the photographer that went the extra mile to ensure amazing images.

You also can express your gratitude by writing positive customer reviews using the same approach. Comment on what made your experience positive.

Organizational Tips 

One way to make your note-writing more manageable is to develop a system for keeping track of who gave (or did) what and who you’ve written to so far.

This strategy should begin with how you open your gifts.

“We know that opening gifts, especially in bulk, can be such an exhilarating experience that the instinct is to tear through them,” Jaimie Mackey and Alyssa Lapid wrote in an article for Brides.

“But we recommend being methodical and taking note of each gift as you open it to avoid losing or mixing senders' info.”

Mackey and Lapid also suggested taking a photo of each gift as you open it to help you write about it more specifically in your note.

Some couples find it helps to create a simple thank-you note spreadsheet to keep the details you’ll need in one spot and make sure none of your intended recipients slip through the cracks.

“Add a column to your spreadsheet to take note of what gift was given,” Jesse Long wrote for the wedding website and app, Joy. “You can also add an extra column to add any other notes or special things you want to mention.”

Better Late Than Never—It’s True

If life gets in the way of sending prompt thank-yous, don’t panic. And don’t assume it’s too late to send them, even if a year or more has passed since your wedding.

That said, we know that the more time that passes after your wedding day, the more daunting the note-writing becomes.

A blog by Postable recommended a multi-pronged strategy.

-Make a mental commitment to getting the notes written.

-Choose your note cards or stationery.

-Block off writing times in your calendar…And

-Get those notes written.

If your notes are late, Postable added, add an apology between initial words of thanks and your sentence(s) about the gift (and/or action) you’re writing about.

“Don’t take this opportunity to write a novel about how busy life has gotten being married and all or how sorry you are that the notes are late,” Postable said. “Mention it once, and move on. Nobody wants to read a long-winded apology in their thank you note. Keep your apology short and sweet—just like the rest of the message.”

Remember: You’re Sharing Joy

We know writing large volumes of thank-you notes is time-consuming, but this act of kindness will be remembered and appreciated long after you’re done.

And, as we mentioned, you’ll probably experience some warm fuzzies yourself.

Wedding Videography: Pros, Cons, and A Few Tips

If future anniversary plans — or even just a movie night cuddled on the couch — evoke images of reliving your wedding day via a beautifully made video, choosing a videographer for your special day may be top of your to-do list.

However, if you’re not sure if the cost of a professionally made video is in your budget or even worth the expense, read on for pros and cons, the latest trends in videography, what you can expect from the service, and how to choose the perfect professional to capture your special day.

Complementing Your Wedding Memories

Of course, being able to enjoy a custom movie of your wedding day any time you like is appealing and might be enough reason to hire a videographer, but there may be other benefits you hadn’t thought of.

Consider that a video can capture moments you miss: sweet scenarios such as children dancing joyfully or the mother of the bride wiping a tear while her child takes her vows. These are hallmark wedding moments that deserve to be preserved.

Shainna Miles, who owns Silver Loop Studios in New Orleans, told nola.com that she considers herself a storyteller and uses the candid moments she captures to tell her clients’ unique wedding tales.

“I always tell people that photos are great, but a lot of times, you see an image and you don’t know what’s happening exactly. But with video, you get the full moment.”

A video is also a way for guests to leave one-of-a-kind messages and good wishes for the happy couple in a way that just can’t be captured by signing a guest book. 

Simply put, a well-crafted and beautiful wedding video not only offers a vibrant memory of your wedding day, it also gives you a different perspective you can’t achieve otherwise.

Worth the Cost?

Admittedly, videography, though not necessarily a new trend, is still considered by some to be an “extra” cost to a wedding-day budget. If you’re looking to scale down your costs, it’s important to realize having a video made of your wedding will cost you upwards of $2,000 on average, with that figure spiking depending on what part of the country you stage your event. That alone may be enough of a deterrent.

Also, in all honesty, you may not watch the video as much as you might expect, specifically not as much as you think you will when you’re caught up in the excitement of planning your wedding. With that in mind, it’s prudent to think long and hard about how much you’ll actually take time out to watch your video and how much that specific type of memory means to you. If you’re not the sentimental type, videography may well be something you can easily skip.

Before making a decision, consider if having a video is something you truly want and will take the time to view and share years down the road.

Wedding Video Trends

If you do decide to forge ahead with a wedding video, be sure to know exactly what you’re paying for. Wedding videography is constantly evolving, and it’s important to be up to speed on the latest innovations. This will ensure your video is not only beautiful but tailored to your needs and tastes as well.

Video and images from drones are everywhere these days, from real estate marketing to roof inspections, and the wedding industry is no exception. These high-tech gadgets allow for movie-like videos complete with stunning visuals, particularly at outdoor weddings where the scenery may be the star of the show.

Dreaming of showcasing the gorgeous beach sunset melting into the horizon as you and your betrothed take your vows? Or perhaps you’re looking to capture every vivid hue of the flowers blooming in your garden wedding? Drone videography (and drone photography for that matter) is the way to go! What’s more, aerial footage can spectacularly showcase your wedding location’s atmosphere and can make stunning visual work of fireworks or twinkle lights strung up to illuminate a dance floor at night. Simply gorgeous!

For those looking for something short and sweet, it’s worth noting some wedding videography is built around creating a teaser trailer, a quick but intimate look at the most special elements and moments of your event. The teaser can feature the exchange of vows, your first kiss as husband and wife, cutting the cake, and your post-reception sendoff as newlyweds. Think of the teaser as a fun and fast way to remember the highlights of your big day.

For couples looking to expand their guest list without actually hosting them on-site, live streaming your wedding day is an idea that’s taking off. This idea is also great for out-of-town guests or people who just can’t make your big day but would love to enjoy the festivities as they’re happening. 

Additional trends we’re seeing in 2023 include:

Unplanned moments: Videographers include flubbed speeches and similar “blooper” moments to add to the genuineness of the video. Talk with your videographer about whether this approach appeals to you, or you’d prefer to have them edited out.

Retro effects: Videographers are weaving black and white footage in with color shots to create a more unique product and highlight special wedding moments.

Animated scenes: Animation can enhance the creativity of your video, add touches of humor, and give you the ability to add insights into your personalities and journey as a couple.

Picking the Perfect Professional

Once you know exactly what you want from your wedding video and have established a budget, the focus is on finding the person who can deliver the movie of your dreams.

Questions to consider:

-Does your videographer have at least two-four years of experience (or videos of about 25-45 weddings under his/her belt)?

-Does the videographer have the proper equipment, including at least two cameras — though three-four would be better — as well as a wireless microphone or input for an audio board and camera stabilization equipment?

-Can the videographer provide all of the features you want in your movie?

-Is your videographer familiar with your wedding venue, or has he/she worked with the other professionals staging your wedding?

Collaborate With Your Wedding Venue

 One of the keys to successful wedding videos and photos is being in the right place at the right time. Your wedding venue can help you with that. Talk with your venue contact about your video goals. Ask if your videographer needs to work with a staff member to access specific areas on the wedding venue’s property. The venue staff also can share ideas, based on what they’ve seen other videographers achieve.

Like any other part of a wedding, a video can serve to create lasting memories for the happy couple and offers a unique and intimate way to remember all the special moments. Take time to research your options, decide what works best for your event, and find the best person to make movie magic of your big day!

Going All Out for Your Wedding Entertainment

Your venue, your menu your theme: Everything about your wedding says something about your tastes and personality.

That certainly holds true for the type of entertainment you choose.

If joyous, dazzling, and fun are among the adjectives that come to mind when you envision your ideal wedding reception, lining up special entertainment for your reception could be a perfect way to create the day of your dreams. 

You’ll find there’s practically no limit to the options available for couples who envision something truly spectacular for their big day.

You can go for show-stopping circus acts like acrobats and aerialists or arrange dance numbers worthy of a Broadway show.

A wedding is, after all, a time to celebrate. If you want to do that in a big way, you should.

Channel Your Inner Child

Maybe you’d like your guests to experience the sense of wonder that circus acts can create.

Multiple vendors specialize in this type of entertainment and can connect you with professional jugglers, acrobats, belly dancers, trapeze artists — even sword swallowers.

Circus performers do add a certain “wow” factor to events, and if you arrange for strolling entertainers, they’ll also encourage mingling among your guests.

Take A Classic Approach

Depending on the vibe you want for your wedding, classical music could be a perfect addition. You can line up a string quartet, a harpist, or even professional opera singers.

Amazement and Laughter

Of course, one sure-fire way to make your reception magical is to feature a professional magician.

