March 13, 2015
in 1928 Planning, Schades of Light, Wedding Design Ideas, Wedding Reception Ideas

I think I speak for most – between the weddings you and your beau attend each year and all of the ones you’re sure your guests attend, you are looking for something that says wow – something that embodies your signature wedding, something that will entertain your guests and make them remembering your wedding long after the night is over. We’ve seen some great ways to incorporate non-traditional wedding entertainment ideas over the last several seasons. Because of the impact we see that it can bring to a celebration, we felt the need to share! We just might help you get some ideas flowing of your own with just how cool and creative some of these are! Enjoy!

 

Interactive games

We love the reaction on a guests’ face when they see interactive games on display at a reception. This wedding entertainment idea can range so much: mad libs to play while waiting for dinner service to begin, i-Spy games for kids (or hey, adults too!), lawn games like cornhole and giant jenga, word search napkins to grab at the bar, honestly – the list goes on!

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Photo Credit: Chandler Rose Photography (right, top left)

Food

We find ourselves blogging about food a lot – shouldn’t shock you. Bringing food to the forefront and focal point at a reception is what most are looking to do. Considering you will likely spend a good portion of your wedding budget in the food category, I’m sure you’ll want to make an awesome impression!

Try tasting menus to evolve the typical wedding reception meal, where each course is paired with a wine or beer selection. Consider renting a food truck for an added wedding entertainment feature during the reception. Those that we’ve seen typically debut after dinner is over, when the appetite starts to come back once dancing begins. Having a killer late night snack will leave guests with a full-foodie experience and that lasting impression that we mentioned. If going the food truck route – try the famous Ice Cream Truck, Mimi’s Cupcakes on Wheels, or The Hotdog Cart! If looking to stay in-house for food, ask your caterer what options they offer for late night (sliders, pizzas, french fries, sundae bars, s’mores!) – sorry it’s coming up on lunchtime here!

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Photo Credit: Blueline Photography (right) | 430 Studios (bottom left)

Atmosphere

This is what it’s all about. One of my favorite parts of planning is helping build your layout of the venue, where each table and design feature is meticulously placed in order to maximize the guest experience. Wedding entertainment can mean a lot of things – and having the ultimate, inviting atmosphere is one of them. Atmosphere is not only about the venue you select to host the celebration, but about the guest comfort you create for them within the venue. Lighting is key to adding ambiance after dark (especially the work from Schades of Light!) Pair that with a lounge environment with comfy couches and chairs and you’ve got yourself a winner. Think about adding some other entertaining items, like a cigar bar, or the yard games mentioned above.

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Photo Credit: 430 Studios (top) | Blueline Photography (bottom)

After party

Not a whole lot to justify here! After parties have been wedding trending and here’s why. It’s likely that your guests have traveled far to be a part of the festivities. It’s also likely that your reception venue closes shop between 11:00p – midnight. But does that mean your guests have to say nighty-night? Nope! It’ll give you just that much more time to celebrate with guests – who will appreciate the extra effort made too! Looking for the top after party locations in town? Check it out here!

 

We’ve got tons more ideas to share – just reach out to us!

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February 13, 2015
in 1928 Planning, Real Weddings, Schades of Light, Wedding Coordination, Wedding Design Ideas, Wedding Reception Ideas

For 1928 Planning, holiday weekends always bring us an extra level of excitement and when you add in coordinating a wedding for a phenomenal couple, well, you realize just how awesome of a career you have! Jackie & Andy’s Fourth of July wedding celebration at The Veranda @ The Whitcomb in St. Joseph, MI, stars in our latest Real Weddings edition – and we are eager to share!

READY

Just like you’d hope for in July, it was gorgeous weather for their outdoor wedding celebration. After spending the morning getting ready at The Boulevard Inn, Jackie and Andy shared their intimate first look at easily the most breathtaking view of the city and Lake Michigan from atop the Whitcomb Tower. We are always telling people how much of a hidden gem it is – it never disappoints!

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Being just a quick jaunt away from Tiscornia Beach, the bridal party took a ride in style on the Sunset Coast Trolley and headed towards the beach to take advantage of one of the most noted landmark’s the city has to offer: The North Pier Lighthouse.

