February 7, 2019

in Schades of Light, Wedding Design Ideas, Wedding Preparation, Wedding Reception Ideas, Wedding Trends

WEDDING TRENDS CONTINUING INTO 2019

Out with the old and in with the new.

Well that may not always be the case. Some wedding trends stay around longer than others, and while we can anticipate there to be a slew of new trends making a fresh appearance in 2019, we will continue seeing some previous trends (and these ones, we love!) Either way, keeping on trend or not, find inspiration below to help you define your signature wedding style.

A STYLE OF THEIR OWN WITHOUT GIVING UP TRADITION

The Sweets

Although we have seen a shift towards the big wedding cakes heading out, most didn’t want to give up a cake tradition entirely. In 2018, these newly revamped cake styles were displayed on a bold linen, a light and bright dessert table or combined with every kind of sugary goodness you could think of.

Evelyn Vaughn (Photo)

Bit of Swiss (Baker) :: Christa Hitchcock (Photo) :: 1928 Rental: (Farmhouse Table)

Froelich’s (Baker) :: Brick and Pine (Photo)

Bit of Swiss (Baker) :: 430 Studios (Photo)

The Guest book

Most couples are ditching the traditional guest book and coming up with their own personal touch to remember the guests that were able to attend their big day. Many of the guest books we saw in 2018 were ones that could be displayed in homes or incorporated into more of their daily life, rather than a traditional bounded book that might not be looked at much again after the wedding day.

Christa Hitchcock (Photo)

Lauren Crawford (Photo)

Samantha James (Photo)

Ceremony Locale

Grandma just doesn’t understand why you aren’t getting married in a church, but once she sees this, she will be very pleased! Having an on site ceremony is very convenient for your guests (and for you!) There isn’t extra driving to manage, no awkward down time in between ceremony and reception, you can re-purpose ceremony decor easily into the reception space and when all is said and done, more time to party!

Journeyman Distillery (Venue) :: Brick and Pine (Photo) :: Snapdragon Designs (Floral)

Journeyman Distillery (Venue) :: 430 Studios (Photo) :: Snapdragon Designs (Floral)

The Veranda at The Whitcomb (Venue) :: Tifani Lynn (Photo) :: Events by Ludemas (Floral)

Private Residence (Venue) :: Jillian Bowes (Photo)

The Veranda at The Whitcomb (Venue) :: Evelyn Vaughn (Photo) :: Special Occasions (Floral)

First Look

The decision on whether bride and grooms should see each other pre-ceremony is always up for debate and in depth discussion. Besides asking yourself “is this for us?” this is a wedding day component that some are tweaking just a bit. Many are wanting to atleast have a “special moment” prior to the wedding, whether they are catching a glimpse of each other, holding hands from around the building corner or reading love letters to each other. As wedding planners, we have seen an increase in couples doing first looks for a variety of reasons: easier logistics and getting most photos checked off ahead of time so they can join in on the fun and cocktails after the ceremony!

430 Studios (Photo)

Lauren Crawford (Photo)

Gingertown (Photo)

BIG BLOOMS

Bold Florals

Who doesn’t love a bold floral with greenery? (especially in super adorable wooden boxes) Greenery along with big-bloomed flowers are an impactful way to dress up dining tables as well as giving you a full luxurious bouquet. Can’t find room in the budget for these designs on 20 reception tables? It’s also worth filling in blank space at your ceremony or draped from a ceiling. It’s fresh and beautiful!

Kati Mallory (Photo) :: Flowers by Anna (Floral)

Kitty Lee (Photo) :: Black Dog Flower Farm (Floral)

Vineyard at 12 Corners (Venue) :: Kati Mallory (Photo) :: Flowers by Anna (Floral)

Kati Mallory (Photo) :: Flowers by Anna (Floral)

The Veranda at The Whitcomb (Venue) :: Evelyn Vaughn (Photo) :: Special Occasions (Floral)

Simplicity GR (Floral) :: 1928 Rental (Wine Barrel)

SETTING UP THE UNIQUE FACTOR

Everyone likes to have a little fun and give their guests the ‘wow factor’ at their wedding! Looking for something unique? How about mini beach balls instead of birdseed or bubbles? Everyone loves a photo booth, especially this one on wheels! A game of cornhole anyone? If the venue allows, let’s end this night with a sparkler send off!

Rebekah Albaugh (Photo) :: VW 77 Photo Booth Bus :: Schades of Light (Lighting)

Grant Beachy (Photo) :: Shadowland Pavilion (Venue)

Kelly Sweet (Photo) :: Journeyman Distillery (Venue

Thomas Wrench (Photo) :: Journeyman Distillery (Venue

January 25, 2018

in 1928 Planning, Wedding Coordination, Wedding Planning, Wedding Preparation

ROOM BLOCK TIPS

One of the best parts of a wedding is seeing all of your out of town guests you don’t visit often, but they will need a place to stay. As mundane as it may be, room blocks can be one of the most important bookings you will make for your guests. We’ve put together some tips to help make this task go as smooth as possible.

LET’S START FROM THE BEGINNING

First of all, what is a room block? A room block is a group of rooms a hotel holds for your wedding guests, typically at a discounted rate. Guests are responsible for booking and paying for their rooms, while the couple is responsible for reserving the block.

START EARLY!

The sooner you begin your hotel searches, the better chance in finding availability. Keep in mind any weekend events happening around St. Joe, as hotels will book much more quickly than a non- event weekends.

AVAILABILITY

Check hotel availability before booking your venue. All of the hotels near your venue are booked for your date? Try to have some date flexibility so you have plenty of hotel options. The last thing you want is to have no where for your guests to stay during your wedding weekend.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Keep in mind the distance between your wedding venue and the hotels you make room blocks at. Would you like to travel another 25 minutes to a wedding when you have already come in from out of town? Probably not and chances are your guests wouldn’t either. Safety also comes into play for returning to the hotel after the wedding. In short, the closer, the better.

ASK QUESTIONS

Contracts are typically required for reserving a room block, so always know what you are signing off on. Is there a minimum number of rooms you can block? Is there a maximum number you can block? Are there any fees for unbooked rooms? If not, how many rooms can go unbooked? What is the typical booking deadline before the unbooked rooms become available for regular hotel guests? Is there a deposit for making a room block? Are there any rules or restrictions regarding room blocks? What amenities does the hotel offer to guests? Does the hotel offer shuttle service for guests?