As Close-Up Chris Magician of the United Kingdom explained in a blog, a good magic show can help make a wedding unforgettable.

“People remember how they felt at an event,” he wrote. “It’s why you want to be focused on evoking emotions that feel good. Guess what… magic is an easy way to create the vibe you want. For starters, magic involves the audience — so there’s no yawning from the sidelines. And because magic evokes a response in people, the collective enjoyment creates an upbeat buzz that will infuse through your event to get everyone smiling.”

Along the same lines, an upbeat stand-up comedian can add a sense of joy and mirth to your celebration. Some comedians even serve as wedding officiants.

During an interview with WTOP News, New York comedian and wedding officiant Harris Bloom said the secret to his wedding industry success has been keeping his humor tasteful and geared to each couple’s taste.

“‘I’m not looking to get a laugh a minute; it’s still going to be poignant and meaningful,’” Bloom said. “‘But I do specialize in doing weddings with certainly more humor than people are used to.’”

A Longtime Trend That’s Cool Again

Ice sculpture, a popular wedding fixture in the 1990s and early 2000s, is making a comeback. This time, though, the idea is to make your artistic frozen creations part of the guest experience. Couples have been incorporating their ice sculptures into raw bars and food displays. Others have been offering ice luges: a drink is poured through it and chilled by the time it flows into a glass.

Choreographing Wedding Success

Professional wedding dancers are a great way to add sparkle to your event.

They can present stunning performances for pure entertainment value, showcase your wedding theme (for example, recreate your favorite dance scene from the Silver Screen for your movie-themed wedding), or help you celebrate your heritage.

Businesses that provide professional dancers often can provide custom choreography, props, backdrops, and accompanying singers, too. (You also can find businesses that will help you present a show-stopping couple’s dance!)

Another option: hire dancers to mingle with your guests and coax them onto the dance floor.

Here are a few more entertainment options to consider:

·      Character actors: From Elvis to your favorite fairy tale character, movie heroes to a knight in shining armor, with the help of the right vendor, they can be part of your wedding day.

·      Mechanical bulls: Thinking about a country wedding? You may want to rent a mechanical bull to add some adventure.

·      Professional wedding crashers: While wedding crashers — guests who aren’t expected, and possibly aren’t even acquainted with the bride or groom — are less than desirable, there is an exception to the rule. You can pay professional wedding crashers to mingle with guests, liven up conversations, and add an additional element of fun to your event.

·      Puppets: As Offbeat Bride once reported, “Puppet weddings are totally a thing.” Whether you’d like a vendor to create look-alike puppets for you and your spouse-to-be, or you’d enjoy a special puppet show during your reception, you can find a business ready and willing to help. We’ve even heard of puppets officiating weddings.

If you need help finding vendors that provide any of the options listed in this article, or would like to brainstorm additional entertainment ideas, don’t hesitate to ask a team member at The Bell Tower on 34th. Also, keep in mind, many of these ideas can bolster your corporate event planning efforts, too.

Your wedding entertainment can be as lively, exciting, and over-the-top as you want it to be.

A Look at Event Postponement and Cancelation Insurance

No matter how thoroughly you’ve mapped out your upcoming event, it’s impossible to prepare for everything.

Sometimes life steps in and unravels what you’ve been working toward.

Since we opened for business, we have been encouraging clients to purchase event postponement and cancellation insurance, which covers customers if an emergency interferes with their big day. This is not the same as vendor liability insurance, which protects you if a vendor is responsible for an injury or property damage during your event.

Here’s a closer look at event postponement and cancellation insurance and how it works.

The Basics

With event postponement and cancellation insurance, you pay a one-time fee to cover a wedding or major event in case unexpected circumstances, like a weather event or a serious injury, impede your ability to move forward with your plans.

Depending on the policy you choose, it will reimburse you for non-refundable payments you’ve made to book an event venue along with vendors (flowers, food, entertainment, etc.), and maybe even honeymoon expenses.

EventInsuranceQuote.com puts it this way: “Event Cancellation Insurance provides coverage for the loss of revenue derived from OR expenses committed to an event due to a cancellation, abandonment, interruption, curtailment, postponement, or relocation caused by covered perils as defined in the policy as covered perils.”

Notice the “as defined in the policy” phrase. If you do invest in postponement and cancellation insurance, be sure to take the time to research multiple providers and plans. Find out exactly what the policies you’re considering will cover. Are there any exceptions you should be aware of?

Money and Other Considerations

How much can you expect to pay for event cancellation and postponement insurance? The cost of your policy will vary by provider and the level of coverage you want. Generally, policies begin at $130 for $7,500 in coverage, according to Money.com.

From what we’ve seen, buying policies in the $400 range meets most clients’ needs.

Here are a few more things to keep in mind as you research your options:

Purchasing windows: Some insurers won’t sell policies more than two years in advance or later than 16 days before a wedding or special event.

Changes of heart: Policies rarely cover brides or grooms backing out of a wedding, though there are exceptions.

Budgeting: Many insurers require payment in full upfront; they will not accept installments.

Do We Really Need Event Cancellation Insurance?

You may be wondering if wedding cancellation insurance is worth the money, especially with all of the other wedding expenses you’re facing. But the idea behind getting cancellation and postponement insurance is to protect the money you’re investing in your wedding.

In the U.S., the average wedding costs about $20,000. Cancellation insurance helps you ensure that if something happens to derail your plans, those expenditures and deposits won’t be lost.

From our perspective, while wedding cancellations and postponements don’t occur frequently, they do happen. At The Bell Tower on 34th, we believe cancelation and postponement insurance is so important that we reimburse couples up to $400 when they show us their policy.

Coverage Options

Being forced to postpone or cancel a wedding is one of several situations you can cover with insurance. Here are a few other possibilities to ask your prospective insurer about:

-The officiant or a major vendor, like the florist, doesn’t deliver agreed-upon services.

-Special attire or jewelry, such as a wedding dress or ring, is lost or damaged.

-Gifts are lost, stolen, or destroyed.

-Event photographs are destroyed.

-An immediate family member, event participant, or your officiant cannot attend because of a military deployment.

While shopping and purchasing event-cancellation insurance involve some extra time and expense, the coverage you purchase can protect you from significant loss and stress in the long run. And having coverage in place frees you to focus on planning and enjoying your event.

Your Guide to Photo Booths for Weddings and Events

Photo booths aren’t exactly new — the first photo booth made its debut at the 1889 World's Fair in Paris — but their ability to make magic is as strong as ever.

That could be one of the reasons why photo booths, for years now, have been a popular feature at weddings and special events.

With that popularity in mind, we have created a guide for you with insights and tips for providing photo booths at weddings, corporate gatherings, and other celebrations.

What is a wedding photo booth?

The photo booth business has evolved quite a bit since the 19th century. The booths used at weddings (and special events) are equipped with digital cameras and a printer so guests can get all the digital images they take then and there.

Are photo booths still popular in 2023?

Yes! According to Global Market Insights, the photo booth market surpassed $580 million in 2022. Not only is the photo booth industry thriving now, it is expected to grow at least 8% during the next decade.

Granted, this forecast includes every aspect of the photo booth business, from photo booth software to the use of a photo booth for restaurants. The information is primarily for those in the industry, including those wondering if they should buy a wedding photo booth (or more). But, they do paint a positive picture of photo booth rentals at weddings and special events, too.

From our perspective, demand is going strong for photo booth rentals at The Bell Tower on 34th.

Are photo booths a good idea for weddings?

Like most wedding elements, the decision to offer photo booths depends on a couple's personalities, preferences, and overall vision for their wedding reception.

We can share some of the pros and cons of photo booths to help you make an informed decision.

Wedding Booth Benefits

Wedding photo booths provide guests with a fun and interactive experience, and many couples say they find photo booths worth the investment. For one thing, the booths are a great way to break the ice and engage guests at a wedding reception. People chat while they wait in line to take photos and show one another their prints. And, if you provide fun props, your wedding guests can get a little silly and relax.

A photo booth can also support your wedding theme and infuse a sense of whimsy and creativity into your reception. If you have a Texas wedding theme, for example, you can provide such custom props as cowboy hats, a chalkboard sign that says “Howdy,” and bluebonnet backdrops. For a 1970s disco theme, you can provide platform shoes, a disco ball, and signs with 70s sayings. The creative possibilities are endless.

Photo booths allow you to give your guests unique keepsakes, bringing joy to them long after your special day. Guests will leave your wedding with unique photos: images that have special meaning to them. You also can send guests home with prints of the bride and groom.

Also, these booths are a highly effective way to create lasting memories of your wedding day. Booths allow guests to capture relaxed, silly, and intimate moments that your wedding photographer could miss.

