Archive of ‘Outdoor Weddings’ category

Vintage Wedding Decor Ideas – San Antonio Wedding Consultant

View More: http://elegantbeautyphoto.pass.us/laura-and-tim-sawicki-weddingIn San Antonio, the vintage look is still in when it comes to weddings. I don’t think it will ever go out of style for some couples. The most important part in having your vintage-inspired wedding look perfect is the location. Either having it in an old historic building with antiques, wood floors & intricate details or outside with beautiful surroundings of trees and flowers is essential for everything to tie together. Here are some ideas in San Antonio and the surrounding area for a great venue to accomplish the vintage look.

View More: http://elegantbeautyphoto.pass.us/laura-and-tim-sawicki-wedding

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The next step is to purchase or rent vintage furniture and décor. I have had several brides go to thrift stores and antique stores and make some great finds! Antique vases, books, trinkets, jewelry, luggage, containers, etc. are perfect for adding to the charm and ambiance of the venue space. A past couple of mine got lots of old library books and tied them together with ribbon and had them on each table for part of the centerpiece. They added in old gloves, lace, tea pots and trinkets to really give the table a vintage feel.

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Here is another example from a past couple of mine where she had shopped around for vintage vases and then added beautiful creams and shades of pink colored flowers. The bride actually made the exquisite birdcages hanging from the ceiling to incorporate a vintage yet glamorous look to them.

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If you really want to have your guests feel they have gone back into time, it’s all about how you design your tables with the vintage items, the flowers you choose, the furniture style used and even the dress attire of the wedding party. All the small details will be noticed, I promise you, so have fun with it! Here are some furniture rental companies in the San Antonio area:

If you need help planning your vintage-styled wedding please contact Trudy Scott of Royalty Events Planning at 210-595-9263 or Trudy@RoyaltyEventsPlanning.com.

Table Decor Do’s & Don’ts At Your Wedding – San Antonio Wedding Coordinator

IMG_7540As a wedding coordinator, I have seen it all in terms of décor. Each couple has their own budget and style which determines what the entire feel and look will be of their wedding. I do try and make suggestions for adding elegance and a little more pizazz to the table but it is up the couple if they will follow that advice or not.

Don’ts For Table Decor

Let’s talk about the Don’ts of what to do for your table décor. This list is what I have actually seen at weddings and I have frowned upon. However, there is really nothing I can do when everything has been ordered or purchased and this is what I have to work with when setting it all up.

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1. Don’t rent or purchase shorter linens than the table. It doesn’t look classy to have the legs popping out at the bottom! Guests do notice.  If you aren’t sure about the length call a rental/linen company that can tell you exactly the size you need. Do you know what a 108, 120 or 132 is? You need an expert to tell you.

2. Don’t have clashing linen textures on different tables. Stick to one type, i.e. satin, polyester, crinkle, etc., and make sure all the tables are using this same type. This includes the cake, gift and sign in tables too.

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3. Don’t have just a small centerpiece in the middle of the table with nothing else on the table. This looks so blah. Don’t you want the wow factor when guests walk into the venue and see the reception? I’ll give you ideas under the “Do’s List”.

4. Don’t do some crazy origami fold for the napkin. Guests will wonder why a swan is on the table. You don’t need that!

 

5. The white linen with the colored overlay. This look is so old fashion. You don’t need the overlay!

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6. Using the same centerpiece for all the tables. This will make the room seem very uniformed and uninteresting.

Do’s For Table Decor

My favorite part of a wedding is setting it up. I love to get creative and make each and every area look the best it can. If I know I’ll be setting up a specialty table like a candy bar, cigar bar, dessert table, etc., I usually will bring extra décor that I own with me to jazz up the table even more (the couples don’t even know I do this). It’s just something I love to do! Here is a list of Do’s for your table décor at your wedding.

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1. Do personalize the table with menu cards, unique table #’s (or places you’ve traveled, favorite things to do together, favorites of each other, etc.), pictures of each other, small trinkets of something important to the both of you, décor that goes with the theme (ex. antique décor or maracas – I have had couples do both of these).

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2. Fold the napkin in simple ways such as the rectangle traditional fold or the waterfall fold where it hangs over the edge of the table. For a touch of elegance you could put the napkin in the water glass but this gets tricky when the caterer is trying to fill the water glasses.

3. If you have to choose between white or ivory linens go with the ivory. It is a more elegant color and looks better with additional colors. White linens reminds me too much of a sweet sixteen party.