Last, but certainly not least, get everything in writing! If there is anything you discussed with the hotel, but is not explicitly stated in the contract, wait for an updated contract before signing anything.

START SMALL

Most couples have no idea on exactly how many rooms they should have in their room block, which can be frustrating. Begin by booking a small amount of rooms and add if needed, especially if there are any fees associated with unbooked rooms.

ROOM TYPE

Along with how many rooms to reserve, know your guest list to book appropriate types of rooms in your block. Think of how many families versus couples will be coming in from out of town.

KEEP COST IN MIND

One of the best options you have is to make room blocks at two to three hotels in different price ranges in the area for guests to choose from. This will help make accommodations accessible to (hopefully) all of your out of town guests. Along with this, look at the big picture. Including the room rate, are there any extra fees (parking, late check- out, etc.) that your guests may need?

CHECK- IN TIMES

Don’t forget to keep check- in and check- out times in mind regarding other wedding weekend events. Guests will appreciate having some time before any festivities to check into their hotels and freshen up.

COMMUNICATE

You finally have your room blocks set, now tell your guests about them! Include hotel contact information and any specific instructions they will need to book from your room block.

January 5, 2018

in 1928 Planning, Wedding Planning, Wedding Preparation

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR PERFECT WEDDING DATE

Setting a date is one of the first steps in planning a wedding and it can be one of the most daunting. Trying to accommodate guests, while planning around your hectic schedule can be a feat in itself, so here are some tips to help you get started.

PERSONAL DATES

While you are concerned with guest schedule, always check for previous engagements on your own calendar. Many family events, reunions, graduations take place in the summer months, so make a list of personal dates to avoid. Think about any busy work seasons as well. Trust us, you don’t want to be preparing for your wedding in the middle of a hectic work schedule.

Along with this, ask yourselves if there are any meaningful dates you would like to book your wedding on or around, such as the date you and your fiancé first met or your grandparent’s wedding anniversary. If this is the case, then including this detail in your wedding will make your day even more special for both you and your guests.

HOLIDAY WEEKENDS

From Mother’s Day to Halloween, below are the 2018 holidays to keep in mind while planning your big day.

Mother’s Day Weekend: May 12-13

Memorial Day Weekend: May 26-28

Father’s Day Weekend: June 16-17

Fourth of July: Wednesday, July 4

Labor Day Weekend: September 1-3

Halloween: Wednesday, October 31

SPECIAL EVENTS

The summer months in Saint Joseph are packed with events, so we’ve compiled a list of events that will be taking place in downtown Saint Joe this upcoming 2018 summer.

BBQ, Blues, & Blue Grass: Saturday, May 19

Memorial Day Parade: Friday, May 25

2018 Senior PGA Championship: May 22- May 28

Fourth of July Fireworks

Krasl Art Fair: July 14-15

Mike Yore Memorial Car Show: Friday, July 20

Chalk the Block: August 3-5

Ironman 70.3 Steelhead: Sunday, August 12

6^th Annual Fall Fest: Saturday, September 22

Roots & Brews: Saturday, September 22

Keep in mind that hotels book quickly for holiday and special event weekends in St. Joe, so make sure to check hotel availability before you book a date!

VENDORS

Vendor availability can drive a decision on your final wedding date. If you have a vendor in mind that you just have to have, start a conversation with them earlier rather than later, so you are on their radar. We suggest booking your must- have vendors before setting a final wedding date, which will ensure you the vendors of your choosing.

Budget can absolutely play a factor in choosing your wedding date in that pricing can differ between days of the week. If budget is a driving factor in choosing vendors, think about a Friday, Sunday, or even Thursday for your wedding date, as these typically book at lower rates than Saturdays.

December 7, 2017

in 1928 Planning, Beach Wedding, DIY Hot Spot!, Schades of Light, Wedding Design Ideas, Wedding Planning, Wedding Preparation, Wedding Reception Ideas

THE UPS AND DOWNS OF PLANNING A PINTEREST WEDDING

There are so many opinions when it comes to the best way to plan a wedding, especially now with all of the Pinterest ideas at your fingertips. Pinterest is a super helpful tool to help you plan a wedding but it can also be an added stress to your long wedding to-do list. Here are some ups of planning a pinterest wedding:

POSITIVES:

Your options and inspiration guides are endless

If you are having any sort of design issue, you can quickly search for inspiration on pinterest, you will never run out of design ideas for your wedding.

You can easily share your ideas

Pinterest lets you share your boards with your family and friends, which gives them access to all of your dreams and visions for your big day. You are also given the option to give your friends access to pin to your board, if you choose, allowing for ultimate collaborating. This is also a great tool to use when collaborating with your vendors. As wedding planners, it is so helpful to be able to view someone’s vision of their wedding. Wedding Planners love to pin too, we love to help give our brides ideas and guidance!

Your one stop shop for weddings

Most pins lead you directly to the website or give you ideas of where you can buy or how you can make the item you pinned. When you find your dream dress, it’ll take you to the shop who sells it, find a cute DIY escort card design, directions will be linked right there when you click on it.

Private vs Public Boards

Another great feature of pinterest is that you can choose to have your board be public or private. This is helpful, if you are pinning a lot and you do not want everyone to see all of your pins, choose the private setting, or if you want to share your planning and ideas you can make it public.

We all love pinterest and it comes in handy for a lot of different aspects in our everyday lives, but everyone has to admit there are some downsides. Here are some downsides to planning a pinterest wedding:

NEGATIVES:

Lacking Originality

Even though it feels like pinterest is filled with millions of new, creative, and original ideas, it is highly likely you will hear your female guests say “I have seen this on pinterest”. Pinterest trends tend to be seen over and over again.

Too many pins

As stated above, your options are endless, this can also be a bad thing. Sometimes when pinning ideas for your wedding, you can get a little over excited, pin 200 ideas in 20 minutes. Then you look back and become more stressed because now you have to narrow down all of your favorite pins to a realistic amount of crafting ideas that you and your wedding planner or bridal party can handle.

Planning a Pinterest wedding can be a great way to keep your ideas stored in one area and share them with others in your family or bridal party. Ideas can easily become overwhelming, so making sure that we are pinning only serious visions and ideas is the key to keeping your Pinterest wedding simple and easy.