Photo Booth Downsides

Depending on your budget, you may not want the additional costs of a photo booth rental—and any extras associated with it. If you line up a photo booth company to provide your photo booth setup, there could be charges to cover their transportation and miles, and you'll need to provide them with a meal. You might also pay extra web-hosting fees for the photos available for digital download, along with charges for custom backdrops, professional lighting specialized photo booth props, or other add-ons.

In most cases, long lines form for photo booths. Depending on your guest count, and the size of your wedding venue, that could be a concern.

And, in some cases, the appeal of the photo booths can be considered a downside—sort of. Sometimes guests get so enamored with taking photos at the booth that it can be challenging to get them out on the dance floor.

What about corporate events?

If you're an event organizer, your budget, event size, and event goals will be factors when you weigh the benefits of photo booth rental.

Generally, though, photo booths can contribute to the success of corporate events. As with weddings, the booths encourage mingling and networking. They contribute to a more relaxed atmosphere, help capture memories, and provide organizers with a way to send guests home with special souvenirs.

Do photo booths save photos?

Many photo booths store images in a folder on their hard drive. That means that you get all the photos your guests took as your unofficial wedding photographers.

Many photo booth rental services provide customers with an online gallery or a USB with the images.

How would we get a photo booth?

You have several options for lining up a photo booth.

You can arrange a rental from a photo booth company. Typically, photo booth companies handle your photo booth setup and run the booth. Photo booth rental services also provide technical support during your event (and after if you opt for digital downloads).

We’d also like to mention that The Bell Tower on 34th has its own photo booth rental service, which means you don't have to worry about arranging for a vendor to come to you.

How much does a photo booth cost?

Generally, the cost of renting a photo booth for a wedding or event will be based on your rental time, your location, and the type of booth you want to rent. The average rental is about $650 to $700.

What types of photo booths can be rented?

Here are some of the options available today.

Traditional Photo Booth

Guests go inside a simple booth—giving them a bit of privacy—and pose for the camera.

Open-Air Photo Booths

This popular option is essentially a station where guests can take photos of themselves—minus the booth. A camera is set up on a tripod or table. One plus to an open-air photo booth is it allows for custom backdrops.

Mirror Photo Booth

This booth appears to be a full-length mirror, but it’s actually a touch screen that can be used as a selfie station.

Slow-Motion Video Photo Booth

This option lets guests create short clips in slow motion for a dramatic or comedic effect.

Green Screen Photo Booth

Do you think your guests would enjoy photos set in a far-off locale—or a fictional setting? A green screen photo booth will make it happen.

Talk with your photo booth service about the options they offer, pricing details, and good fits for your particular event and location.

360-Degree Photo Booth

This allows your event or wedding guests to see themselves from all sides during their photo session. Guests tend to love these booths, but they do take up a lot of space.

GIF Booth

Some photo booth companies allow guests to make animated GIFs that can be shared on social media. This option always is an event and wedding reception hit.

We need wedding photo booth ideas.

Here are a few suggestions you can start with for your event or wedding reception

Be Creative with Backdrops.

If you go with an open-air photo booth, you can set up a photo booth wall with a backdrop that complements the overall vibe of your event or supports your theme.

A few backdrop ideas include:

A beautiful quilt

Balloons

Greenery

A flower wall

Colorful art

Offer Creative Photo Booth Props.

Masks are popular photo booth props, but you don’t have to stop there.

Additional fun props can include wigs, mustache and beard props (you can find printable versions online), crowns and tiaras, giant sunglasses, or costumes (Harry Potter/Hogwarts robes are popular).

Invite Guests to Add their Own Creative Touches.

Offer your guests chalkboard signs, and let them take it from there. You also can encourage them to bring props with special meaning—possibly an enlarged photo of a pet or loved one—to pose with. Include a notice on your event website.

When You Want an Adults-Only Wedding

The decision not to invite children to your wedding can be a difficult one. You may be worried that you’ll offend someone or appear insensitive.

But, restricting your wedding to adults is not considered unreasonable or poor etiquette. It’s not unkind to base your wedding plans on your vision and preferences. After all, it will be one of the most important days of your life.

 With interest in this option on the rise, we’ve put together some insights, tips, and advice that will help you hold the adults-only wedding you want—and respect the needs and feelings of your wedding guests.

Is it common to have no kids at a wedding?

It may make you feel better to know that holding an adults-only wedding is not uncommon. In 2020, 16% of U.S. couples had an adults-only wedding, up from 9% in 2014.

Why Couples Opt for an Adult-Only Affair

In many cases, a couple's decision to hold an adults-only wedding is due to budget, space limitations, or the type of environment the couple hopes to create. In other cases, they may believe an adult-only affair is the best way to ensure relaxation and uninhibited revelry.

Here's a closer look at issues and preferences that influence couples' decisions to keep their wedding children free.

It helps them manage expenses.

Depending on the couple’s budget, they made be trying to limit their guest count.

Sometimes, limiting guests to an adult plus-one gives them the wiggle room to include more of the adults they want with them on their big day.

They have limited venue space.

If a couple has limited venue space, adults-only may be their only option. In this case, the guest count isn't the only factor. Generally, when couples are trying to accommodate children at their wedding, they offer spaces and activities just for them. If your wedding will take place in a more confined setting, an adults-only environment may be more comfortable for everyone present.

They don’t want interruptions.

Even when well-behaved children attend a wedding, there's a chance they'll get loud, cry, or have a tantrum during a key moment.

Preventing situations like that can help give couples peace of mind about their big day.

How Do You Politely Tell Wedding Guests You're Having An Adults-Only Wedding?

The biggest etiquette rule to keep in mind for an adult-only wedding is to make your intentions clear as soon as possible, beginning with your save-the-dates and wedding invitations.

You want to give parents with children as much time as possible to line up care for their children.

Here are our suggestions for approaching invitation wording, talking with immediate family, and answering questions.

Start by defining “adults only.”

One of the best ways to avoid miscommunications, confusion, and hurt feelings is to set a minimum age for guests to qualify as "adults." Some couples say 18; others select the legal drinking age: 21.

Add an extra layer of communication.

It might help to recruit your wedding party and immediate family to help get the word out about your plans to hold an adult-only wedding.

If they’re willing, and they understand your reasons for going this route, they also can help answer questions.

How should we approach our save-the-dates and wedding invitations?

Invitations are a source of angst for a lot of couples who want only adults at their wedding. "How to say adults only on wedding invite" is a heavily searched topic on Google.

This is one of those situations when you should look for and eliminate any wording that could be misunderstood. Instead of addressing the outer envelope of your wedding invitation to the “Jones Family,” for example, use the names of the adults who are invited: “Mr. and Mrs. Jones.”

When it comes it your wedding invitation wording (and the wording of your save-the-date), we suggest a polite, but firm, approach.

You don't necessarily have to include your reasons for holding an adults-only celebration. You do need to communicate clearly. For example, if you're allowing children at your wedding ceremony, but will be holding an adults-only reception, be specific about your plans.

Here are a few tried-and-true examples of appropriate adult-only wording for your invitation suite:

“We respectfully request no children under 18 (or 21) at the reception.”

"Please join us for an adults-only reception immediately following the ceremony."

“The bride and groom request that this be an adults-only reception.”

“Adult (21 and older) reception to follow.”

“Unfortunately we cannot accommodate children – thank you for your understanding.”

"We regretfully cannot accommodate children at this event."

"Due to limited space, we regretfully request no children at the reception."

“Although we adore your children, due to limited venue space, this is an adult only affair.”

Monitor Your RSVPs.

Even when you make every effort to communicate clearly, there is a possibility that guests will overlook your wording about no children attending. Watch for RSVPS that include entire families. If you receive one, call the parents and politely explain that your wedding will be an adults-only event.

Be ready to politely explain your reasons, from budget/space constraints to concerns about children being noisy. If someone says they won’t attend if their children cannot join them, be courteous about their decision.

Use your wedding website

Your website is a great communication tool; put it to work.

We suggest adding wording about the fact you are inviting only adults. This is a great spot for a FAQ section, too.

Possible questions and answers could include:

-What is your policy on children of immediate family?

The answer is your call. We will say, it’s best to apply your "adults only" policy equally across the board. If guests see some children at your wedding, and they lined up professional babysitters so they could join you on your wedding day, there could be hurt feelings.

-Can the wedding party bring their children?

Our thoughts about the immediate family question apply to this situation as well.

-Can children attend your ceremony?