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4. Stick with just FLOOR LENGTH linen and no table overlay. You don’t need it! Color can be added in the flowers and napkins. There are beautiful linens nowadays (the champagne color is one of my favorites) and that’s all you need!

5. If you have more than 15 tables then you need to have 3 types of centerpieces to really give the room a nice look. I recommend a tall, medium and low (or switch out the low for a candlescape with elegant candle holders). Just be sure on the medium size that guests can see each other still from across the table. Use different styled vases too so the tables have their own look. Get creative! If you are using white or ivory table cloths then use some color in your centerpieces to spice up the room.

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6. Add even more to the table with these ideas: chargers, party favor, dinnerware and glasses. When you add your personalized items that I mentioned from above, your table is complete and will look beautiful!

7. I did want to mention the chair…Chiavari chairs are my first preference but can be a little pricey if you’re on a budget. The next option is the bistro chair and then the folding chair. I would recommend one of these options before covering the chairs. It is completely my opinion, but I feel the room looks classier without the chair covers. Again, it looks so uniformed and like a sweet sixteen party with them on.

If you need help with your décor and how you should design the look and feel of your wedding reception please contact me. I have seen a lot of weddings and can tell you what I have found looks fantastic! I’m here for you!! Trudy Scott, Royalty Events Planning, 210-595-9263, http://www.RoyaltyEventsPlanning.com.

 

 

Wedding Ceremony Location Checklist – San Antonio Wedding Coordinator

IMG_3011 webP161In San Antonio, there are beautiful churches, cathedrals and missions plus beautiful outdoor locations at venues, the Riverwalk and even hotels and resorts. So many options! With that comes rules and guidelines, classes, and fees that you have to consider when choosing your location. As a coordinator, I want to be there to help with the ceremony set up, pinning of boutonnieres, passing out flowers, helping the bridal party and family, lining up and queuing. However, some churches are more strict than others and do not allow coordinators there. San Fernando Cathedral is one of those locations. It was founded in 1731 and is the oldest, continuously functioning religious community in the State of Texas. They have a lot of guidelines to follow in order to be married there. This is something you need to consider when choosing your ceremony location.

Lets talk about having an indoor vs outdoor wedding ceremony. The two can be very different so you need to consider each differently. Here are some questions to ask the venue or the church event coordinator before booking.

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Photo by Ara Photography

Inside Ceremonies

  • What time is the wedding party allowed to enter the church/venue prior to the ceremony?
  • Is there a bridal room for the bride and bridal party to get ready in?
  • Is there a room for the men to go to?
  • Does the bridal room have a mirror and access to a bathroom?
  • What are the policies for floral décor?
  • For churches, do we have to leave the altar flowers or can we take them after the ceremony?
  • What are the rules for hanging pew markers?
  • Are we allowed to use an aisle runner and if so, how can we tack it down?
  • Where will the musicians be located and will they be able to see the aisle well?
  • For churches, do we have to use your musicians or can we bring in our own? What kind of music do you allow and not? Is there an additional fee for your musicians?
  • Does the venue/church allow for photography and videography? What are the rules they must follow (flash, standing, etc.)?
  • Are guests permitted to take pictures?
  • In the church, are there places that the ushers should not sit anyone?
  • Where will the wedding party line up and enter from?
  • Are there policies that need to be listed in the program for guests to be aware of (e.g. no photography, dress attire, etc.)?
  • Is a rehearsal included? Will the pastor be there for it or the event coordinator?
  • For churches, what paperwork is required? Any classes?
  • Are flower petals allowed? What can be thrown afterwards outside?
  • What is the fees and deposit amounts?
  • Are outside wedding coordinators allowed?

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 Outdoor Ceremonies

(Lets assume that all outdoor ceremonies will be at a venue/hotel/resort)

  • What time will the venue be available prior to the ceremony?
  • Is there a separate holding area for both the bride and groom and the wedding party?
  • Does the bridal room have a mirror and access to a bathroom?
  • What are your rules for decorating the aisle and ceremony location? Petals allowed?
  • How is the seating normally arranged?
  • Do you provide chairs? Arch? Anything else?
  • Think about your guest’s and which direction the sun will be facing at that time of day. Is there shade? Water station allowed? Will it be hot or cold?
  • Do we need a microphone and speakers to project the officiant, bride and groom and readers? Is there power nearby for this?
  • Do you need a podium for readers or officiant?
  • Do you need a table for the unity candle or other items?
  • Where will the musicians be located at and will they be able to see the aisle?
  • Where will the wedding party line up and enter from?
  • What is the Plan B for rain?
  • Is a rehearsal included or extra fee or can’t do at all?
  • What are the fees?
  • Can we bring in our own wedding coordinator?