February 9, 2017

in 1928 Planning, Real Weddings, Schades of Light, Wedding Design Ideas

Best of 1928 Weddings: 2016

You can tell we’ve had a busy year with our lack of blogging! Don’t worry – we haven’t forgotten to post our favorite blog of the year! Enjoy our look back as we revisit a wonderful season, full of gorgeous, sweet couples and show-stopping wedding design. Best of 1928 Planning, take 2016!

Most Unique Venue

Katie + David’s Union Pier Hideaway

Photo Credit: Mark Federighi Photography

Location: Rentable private property in Union Pier Michigan

Why we love it: We have scrounged the land for private home rental properties that allow weddings in Southwest Michigan. The properties are few and far between, but Katie and David found a hidden gem. The house was under constructions when they decided their location, sent out their invites, and began months of planning. Their trust and hard work paid off and their backyard soirée was complete with a canopy tent, the best local food trucks, and loads of private partying all night long! Best of all, their friends were able to stay onsite all weekend at one of the three houses on the compound.

Food trucks: Rolling Stone Bakery and Greenbush Brisket Van

Tarah + Ryan’s Botanical Garden Party

martin-venue

Photo Credit: Gingertown Photography

Location: Fernwood Botanical Garden

Why we love it: We loved the opportunity to help plan this gorgeous wedding! This Botanical Garden, located in Buchanan, Michigan, spans over 100 acres. Tarah and Ryan were able to utilize this beautiful nature preserve for their ceremony and tented-reception. Everywhere you walked was a picturesque backdrop – we can’t get enough!

Rose + Ron: Goin’ to the Chapel

morris-venue

Photo Credit: Jennifer Mayo Studios

Location: The Morris Estate (Chapel)

Why we love it: A simply breathtaking estate located in Niles, Michigan makes this a favorite backdrop for intimate ceremonies. The Chapel has been a part of local history for many decades, yet the prestine resoration of the venue speaks volumes. Crisp white interior and exterior, allow couples to stay simple with their decoration, or choose from The Morris’ lengthly decor upgrades available on-site.

Apple Blossom Acres

venue-abg

Photo Credit: Absolute Photography (top left), Apple Blossom Chapel and Gardens (others)

Location: Apple Blossom Chapel and Gardens

A Chat With The Owner:

Being 1928’s first time at this super unique venue (and loving every minute of it!) we wanted to share with you some insight to the property from the owner, Kathy Doornbos, who over the last nine years, has poured so much energy into developing a venue, unlike any other our company has seen in West Michigan.

Apple Blossom Chapel and Gardens is located in the middle of a 20 acre, secluded property in the countryside near the little town of Fennville, Michigan. As you enter the private road and inch your way onto the property, you see nothing but beautiful landscape – including a pond, gazebos, multiple flower beds and lush grass gardens, and a variety of mature trees (including Kathy’s favorite spot on the property: a 100 year old apple orchard!). It truly is a photographers dream – never having to leave the property with all of the multiple feature areas and nooks and crannies at your fingertips.

On-site chapel ceremonies were the original vision – either as an intimate elopement site or a full chapel filled with 32 guests. After wanting to expand the experience, a few ago, they added a solid floor patio in the middle of the garden setting for tented affairs.

Their property is available for small intimate events year around and garden ceremony and receptions May through October.

Best Cake & Dessert

desserts-collage

Photo Credit: Stephanie Gamble Photography (top left), Rhino Media Productions (top right), Jillian Bowes (bottom center), 430 Studios (bottom right)

Erin + Bobby’s Gold Foil Dusted Cake

Baker: Dee’s Specialty Cakes

Jessica + Jason’s Navy Floral Sweetheart Cake

Baker: Baker’s Rhapsody

Ashley + Kyle’s Donut Display

Baker: MacKenzies Bakery

April + John’s Cupcakes For Days

Baker: Mimi’s Cupcakes

Jamie + Jack’s Towering Naked Cake

Baker: Dee’s Specialty Cakes

A Chat With The Owner, Dee:

Naked cakes have become very popular for both rustic decor and for those couples that are not huge fans of icing. Naked cakes come in three different styles.

Bare Naked has no icing other than the filling layers.

Naked cakes have icing on top but not on sides.

Dirty Naked cakes have a crumb coat of icing – a very thin layer that allows you to still see the cake in some places.

PRO TIP: While a hot day won’t harm your naked cake, there is no icing to keep the cake moist. It is best to plan on serving the cake earlier in the evening to avoid a dry wedding cake (or serve alongside an Ice Cream Sundae Bar similar to Jack and Jamie!)

Best use of 1928 Rental Collection

Photo Credit: Jill Tiongco Photography (top right) | Jessica Eileen Photography (top left)| Rachael Osborn Photography (bottom left) | Ben Pancoast Photography (bottom right)

1928’s Love Seat Vignettes

From our rental collection: Our tufted grey love seat has seen its fair share of photoshoots this year! Pictured above is bride Chelsey at Willow Harbor Vineyards. We love how so many couples incorporated this gem into their sweetheart table and photo opportunities prior to their ceremony!

Jessica + Eric’s Eclectic Journeyman Lounge

From our rental collection: Our mid-century lounge set includes a sofa, love seat, two chairs, and coffee table. Bride Jessica added teal-toned pillows and some bud vases to the mix to tie in the set with their eclectic Journeyman Distillery Wedding!

1928 Specialty Linens

From our rental collection: 1928 offers a wide range of specialty linens, from napkins to table cloths; we can provide you with the perfect pieces to complement your color scheme. This year we were especially proud to show off photos from Jen and David’s gold sequin runners and cloths, as well as photos of Rob and Ryan’s earthy farmhouse tables paired with fern linen runners. We can’t help but to mention our friends, Schades of Light who also provided the dreamy chandelier and swagged cafe lights from these two weddings too!

Most Original Escort Cards/Seating Chart

Photo Credit: Sydney Marie (top left) | Gingertown Photography (bottom left) | 430 Studios (top right)| Jillian Bowes (bottom right)

Sheena + Adam

Why we love it: We see A LOT of of cork escort cards over the course of a season. Most of them lay horizontally and the cards often slide out if not securely glued in place (or roll over if the bottom isn’t shaved down). We love how Sheena and Adam turned the cork vertically and and added a flower on top to indicate meal choices! So clever!