The answer to this question ties in with your motivation for ensuring that only adults attend your wedding. If the idea of a child crying or speaking out when it's time to exchange vows keeps you up at night, state that the entire event is for adults only. If you’re more concerned about creating a formal, or party-like, vibe at your reception, you can always state that you're having an adult-only reception.

Another note about your wedding website. If your out-of-town guests include parents, even if you're holding an adults-only celebration, they may travel with their children. Consider providing information about professional babysitting services and family-friendly attractions in the area to make their lives easier.

(If your budget and venue space allows it, another option to build goodwill is to set aside an "only children" room or space, and pay for childcare. That makes attending easier and less stressful for parents and allows you to stick with your plans to keep your wedding children free.)

By communicating clearly, being polite, and doing as much as possible to meet the needs of guests with children, you can have a successful adults-only wedding that you and your guests will remember fondly.

Hidden Wedding Fees You Should Be Watching For

While wedding planning can be exciting, it also comes with some less-than-fun aspects.

For many people, one of them is dealing with costs and creating a detailed wedding budget. Few couples get excited about this step, but it lays the foundation for nearly every decision you'll be making.

And as you look into expenses for your wedding gathering, from renting affordable wedding venues in Houston to buying wedding bands, you should know that some wedding costs are more apparent than others.

 To help you create a wedding budget breakdown and plan more effectively, we’ve put together a list of hidden fees that can be lurking out there.

The good news is, knowing what to look for—and how hidden fees could impact your overall wedding budget—can help reduce your stress. And that, in turn, can make your wedding planning process easier and help you enjoy some of the more rewarding aspects of preparing for your dream wedding.

Hidden Fees Overview

Here are some less-than-obvious expenses to be on the watch for.

Additional Servers

If you do a wedding budget breakdown, you'll see that catering costs for wedding receptions can represent 29% of total wedding costs.

If you're hit with hidden labor fees, your catering costs can consume even more of your wedding budget.

We encourage you to ask about labor fees for servers, bussers, attendants, dishwashers, and anyone else who could be on duty.

Catering and Travel Fees

When couples opt to bring in outside caterers for their reception food, their expenses can also include travel fees for the team that shows up to feed their friends and family.

This cost usually is charged on a per-mile basis.

The hidden fees don't stop there: Your catering service may also bill you for off-site catering fees and rental fees.

You can avoid these costs by working with a venue that provides catering services. The Bell Tower on 34th offers multiple catering and beverage packages.

Cheap Wedding Venues

Yes, you read that heading correctly. Sometimes, wedding venues that appear to be your most affordable option at first glance will be the most likely to hit you with a long list of fees.

As you consider wedding venues in Houston (or any location), read their service agreements carefully and ask them to go over all of the fees and additional costs you should be expecting.

There’s nothing wrong with researching affordable wedding venues, we’re simply warning you to make sure you know exactly what you’ll be paying.

Bar Costs

Does the venue you’re considering provide a bartender, or will you need to hire one?

The amount you'll spend for a bartender for your big day varies quite a bit, depending on the level of service you need (pouring wine vs. making your signature cocktail. Rates generally range from $30 to $50 per hour.

But, if you need to hire a bartender, your guest count will impact your wedding budget, too. Unless you’re planning something very small, you really should be thinking in terms of hiring a bartending staff. A good general rule is to hire one bartender for every 35 guests. You also should plan to tip your bartenders $10 to $15 per guest. (You should make sure they haven't received tips from guests, though.)

You may also be expected to lay out some dollars for your bar supplies, including alcohol, glassware, mixers—even security.

Not all places will require you to pay for these costs, though. The Bell Tower on 34th, for example, offers a variety of inclusive bar packages beginning at $22 per person.

Cake-Cutting

Your hidden wedding fees could also include a charge for wedding cake-cutting, known as a cakeage fee.

What exactly would you be paying for?

This fee covers the cost of staff members cutting your wedding cake and serving it to your guests. Costs vary, but they can range from $2 to $5 per person.

Ask about this as you consider your wedding location. The Bell Tower on 34th does not believe couples should be charged for cake cutting.

Cancelation Insurance

This is not necessarily one of your hidden fees, but paying for event cancelation and postponement insurance often goes forgotten during wedding planning and the process of creating a wedding budget.

These policies are extremely valuable, though, and can protect you from losing money if you have to cancel or delay your wedding day.

The Bell Tower on 34th believes this kind of coverage is so valuable that we reimburse couples up to $400 for their policies.

Invitations and Thank-You Cards

You probably are including your save the dates and invitations in your wedding budget, but have you thought about the cost of the thank you cards you’ll be sending?

And along the same lines, you may be surprised to see how much postage for these items can add to your wedding expenses.

Not only that, but wedding stationery with square envelopes, oversized pieces, heavy pieces, and unusual shapes can cost more to mail.

Linens: Set-Up, Teardown, and Delivery

If you decide to rent linens, your expenses could include more than the rental of the linens themselves. Many rental services charge couples to deliver linens, and some venues will bill you to set them up and teardown after your wedding reception.

Ask about this and what your options are. Some wedding packages include linens. The Bell Tower on 34th includes floor-length linens and napkins.

Parking

This one may surprise you, but parking is one of the more common hidden fees couples encounter.

If your venue doesn’t have enough parking spaces, they’ll charge for providing valet parking or additional parking for your guests.

This expense usually runs from $2 to $10 per car.

Ask about parking for every wedding location you consider.

The Bell Tower on 34th, you don’t have to worry about this expense on your wedding day. We do not charge extra for valet parking services.

Post-Wedding Cleanup

This is another area couples don’t always consider: Some wedding locations and vendors charge cleaning fees.

This cost is for putting away decor and rentals, clearing food and plates, and throwing out trash.

Find out in advance if the vendors and sites you’re considering charge clean-up fees, and if they do, how much they are.

Your outdoor wedding contingency plan

While we strongly encourage couples to prepare for the possibility of uncooperative weather during their outdoor weddings, the supplies you line up to keep your guests dry and comfortable will plump up your budget. Be sure to factor in the costs that come with renting outdoor heat lamps or tents—and even having a supply of extra umbrellas.

Security

When most couples think of wedding budgets they probably think of the dress, the engagement ring, vendors, and food—but security?

Yes, wedding security guards cost money, and you may need them.

In fact, in recent years, many wedding locations have been requiring security when alcohol is served at a wedding or event.

Hiring security officers can cost approximately $150 to $500.

But, it’s not a given that security will be among your hidden fees. At The Bell Tower on 34th, a uniformed security Officer will be onsite during your wedding ceremony and your reception.

Silverware and Glasses

When you talk with wedding venues about your reception, ask about what’s included in your package.

Some locations simply provide space, leaving you responsible for what goes on the table, including your silverware and drinking glasses.

Other businesses offer catering packages, but even in those cases, be sure to be clear on what’s included.

If you need to rent your flatware (silverware), it can range in price from $200 to $500.

The glasses on your tables, from wine and water glasses to cocktail glassware, can run you $200 to as much as $1,000.

Taxes and Service Charges

Make sure the estimates of prospective locations and vendors are clear about the taxes and service charges they’ll be charging you.

It’s common for businesses to leave these costs out when they provide quotes.

The Bell Tower on 34th specifies all of the fees, taxes, and service charges customers will be charged upfront so there are no unpleasant surprises.

Vendor Meals

Most couples don’t always think about this as they create their wedding budgets, but you should plan to provide a meal for every vendor present during your reception. That list could include your planning team, photographers, videographers, your band or DJ, and other entertainers.

Talk with your caterer and ask how much you can expect to pay for your vendor meals.

By the way, couples sometimes forget to include themselves in the headcount for meals. Be sure to add the cost of a plate for each of you to your wedding budget.

Wedding Attire Alterations

While you’ve probably been researching wedding gown costs, don’t forget to consider the possibility you’ll need to pay for alterations, which can add a couple of hundred dollars or more to your wedding budget.

Of course, the groom's wedding attire should be considered, too. Rentals should fit perfectly, but if you buy a suit or tuxedo, alterations could cost $30 to $100.

Wedding Favors

This isn’t necessarily one of the hidden fees couples encounter, but wedding favors can add significantly to your expenses. These gifts tend to cost $3 to $8 each. Depending on your guest count, they’ll add up quickly.

Wedding Party Gifts

Have you been thinking of offering gifts of appreciation to the members of your wedding party?

This is a lovely way to say thank you, and the members of your wedding party will appreciate it, but you should know that the cost of providing these gifts can add up, impacting your overall wedding budget.

Wedding Website

You absolutely can build wedding websites for free, and a variety of great options are available.

However, there is the temptation to pay for a custom domain, which can range from about $20 to $70.

And, some couples opt to pay for a more customized website, which generally comes with monthly costs.