BRIDAL

The rooftop ceremony was, believe it or not, a first for The Veranda. It made for quite a special time and one that 1928 was thankful to be a part of! After trouble securing a ceremony location on a holiday weekend, Jackie and Andy were encouraged by their photographer, Ben Pancoast Photography, to check out The Veranda’s blank slate rooftop and have their wedding ceremony propped right above the bluff that overlooks Lake Michigan. Remember when I said the views don’t disappoint? This here was no exception.

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Their summer inspired color scheme complemented the rooftop perfectly, with pops of bright coral in their decor, florals, and bridesmaids dresses. They even topped off each ceremony chair with a pair of signature sunglasses both as favors and to keep their guests comfortable during the sunny afternoon ceremony.

CEREMONY 4

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As the ceremony ended, guests made their way downstairs to enjoy an hour of cocktails, music and delicious bites while lounging on the rented patio furniture in the connected garden. The layout of the reception was so unique – filling the space with large King Arthur tables to provide larger seating capacity at each table. It was a great way to add some dimension to the venue and to fit a larger guest count.

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The charcoal gray linens and ruffled runners paired with bundles of free-spirit coral roses made such a statement in the monochromatic atmosphere of The Veranda. Throughout the venue, no detail was forgotten. They designed signage that matched the table number with photos of both Andy and Jackie at the age. Something we are sure the guests enjoyed looking through as they found their seats for dinner service.

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The night was filled with family-style dinner service provided by (the awesome!) CK Catering, and delicious mini pies and cupcake bites from Amanda Marie’s Bakery for dessert hour. As the sun set, guests enjoyed dancing, sparklers, and anxiously awaiting the Fourth of July fireworks display over Lake Michigan.

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As dusk came, the much anticipated firework show began, displaying in ideal view for the wedding guests gathered in the garden and on the walkway of The Veranda. It was literally a picture-perfect ending to their reception and sent guests off on such a high note! Jackie and Andy enjoyed the fireworks from the Tower. It made for some remarkable photos and a few minutes of alone time with each other to take it all in as their reception came to a close.

FIREWORKS

For more details on Jackie and Andy’s big day and so much more, contact 1928!

Vendors for Jackie & Andy:

Day of Coordination & Rentals: 1928 Planning Co.

Catering: CK Catering

Baker: Amanda Marie’s Bakery

Florals: Crystal Springs Florist

Photography: Ben Pancoast Photography

Music: DJ – Music Unlimited | Harpist – Meg Rodgers

Transportation: Sunset Coast Trolley

Lighting: Schades of Light

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February 6, 2015
in 1928 Planning, Beach Wedding, Wedding Coordination, Wedding Planning

BEACH INFO

Beach weddings in Michigan are becoming splendid ceremony alternatives for Midwesterners. Here at 1928, we are well-seasoned in beach ceremonies. That is why we have created this guide of our favorite beach and pavilion ceremony locations here in Southwest Michigan. We know a lot of our couples are from out of town and want to have a unique wedding along the shores of Lake Michigan, but they don’t always know what to consider when they look.

Oftentimes couples forget they need feasible access for their elderly guests, or they forget about a sound system … or the undeniable parking situation. We have started a list to help you start thinking about the best options in the area. We also offer ceremony planning services, where we attend your rehearsal to prompt cues, provide you with white padded chairs, decorate and tear down your ceremony site for you and be the point on contact at the beach for you, your guests, and your vendors.

Weko Beach Park – Bridgman, MI

Why we love it: While it is a little bit of a drive, this is one of our favorite gems. Weko Beach is right off of Red Arrow Highway in Bridgman and it has plenty of parking. The beach is extremely large and seldom crowded for that reason.

Distance from Saint Joseph: 13 miles, 20 minutes

Cost to rent: There is no pavilion; beach access is free to the public – so you would need to arrive early to stake your claim

Cost to park: $7 per vehicle for a daily pass

Public Restroom: Yes

Electricity: No

Shadowland Pavilion – St. Joseph, MI

shadowland pavilion copyPhoto Credit: Matt Pratt Photography

Why we love it: While the pavilion is not directly on the beach, it overlooks the St. Joseph river and is at the entry point of the St. Joseph Lighthouse. There is a beautiful walkway with sculptures along the river for guests to explore along with the lighthouse. We also love this location because it is under shelter and you don’t necessarily need a Plan B should it rain. There is also an option to put chairs in the grass for unlimited seating.