Tarah + Ryan

Why we love it: We are constantly encouraging our clients to find creative ways to secure their escort cards to a display. Seems like a strange request, but we cannot count the number of weddings where our interns have chased down wind-sent name cards! Groom Ryan built this seating chart with a wooden frame and magnetic fencing to create one incredibly original escort card display. Each card had a magnet glued on the back – and these puppies stayed put!

Laura + Cody

Why we love it: These place cards, famously known as Paper Belly Bands, wrap around the napkin (and stay put in the wind!) and greeted each guest once they arrived to their table. Laura and Cody’s bands killed two birds with one stone – where not only did guests easily find their assigned seat, but based on the color of the font on the band, determined their meal selection for the evening. We call that a Win/Win: A clear, easily seen marker for the caterer and trendy seating card presentation!

Kelsey + Andrew

Why we love it: Designed and built by groom, Andrew, this dark stained escort card board was a well thought out rustic addition to their vineyard backdrop at 12 Corners. Bringing a masculine wood element to their otherwise glammed out design, the sturdy board was complete with hooks to hold escort cards for over 200 guests.

Stationary designed by Tied & Two, Etsy

Floral Topper by Overgrowth Floral, Grand Rapids

Best Entertainment

Kayla + Grant’s Moko Jumbie

Photo Credit: Lamarand Style Photography

Why we loved it: Who gets the chance to watch a 16-foot dancer do the limbo at a wedding?! (We haven’t seen many in our seven years of experience!) Kayla and Grant had been vacationing to St. Thomas for a few years before getting married. In their time there, they met a cab driver turned Moko Jumbie (more commonly known a stilts walker) who they became friends with and would always visit on their stays. When he heard they were tying the knot in the states, he just had to be a part of their big day … and he was in a big way 🙂

For other wedding-worthy entertainment ideas click here!

Best Centerpieces

Chelsey + Zac’s Ethereal Tablescapes

Photo Credit: Jill Tiongco Photography

Why we love it: Our planner Hannah worked closely with bride Chelsey to make each table unique, yet cohesive to the overall vision. Some tables had soft blue chiffon runners, others had blush sequin runners. All of the tables had gorgeous florals and garlands by Black Dog Flower Farm, and were adorned with pillar candles on mercury glass holders. The tables were full and centerpieces varied in height!

Chiffon table runners & gold charger rentals: The Rental Company of Holland

Jamie + Jack’s Redefined Rustic

solomon-centerpieces

Photo Credit: Jillian Bowes

Why we love it: Rustic barn weddings don’t always have to include burlap runners, mason jars and babies breath. We loved Jamie and Jack’s redefined rustic design – providing something so fresh and glamorous for their Blue Dress Barn fall celebration. Working closely with Stella Event Design for florals, each pop of color, and selection of flowers were carefully planned out – down to the barn wood boxes and stone urns used as floral containers, alternating on each table.

Best Floral Design

Photo Credit: Gingertown Photography (top left) | 430 Studios (top right) | Jillian Bowes (bottom right)

Tarah’s Bouquet

Florist: Beikmann Associates, Niles, MI

Why we love it: In a wedding world currently full of long-stemmed bouquets, we loved this cascading bouquet with a hidden stem for a fresh look! Not only does this gorgeous bouquet look like it is all flowers and no stem, but the flowers have the perfect touch of blue with the delphinium (a great cascader!). Beikmann Associates did a special treatment on some non-seasonal flowers (peonies and tulips) in order to get them to stay open long enough for the wedding – consider us impressed!

Kelsey + Andrew’s Rustic Accents

Florist: Overgrowth Floral, Grand Rapids, MI

Why we love it: Organic, whimsical, blush tones = must-have ingredients to a stellar floral design. Kelsey and Andrew used these pretties on their accent tables in the space – to spice up even the smallest spots in the venue.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to add design elements into areas of the reception like the bar, gift or guest book table, or in Kelsey and Andrew’s case, their cockail lounge area.

Laura + Cody’s Wooded Arch

Florist: Marco Alexzondra Floral & Event Design, Galien, MI

Why we love it: This private residence in Michigan City, IN was all sorts of dreamy. A permanent, towering wooded arch overlooking a hay field in its rural setting was naturally made the focal point altar for Laura and Cody’s intimate I Do’s. Assuming the arch would be filled with natural greenery as it is most times of the year, it wasn’t until a month before, when they contacted their florist with concern there wouldn’t be enough fullness in time for their June wedding. Enter, Marco Alexzondra, a true artist, who quickly inspired the possibilities and transformed the arch into a complete beauty – pairing florals used at their reception and bouquets and adding in tons of texture.

Heather + Eric’s Garden Party

Florist: Posh Petals, Grand Rapids, MI

Why we love it: Posh Petals took every nook and cranny of The Veranda and turned it into a floral opportunity. No flower went to waste with this crew! From adding greenery to every place setting to decorating our new gold-framed chalkboard, we loved the floral garlands spread throughout the venue to make it come to life.

Best Wedding Dress

Photo Credit: Bride Jen (left) Rachael Osborn Photography | Bride Chelsea (top right) Jill Tiongco Photography | Bride Ashley (bottom right) Stephanie Gamble Photography

Bride Jen

Designer: Behati by Hayley Paige

Purchased from: Bella Bianca in Oakbrook, IL

Price point: $3,000 before alterations

Bride Chelsey

Designer: Carolina Dress from the Gossamer Collection of Anna Campbell

Price point: $3000-$4000

Bride Ashley

Designer:Designer is Ti Adora, purchased at Bianka Bridal in Grand Rapids

Price point: $1500 after alterations

Most Stunning Bride

Photo Credit: Bride Constance (top left) Brian Kinyon | Bride Mackenzie (right) Gingertown Photography | Bride Kristina (bottom left) Rachael Osborn Photography

This category was created to capture gorgeous brides that not only brought all aspects of their look together perfectly (thing makeup, hair, dress), but they emulate poise and beauty on the inside too!