Sites with planning features, like invitation tracking and guest communication options, tend to be more expensive.

Welcome Basket Delivery

If you plan to provide welcome baskets for the guests who travel to join you on your wedding day, you could have more hidden fees waiting for you.

As you research welcome baskets, look into how they’ll be delivered to guests’ hotel rooms and how much you’ll be charged.

More on Tips

We encourage you to consider tipping as you develop your wedding budget.

Etiquette calls for tipping many of the people who play a role in your wedding day including your wedding officiant, photographers and videographers, florist, musicians, hairstylist and makeup artist, transportation providers, DJ, waitstaff, and parking attendants.

The Bell Tower on 34th, based in Houston, is an affordable wedding venue available for public and private events, including weddings. Spend time on our website to learn more.

Encouraging Your Partner to Propose

You’ve been in a loving, long-term relationship. You think of your boyfriend as your best friend. You’ve established trust. You communicate well. But, that marriage proposal you’ve been waiting for hasn’t materialized for some reason.

If you’re wondering how to encourage your man to propose, we have some advice that can help.

Have an Honest Conversation

You may have been dreaming about a dramatic surprise proposal, and a romantic moment like that very well could be in your future. But the same kind of open communication that helped build your relationship—and that will be critical for a successful marriage—is needed now. It's reasonable to expect to discuss marriage before a proposal takes place.

It is important to be sure that you and your guy are on the same page about marriage in general. Even if you're in a healthy, loving relationship, your man may not feel ready for marriage yet. Getting married may not even be something he sees as an eventual goal.

Talk about it. Does he see marriage in your future? Does he want children? Does he have concerns about his own life or personal finances that are holding him back from making a lifetime commitment?

Share your thoughts, too. Is marriage a goal? Do you want to take your husband’s last name after you wed? How do you envision married life? Do you want children?

Ask him to share his personal goals and his goals for your relationship. Make it clear you're not trying to pressure him or give him an ultimatum.

(By the way, when you're having this talk, we encourage you to keep the focus on your relationship goals; avoid getting into how you envision your wedding day, wedding venues, or other details related to wedding planning.)

Getting to That Conversation

That said, some relationship experts suggest taking a light touch to your initial conversations about your future.

In an interview with Elite Daily, dating expert Anita Chlipala suggests easing your partner into heavy-duty relationship discussions by “starting small and casual,” possibly sharing some of your personal goals, maybe about your ideal job or about where you’d like to live one day.

You can weave these thoughts into conversations when it makes sense. One approach might be to make observations about your parents’ marriage and things you hope to emulate—or do differently—one day.

Talking During an Activity Might Ease the Stress

When you're ready for a more in-depth conversation about your relationship, Chlipala suggests combining it with a casual activity like a drive or walk. "Sometimes, guys do better with conversations when they're side-by-side with their partner versus a face-to-face sit-down," Chlipala told Elite. "Start positively, saying things you love about your partner and what you appreciate about them."

Respect Your Partner's Perspective

Maybe your partner does want to be married, but he doesn't feel the timing is right, possibly because of a career, financial, or personal reason. Or, maybe he just doesn't want to commit to marriage. If you invited him to safely share his feelings and goals, be true to that. You've been working on building trust and encouraging ongoing conversations about your relationship: Don't undo those efforts. In other words, don't lash out; be respectful of his feelings. Give yourself time and space to figure out how you want to respond.

On the other hand, maybe marriage is a shared goal. In that case, here are a few more things to consider.

If Possible, Spend Time with Married Friends

It can be helpful to enjoy time with happily married friends. Try to plan double dates with them, or invite them over for dinner. Seeing that they’re happy might encourage your boyfriend and make moving toward marriage less intimidating.

Impress His Family

Work on developing a good relationship with your partner's family. Seeing that you get along might make him feel more comfortable about your shared lives together—and his parents or siblings might even encourage him to propose.

Make It Clear You're Ready for Marriage

Please note, we're not talking about announcing that you're ready for a proposal or looking forward to your wedding. What we're saying is, if you feel confident that your partner is in a good place for marriage and is ready for the ongoing commitment and work that go into a life-long relationship, help him see that you are, too. For one thing, it will help if he sees that you're not just gunning for him to propose or pinning your happiness and future on getting married. You are a person with your own life, your own interests, your own friends, and your own goals. So help him realize that. Talk about your outside interests, goals, and passions.

Five Reasons to Select The Bell Tower on 34th as Your Wedding Venue

One of the most important choices you’ll be making during your wedding planning process is where your big day will take place.

 In fact, after deciding who you want at your wedding and roughly when it will take place, deciding where you want to get married should be next on your priority list.

 Few choices you make will impact your wedding day more than your venue: It sets the tone of your entire celebration.

Besides, wedding planning practically comes to a standstill until you’ve nailed down this detail.

As you begin your wedding venue search, you should know that since we opened in 2009, thousands of couples have decided The Bell Tower on 34th was the ideal location for their dream wedding.

Why? Here are some of the biggest reasons couples decide to get married here after completing their wedding venue search.

'Such a Beautiful Venue'

The Bell Tower on 34th receives so many compliments for providing couples with a beautiful setting for their wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, grand entrance, and reception—not to mention their wedding photos.

Couples, and their wedding guests, tell us they were bowled over by the powerful visual impact of our eclectic architecture, private courtyards, and fountains, which create the feel of an Old-World estate or Mediterranean villa.

Those who come to The Bell Tower on 34th love our sweeping staircases—right out of a movie set, along with archways, marble floors, hand-carved wooden doors, Travertine floors, handset Cantera stone walls and patios, wrought-iron chandeliers, and of course, the romance of our working bell tower.

That said, some of our most beloved elements have a modern feel, including our 30-foot water wall and colorful, built-in dance floor lighting.

The combined effect of all of these features is stunning, and more than once, guests have told us The Bell Tower on 34th is one of the most gorgeous wedding venues they've seen.

Award-Winning Service

We make a point of dazzling our customers and guests with exceptional service.

For over a decade, our primary objective at The Bell Tower on 34th is to deliver excellent events that no one will ever forget.

That goal is the foundation of everything we do here, from the processes we establish for our team members to our commitment to providing amazing service.

The result: We're able to seamlessly deliver event excellence time after time. And, during the last decade, the exceptional service at The Bell Tower on 34th has helped us earn numerous awards from the wedding industry as well as local and national wedding publications.

Wedding Packages

Not only is the Bell Tower on 34th an elegant venue providing award-winning service, but we also take steps to make our customers' lives easier.

When couples talk with us about event pricing at our amazing venue, they’re usually surprised to learn how much is included in our wedding and special event packages.

The Bell Tower on 34th offers beautiful large and small private spaces designed to contribute to a memorable event.

We provide professional service, and every event here is private.

And, The Bell Tower on 34th offers among the highest staff-to-guest ratios you will find.

All event tables and mahogany chivari chairs are included, along with floor-length linens and napkins, china, silverware, and stemware.

We also can recommend vendors, from photographers to rental services.

Couples have the option of having their wedding ceremony here in addition to their wedding reception and cocktail hour. We also offer indoor and outdoor options at our elegant venue.

We also should mention that there are no additional fees for your cake cutting, vendor buyouts, passing beverages during cocktail hour, or refilling water or wine during meal service.

We also believe there should never be an extra charge for rehearsals or bridal portraits.

Amazing Food

When you combine the beauty and classic elegance of The Bell Tower with the attentive service we provide and the delicious food we serve, the result is absolutely magical.

The Bell Tower on 34th is known for our wide variety of menu items, along with our fresh, delicious food. We provide onsite catering for wedding receptions and also can provide food if you'd like to hold your rehearsal dinner here.

If you read our customer reviews, you'll that many of them include details about the quality of our food and how it contributed to an unforgettable night (or day). Couples often tell us that the entire crowd at their wedding enjoyed their appetizers, meals, and desserts.

Our Expertise On Call for You

Our team members are there for you. There to answer questions and guide you during your planning process. There to make recommendations and help steer you in the right direction.

Couples also love the Bell Tower Customer Hub. Not only can they manage the details of their event—including scheduling tastings and bridal portraits, making menu selections, accessing their floor plan, and scheduling appointments with their Bell Tower contact—but they also get the benefit of the hub’s FAQ widget.

That feature gives users access to the knowledge our team members have cultivated, including answers to an exhaustive list of questions they’ve received over the years. Users type in questions, and in many cases, an answer pops up before they’ve finished typing.

Come See For Yourself

So, if you're looking for the perfect wedding venue for your dream wedding, we encourage you to schedule a tour of The Bell Tower on 34th and visit our website. Read customers' reviews about our amazing venue and all the details we provided that helped make their wedding day dreams come true.