Distance from Saint Joseph: It’s in the heart of it all!

Cost to rent: $400 for non-residents on weekends

How many does it seat: 200 under the pavilion

Cost to park: $8 per vehicle for a daily pass (non-residents)

Public Restroom: Yes

Electricity: Yes

Tiscornia Beach – St. Joseph, MI

tiscornia copyPhoto Credit: Jordanne and Ryan Photography (top) | Woodnote Photography (bottom)

Why we love it: Tiscornia is our favorite (and free!) beach ceremony site in St. Joe. It runs along the north side of the St. Joseph Lighthouse and makes for awesome ceremony photos. We also love it because although a public beach, it is typically less crowded than Lions Park and Silver Beach. The only downside of Tiscornia is that the parking lot isn’t massive. We recommend using a shuttle service for a ceremony here.

Distance from Saint Joseph: North side of St. Joe

Cost to rent: Free

Cost to park: $5 per vehicle for a daily pass

Public Restroom: Yes

Electricity: No

Jean Klock Park and Jean Klock Park Pavilion – Benton Harbor, MI

jeanklock copyPhoto Credit: Ben Pancoast Photography

 

Why we love it: Getting to Jean Klock is a beautiful drive over the St. Joseph river and up a large sand dune. There is a ton of parking and the pavilion offers an option to have your ceremony under a shelter. To have your ceremony on the beach, it is free. The fee for the pavilion below.

Distance from Saint Joseph: 1.5 miles, 5 minutes

Cost to rent: $600 for 4-hours, $1200 for 8-hours, $1500 for full day (for non-residents)

Cost to park: $8 per vehicle for a daily pass (for non-residents)

Public Restroom: Yes

Electricity: Yes (at pavilion only)

 

 

A couple of things to always remember and when considering a beach wedding ceremony:

Don’t assume your DJ will/can go to the beach. Because there is no electricity at most beaches, DJ’s will need to bring in a battery-powered sound system. Be sure to have this be a question you are asking possible DJ vendors. We have also done our fair share of weddings without sound systems – just keep in mind that when it is windy, not everyone will be able to hear your officiant without a mic!

We hope this helps narrow down your Michigan beach wedding site search! There is nothing like dipping your toes in the sand and saying your “I dos” on Lake Michigan. Contact us today to see if we are available to help plan your beach wedding ceremony! Check out our service page here for more info on what we offer!

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January 28, 2015
in 1928 Planning, Wedding Planning, Wedding Reception Ideas, Wedding Trends

We all love catching up on wedding trends for the upcoming year – it’s something we look forward to and gets us excited to think about what our clients might debut for the weddings ahead! It’s that time again – welcome to our post on 2015 wedding trends! Some are new and fun, while others are trends that have been around and just aren’t saying sayonara anytime soon.

In 2013, the #1 word engaged couples used to identify their wedding was FUN! In 2015 they are using the phrase “down to earth ambiance”… seen in their florals, food, color schemes, and guest experience.

Florals

What’s In:

Organic looking tablescapes with free-spirited arrangements are trending for 2015. The move is towards a wild-garden look with more than one color or type of flower.

Utilizing non-floral items – such such as berries, fruit, acorns, etc. We witnessed centerpieces in the fall of 2014 filled with accents of artichokes and pomegranates.

Imperfections are welcomed.

Fresh pickings from a farmer’s market or local grower. It’s not only budget-savvy, but it also lends itself to the trend.

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Photo Credit: 430 Studios (left) | Ben Pancoast Photography (right)

Food

What’s In:

Food pairings with beer or wine. Local wine or craft beer complimented with delicious bites – what could be better than this 2015 wedding trend?

Family-style dining. The guests feel comfortable and at home, passing delicious food around the table. Guest interaction is a big goal for today’s couples and nothing gets a conversation started quite like this style of service. Family style is acceptable for casual and more formal receptions.

