Ceremony Archives - Royalty Planning and Travel, LLC

Archive of ‘Ceremony’ category

Printed Personalized Items For Weddings – San Antonio Invitation Services

September 30, 2015

As an invitation specialist, I am seeing most of my couples ordering Save The Dates approximately 8-12 months prior to the wedding date. They love to put their engagement picture on them and magnets, I would say, are the most popular style. Then, around 4-5 months prior, they are starting the invitation ordering process. I always tell my couple to order early so you don’t feel rushed to get them addressed, especially if you are hiring a calligrapher to address them. They usually require 2-3 weeks for this. So, what else should the couple start thinking about around this time, too? Adding personalization and special touches to your wedding really does get noticed and guests love it! Here’s a list of ideas you can incorporate for your wedding.

Personalized Napkins

I would say this is the most popular add-on to a reception that I see my couples ordering. I recommend you order 1 napkin per guest for the cake and 2 per guest for the bar drinks. Carlson Craft offers so many colors and styles. You can add your names, wedding date, special artwork and even a picture of the two of you. Napkins are pretty inexpensive and a great way to add a touch of personalization. Here are some examples.

Programs

Programs are very popular as well. I would say 70% of my couples are ordering programs for the ceremony. There are so many unique and creative ways to display your programs now. If you are having an outdoor ceremony when it is a little hot, the fan is perfect! A great keepsake is the bookmark program. On the Carlson Craft website, they have a huge selection of programs with lots of great ideas. Programs give the couple a chance to list all those in the wedding party, details about the ceremony, tell their guests thank you for coming, or even tell about a special memory or moment.

Menu Cards

For a more formal look to the table, couples are adding menu cards. This is also helpful if the guests will be choosing from a selection of menu items. The guest can simply circle his/her choice and hand it to the caterer. From my own past experiences as a guest, I always enjoy knowing what I will be served, especially if the dinner consists of multiple courses. You can add a special personalization by creating a monogram and even placing it on the menu card along with all your other printed items.

Coasters/Koozies

A popular party favor I have seen a lot lately is coasters and koozies. This is a very economical way of providing your guests with a keepsake they can keep and use again and again. Guests love them!

Place Cards & Table Numbers

About 50% of the weddings I have coordinated, I have seen assigned tables/seats. When a bride asks me if she should do this or not, I always say, “Yes.” I think this is a great opportunity to have two families meet and get to know each other. When would you ever have all these people together again? Most likely, never. To make it easier on everyone, I always recommend just assigned tables, not the seat. I love to see creative couples with their table assignments. Instead of using numbers, they might use locations of where they have traveled together, special names/animals/phrases/people that are important to them, themed names (ex. famous people, favorite foods/beers, music, etc.). I say the more you can be creative the better!

Other Personalized Items

There are so many ideas when it comes to personalizing. Here’s a list of more items in this category:

Personalized Ribbon – to tie around boxes, make streamers, tie your programs, wrap party favors with, etc.

Small picture holder for your bouquet to honor a deceased family member

Personalized stickers, stamps, seals, tags or labels for your invitations, thank you cards, party favors, or other correspondence

Personalized note cards and thank you notes
Personalized banners and signs – this is fun for the reception area (ex. the sign in table, directing guests where to go)

Small notecards for writing well wishes to the couple (usually placed at the sign in table)

Personalized Matchbooks, party favor boxes, bags (for candy or cookie bars)…get creative!

As you can see, there are so many options when it comes to personalizing your wedding. You can find everything I mentioned above at my 2 online storefronts with Carlson Craft and Printswell. Please go there to shop and order. If you would like my assistance with ordering please contact me and I would be more than happy to walk you through over the phone or we can meet one-on-one to order as well. I am here to help!

You will currently receive 10% off your entire order by ordering through Royalty Events Planning!! That includes your invitations as well. Please contact Trudy Scott at 210-595-9263 or Trudy@RoyaltyEventsPlanning.com to order.

Wedding Ceremony Location Checklist – San Antonio Wedding Coordinator

June 18, 2015

In 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.

How Can Your Pet Be Part of Your Wedding

December 2, 2013

Nowadays, it is considered a delight to see a dog be part of the wedding ceremony or reception. This is particularly true if the groom or bride considers the pet as part of the family. But because it is still not a common occurrence, there still needs to be a number of preparation steps to be done. If you are considering this, you will need to prepare with these things:

Prepare Your Pet

Before you decide whether or not your pet should take part in your wedding, you have to carefully assess his capability. You are the owner of your pet and you know him best. See to it that your pet will not feel agitated or stressed during the wedding so that you do not cause any problems with his temper.

Permission

One important thing you need to do is to check if the venue for the ceremony and reception allow pets. There are certain wedding venues wherein pets are not allowed to be part of. If you are unable to secure pre-required permission, your pet might not be able to enter the venue.

Inform Your Guests

There might be someone in your guest list who is either afraid or allergic to dogs. Make sure you inform them right away that your pet will be part of the ceremony or reception. This way, they can prepare their medication if they are allergic to dogs.

You have to prepare if your pet will not be permitted to join the ceremony or the reception. Instead of this, you can have him join your engagement photos. But if you would like to have your pet with you during your wedding, necessary changes will have to take place. In June, Texas Dogs & Cats’ premier magazine in San Antonio focused on pets in weddings with lots of great ideas! You may call us so we can see how we may be able to help you with this concern. 210-595-9263.

5 Unique Wedding Ceremony Ideas

November 11, 2013

As a wedding planner in San Antonio I’ve seen (and planned) my share of wedding ceremonies. When I got married over 13 years ago, it was rare to have a ceremony where a dog was the best man or a nontraditional song was played as the bride walked down the aisle. Now a days, couples are opting for the “not so traditional” ceremony..and it’s a blast!

If you find yourself staring into space trying to figure out a ceremony that’s different than others here are a few ideas:

Play a nontraditional song down the aisle. Are you a diehard James Taylor or Beatles fan? Why not dance your way down the aisle to one of their fun numbers?
Ditch the traditional program and opt for something more creative. A program is an important element for keeping your guests well educated about your wedding steps so why not make it memorable by using a program fan? This is an excellent option for outside weddings to ward off the Texas summer heat.
Choose an offbeat boutonniere. Who says that the groom and his men have to wear flowers on the left side of their chest? Why not change it up a bit and pin on something unique. If your groom is into golf why not pin on a golf tee. Is he a beach lover? Perhaps a small shell or starfish will make the ceremony memorable for all.
Select a non-traditional wedding ring ‘pillow’. There is nothing written in stone that says your ring bearer must bring the rings on a pillow. Why not add some flare and have him carry them tied to your favorite book?
Have your bridesmaid sign the bottoms of your shoes before you walk down the aisle. An old wives tale tells us that the last signature still remaining after the evening is over will be the next one to walk down the aisle. This is a fun and exciting way to involve your bridesmaid in the festivities and may or may not take the place of throwing your bouquet.

Whatever it is that you choose your wedding ceremony can certainly be unique. You’re not faux pa for breaking tradition. It’s being done all over the world.

If you’re still looking for inspiration, give us a call at 210-595-9263 and let’s chat about some ideas. Don’t forget that we’re here to help your San Antonio wedding be exactly how you envision it.