Archive of ‘San Antonio Wedding Planner’ category

5 Budget Ideas For Fabulous Guest Tables

Every bride has a vision about her wedding and how she wants the reception to look and feel. Here are 5 ideas on ways you can still have your table décor look fabulous at your wedding reception even when you are on a budget.

candles1. Use various sized candle holders & vases to create a dramatic look for evening weddings. Putting water in the taller vases with a floating candle will add “sparkle” to the table from the reflection of the water and candles. This centerpiece was from a past bride who got married at the Westin Riverwalk in San Antonio.

DSC_01502. Use the bridal bouquets as centerpieces for the head table or even on the guest tables. Purchase plastic vases and you can save a fortune! These gold vases were plastic and you couldn’t even tell. McNay Art Museum, San Antonio.

hydrangeas centerpieces votives wedding table

hydrangeas centerpieces votives wedding table

3. Hydrangeas are great filler flowers and come in a variety of colors. Use a few in a vase with a little of greenery & even some twigs you find in your yard and you have a very beautiful, yet inexpensive centerpiece. Add petals and votives for a nice addition to the table as well.

vintage pearls picture wedding reception table

vintage pearls picture wedding reception table

4. This past bride of mine wanted an antique feel to her reception. For the tables she added faux pearls place around the table along with picture frames she had gotten at a dollar store. Because some of the flowers were out of season that the bride wanted, the florist mixed in some faux flowers in the centerpiece. Can you tell which are the fake ones? No one ever knew.

various vases inexpensive flowers doilies budget table

various vases inexpensive flowers doilies budget table

5. This bride was on a very tight budget. She collected various sized vases from garage sales, dollar tree, and food containers to create a collage as the focal point. She then use cheaper flowers and baby’s breath to give the vintage look she was going for. The paper doilies & votive add the last touch to the table & tie the colors together. Simple but cute! Botanical Gardens, San Antonio.

I have so many more ideas for budget friendly décor. If you would like to ask me a question about your wedding please feel free to contact me. http://www.royaltyeventparties.com, 210-595-9263.

Importance of Wedding Timelines

email_postcard_timeline_1000As a new bride-to-be do you know what a “Day Of” timeline is? A timeline is the chronological order of events that occur the entire day of your wedding. It can start from when you wake up in the morning all the way until you leave the reception. When I create a timeline for my couple I like to know what/where they will be prior to the ceremony and always include that in the timeline. I include all the tiny details including when vendors are arriving to set up, special songs, names of those giving toasts, blessings or announcing, what the DJ will announce, when vendors leave and even details of when I will be loading the car with the gifts. Nothing is left out! I do this so everyone (the couple, vendors, & myself) are aware of what is to occur throughout the day so everything goes smoother and if something does go wrong we can correct it more easily.

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Besides the “Day Of” Timeline, there are other timelines the wedding coordinator can create.

  • Bridal Party Timeline – Would include activities & duties of the bridesmaids & maid/matron of honor
  • Groomsmen’s Timeline – Same as bridesmaid’s
  • Vendor Timeline – A separate timeline that gives the vendors just the times/details of what they would need to know for the “Day Of”
  • “Week Of” Timelines – Great for destination weddings (planner & guests would have separate timelines)

I go a step further and supply the couple with the order of the processional for the ceremony. The list would consist of all the full names and phone numbers of the wedding party and those participating in the ceremony. I like to have their numbers just in case they are missing and I need to locate them.

I then create the list for the announcing of the wedding party for the reception. I give the DJ a copy of this a few days prior so he has time to figure out all the pronunciations of all the names. I also verify with the bride and groom how they want to be announced as entering. For example, I now present you with Mr. and Mrs. Daniel and Shellie Smith.”

If you would like to find out more about my services please call me at 210-595-WAND (9263) or visit my website at http://www.royaltyeventparties.com.

Bridesmaid Duties: What You Need to Know

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So your best friend from College just called and announced that she’s getting married! You congratulate her and tell her that you’re really happy for her. Just as you’re about to end the call, she tells you that she chose you to be her bridesmaid. You tell her thank you and that you’re excited to be given that honor. And really, you’re thrilled. Just a little nervous about what bridesmaids really do.

What exactly do bridesmaids do? Here’s a rundown on your duties as bridesmaid:

Before the Wedding:

  • Help out with pre-wedding tasks. The soon-to-be bride will be very busy in a short amount of time. You will need to help her with your time and energy because there is only so much that she can do on her own. As a bridesmaid, you can volunteer to help in a specific task that you are comfortable with like recommending an affordable caterer or wedding invitation supplier. No matter how little help it is, it will already be major for her!
  • Share duties with other bridesmaids. Get in touch with the bride’s other bridesmaids and be in constant communication with them. Plan the bridal shower and the bachelorette party together. Offer to split the bill on these two occasions.
  • Check out some bridesmaid dresses, accessories, and shoes. Look for your own ensemble and make sure it coincides with the bride’s wedding details.
  • Attend rehearsals. Whether it’s the ceremony or dinner, make sure that you attend these.

During the Wedding:

  • Help the Maid of Honor. Especially if there isn’t a wedding planner in sight, make sure that you help the Maid of Honor with simple tasks she can no longer attend to: keep a record of the gifts, greet guests, bring the bride her requests, and many more.
  • Mingle with other people. If you’re single, make sure that you mingle with other guests. This includes dancing and possibly inviting strangers to dance with you. Who knows, that cute groomsman might be single too!

One last bridesmaid duty you need to fulfill is that you have to be there for the bride whenever she needs you. Yes, this means even when she’s getting the wedding jitters! You have to be there for her, not only because she chose you to be a bridesmaid, but because you’re her friend.

Do you need help planning your friend’s wedding or bridal shower? Make sure to call me at (210-595-9263). You can also visit my website for more information on San Antonio weddings.

5 Unique Wedding Ceremony Ideas

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!

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

  1. 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?
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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?
  5. 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.

Wedding Success-Choosing the Right Vendors

Whatever wedding style you are planning, big or small, chances are you will need to hire at least one, if not several vendors.  Whether its a florist, cake decorator, caterer or other specialist, hiring the right person for the job is so important.  It can relieve anxiety knowing you can count on things being done correctly. And, the right vendor,can take the hum drum to the fabulous, which what you want, right?

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For nearly all wedding vendors the greatest compliment they can receive is word of mouth recommendation.  That having been said be sure to ask your trusted family and friends who they used and if they would be happy to use them again.  You’ll gain a lot of knowledge this way as people love to share their experiences.

After asking around though, you’ll be much happier if you do the rest of your homework.  When you actually contact a potential vendor there is additional information you need to get before you decide to contract with them.  Here’s a partial list of things to ask:

  1. References!  Do they have some reviews on line to read?
  2. Can you see photos of previous events they have worked with?
  3. Be clear about the charges.  Are their services provided in the area of your wedding or will there be extra travel charges added on? If a deposit for services is made what arrangement is there to finish paying for services?
  4. When do their services actually start? and end? Does what they do involve any cleanup and do they provide this?
  5. This is probably THE most important tip:  Get it all in WRITING.  Don’t rely on a verbal agreement.  We are all forgetful in such a busy time.  This tip can save you hours of grief.

There is no question that to plan a wonderful time for you and your guests takes work and planning but it can all be done and still be an enjoyable time.  Here in the San Antonio area, Royal Events Parties, is here to help you coordinate all the steps and make your special day one you will have fond memories of forever.  Please give us a call at 210-595-WAND or email us at info@royaltyeventparties.com and let’s talk about your wedding.

 

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