Locally sourced and seasonal food.

Late night snack attack. Give the guests an extra element of surprise near the end of the evening with another round of food. The late night snack tends to make it’s debut around 9:30p at receptions. This time of night you’ll be craving snacks and comfort food. Treat guests to a build-your-own coney bar, sliders and fries, pizza, and quesadillas. You’ll want something that can be versatile enough for all of your guests to enjoy.

Fondant wedding cake vs. buttercream wedding cake. The trend is headed away from the fondant extravaganza and instead showing off a more textured cake using buttercream. Your possibilities are endless with buttercream. We’ve seen tiered cakes that offer a different, but complementary, design on each layer. Of course we can’t forget about the ‘naked cake’ that has been trending too!

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Photo Credit: Jordanne + Ryan Photography (bottom left) | 430 Studios (right and upper left)

Color Schemes

What’s In:

Bold colors and non-traditional color combos. Pastels and neutrals aren’t necessarily done for, but the use of a bold or unexpected accent color is something we will see quite a bit as a 2015 wedding trend. We are sure Pantone’s 2015 Color of the Year: Marsala will make its mark, especially in the fall of 2015. Below are the Top 10 Wedding Color Combos for 2015 courtesy Stylish Wedding Ideas.

stylish wedding trends

The Experience

What’s In:

With the average wedding sized around 140 guests (smaller than past years), couples are wanting to create an experience from beginning to end.

Build up the excitement long before the big day with a wedding website or some fun and unique wedding invitations. Since invitations are the first impression for your wedding, make it count with something unexpected that will grab attention and add a wow-factor. The goal is to build the anticipation long before the actual big day.

Give thank you’s as they exit rather than just a favor at a place setting for them to grab. We think this is a great trend for 2015. We’ve seen too many favors get left behind at the dinner tables! If you’re wanting to give guests a takeaway and have the room in your budget, make sure they aren’t left behind!

Offer transportation to accommodate your out of town guests. Buses or trolleys are popular to shuttle guests to and from hotels, allowing them to just enjoy the evening and leave their GPS back at home. 

This is a biggie: keep in mind guest comfort. Recently we wrote a blog on Creating Your Signature Wedding. One of the best things you can do while planning is to think about the experiences and comfort of your guests. Consider all angles: hot or cold weather, hungry or thirsty guests, how to manage a kid-friendly reception and thinking about the flow of your wedding timeline. 

 

For more on what’s trending – contact us!

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January 19, 2015
in 1928 Planning, DIY Hot Spot!, Wedding Coordination, Wedding Planning

Having a DIY wedding vs. hiring a wedding professional … probably one of the most ongoing thoughts and debates in a couple’s mind throughout planning.

Even as planners, sure, we think there is nothing wrong with doing a little bit of DIY for your wedding. After all, you want the day to speak of all things YOU and who you are as a couple. And what’s a better way to do so than utilizing your own skills, right?

Well, sort of.

Most couples we meet want their wedding day – and of course the months leading up to it – to be stress-free, enjoyable and go without a hitch. Our piece of advice when making the ultimate decision on having a DIY wedding vs. hiring a wedding professional, is asking yourself a few questions:

Will going DIY result in the overall guest experience as a good one or a bad one?

For this particular task, why do I think doing it myself is the way to go? Does your answer seem reasonable?

Money aside, how could we benefit from hiring a wedding professional for this task?

And last but certainly not least, just remember…

Nothing trumps your sanity!

Hiring a trusted wedding professional: DJ, photographer, videographer, baker, florist, alcohol supplier, lighting vendor, etc. will bring you peace of mind. They have most likely been in the industry for years, if not decades. They know what is trending, what works and doesn’t work, and they can offer experienced advice on how to make your wedding exactly as you hope it to be.

DIY can mean anything from making your own guest takeaway favors, desserts, and centerpieces to hiring your cousin to DJ and uncle to act as videographer during the wedding ceremony. As planners, we suggest leaving the big items to the pros and you can express your DIY side on the smaller, less stressful and time-consuming elements of the wedding. You’ll keep your cool and not have the pressure that you may otherwise have if you put too much on your plate during planning and the day of the wedding.

