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TIPS | CHOOSING THE RIGHT VENUE

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TIPS | CHOOSING THE RIGHT VENUE

Finding the right venue for your wedding is an exciting experience. The Dallas area has no shortage of dreamy, picturesque, and swoon-worthy venues to choose from, but knowing which one is right for you takes research and planning. We have five tips that will get you on the right track and ensure that you get hitched at the venue of your dreams!

 

Tip 1: Define Your Style

Do you envision your wedding style as Rustic, Romantic, Gothic, or Traditional? Knowing your style ahead of time can help you narrow down the types of venues you want to visit. Your venue will play a major role in creating the right atmosphere for your wedding day.

 

Tip 2: Ask Questions

Venue | White Sparrow BarnPhoto | Diane Keathly

Venue | White Sparrow Barn

Photo | Diane Keathly

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Venue managers/coordinators are there to help you make the right decision for you! Here are a few big ones Here Comes The Guide recommends:

  1. How many hours does the rental fee include, and is there an overtime fee if I stay longer?

  2. Do you have an in-house caterer or a list of "preferred" caterers, or do I need to provide my own? Even if there is an in-house caterer, do I have the option of using an outside caterer instead?

  3. Can we use candles/confetti/sparklers/fireworks/animals/lawn games/bounce houses/food trucks/insert your own fun-but- potentially-dangerous liability here?

  4. What security services do you offer?

  5. Are cabs/rideshares (like Uber, Lyft, etc.) easily accessible from the venue?

 

Tip 3: Make Sure It Fits Your Needs

Keep in mind how the venue you choose can best work with the night you’ve planned. For instance, if your wedding will be mostly out of town guests, consider using one location for both your wedding and reception to cut down on Uber use and travel time. Or if you’re planning on having a smaller wedding research smaller or even non-traditional venue spaces to save a few dollars.

 

Tip 4: Know and Stick to Your Budget

Venues can be a budget breaker (and one of the first things you get on the books), so make sure you’re mindful and not looking outside your budget. Venue shopping can be an exciting experience, but falling in love with a location you can’t afford isn’t.

 

Tip 5: Talk to Your Planner

We’ve seen TONS of venues, so pick our brains! We’ll be able to give you some great recommendations based on your style or steer you in the right direction if you’re feeling lost!

 

How did you choose the right venue?

 

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25 FIRST DANCE SONGS WE LOVE

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25 FIRST DANCE SONGS WE LOVE

The first dance at your wedding is a beautiful moment between you and your new spouse. First dances can be sentimental, spicy, sweet, or get a little funky. Couples typically choose a song that is special to them or represents their love story. But, if the two of you don’t have a song to call your own or are looking for a song off the beaten path, you might be stuck. We’ve put together 25 uniquely sweet songs for you to consider. Each is sure to make your first extra extraordinary.

 
Photo | Reigh Walker

Photo | Reigh Walker

1. Maggie Rogers - Love You For A Long Time

2. Alvvays - Archie, Marry Me

3. Khai Dreams - Sunkissed

4. Eloise - Subside

5. Van Morrison - Crazy Love

6. Caroline Polachek - So Hot You’re Hurting My Feelings

7. Haim - Honey & I

8. Rex Orange - Loving Is Easy

9. Bobby Caldwell - What You Won’t Do for Love

10. Bruno Major - Easily

11. Camera Obscura - French Navy

12. Marvin Gaye - How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)

13. The Flamingos - I Only Have Eyes For You

14. Daniel Caesar - Japanese Denim

15. Us The Duo - No Matter Where You Are

16. The Everly Brothers - Always It’s You

17. Local Natives - You & I

18. Cat Power - Sea of Love

19. Alicia Keys - That’s When I Knew

20. Adele - Lovesong

21. Samm Henshaw - Only Wanna Be with You

22. Honne - Day 1

23. Mac Ayers - Easy

24. Kacey Musgraves - Golden Hour

25. The Ronettes - Be My Baby

 
 

What’s your first dance pick?