Bride Constance

Bride Constance had a major problem to troubleshoot the week of her wedding and she handled it with complete grace. If you didn’t hear her story, you would have thought everything was as perfect as could be on her wedding day – she glowed. Check out her perspective on the week’s events:

“Like most brides, I had a Pinterest board of wedding dress ideas for months before I went to try on dresses and once I figured out what shape suited my frame best I absolutely fell in love with a blush pink Lazaro a-line gown. I didn’t think I would find it, but when my mother and I went to Macy’s, there it was on a mannequin right in front of me! I said I had to try it on and didn’t even ask to see how much it was. Of course it was out of my price range, but I tried it on anyway and it was perfect. Unfortunately I really couldn’t afford it. I left the store and decided I would explore my options. After a lot of talking with friends and family and some research my aunt suggested I talk to a friend of hers who is a costume seamstress to see if she could make a similar dress. Long story short, we went down the custom-made route and I trusted my seamstress. But as spring turned to summer and the seamstress still hadn’t started on the dress for my September wedding we started to worry. She assured us that this was all a part of her timeline. By August there still was not a full dress for me to try on, but I was so busy with wedding planning and so blinded by my commitment to this plan that I stuck with her.

The Sunday before my wedding my mother and I went out to her house so that I could try on the dress. It still wasn’t completely done and what we saw was so far from our expectations. My mom launched into fix-it mode and called the Macy’s where I had tried on the original dress. They still had the floor model and would sell it to us for a discount. We got the dress on the Wednesday before the wedding and rushed to a tailor that could do emergency alterations. Three seamstresses at the tailor shop worked around the clock. On the Friday before the wedding I had to get from Chicago to Michigan for the rehearsal dinner and the second dress was still being altered. In the end we made a plan for my mother’s boyfriend to drive back to Chicago first thing on Saturday morning (the day of the wedding!) to get the dress and we had to just hope that one fitting would be enough. I was a nervous wreck the night before the wedding and could hardly sleep, but at 11am the dress arrived and fit! I give most of the thanks for the success of this VERY last minute change to my mother and her ability to jump into action when I was starting to shut down due to anxiety. As Shakespeare said, all’s well that ends well and I think this turned out quite well.”

Bride Kristina

Kristina was a complete showstopper at her wedding! This fitted gown with a scopped back photographed beautifully. We love her low, loose hair style and her make up was impeccable. Kristina was a joy to work with from the day we met her. She was in the middle of relocating states with her then-fiance and together they were planning majority of their wedding from Tennessee. This girl never once complained and always viewed this special day as a day of honor, and not one of tension. This is one of the most beautiful qualities we love seeing in our clients!

Hair: Rachel from Czar Salon & Spa

Makeup: Gina from Czar Salon & Spa

Dress Designed: Essence of Australia

Dress Boutique: Crystal Bride in Geneva, IL

Bride Mackenzie

Not only do we think this girl is STUNNING, but she managed to keep complete sanity on her wedding day with her growing family by her side – like the others in this category, we can’t say enough about her radiance on the inside and out. Being a hairstylist and make up artist herself, Bride Mackenzie new exactly the look she was going for – complete with creating her own head piece to complete the day of look. While most head pieces can be purchased upwards of $100, her supplies cost $40-$50 and made in an hour. We see over 100 gowns a year, but the entire team commented on this stunner. With the fitted shape and bohemian style top of her gown paired with her overall natural glam, we couldn’t resist!

Gown Designer: Theia Couture, Natalia

Gown Purchased from: Flutter Bridal Boutique, Minneapolis, MN

Gown Price point: $1,500 before alterations

Honorable Mentions!

Hayley + Joey’s Midsummer Night’s Dream

Photo Credit: 430 Studios

Why we love it: Wait, what’s not to love? Groom, Joey’s desire was to have a theme that depicted a Midsummer Night’s Dream – complete with twinkle lights strung in the open air Veranda @ The Whitcomb for their June wedding. The transformation was beautiful and significant. It was easy to draw inspiration from this wedding. In fact, we saw many other Veranda couples who sought to create a similar look after seeing this! Kudos to Burns Rental for creating the foresty look on the ceiling and architecture columns.

Such a remarkable year for 1928 Planning and looking so forward with what 2017 holds for our team! Hope you’ve enjoyed a recap of our favorite memories of 2016 and have found some inspiration of your own!

Cheers!

December 31, 2015

in 1928 Planning, Beach Wedding, Real Weddings, Wedding Design Ideas, Wedding Reception Ideas

BEST OF 1928 WEDDINGS: 2015

We are lucky to be a part of so many share-worthy wedding moments and have compiled an exclusive list of our ‘Best of 2015!’ Enjoy our look back as we revisit a wonderful year, and fill yourself with wedding inspiration for upcoming I-Do’s – both in design, and exposure to some great wedding vendors!

Best Dressed Bridal Party

Photo Credit: Stoffer Photography (left two photos), Durling Photography

Katie + Brian’s whole crew

Dress Designer: Bill Levkoff in petal pink

Suits: JoS A. Banks

Blush for the girls and gunmetal for the guys. We love the way all of the girls wore floor-length gowns but with different necklines. This timeless look painted a gorgeous wedding on the shores of Lake Michigan.

Bride Allison’s Maids

Why we love it: A design that is different for each girl and shows off their own personality and style is something we love to see! Bride Allison gave her maids just two restrictions- that their dress should be long dress and the base color needed to be black. From there, the girls collaborated to buy dresses that all worked together, even though they were slightly mismatched. Bride Allison’s friend, who owns The Heartshape Hotel in NYC, also made custom floral headpieces for each of the girls. They worked together to choose specific faux flowers that would work with each dress and added a perfect bit of drama to the style.

Bride Rachael’s Maids

Designer: Allure Bridal

Why we love it: Bride Rachael wanted to find bridesmaids dresses that were unique and added some color to the otherwise natural outdoors backdrop of their venue. We love how vibrant they are and the amount of color they added to the decor, floral design, and bride’s dress!

Most Creative Dessert

Kit + Ryan

Photo Credit: Studio Finch Photography

Vendor: Uptown Cakery, Michigan City, IN

Why we love it: It’s a no-brainer. Have you ever seen a wedding cake push up? An old-school treat with a super fun, entertaining twist for guests to enjoy! We overheard guests talking about Kit and Ryan’s cake display from the moment they walked into the reception. That moment is exactly what it’s all about – creating a talking piece that’s memorable AND delicious – a perfect combination.