Example: grab your bridesmaids for a night of prepping wedding guest favors or recruit the bakers in your family to make bite-sized desserts to accompany the wedding cake you hire from a professional.

Organize your wedding budget so you can confirm what you’re able or wanting to spend in each vendor category. Check out our helpful post showing a budget breakdown if you’re just getting started.

Of course, contact us with questions, or if you’d like our company to be someone you hire for the big day!

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December 1, 2014
in 1928 Planning, Wedding Coordination, Wedding Design Ideas, Wedding Planning, Wedding Reception Ideas, Wedding Trends

Ever heard the phrase “A Signature Wedding”? Chances are, even if the phrase isn’t ringing a bell, the idea behind it is something every engaged couple strives to have on their big day. Designing a signature wedding means creating something as custom, unique, and distinct as you and your beau are. It’s putting a little piece of both of you in most all aspects of your wedding design, decor, and theme. Doing so creates a lasting impression with your guests and a memory of an outstanding night, long after the wedding is over.

Just remember, memorable doesn’t always have to mean expensive! I always say, it’s the little things that matter most, and are appreciated by your guests, so don’t miss the opportunity!

The Details

Merge the two of your styles together to create a look that speaks volumes. (tips on how to add a masculine touch to your reception). With a signature wedding, your design should be consistent throughout the planning, from invitations, to fashion, signage, florals, linens, rental items, and everything in between. No matter how on top of things you are throughout your planning, it’s understandable that some items can be overlooked. With our experience, we’ve unveiled a list of the Top Five Forgotten Wedding Planning Details.

Guest Comfort

Nailing the ‘guest comfort’ piece at the wedding is a sure way to add a notch towards designing a signature wedding. While planning, in the back of your busy brain, always keep in mind guest comfort – and perfecting the overall guest experience.

COLD OR HOT WEATHER? Offer blankets, parasols, or sunglasses (which can also double as favors)

Sunglasses

Photo Credit: Ben Pancoast Photography

HUNGRY OR THIRSTY? Offer hot or cold drinks, (non-alcoholic, or with a twist), and small snacks in the odd times of the wedding day timeline.

INVITING KIDS TO THE WEDDING? Create customized kids packs to keep the kiddos occupied and the parents enjoying themselves. Check out our popular blog on how to manage kids at a wedding reception!

Kids Corner

Photo Credit: Casper Hamlet Photography

Food and Beverage

We’ve all heard the term “signature cocktail” as part of your bar experience at the wedding. It’s something so simple to offer, and with a quirky drink name, it’ll give people the sense that you’ve customized a drink that speaks about you and who you are as a couple.

Having a signature wedding is about stepping outside of the cookie-cutter wedding box and producing something one-of-a-kind. It goes without saying that wedding reception food can get a bad rap over the same ‘ole dishes being served from one wedding to the next (i.e. a chicken entree and a beef entree). Why not work with your caterer and design a custom menu that is crafted to your liking and has the items that are important to you rather than selecting a pre-made menu? We love giving kudos to CK Catering for always working with couples on their menu planning and customizing a dinner course that speaks their personality, taste buds, and budget.

Menu

Photo Credit: 430 Studios

It’s never too late in your planning to add a signature element or two. Start brainstorming now on what you can do to personalize and contact 1928 Planning if you want to hear more!

 

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November 19, 2014
in 1928 Planning, DIY Hot Spot!, Wedding Design Ideas, Wedding Reception Ideas, Wedding Trends

Opting to create some of your own wedding decorations is a valuable way to cut corners off of  pricey wedding costs. We are thrilled to announce that this is the first installment of a new DIY decorating series on our 1928 blog. Here we are going to show you how to make your own tissue paper tassel garland, which has been a popular enhancement in weddings this year! The garland is perfect to use as a photo booth backdrop, pin to the front of a dessert table, or jazz up a vacant wall- the opportunities are endless. Follow our instructions and you are one step closer to dominating your DIY wedding!

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June 18, 2014
in 1928 Planning, Wedding Coordination, Wedding Planning

The first days and weeks after the engagement can be a stressful time for brides and grooms. Don’t know what step to take first in the wedding planning process? Follow this quick list to get the major decisions out of the way, so you and your sweetie don’t resort to eloping due to post-engagement planning shock!