 

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TIPS | FINDING YOUR WEDDING AESTHETIC

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TIPS | FINDING YOUR WEDDING AESTHETIC

The first (or at least the first and most fun) step of your wedding planning is deciding the look of your wedding day. Not only is it exciting to put together, but it’ll live in your wedding pictures forever. When deciding on your oh so important wedding aesthetic, there are tons of things to consider and we’ve rounded up a few for you plus tips on how to keep your vision organized. Let the designing begin!

 

Brainstorm

Sit down with your boo or BFFs and talk about how you'd always envisioned your big day. Though those plans might have to be scaled down or re-worked to make them realistic, they are a good jumping off point.

Pinterest

Consult your Pinterest, but make sure it’s not just a bunch of pretty pictures. Now that Pinterest allows you to make subcategories, your running wedding board may benefit from some reorganization (especially if this is something you plan to show vendors in the future).

Quick Tip: Think about making a fresh wedding and creating sub-boards for:

  • Dress/Bridal Beauty

  • Bridesmaids (gifts, beauty)

  • Groom/Groomsmen

  • Guests (paper, favors, welcome)

  • Food and Drinks (reception, cocktail hour)

  • Decor

  • Shot List

After you’re done, go through your old wedding board and move only your very favorite pins to the new board and delete the rest.

Photo | Rob August

Photo | Rob August

Color Palette

Play with color palettes! Color (or lack thereof) can set the tone of your wedding day and your design aesthetic. Bold is in, but may need some experimentation to get right.

Theme

Looking to over the top with your wedding day aesthetic? Consider a theme. There are never ending options, and no doubt your look will be unforgettable.

Talk It Out

Ask yourself (and your spouse the big questions)! Do you want your wedding to be:

  • Modern or Traditional?

  • Big or small?

  • Daytime or nighttime?

These will all help to give you a clearer picture of your wedding day.

Consider What You Already Know

Decisions you’ve already made may also sway your wedding style.

Venue: Barns and outdoor venues lend themselves to a more rustic or boho look, while banquet halls and luxe hotels tend to be more classically styled.

Season: The season may also play a role in your overall decor. Winter Wonderland and Autumnal Coziness have very different vibes (and if you even care) you can incorporate them into your event design.

Photo | Diane Keathly

Photo | Diane Keathly

 

What’s your wedding aesthetic?

 

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TIPS | NEWLY ENGAGED

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TIPS | NEWLY ENGAGED

You’re engaged! First off, congrats! We knew it would be happening any day now, we could just feel it. We’re so happy for you and are even happier that soon you’ll be celebrating the love between you and your honey!

Second, we don’t want to scare you, but there are some big decisions coming over the horizon. The who, the where, and the when are just a few of the many choices you’ll be making during the wedding planning process. But don’t freak out, we’re here to help! We’ve racked our brains and come with your Just Engaged must do’s. Consider this your wedding checklist intro!

Photo | Jennefer Wilson

Photo | Jennefer Wilson

Live In It

Take some time and soak up the newly engaged feeling! Keep it a secret for the day (or even a week!) because once you let the cat out of the bag, wedding talk will be top of everyone’s mind.

 

Budget

Start thinking about your wedding budget. It may seem early, but it will determine so many aspects of your wedding day. The guest count and venue are some of the big budget factors. Now would also be an excellent time to check in with parents or other close family members about whether or not they plan to chip in. Of course, they don’t have to! Plenty of 21st-century couples pay for their wedding 100% on their own, but often family contributes, and that’s something to consider when putting your budget together.

 

Venue

Start a list of venues the two of you like. Venues, especially the most popular ones, are known to book out a year or two in advance, so getting your name on the books asap will give you a better chance at getting the day that you want.