Sharon + Jim

Photo Credit: Amy Carroll Photography

Vendor: Love’s Ice Cream

Why we love it: Sharon and Jim thought out-of-the-box for their wedding dessert in order to offer guests vegan and organic options. This adorable cart came from Grand Rapids and was a fabulous addition to to their wedding reception with vegan gelato and grass-fed dairy ice cream.

Most Adorable Cake

Madison + Kevin

Photo Credit: Lexie Williams Photography

Vendor: Collab with Martin’s Supermarkets and one very creative family friend!

Why we love it: Madison and Kevin took the simplicity of a tiered white wedding cake completed with adorned fresh flowers and added in a big punch of sparkle to make that cake shine even brighter! The bottom three layers were ordered from Martin’s and the gold glitter tier (along with flowers) were the additions made by friends! Our team is still chatting about how super fun this cake was.

Most Original Tables Numbers

Grace + Dave

Photo Credit: Camille Lydia Photography

Why we love it: Grace and Dave were so creative in designing their table number displays! They took a soft watercolor scheme and paired it with beautiful sea urchin shells and groovy straws to create a stand for their table numbers!

Best Wedding Favors

Ashley + Brad

Why we love it: Ashley and Brad took miniature wine bottles and added in a personalized wine label – complete with their names, wedding date, a sweet little Thank You tag, and location of the I Do’s! The bottles matched the theme so nicely, they looked like part of the decor – a fabulous way to incorporate wedding favors!

Best Escort Card Display

Kate + Andy

Why we love it: With groom Andy being a super passionate soccer player himself, it was natural to incorporate a dash of masculinity and such a personal element into their wedding design. This display knocked our socks off – complete with a soccer field, referees, flags, and soccer balls, each guest represented a soccer player on the field. For more ideas on how to infuse a masculine touch into your wedding design, check out this blog post!

Honorable Mentions

Photo Credit: Cassandra Eldridge Photography (1), 430 Studios (2)

Jacki + Chris

Why we love it: Jacki and Chris said “I love you” to each other for the first time at a winery in Michigan and have made many dear memories in Michigan ever since. Their escort cards were placed into wine corks and glued to beach stones they had found on the beach the summer of the wedding. It was a super meaningful touch and was perfectly displayed.

Jenn + Ben

Why we love it: We always fear about paper escort cards blowing away in the wind at outdoor venues. Both having careers in the events industry, Jenn and Ben took in every last detail – including the weather! They sourced an old mahogany door and strung their escort cards on display. It was easy for guests to grab their seating assignment, and the display was a unique feature to the cocktail space.

Erin + Jeff

Why we loved it: Erin and Jeff took a unique approach to using a door for escort cards. We loved how they placed their menu at the bottom with the chalkboard/chickenwire combination. The door was put at the entrance at Mill Creek Barn, where guests knew what they are eating as soon as they arrive!

Guestbook Display

Melissa + Jed

Why we love it: Melissa and Jed displayed vintage postcards from across the world on unique racks for their escort cards. Not only was this an adorable display that gave the table some height, but it was also full of meaning. Melissa and Jed enjoy traveling. And by that we mean they LOVE to travel – they took a two month honeymoon to travel the world, from Italy to Indonesia and everywhere in between!

Best Floral Design

Colleen + Jeff

Photo Credit: Ben Pancoast Photography

Vendor: Foraged Floral

Why we love it: The floral design of mixed colors and greenery across the room felt so organic and natural inside Hidden Vineyard Wedding Barn. We also love when varying heights are utilized in floral design (not every table should look the same!) It wasn’t your cookie cutter, perfectly placed arrangement – which is what we love! Colleen and Jeff’s floral designer, Tiffany, with Foraged Floral, describes the style as fresh, natural, even a little unruly. She use a generous mix of big, bold blooms, smaller textural elements, and rich, vibrant greens to create a look that is styled, yet effortless. Job well done!

Honorable Mentions

Photo Credit: Erica Freeman Photography (1) ,Durling Photography (2) Studio 6.23 (3)

Brian + Amber

Vendor: Rhinestones and Roses

Why we love it: Brian and Amber got married at The Vineyard at 12 Corners and wanted to incorporate the winery piece into their florals. We love the boutonnieres that Rhinestones and Roses created as an incorporation with that theme. The dark succulents in Amber’s bouquet match the gray-blue hues throughout their wedding theme. We love seeing new colors!

Rachael + Brian

Vendor: New Creations Flower Co.

Why we love it: With our popular twig ceremony arbor up for rent, many couple choose to doll it up with fabric, florals, or garland. What makes Rachael and Brian’s arch design a stand out piece were the bright colors set against the ceremony backdrop of woods, apple trees and the bright summer sky.

Jennifer + Harold

Vendor: Sugar Field Flowers

Why we love it: Nix the itchy corsage and make it a ring! Need we say more?

Best Centerpieces

Rachael + Brian

Photo Credit: Durling Photography

Vendor: New Creations Flower Co.

Why we love it: Their reception venue, the beautiful Vineyard at 12 Corners, is surrounded by vines, apple trees, and a wooded perimeter. So, bride Rachael was inspired to put color into the mix and bring in something that screamed romance. Statement-making dahlias in a mix of dark pink, light pink and pops of red = the epitome of romance. Rachael and Brian outsourced all of their candle holders from over 15 thrift stores in Chicago and collected about 100 candle holders. You can never have enough candles on tables! Accents of gold tones adorned the tables, adding the perfect pop of dimension in the tablescape.

Honorable Mentions

Photo Credit: Camille Lydia Photography (1 & 3), Cassandra Eldridge Photography (2),

Erica + David

Vendor: Stella Event Design (floral design)

Why we love it: This wedding was the definition of classic! White linens, white florals, large pillar candles in glass vases, and mahogany chiavari chairs to top it off!

Ashley + Brad

Vendor: Tara Florist

Why we love it: Height! We rarely see centerpieces with such height – and was a great change of pace! (Tip: Make sure tall vases are always weighted heavily or risk having wind whisk them off the table!) The arrangements were floral balls filled of lush two-toned hydrangeas, roses and succulents the size of our hands!