Know your budget

This one is pretty straight-forward. Sit down with your fiance and family (if they plan to help financially) and know each others’ monetary limits for the wedding. You can’t start shopping until you know how much you have to spend. Once you know your wedding budget, do a few quick calculations to see how much you should be spending on each vendor. Check out our previous post here, to get breakdown percentages to guide your calculations.  Make sure everyone paying for the wedding is on the same page before moving forward.

Secure a venue and date

This wedding planning step comes with great relief. Once you pick your venue and date, other logistics and wedding planning pieces become easier to tackle. You can’t book a DJ, photographer or caterer until you have a date. And you can’t secure a date until you chose a venue with that date available. Depending on how long your engagement is and the time of year you are planning your wedding, you may have to adjust the location if you have your heart set on a certain date (or vice versa).  Here in Michigan, our peak season runs mid-April through mid-September. Many venues are only open for those months, so know your options and consider a Friday or Sunday wedding.

Hire your wedding planner

We might be a little biased on this subject, but we have also had our fair share of experiences at weddings without a wedding planner or coordinator. We see a lot of unwanted stress and disorder. Many brides say, “ I can’t afford a wedding planner” or “I will just have a friend take care of the planning.” While these are fair and valid options, a wedding planner can save you time and money because they have an extensive network in the business. They are also there to help YOU, without throwing in unwanted opinions. You are spending money on an fabulous photographer to capture the day, and a DJ to get the party started, and many other vendors who you want to do an exceptional job. A wedding planner will be the one to guide all of the pieces together – it can be pretty difficult to get everyone on the same page come your wedding day. We as planners do everything from helping you find vendors, to executing your wildest tablescape dreams. Trying to juggle everyone’s opinions along with all your ideas and wedding checklists can be exhausting. Save yourself the headache of wedding planning and hire a professional, we don’t know of a single bride who has regretted it!

There are a few venues that will include a base coordination package when you book. Here at 1928 Planning Co., we have a wide variety of a la carte services, planning packages and a stellar rental collection. We also provide base coordination packages for these venues in Southwest Michigan. All of these venues also come with exclusive catering by CK Catering. Check them out!

 

The Veranda at The Whitcomb

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Vineyard at 12 Corners

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Sun ‘n Sand Resort

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June 4, 2014
in 1928 Planning, Wedding Design Ideas, Wedding Planning, Wedding Reception Ideas, Wedding Trends

The tradition of the wedding guestbook began as a way for guests to testify to the reality of a marriage. The guestbook originally took the appearance of a ledger, where guests would simply sign their name. Now, the term “book” takes many forms, and guests’ participation can range from a quick John Hancock to full-on well-wishes accompanied by life advice. Here are a few of our favorite trends in the guestbook department. We’ve got something for just about every level of guest involvement!

1. Polaroid Guestbook

Wanting more than a note from your guest? We love the idea of incorporating a polaroid camera in guestbook signing. By setting out a camera at an entry table, guests can snap a shot of their group and sign their names at the bottom. Your photographer probably won’t be able to get photos of everyone in attendance, but you could with this wedding guestbook option!

Polaroid

 

2. Guestbook Poster

Framed signatures are perhaps the most common guestbook option we’ve seen here at 1928 Planning. This is a classic way to record the names of those in attendance. You can either frame a poster that your guests sign, or have guests sign a thick mat on a photo of you and your sweetie. We are loving this wedding guestbook Michigan poster from MDBWeddings shop on Etsy.

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3. Guestbook Stones

Don’t want to spend a lot on your wedding guestbook? This idea is practically free and will serve as a display piece in your future home. We’ve got a lot of beach stones along the shores of Lake Michigan, so you can localize the meaning as well. Simply have guests sign their name or write a short note on a stone and drop it in a pretty jar or vase!

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4. Guestbook Quilt

This guestbook alternative takes a little extra effort and money, but the results are pretty incredible. You will need to know someone who sews for the savvy route, or you can preorder a guestbook quilt (we love this one from The Pin Cushion shop). Each guest can either sign a fabric square, or you can hang a pre-made quilt for guests to sign. Keep warm and be reminded of all those in attendance at your wedding!