You'll see there are lots of reasons why thousands of customers decide to hold their weddings in our beautiful venue.

Kick Off Your Wedding Countdown with Save-The-Date Cards

One of the most helpful things you can do for the friends and family you plan to invite to your wedding is to send them save-the-dates.

The primary save-the-date purpose is to inform guests of your wedding date and location in advance so they can keep their calendars open on the day of your wedding and, depending on their location, begin making travel arrangements.

For your guests, receiving the wedding save-the-date and adding the dates and the details to their calendars officially begins the countdown to your wedding.

Not only that, but sending save-the-dates provides an excellent way to be creative, and set the tone for the wedding and related events.

If you're wondering how to announce your wedding date or need save-the-date style inspiration, etiquette advice, or guidance on when your save-the-dates should go out, we have a save-the-date guide just for you.

Do I Need Save-the-Dates?

Save-the-date notices are highly recommended if:

-You're having a destination wedding: Guests need extra time to book flights and hotels for weddings in another city or country.

-Your wedding is on a holiday weekend: Prime wedding dates like Labor Day or Memorial Day fill up fast.

-You have quite a few out-of-town guests: Give them time to request paid time off and make travel arrangements.

-Your wedding date may change: If your venue or details are not yet finalized, save-the-dates provide flexibility if you need to change the date later.

-Your guest list is very long: Give guests advance notice that a formal invitation is coming. This is thoughtful if you plan to invite more than 100 guests.

Save-the-dates are optional if your wedding is local with under 100 guests on a normal weekend. Informal word-of-mouth notice may suffice.

When Should We Send Our Save-the-Dates?

We’ve found that guidelines for save-the-date timing vary, but a good rule of thumb is to send them six to eight months in advance of your wedding date.

We would say, as soon as you’ve nailed when and where you'll be getting married—and who you want to invite—try to make sending your save-the-dates a high priority.

One word of caution: There is a fine line though, between giving your guests ample time to get your event on their calendars and sending save-the-dates too early, say more than a year in advance. When you do that, there's a risk that your notification could get lost, and your event could slip through the cracks.

What Should Our Save-the-Dates Say?

When it's time to create your save-the-dates, you don’t have to include a lot of information, but you should include your wedding essentials. This includes the names of you and your spouse-to-be, the date and year of your wedding, the wedding location (if you don't have a venue lined up, provide the city/region, and some kind of statement that makes it clear that you're sending a save-the-date, not your invitation. You can accomplish this by simply stating, “Invitation to Follow.”

If you have one, it would be helpful to include a link to your wedding website, where your guests can get more details and registration information.

You do not have to include the time of your wedding, attire guidelines, or details about food.

Also, you should not be including RSVP cards: They go in your invitations.

Should Everyone on Our Guest List Receive Save-the-Dates?

Yes. If you plan to invite someone, they should receive a save-the-date.

Even if you’ve spoken, texted, or emailed about your wedding plans with some people, don’t leave anybody out.

Should We Send Save-the-Dates for Our Destination Wedding?

Absolutely. As we mentioned, this is one of those times when a wedding save-the-date will be particularly helpful.

Nearly everyone will need to make travel arrangements for a destination wedding.

The sooner you can give your guests a heads-up that they’ll need to start planning, and budgeting, to attend your wedding the better.

Do We Need to Send a Paper Save-the-Date?

There are pros and cons to both paper and digital save-the-date notifications.

Sending paper save-the-date cards is the traditional way to go, but you will not be breaking any etiquette rules by emailing your save-the-date or sending it by text. You can always take a look at a save-the-date site or two to see what you think. (You can also opt to use a save-the-date app to help you manage responses. Technology can be your friend when you’re juggling multiple planning tasks.)

As long as you get your wedding save the date to guests in time for them to make unrushed plans, and your save the date has your date and location information, you're in good shape.

Pros and Cons of Postcards

This is another area where there is no correct answer.

Some couples prefer enclosing their save-the-dates in envelopes to keep the details of their wedding private and to help prevent folding or smudging.

On the other hand, save-the-date postcards can be more affordable productions. They can save you time, and using them can save money on postage.

According to loveandlavender.com, the cost to mail a postcard is nearly 40% less than mailing a standard letter in the United States.

The Save-The-Date Booklet

In addition to traditional postcards, a fun option for save-the-dates is a booklet. Save-the-date booklets allow you to include more details and photos. You can have different pages with information about the wedding venue, accommodation details, weekend timeline, travel information, things to do in the area, and more.

It's a great way to get guests excited for the wedding festivities. Booklets can be designed with different artistic touches like a ribbon closure or sticker seal.

What If We Want More Formal or Traditional Save-the-Dates?

If you prefer save-the-dates that resemble wedding invitations, stationery is definitely an option. You can find a number of elegant, luxurious options in a wide range of materials and designs.

You also opt for premium cards, specialty cards, and other creative possibilities to suit your tastes.

What Should We Know About Selecting a Save-the-Date Photo?

Because your photo(s) will be a focal point of your save-the-dates, unless you already have a fantastic image of you and your partner, we encourage you to consider hiring a professional to make sure you have high-quality.

Also, consider the setting of your photo, including colors and how it will complement (or distract from) the overall vibe you’re aiming for.

What Can You Tell Us About Etiquette for Save-the-Dates?

One common question we hear about save-the-dates is how to approach names.

Generally, the traditional approach would be to list the bride’s name before the groom’s name. You also have the option of listing the names in alphabetical order.

Another etiquette point to keep in mind, for both save-the-dates and for invitations, is to leave off your gift registration information. Instead, include your wedding website address.

Is It OK to Incorporate Humor Into Our Save-the-Dates?

Absolutely!! Your save-the-dates are a fantastic way to showcase the personalities of you and your partner. If laughter and fun are important to you, why not choose save-the-dates that reflect that?

You can weave in a play on words, or shop around for a funny save-the-date template.

What Should We Know About VistaPrint Save-the-Date Cards?

While this article is not a review or endorsement of VistaPrint save-the-date cards, its products are among the top save-the-date cards couples opt for, so we want to include information about them.

VistaPrint provides a wide range of promotional products, including such business essentials as digital business cards, rigid signs, office signs, outdoor signs, other signs, event tradeshow displays, banners, posters, custom labels, and additional products for a company or small business.

It offers consumer products that include items for the home, gifts, sports teamwear, table coverings, party supplies custom, labels, stickers, packaging, bags, tags (for luggage), and more.

Its wedding products include invitations, RSVP cards, menu cards, Vista x Wix wedding websites, and yes, save-the-date cards.

Generally, VistaPrint receives positive reviews from customers for its great quality and service.

When it comes to save-the-date cards, you can create and upload your own design or select from a wide range of templates.

Size options are 4.6 x 7.2 inches and 5.5 x 4 inches.

You select the style (bohemian, bold, elegant, floral, and fun & whimsical); the theme (options include Destination, monograms, nautical, and photo); the option of including embossed foil (gold, silver, or glitter); season; trim (standard or rounded); orientation; color; and backside options (blank, gray, or color). If you've selected a photo theme, you'll also have a choice about the number of photos you include.

If you're not sure what you want, review the site's selection and look for options that match the theme, colors, or overall style you want for your wedding.

Corporate Save-The-Dates

If you and your spouse-to-be work at the same company, sending save-the-date announcements to co-workers is a fun way to share your engagement. Here are some ideas for corporate save-the-dates:

-Design a custom save-the-date with your company logo and wedding details to send to co-workers.

-Create an email save-the-date with a header image of you and your partner at a company event.

-Post an announcement on your company intranet or social media pages.

-Order branded swag like pens or mugs with your names and wedding date.

-Stick save-the-date magnets on filing cabinets and desks around the office.

Getting coworkers excited about your big day can help strengthen bonds. Just be sure to clear any company branding or materials with HR, along with the use of company resources, like internal email.

Save-the-Date Via Text

Deciding to send save-the-date announcements via text message is a quick, convenient option for modern couples. Here are some tips for doing save-the-dates by text:

-Design a customized graphic with your names, wedding date, and location to text out.

-Use an online invitation suite that lets guests RSVP by text.

-Text just the key details: "Save the date! John & Jane - May 27, 2024 - Hawaii"

-Make it fun by sending a series of puzzle-piece texts that come together to reveal the details.

-Provide a link to your wedding website in the text for more info.

-Be sure you have current mobile numbers for all guests.

-Follow up with formal invitations by mail.

With careful coordination, save-the-date texts are an easy way to share exciting wedding plans on the go. Just be mindful of your guests' texting preferences.