Jacki + Chris

Vendor: En Gedi Floral (floral design)

Why we love it: We adored seeing the mixture of natural elements and lush flowers on the tablescapes. Jacki and Chris paired their color scheme of blush, gold, and navy with candles and lace runners to complete the look, all atop 1928’s Farmhouse Napa Tables. The flowers were individually selected and grown by a dahlia farm in Hamilton and made an unbelievably gorgeous statement on the tables with their bright color and large size.

Best Wedding Dress

Bride Allison

Photo Credit: Stoffer Photography

Designer: Karen Willis Holmes, called Lina.

Boutique: Soho NYC

Why we love it: Bride Allison looked like perfection in this classic, slim fit gown. The dress was made of two pieces – the main dress plus a detachable train, which added the drama they wanted for the first part of the night yet was comfortable once the dancing began!

Honorable Mentions:

Photo Credit: Ryan Bakerink Photography (1), Jennifer Mayo Studios (2),Cassandra Eldridge Photography (3), Durling Photography (4)

Bride Meghan

Designer: Theia

Boutique: BHLDN

Why we love it: Meghan looked like a goddess in this exquisitely beaded sheath dress. We loved that the tulle skirt could come off and double as a different dress! (Photo #1)

Bride Mattie

Designer: Waters Toos

Boutique: A Joyful Occasion in Naperville, IL.

Why we love it: Bride Mattie put it best, “this gown is elegant, ethereal, and classy while still having a little va-va-voom!” Not only was the look perfection, but Mattie said the gown was more comfortable than she could have ever imagined. Comfort is key – don’t buy a dress you can’t dance in! (Photo #2)

Bride Jacki

Designer: Ines Di Santo

Boutique: Dimitras Bridal Couture in Chicago, IL

Why we love it: This bombshell lace strapless gown had a blush pink underlay that gave the dress so much texture! It took a traditional strapless gown and added in countless layers of detail and design! The back of the dress was just as much beauty as the front! (Photo #3)

Bride Rachael

Designer: Enzoani Isla

Boutique: The Crystal Bride in Geneva, IL

Why we love it: So outside of the box and a different look than what most brides pick! Bride Rachel looked so elegant in this deep sweetheart, lace illusion neckline and back. So simply perfect.(Photo #4)

Best Bridal Hair/Makeup

Bride Melissa

Photo Credit: Lauren Sherman Photography

Vendor: Shawn Frandsen, owner at Restorations Hair Salon

Why we love it: Melissa looked flawless in her Sottero and Midgley pink ruched and ruffled gown. We loved her low side-swept hairstyle and her makeup to match her elegant yet fun look!

Best Beach Wedding

It’s a toss-up!

Amy + Erick

Photo Credit: Jacquelyn James Photography

Location: Tiscornia Park Beach

Why we love it: These two knew how to think outside the box! This was one of the most original wedding days we have ever experienced. Amy and Erick started their wedding celebration with cocktail hour and dinner. Then, they bused everyone to the beach for their sunset wedding ceremony. This was followed by a sparkler entrance back into their reception for dessert and dancing. What a fun night! Guests seemed to love the mix up of things – and they went to a ceremony with a full stomach (not to mention a cocktail or two)!

Brittany + Jesse

Photo Credit: True Photography

Location: Jean Klock Beach

Why we loved it: Brittany and Jesse had scoped out their wedding location several months before the big day. When they revisited their beach spot the week of their wedding, the beach was much smaller than it was months before. But! – there was a small alcove of sandy beach that was the perfect spot for an intimate ceremony. The day ended up being gorgeous and the couple had awesome props!

Most Adorable Kid’s Corner

Melissa + Jed

Why we love it: We just had to create a category for this kid’s corner! Groom Jed made a smaller version of the 1928 Napa Farmhouse tables and cut wood logs for seats. Bride Melissa added all of the little details: every snack a kid could dream of, toys, stickers, and a disposable camera for each little one to play i-Spy. Looking for other unique ways to keep the kids having fun at the reception? Look here!

Best Use of 1928’s Rental Collection

Jordyn + Rick

Item: Specialty Linens and Farmhouse Napa Tables

Why we love it: Bride Jordyn loved the look of our wide Farmhouse Napa Tables, but with reaching near max capacity at her reception venue, had to opt to using narrower tables for the majority of guest seating. To give the banquet tables some jazz, Jordyn and Rick chose a navy blue table linen that really transformed the entire look of the space. They accented it with a handful of our Napa’s to feature the head table. We think it was the perfect pairing and space compromise, but still added a lot of dimension!

Brooke + Nate

Item: Farmhouse Napa Table

Why we loved it: What a great first impression for guests! A refreshing beverage station, complete with lemonade and iced tea for guests to enjoy as they enter into your venue on a hot summer day! Our friends at CK Catering do this setup often and guests will be thankful for the thought!

Katie + Brian

Photo Credit: Stoffer Photography

Item: 1928 Ceremony Arch and Chalkboard

Why we loved it: Maybe we just love having a stunning couple stand under our beach ceremony arch 🙂 The day was gorgeous all around! With the mix of white chairs, white arch, and white chalkboard – there was something so pure and classic about this wedding. We loved being a part of it!

Best Overall Themed Wedding

Allison + Paul – Music-Themed Wedding

Photo Credit: Stoffer Photography

Why we love it: Both being music lovers from NYC, Allison and Paul knew they wanted to tie music elements into the design process to make guests feel like they were attending a music festival! They coined the celebration as Demyanowinkelfest – a fusion of both of their families coming together as one in a festival inspired environment. Battered and once-lifeless instruments (banjos, violin bodies, trumpets, brass pieces, gutted piano and a tambourine from the early 1900’s!) were transformed into awe-inspiring tablescapes that appeared to have flowers naturally growing in and around them (phenomenal work of floral designer, Marco Alexzondra). The theme was done right and to a tee – and looked so perfect in the Blue Dress Barn venue!

Honorable Mentions

Leslie + Andi – Most Enchanted Wedding

Photo Credit: Caressa Rogers Photography

Why we love it: June 7th took our breath away when we transformed The Veranda at The Whitcomb into a fairytale wedding. Bride Leslie dreamed up all of the elements: the blush colors from floor to ceiling, the mixed metals with vases and lanterns, and her princess gown with a bodice covered in jewels. And she created her vision for it all while living 10 hours away! Schades of Light did amazing work with all of the fabric draping, making Leslie’s vision come to life!