On the day of the wedding, if you haven’t hired a wedding coordinator (which is what I recommend), put a special friend or family member in charge of making sure the programs, reserved signs and accessories such as the unity candle make it to the church or venue on time. Be sure the readers have copies of their readings with them and that a copy of the readings is also given to the officiant. You’ll need to instruct the ushers what their duties are, pin on boutonnieres and pass out corsages and bouquets, and check on the bride to make sure she doesn’t need anything. As a San Antonio coordinator, I bring a wedding day emergency kit that has a little bit of everything for needs that might come up.

If I can assist with your ceremony or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I am a professional wedding consultant in San Antonio, Texas. 210-595-9263, Trudy@RoyaltyEventsPlanning.com. Please go to my website to learn more about my services. I not only have coordination services but invitation and honeymoon as well.

What’s your Plan B for your wedding? – San Antonio Weddings

I have to start this blog by telling a (not too funny for the bride – but somewhat funny for me as a coordinator) story at a previous wedding of mine. We knew that a cold front was going to blow in later in the evening during the reception but didn’t realize just how windy it would get. She had a table of pictures out as well as my floor easel with her bridal portrait. I didn’t want anything to happen to that picture so I bungeed it to the easel tightly and knew it wouldn’t go anywhere, so I thought. Well, later in the evening, the wind picked up and pictures started to fall, even the bridal portrait. But how could this be? Oh, it never left the easel. The entire easel with picture fell bungeed together. The frame broke but the picture was still perfect. Luckily, I had a bride that was very laid back and understood things happen.

As a coordinator, I am always thinking about the what if’s. The main one being, WHAT IF IT RAINS? Have you thought about that too? I thought this topic was very appropriate for my next blog since I had to deal with the Plan B just this past weekend for a wedding I coordinated. If you are getting married during a rainy season you definitely need to keep the Plan B in mind when booking your venue where part or all of your wedding will be outside. Be sure to ask the venue coordinator what it is. Some do not have a Plan B so that means it is all up to you to provide a cover for your guests.

If you do not live in San Antonio, you might also be dealing with tornadoes, blizzards or hurricanes. Yikes! Can’t even fathom all that. I’ll just stick to the rain. Here are your Plan B options:

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1. Move the ceremony inside. This can take place in the reception area with either closing a partition to hide the guest tables or moving in the tables and setting them after the ceremony when the guests move to the cocktail hour space. This might be a little stressful so make sure you have a coordinator and extra staff helping with this. They will probably just have 1 hour max to complete the room flip.

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2. A tent. PLEASE call your rental companies a couple of months before the wedding to get some pricing on tents so you’ll know exactly who to call when the time comes. Maybe ask them too to put it on hold with a deposit (you might loose the deposit if you don’t use it, though). Contact them about 1 month prior if you haven’t put it on hold to see if it is still available. Ask what they can do for you to ensure you have a tent, if needed last minute. It’s worth asking, right? You’ll want to make sure you rent one that is large enough for your guests, dance floor, bar, & catering area. Consider flaps for the sides too in case it is windy or cold.

3. Most venues will require you make a decision on using Plan A or B the day before. Be sure to ask the venue ahead of time about their policy on this. Some will make the call the morning of which is what I think is fair! However, keep in mind that once the call has been made there usually is no switching last minute. The set up time takes hours to complete and realistically you can’t expect the venue to change everything once it is complete.

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I have had some interesting moments at weddings but the one thing I remember about my wonderful couples was that they didn’t let the weather get them down. Please don’t blame the venue or coordinator if the weather clears right before your wedding and wished you had just stuck with Plan A. Weather can be tricky and you just never know what will happen. This past weekend at Ring Mountain Event Center in Comfort, TX, I had a wedding where the weather was very unpredictable. It was cloudy early, then it got sunny for a bit and then it stormed with hail! The one thing that really stood out to me was how calm both the bride and groom were because they knew they had a great Plan B in place and they knew I would take care of any hiccups during the event. I would say the timeline was changed quite a bit but everything still flowed during the evening and it was beautiful.

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A few months ago at the Lambermont in San Antonio, TX, we knew the day before that storms were going to hit during the reception. So, I went to the venue and spent the evening figuring out the new diagram with all the guests inside instead of outside. It was tight but it all worked out by moving tables out after dinner to make room for the dance floor. The only thing I remember happening was a couple of centerpieces blowing down when the wind picked up that were under the covered patio. We were not expecting such strong winds! You have to be prepared for anything and just know it is what it is and it is OK.