What You Should Know About Lab-Grown Diamonds

These days, not only do you have a treasure trove of choices when it comes to the color, cut, clarity, and carat size of your engagement ring (and wedding band) diamond, but you can also choose how your diamond is made.

You can opt for a diamond that was created by natural processes beneath the earth’s surface or one that was formed by procedures carried out in a carefully controlled lab environment.

The second option, known as a lab-grown diamond, is growing in popularity. According to market research firm The MVEye, lab-grown diamonds account for 8-10% of diamond jewelry sales around the globe.

Maybe you’re wondering about the pros and cons of these diamonds or what you should know before looking into buying lab-grown diamonds in Houston. To help you with your research, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequent questions we’ve heard about lab-grown diamonds.

How are diamonds made in the lab?

Diamond manufacturers establish laboratory settings that mimic conditions diamonds form in beneath the earth’s surface. Like their natural counterparts, lab-grown diamonds are made of carbon atoms.

What’s the difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds?

The primary difference is how these diamonds are made. Otherwise, they have the same physical and chemical attributes.

It’s impossible to tell the difference between natural and created diamonds simply by looking at them. Even with a magnifier, a jeweler or gemologist wouldn’t be able to recognize a lab-grown diamond unless it had a laser inscription. There is technology available to help jewelers make the distinction, but it’s very expensive.

Are lab-grown diamonds considered fake?

Not at all. As we mentioned, lab-grown and natural diamonds are the same chemically and physically. They exhibit the same visual qualities as well. 

After the diamonds are fully formed, they’re rough, just like a natural diamond, and must be cut and polished.

The entire process can be completed in as few as two weeks.

Are lab-grown diamonds certified?

Yes. They are certified and graded by the same agencies that evaluate natural diamonds: the GIA, HRD, and IGI. Their grade is based on carat, color, clarity, and cut—just like natural diamonds

Will lab-grown diamonds hold their value?

According to Australian-based Luminesce Diamonds, lab-grown diamonds will have value for their durability and beauty long after they’re sold. Money-wise, however, lab-grown diamonds are more susceptible than natural diamonds to losing value after their purchase.

What are some of the benefits of lab-grown diamonds?

Some of the plusses of lab-grown rings are they’re ethically sound: There’s no tie to diamond mines, or the violence and human rights violations that can be associated with them.

It’s also possible to buy sustainably created diamonds, and, generally, lab-grown diamond prices are about 20% to 40% lower than those of mined diamonds.

What are some of the downsides of lab-grown diamonds 

Because lab-grown diamonds are fairly new, there is no way to predict what their resale value will be.

Plus, some argue that created diamonds can be mass-produced, so they are not unique like natural diamonds.

How should I shop for a lab-grown diamond?

You should take the same approach as you would for a natural diamond. Set a budget and decide what you want in a diamond. You can find lab-grown options in the same colors and cuts as natural diamonds.

Be sure to shop with a trusted, reputable jeweler and give yourself time to try on plenty of rings.

In the end, like many of the decisions you’ll be making as you plan your wedding, there is no right answer when it comes to lab-grown diamonds versus natural options. The key is finding the right choice for you.

How to Decide Who to Invite to Your Wedding

When it comes to planning your wedding, one of the most important decisions you need to make is who to invite.

Depending on your budget, preferences, and relationships with friends and family, this can get a little tricky.

What if you want your favorite cousin to come, but you don’t really have the budget for all of the cousins in your family and your partner’s family? Or, maybe a parent wants you to invite everyone she works with, but that’s not what you have in mind?

While we don’t have an easy answer for every situation, we do have some etiquette guidelines and tips that can ease the way for you.

Planning with Parents

According to traditional etiquette, a wedding guest list should be broken up into three groups: guests of the bride’s parents, guests of the groom’s parents, and guests of the couple.

That’s the general rule, but, of course, life doesn’t always cooperate. In general, the best you can do is to try to keep the list as balanced as possible.

A few other things to consider when it comes to parents and guest list input are:

-Remember, if parents are helping with the cost of the wedding, they should get some say in who’s invited. Of course, you don’t have to agree with every request. Talk it over.

-Encourage respectful, ongoing communication as you, your parents, and your in-laws work on the list.

-If you and your partner are paying for the wedding, you have more control of the guest list, but we still encourage you to consider reasonable requests from your parents. Again, if you disagree, explain your reasons firmly and politely.

-Before you begin discussing who to invite to your wedding, have your budget in place. According to WeddingWire, couples pay an average of $216 per wedding guest. This can work in your favor if a parent has a long list of people they want to be invited. Show them what that will come to in dollars, and ask if that’s affordable.

-It also can help to set some general ground rules for asking parents who they’d like to invite. You could say something like, “Based on our budget and the size of our reception space we plan to invite “XX-number” of people to our wedding. We’re asking each set of parents to provide a list of “XX” people they’d like invited.”

Be Consistent

As you look at the close friends and family you’d like to invite, consider the feelings of those you’re thinking about not inviting. In most situations, if you’re inviting one grandparent, for example, it would be hurtful to leave others out. That kind of discrepancy would be noticed and likely would lead to hurt feelings.

There are some exceptions to this etiquette rule. If you, your partner, or someone close to you is estranged from someone—or feel like having someone attend the wedding could create a painful or difficult situation—leaving them off the list is probably the right decision.

Don’t Assume Someone Wouldn’t Want an Invitation

Just because your grandmother rarely leaves the house or your best friend from high school lives overseas doesn’t necessarily mean they wouldn’t make the extra effort to attend your wedding.

And, even if they can’t come, if you would have invited them under other circumstances, you should still invite them now. Your invitation will make them feel valued and included in your big day.

Also, keep in mind that you can harness the technology that became popular during the COVID-19 pandemic and help guests attend your wedding virtually. Post streaming instructions on your wedding website and include a link to them on your invitation.

Less Clear-Cut Decisions

Maybe you’re wondering if you should invite your boss, a childhood friend, or everyone you’re friends with.

This is something you and your partner should discuss. If you consider someone a positive part of your life, it’s worth considering an invitation, depending on your budget, available space, and overall vision for your wedding.

An etiquette tip: Sometimes, the deciding factor will be whether you attended someone’s wedding. If you were a guest at their wedding in the last 18 months, you probably should invite them to your big day.

Plus-One Guidelines 

Giving all of your guests the option of bringing someone with them to your wedding is up to you.

A good rule of thumb is if someone is married or in a serious relationship, their partner should be invited. It’s also considered good etiquette to allow the members of your wedding party to have a plus-one, along with guests who won’t know anyone else at the wedding.

Wedding After-Parties

If you decide to have a wedding after-party, a way to continue your celebrating after your wedding celebration, etiquette requires you to invite everyone who attends your wedding. You don’t have to send invitations, though. You can send email blasts or texts, or you can include the after-party details on your wedding website.

Inviting Children

The decision of whether to allow guests to bring children can be challenging as well, but in the end, it is your choice. You absolutely do not have to include children at your wedding. We suggest making your decision clear on your invitations, applying this rule consistently, and making sure your invitations go out in plenty of time so guests with children can make childcare arrangements.

34 Questions to Fall in Love (With Your Venue)

Have you ever read an article that lists or explores “36 Questions to Fall in Love?” It’s a highly popular, enduring topic based on the idea that a strategic list of questions can accelerate intimacy between two strangers or strengthen bonds in an existing relationship.

This theory got its start in 1997 when psychologist Arthur Aron wrote his “36 Questions to Fall in Love” study. If you want to give it a try, the questions and instructions are available online. The questions are all conversation starters, from describing one’s most treasured memory (and even a terrible memory and embarrassing moment) to sharing one’s life story.

We’ve been thinking that if the right questions can, at least in theory, lead to love between two people, why not use strategic questions to help grow another important relationship? We’re talking, of course, about getting to know your prospective wedding venue and selecting the business that will deliver one of the most important days of your life.

So, based on that idea — and some inspiration from our company’s name — we developed 34 Questions to Fall in Love (with your venue). The questions are for you and your partner to ask yourselves, your planner, other wedding-industry representatives, and the venues you’re considering.

Our questions aren’t quite as thought-provoking as “What roles do love and affection play in your life” or “What is your most treasured memory?”

But in the end, you might just “find the one” when it comes to venues.

Here are our questions.

For You and Your Partner

1. What’s our budget for a venue?

2. What amenities are important to us?

3. What geographical area do we want the wedding to take place in?

4. Do we want to get married in an urban setting or a rural one?

5. Do we want to get married outdoors?

6. What kind of atmosphere do we want?

7. Do we want a venue where we can have both our ceremony and our reception?

8. Is wheelchair accessibility a priority?

9. Do we want a venue that will help us with planning?

10. Do we want a venue that provides food service, or a site that will allow an outside catering service to provide food and beverages?