Grace + Dave – Beach Themed Wedding

Photo Credit: Allie Siarto Photography

Why we love it: With Lake Michigan drawing in large numbers of engaged couples to the area each year, we see our fair share of beach-wedding themes. There was such sophistication with this design. A watercolor scheme, soft florals, accents of unique beach elements everywhere (without going traditional with sand and shells)! The celebration began with an intimate ceremony on Jean Klock Beach. With fear of rain all day, we’re proud that Grace and Dave stayed patient. It turned out to be one of the best summer days we could have had! Check out the rest of their beautiful day on Allie Siarto’s Knot Feature!

Brittany + Jesse – Most Romantic Wedding

Photo Credit: True Photography

Why we love it: We love seeing couples step outside of the trends for the year. Bride Brittany created an incredibly sophisticated wedding with just a hint of gothic when she brought together the vision for her wedding reception at Shadowland Ballroom. Think lush pink blooms, a candlelight reception at (complete with 3ft. candelabras!) and black sequins and blush silks that will take your breath away.

Such a remarkable year for 1928 Planning and looking so forward with what 2016 holds for our team! Hope you’ve enjoyed a recap of our favorite memories of 2015 and have found some inspiration of your own!

Cheers!

April 16, 2015

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

REAL WEDDINGS: A VINEYARD LOVE STORY

We love sharing stories of 1928 Real Weddings with our fans! Travis and Michaja’s August celebration was one we couldn’t skip out on. They were such a fun duo to work alongside in the planning stages and their venue selection was a first for us – actually a first in history! They were host to the first wedding reception held at 12 Corners Vineyards in Benton Harbor, Michigan. More to come on that cool place later! We’ll give you the inside tour of their big day – the venue, food, decorations, and all of the details in between.

The Accessories

With wedding colors of cobalt blue and black, their accessories paired perfectly. The bride easily found her something blue while complementing their wedding colors. We are shoe obsessed over here at 1928 – couldn’t resist sharing a few photos! Completing the groom’s look were stylish shades – working double-duty on the sunny August day.

The Venue

The Vineyard at 12 Corners is one of Southwest Michigan’s newest tented wedding venues, and from a planner’s perspective, offers SO much for couples looking for a location that is beautifully backdropped, private, and in the heart of wine country. The property sits on 115 acres of land, surrounded by grape vineyards, an apple orchard, corn fields and so much more. What all does this mean for you? You have access to unlimited photo opportunities – not even needing to think about going off-site to capture something beautiful.

The Ceremony

As guests arrived for the wedding ceremony, they were welcomed with a 12 Corners wine tasting experience. As they sampled wine created by the grapes surrounding them, they strolled through the vineyard. It was the perfect way of setting the scene for a stellar atmosphere and celebration to come.

The ceremony took place in the on-site apple orchard. Seating was arranged in a slight semi-circle formation. Regardless of the size of your wedding, semi-circle setups make for a more intimate setting and have been trending with our couples for the last few years.

As the ceremony began, guests were happily surprised with a dancing processional, filled with Travis and Michaja’s closest family and friends. Such a fun group of people in attendance that we wouldn’t expect anything less!

The Decor and Details

Boy do we swoon over a unique reception layout! The guest list was set at 200 attendees. The reception layout was mixed with a variety of styled tables, including traditional round table seating, King Arthurs (8ft x 5ft), and rented Napa Farmhouse Tables from 1928. The Napa’s look like they were made for a venue like The Vineyard, and paired with linen tables, softened up the space just right.

Photo Credit: Josh Nowicki (above)

The centerpieces, miscellaneous beer growlers filled with baby’s breath and hints of white roses, were kept simplistic, knowing that the venue and atmosphere tends to speak for itself.

The additions of wine barrel cocktail tables and lounge furniture from 1928’s Rental Collection completed the look in the lounge space adjacent to the tent. This space is typically used for cocktail hour and as a space for guests to relax after dinner. Decorating and lighting this space is key – guests will spend so much time out there on a beautiful day!

The Chow and Cocktails

Cocktails:

We mentioned earlier that the wine guests enjoy at the wedding reception is made exclusively at 12 Corners. To round out their bar menu, were local brewery, Bells, (located in Kalamazoo) – featuring Oberon and Two Hearted Ale, and a specialty cocktail named “Love, Love, Love” composed of blueberry lemonade and vodka.

Chow:

Catering service was provided by CK Catering (the exclusive caterer at the venue). We highly encourage couples to work with CK – their menu options are so expansive and the food is always tasty. Dinner was served family-style – a popular option most couple’s select and a super casual way for guests to enjoy their meal without getting out of their seat.

The desserts were pies from local hot spot, Grandpa’s Cider Mill. As a late night snack surprise, the famous Ice Cream Truck made an appearance, allowing guests to indulge in a summer sweet treat and likely filled with guests reminiscing of the ice cream man from when they were kiddos.

We couldn’t have asked for a better introduction on 1928’s behalf to The Vineyard at 12 Corners. It was a beautiful day and beautiful couple and we hope sharing a little ounce into their celebration gives you a glimpse of potential ideas for your own!

Vendors:

Venue: The Vineyard @ 12 Corners, managed by White Space Events.

Coordination & Rentals: 1928 Planning Co.

Liquor: Liquor Locker and 12 Corners Winery

Lighting Design: Schades of Light

Baker: Grandpa’s Cider Mill

Florist: Stella Event Design

DJ: Kaleidoscope Events

Photographer: Blueline Photography

December 1, 2014

in 1928 Planning, Wedding Coordination, Wedding Design Ideas, Wedding Planning, Wedding Reception Ideas, Wedding Trends

CREATING YOUR SIGNATURE WEDDING

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)

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!

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.

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!

June 18, 2014

in 1928 Planning, Wedding Coordination, Wedding Planning

FIRST THINGS FIRST: TACKLING THE FIRST MONTH OF 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

Vineyard at 12 Corners

Sun ‘n Sand Resort

May 25, 2014

in 1928 Planning, Wedding Coordination, Wedding Design Ideas, Wedding Planning

TOP FIVE FORGOTTEN WEDDING PLANNING DETAILS UNVEILED

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!