I would love to help coordinate all the details about your wedding. Please call me and we can talk about your wedding and your needs. Please go to my website to learn more about my services. Trudy Scott, Royalty Events Planning, 210-595-9263, RoyaltyEventsPlanning.com

Wedding Venues – What to know and ask

10947212_10152938578565210_2045012686152028703_nCongratulations on your wedding! You just got engaged and you’re ready to start planning your wedding! This is the most exciting time of your life! What do you do first? The biggest expense of your wedding could easily be the venue at traditional locations. Those locations could be in a hotel ballroom, a building just for events, country clubs, historical buildings, museums, bed and breakfasts and restaurants. If you’re on a tight budget you could even have it at a church hall or at someone’s home. Lets dig deeper into all the details of choosing the perfect venue for you.

Research

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First, you want to look at those venues that will give you the look and feel of the style you are wanting for your wedding but will allow you stay within your budget. There are a ton of places you can look at so the following information will help in narrowing down your search. How do I find those places? If you do a search for “San Antonio Wedding Venues” (enter your city) there will be directories of popular wedding websites where venues are listed. You can normally see pictures, more details of the place and price range as well. Here is an example of a great San Antonio wedding website with tons of great information, http://www.sanantonioweddings.com/default.aspx. Asking your newly married friends could be a great way to gather information as well. They could tell you which ones they looked at or used that offered great deals, had good service and were easy to work with. Using a wedding coordinator can also be an asset for helping in gathering this information and making recommendations. Ultimately, though it will be couple’s decision in the venue they choose. Another creative way of gathering information is by asking photographers or videographers which venues they have had a great experience at before. They have been to many venues and probably have insights from those other weddings.

Something else to keep in mind is the catering. Some venues require you to use their in-house catering while with others you are allowed to bring in your own. You need to look  at their typical plate cost to see if the venue plus catering is in your budget. You can end up spending a lot more than you thought originally because of their menu pricing. However, you also need to look at what the venue is offering in terms of package discounts (some venue rental fees are even free with their in-house catering) and additional items (ex. linens, uplighting, table/chairs, centerpieces, etc.). You could end up saving money if those items are included into the price.  If you are thorough and research each venue carefully you can find one that fits in your budget and give you the look and feel you are wanting. Trust me!

What To Ask

You have narrowed down your search to a handful and now it is time to inquire with them about their packages and what is included. You can call and speak to the venue coordinator to get the initial information and then schedule a time to take a tour and see firsthand what the venue has to offer. It is important to ask the right questions to make sure you are getting the best package fit for your needs. If you can bring your wedding coordinator with you to the walk through I highly recommend that. They will know just the right questions to ask and what to look for. Here are example questions you’ll want to ask the venue coordinator:

How many guests will it hold (with table and chairs and dance floor)?

How many tables will fit? Types & size of tables?

Do they provide table and chairs (if so, what kind)?

Is set up and tear down of the table and chairs included in package?

Are linens included? If so, what colors?

Do they provide centerpieces? If so, what?

China included?

How many hours is included in the fee?

How much time do you have the day of to set up?

Is the AC on during this time?

Who cleans up?

How much time to tear down?

Is there a plan B for outdoor venues in case of rain? If so, what is it?

Is security required? If so, how many, who do we need to go through and what is their fee?

Do they have in-house catering? Or is outside allowed?

Liquor Rules?

Is dance floor included, extra or must be rented elsewhere?

How many people will the dance floor hold?

If having the ceremony at the same location you will need to find out about rehearsal time. Is it allowed, when and for how long?

Always ask the venue coordinator if there is anything else you need to know before leaving. You don’t want to miss out on anything!

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0028I love being a wedding coordinator in San Antonio! There are so many options when it comes to venue selection. We have the gorgeous Riverwalk with lots of hotel & historical locations. There are lots of Texas Hill Country options in the surrounding areas (ex. Boerne, Helotes, Castroville, La Vernia, Spring Branch, Comfort, etc.). There are beautiful museum options in the heart of San Antonio and also event rental venues all throughout the city. San Antonio definitely offers an option for every style – modern, romantic, traditional, rustic, Mexican, Victorian, etc.

If you need assistance in finding the perfect venue for your wedding, please contact me. I would LOVE to help you! Trudy, Royalty Events Planning, 210-595-9263, Trudy@RoyaltyEventsPlanning.com. Go to my website RoyaltyEventsPlanning.com to learn more about my services and go “LIKE” me on my FB page to keep up with events, wedding tips, pictures, and what I’m doing. https://www.facebook.com/royaltyeventparties

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