11. Are outdoor surroundings (gardens, scenic surroundings) important to us?

12. Do we need a venue that can accommodate exceptionally large (or small) events?

After tackling these questions, you’ll be ready to begin your research and identify possible candidates.

Once you have a strong candidate or two in mind, talk to other people in the wedding industry about your prospective choices.

Questions to Ask Your Planner and Other Industry Professionals

13. Have you worked with this venue (these venues)?

14. What did you like about working with them?

15. What kinds of challenges, if any, arose, when you worked with them?

16. Would you recommend them?

17. Is there anything we should know about this venue (these venues)?

18. If you haven’t worked with this venue, have you heard anything about it from clients or colleagues?

See if the places you’re considering are available when you’ll need them.

We also recommend checking customer reviews and touring the location(s) you’re interested in. Then you can ask the questions below—and any others that come to mind.

Questions to Ask Prospective Venues

19. How many guests can you accommodate?

20. Can we have our rehearsal here? If so, how much time is available?

21. What is your guest-to-staff ratio?

22. What are your policies on food, beverages, and alcohol?

23. What other rules should we know about?

24. How long have you been in business?

24. Can you provide references?

25. What kind of parking arrangements and capacity do you offer?

26. Tell me about your insurance?

27. What are your contingency plans for extreme weather during outdoor events?

28. Please go over every charge and fee we should expect and what they cover.

29. Tell us about your deposit and payment requirements.

30. Who would our contact be if we worked with you?

31. When is our contact available for calls or questions?

32. How do you handle changes in guest counts and other key event elements?

33. How accessible is your venue for people with disabilities?

34. Please tell us about your changing areas for the bride, groom, and wedding parties.

Toasting Tips for the Best Man

If you spend time on YouTube, it’s not difficult to find examples of “The FUNNIEST Best Man Speech Ever” and “The GREATEST Best Man Speech of All Time.”

If delivering a best man speech is in your future, maybe you’d be happy with simply surviving your moment in the spotlight and avoiding a starring role in a “The Worse Best Man’s Speech Ever!” video.

Anxiety about public speaking is perfectly normal, and the idea of influencing the success of a dear friend or family member’s wedding day can be even more nerve-wracking.

The good news is, not only can you get through this, but with some planning, time, and practice, you can give a wedding speech that truly enhances the joy of the day.

Here’s our advice for delivering a successful best-man speech.

Big Picture

First of all, it helps to know what you can expect and have an overall idea of how to approach your speech.

When the time comes to take the microphone, start by introducing yourself and thanking the bride and groom for the honor of being chosen as the best man. Then share a few personal remarks about the couple, such as how long you’ve known them, how they met, and what qualities make them an ideal match for each other.

You can also share one or two unique stories or anecdotes that will be enjoyable to guests who don’t know the couple well.

After conveying these personal sentiments, you can conclude with a traditional blessing or call to everyone to raise their glasses in a toast.

Your overall tone should be uplifting and optimistic about the couple's future together and their ability to handle what life throws their way.

After that, take your seat and relax. Mission accomplished.

That’s the goal, here are some tips for getting there.

Time to Write: Consider Your Audience

Now that you have the basic elements of your speech — introducing yourself, insights about the couple, thoughts about why they’re a great couple, a brief story, and a blessing or call to raise glasses — write out your thoughts.

If you’re plagued with writer’s block, try to write something—even if you don’t think it’s very good—to get your thoughts on paper. Later, you can go back and play editor, smoothing and enhancing what you’ve written.

A note about humor: It can enhance a speech, but if you’re not comfortable telling jokes, this is not the time to try it. The goal is for you to be comfortable and natural. And if you do want to include a joke or two, make sure they’re appropriate and not potentially hurtful to the bride or groom.

When you re-read your rough draft for the speech, ask yourself a few questions. Does anything need to be explained in more detail for people who don’t know the bride and groom well? Have I written anything that could embarrass or hurt the feelings of the newlyweds or the guests? Is the overall message one of encouragement and wishing the couple well? Does this speech sound like me, or is it overly formal? Am I talking too much about myself instead of the bride and groom? Adjust accordingly.

Remember, you always can run your draft by one or two people you trust for their input and suggestions.

Set Yourself Up for Success

Once you’re satisfied with your speech, start practicing it. The more practice the better: It will boost your confidence and ease your nerves when your moment to speak arrives. That said, we do recommend bringing a printout of the speech with you to the wedding. It will be a lifeline in case you lose your place or go blank.

You’ll also be doing yourself a favor if you make a point of getting a good night’s sleep before the wedding and go easy on the alcohol so you’re not hungover or drunk when you speak. You want to be at your best when you speak.

Keep these guidelines in mind, and your speech—even if it never appears on YouTube—will be remembered in a positive light.

Tips for Planning an Amazing Micro Wedding

The COVID-19 pandemic gave the world a surprisingly long list of words and terms, from “Zoombombing” to WFH (working from home) and “social distancing.”

In our industry, those terms included “micro wedding,” which is a small, intimate wedding with less than 50 people.

Granted, micro weddings weren’t invented during the pandemic, but demand for them, along with private wedding ceremonies, rose significantly during that time. With large gatherings prohibited, micro weddings gave couples a way to go forward with their wedding plans.

Today, while the pandemic is behind us, interest in micro weddings remains strong. 

As Minne Weddings owner Gretchen Culver told Minneapolis news station KARE, micro weddings are not a fad.

“The pandemic has given couples permission to have whatever kind of wedding experience they want,” Culver said. “And they are able to choose the one that feels the best for them and fits their values and lifestyle.”

If the idea of a micro wedding appeals to you, take a look at the information and tips we’ve put together. They could help you decide if this approach is a good fit and get your planning off to a strong start.

Micro Wedding Plusses

Micro weddings can be ceremony-only events, but they certainly don’t have to be. Their primary defining element is their small size.

Some of the plusses of going this route include:

-Affordability: Micro weddings — with fewer invitations, place settings, favors, and other items — tend to be less costly than larger events.

-More quality time with your guests: Instead of limiting yourself to a brief hello, you get to enjoy the people who came to share your special day.

-Less planning stress: Generally, smaller weddings have fewer details for you to figure out and execute, saving you time and minimizing your aggravation.

-A relaxed vibe: The overall feel of the wedding will be up to you, and your small event can be formal if you’d like it to be, but micro weddings also lend themselves to a more casual approach.

Guidelines for Micro Wedding Success

If you do want to go forward with a small wedding, these suggestions can help you plan more effectively.

Have a budget. We mentioned that micro weddings can be more affordable than larger events, but you’ll still need to map out how much you want to spend on your micro wedding venue, vendors, food, transportation, rings, and the many other expenses associated with getting married. Keep in mind that no matter how tiny your event is, you can incorporate all of the elements you want. And, with the savings you’ll be realizing as a result of your minimal guest list, you’ll have more to spend on your priorities, from videography to entertainment.

Put venue research high on your list. Most wedding professionals recommend placing venue selection high on your to-do list, after budgeting, but before finalizing a date. You’ll find a wealth of small wedding venues in Houston, for example, including options specifically for couples planning a micro wedding. Once you have your “where” selected, it will be easier to select your “when” and work out other details like décor and vendors.

Make your guest list thoughtfully. With a scaled-down wedding, every decision counts. We suggest taking time to consider who you want there and talking it over with your partner. One thing to remember is, even if you only have a few guests with you in person, you also have the option of live-streaming the ceremony so some people can join you virtually.

Don’t reject the idea of a planner. Of course, the decision to hire a planner is entirely up to you, but even with a small event, professional planners have value to offer. They can, among other things, help you organize your ideas, stay within your budget, negotiate prices, find quality vendors, answer questions, and turn your vision into reality.

Think Carefully Before Assigning Yourself Do-It-Yourself-Projects. Along the same lines, a small wedding does not necessarily mean you or your family have to take charge of the décor, bake your cake, or handle the photography. Yes, you absolutely can do those things if you want, but we advise clients to work with professionals as much as possible. Their experience, connections —and all-important liability insurance — make them worth the investment.

Embrace the wedding you want. Having a micro wedding does not mean that you can’t have the elements you’ve dreamed of for your big day. There are no rules that state you can’t wear the dress you want, have a first look, include traditions that would be meaningful to you, or enjoy the entertainment you have in mind. The only rule we recommend you impose on yourself is to focus on creating an experience that both you and your guests will cherish.