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5. Wine Bottle Guestbook

We got this idea from one of our fabulous brides who is planning her wedding at The Vineyard at 12 Corners. This is an especially delicious guestbook idea if you plan to get married at a vineyard. Set aside full wine bottles (from the winery you are getting married at!) for guests to sign or write a note on. Then stash away the bottles to open on your 5th, 10th , 25th and 50th wedding anniversaries (or whatever week, month or year you feel like celebrating!).

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For more ideas from us – contact 1928 Planning! We’d love to chat!

May 25, 2014
in 1928 Planning, Wedding Coordination, Wedding Design Ideas, Wedding Planning

Wedding planning is constantly filled with endless decisions, checklists, timelines – the works! Planning out each moment and detail will make every bride and groom a bit more at ease come the wedding day – but what if something is overlooked? To avoid forgetting vital items – here are our top five most forgotten details while planning a wedding.

1. Guests’ Dietary Restrictions

Vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free, food allergy – there is bound to be someone in your guest list of 300 with some type of dietary restriction. While it seems like a difficult task to track down dietary limitations, these guests will thank you for giving them something they can eat without having to hunt down the wait staff at your wedding. What’s great is that most catering companies, like our favorite, CK Catering, offer tons of options for guests with restrictions. Include a dietary restriction line in your invitation for guests to fill out, and talk with your caterer about your options. Your guests will appreciate the extra mile for accommodating them.

 

2. Shuttle Service When Having an Open Bar

Many couples forget the importance of providing a shuttle service for guests who need a designated driver following the reception. Be especially wary if your wedding reception is not near a hotel where guests can easily walk or if cab service in the town you are getting married in is limited. Of course you want guests to have a good time so keep their safety and judgement in mind at the end of the night as well. Our top choice for end-of-evening shuttle service is Sunset Coast Trolley Company! They’ve got a super unique trolley to transport guests either back to hotels, or where the after-party is located.

 

3. Decorating The “Forgotten Spots”

Our clients have envisioned and executed some really beautiful centerpieces, but we often see the “extra” tables (tables for gifts, placecards, favors, desserts) and cocktail tables forgotten about! Dressing up the gift table could just mean adding a few more votives to the shopping list, or having your florist create a smaller floral arrangement for the table. The same goes with cocktail tables – we are really loving contrasted ribbon tied at the base of cocktail tables like the one shown here. Your reception will be brought to life with a little thinking beyond the main tablescapes and does not cut into your decor budget much at all either.

 

4. Keeping All Weather Conditions In Mind – (not just rain or shine!)

Weather is one of our clients’ biggest concerns when booking outdoor weddings – especially with the, at times, unpredictable Michigan weather. Even if your wedding is planned a year ahead of time – down to the very last ribbon tied, weather will always remain unpredictable. One weather condition that is often forgotten about is wind. You are guaranteed to have some level of breeze or wind at an outdoor wedding, and many couple’s forget this trait of mother nature when planning. Here is a good example:

We love the ribbon detail on this cocktail table, but unless those ribbon weaves are secured down, this beautiful design will soon be a tangled mess and the overall design will be lost. We see this problem a lot with table tents for guest seating. Paper will fly when set out in the open, so take some extra time to anchor them down with something if you can. Keep the wind factor in mind for the candles too! You’ll want to guard your candles with a holder so wind doesn’t constantly blow them out!

 

5. Securing Your Tear Down Crew

This one has to make the list for one of the most forgotten planning details! At the end of the night, who do you picture packaging up all of your centerpieces, favors, candles, gifts, leftover desserts and alcohol? I’m sure the answer is not YOURSELF! It’s even difficult to come up with family or close friends to give the responsibility too. Most of our clients would prefer to let all of their guests, including family and close friends, relax and enjoy the end of the reception without having to be put to work at midnight. Talk to your venue or planner about the clean up services they offer. 1928 Planning offers Reception Wrap Up services, where we’ll package up all of your belongings, store them overnight, and you can pick up the next day when it’s convenient for you.

 

To hear more suggestions or tips – contact us!