Photo | a sea of love

Photo | a sea of love

Date

Your wedding date goes hand in hand with the Venue, but you have to be flexible! Holidays weekends and matching dates like 02/02/2020 will go quickly. Even more regular dates may be all booked up once you get in contact with vendors, so consider choosing a date range or season that you want to get married to avoid disappointment.

 

Brainstorm

Create or revive your wedding Pinterest board. What’s your dream wedding vibe? Sit down with your fiancé and a wedding magazine and talk through your likes and dislikes. There’s no need to make any concrete decisions, just get a sense of your shared vision.

 

Wedding Party

Think about who you want to include in your wedding party. You don’t have to ask or dream up any proposals yet, but start getting a list together. Or do the two of you even want a wedding party? Your wedding, your choice.

Celebrate!

Bring your friends and family together to celebrate your engagement. This doesn’t have to be an all night rager or a pricey party, just gather your loved ones and celebrate this new phase of your life.

 

So, what are you doing first?

 

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TIPS | BOUDOIR DOS AND DONTS

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TIPS | BOUDOIR DOS AND DONTS

Weddings are filled with pre-event photo ops but boudoir photos are perhaps some of our favorites. They're not for everyone but if you are thinking of getting frisky, we highly recommend!

Boudoir photos are traditionally sexy pictures brides have taken as a gift for their new spouse. Even more than that it's an opportunity to feel your most confident. Boudoir pictures are what you make of them. They can be dark, moody, and nearly nude or bright and romantic while featuring lacy robes and lingerie.

After the planning and posing comes the best part, handing them over. There are a million different ways to gift your favorite shots. Some brides create a photo album of the pictures, while others pick a few of their favorites and have them framed for their home (definitely one hell of a conversation starter). Whatever your choice, your honey is sure to be thrilled.

Below are a few of our Boudoir Dos and Don'ts!

Don't experiment on the day of the shoot.

I understand being tempted to try something new but hit pause on that if you can help it. Boudoir pictures should be showing off your most confident self, but it's hard to feel that way if you're unsure of your new look. Our tip: Make any significant changes at least 3-4 weeks before the shoot day.

Do find an experienced photographer you trust and vibe with.

For such an intimate shoot, it's important that you hire a photographer that you like and makes you feel comfortable. Consider meeting before you book to grab a coffee and get a feel for their personality. It's also essential that you choose a photographer you know has boudoir experience. A great lifestyle or wedding photographer doesn't always equal a great boudoir photographer.

Do make a playlist!

Making an “I’m Feelin’ Myself“ playlist should be the first step on your pre-shoot prep list. It’ll help you get into the groove and feel more comfortable and confident. Who can feel self-conscious jamming to Don’t Start Now by Dua Lipa? Here are a few pre-made playlist suggestions: Feelin' Myself, Pumped Pop, Hot Country

Do ask questions and communicate your needs.

Your photographer is great what they do, but they aren’t mind readers. Only you know your vision and boundaries, so speak up!

Photo | Adria Lea

Photo | Adria Lea

Don’t feel like you have to be someone you’re not.

Boudoir photos are an opportunity to show off your sexiest self. Emphasis on SELF. You don’t need to start some new crash diet or tweeze, pull, and suck your self into oblivion. The camera will catch all the discomfort. So as hard as it may feel, be your own hottie thottie self!

Do make a special shopping trip.

Treat yourself! This shoot is as good of a time as any to go out find something that makes you feel hot. You don’t have to spend lavishly, but take some time and think about what looks make you feel and look your best.

Do have an idea of what you want.

Create a Pinterest or mood board for some boudoir inspiration! There are tons of different boudoir styles and it’s essential to find the perfect one for you. Are you going ultra sexy and nearly nude, or is your vibe more sweet and playful?

Do have fun!

Let loose and have fun. Boudoir pictures are something your partner will never forget, and your shoot should be the same. Let yourself live in the moment and soak up all that fun and fierce energy. You deserve it!

 

What do you think? Are Boudoir pictures on your wedding to do list?

 

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