Tag: Bride and Groom

A Cocktail Wedding Reception

Posted on by Mary P Karnes

A group of people at a wedding cocktail hour holding drinks with cherries in them.

It’s not news…the face of weddings has changed from 2019, largely due to COVID-19. Celebrations, not just weddings are smaller, more intimate, and in some ways…less.

Not only are we concerned about health related issues, but many of us are facing financial worries. Does this accept how you plan your wedding? You bet it does.

The powers that be are implying that we may be able to return to normal by the summer of 2021. I sure hope this is the case. But if you wish to be married in 2021, you are doing your planning NOW.

So what are the trends I am seeing with this in mind? Less food, for one. When you think about it, it makes sense. I am always disheartened when I’m at a wedding and I see how much food is wasted. Guests almost always consume the majority of wedding food during ‘Cocktail Hour.’ It’s not surprising, in the rush to get dressed in your wedding guest finery, make it to the church early, (as a good wedding guest should), often, there is no time to grab a meal. After the wedding, during ‘Cocktail Hour,’ we all tend to over-indulge. Then, when dinner is served, anywhere from one to two hours post ‘Cocktail Hour,’ no one is hungry.

insideweddings.com

Plan your wedding cocktail hour: fun, food & entertainment ideas for guests — Wedpics Blog

blog.wedpics.com

What to do? I suggest scrapping the formal dinner and serving heavy apps like the ones above. It will be better for your budget, and your guests will feel lighter – more ready to dance the night away!

cocktail hour — A Garden Party

agardenpartyllc.com

Make sure, however, that you provide at least one chair per guest to rest and relax. Just because you won’t have a formal dinner doesn’t mean your guests don’t want a place to camp out for the reception and call their own. Above and below are some lovely decorating ideas. Enjoy!

Pin on One day

pinterest.com

Cocktail hour wedding. Tented wedding ideas. Outdoor wedding. Cavalier Golf and Yacht Club Wedding. Smo… | Cocktail hour wedding, Tent wedding, Outdoor tent wedding

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Managing Your Wedding Budget During Covid-19

Posted on by Mary P Karnes

airbandb

Weddings going forward will be smaller. The dreaded novel Corona Virus is one reason, economics is another. Let’s face it, we probably won’t return to our normal lives for quite awhile. On top health concerns, many have lost jobs or are impacted economically. Does that mean couples will not want to marry? Of course not! We will just have to find creative, less expensive ways to go about it.

What are the two biggest costs of a wedding? …your caterer and venue. What about renting an” Air B n B” for your wedding party and ceremony? Not only could you hold your celebration at an “Air B n B” home, you could also stay there instead of a hotel. Disclaimer: you must be upfront with the owner and declare your intended use. Keep in mind, celebrations may not be allowed at some properties. Look at the beautiful property above. Beach front property! What a perfect location for a wedding AND a rehearsal dinner the night before. You may even want to consider a post wedding brunch the next day.

The Ultimate Wedding Cocktail Hour Guide

the knot.com

Doesn’t the above photo look cozy for an intimate affair? Oh! Your property doesn’t sport outside furniture?…easy to rent from a staging/event rental company. Once again, check with property owner to see if outside furniture is allowed.

Pin by Chelsea Lauren on Wedding | Pinterest | Wine and cheese party, Food displays, Wine tasting party

pinterest.com

Let’s talk caterers. This is probably your biggest cost. Who says you must have a formal sit down dinner? In my role as wedding planner, I see most guests fill up on food and drink at “Cocktail Hour” and only pick at the formal dinner. Everyone is just too full. What a waste! One can save money and still have a plentiful offering for your guests with heavy appetizers.

Just remember, there is no right or wrong for your wedding, just what you want for your special day.

 

I Wore A Dress to the Market

Posted on by Mary P Karnes

While Disney World is purported to be the “Happiest Place on Earth,” I have the happiest job on earth. Imagine being able to be a part of planning a couple’s wedding; up to that point, the best day in both their lives. But then…the Pandemic of 2020 hit.

Not only are poor couples forced to change their wedding day plans, or reschedule entirely; the job, which once gave me so much joy, has become a source of sadness. Instead of speaking with excited, giddy brides, I am, at best, speaking with disappointed ones.

I found myself out of sorts, and of course worried about my family and friends’ health and that of the world. My family was patient and kind, but frankly, had their own pandemic challenges: working from home with a houseful, as well as going to school on-line. We all had to make compromises.

I am not novel in declaring that, I had more time to do the “simple things”, more time to “get things organized,” more time to “connect with both family, in my home, and friends from afar.”  Yes, I did all those things, but I also decided to step outside the box.

I have never been a formal person, I’ll go run errands, do my marketing in sweats or exercise wear. So I decided that I was going to start dressing up for my only event, the grocery store. I began to look forward to my wardrobe selections, and plan what outfits I’d wear. It gave me something to anticipate, and got my mind off feeling sorry for myself.

Yes… I wore a dress, (or two), to the market. This may not be your thing, (maybe this was already your norm!), maybe you’ll enjoy cooking during this new normal,  (I oddly enough, have!). But if  you’re so inclined, pick something to get yourself out of your funk. I don’t think there’s anyone among us who has escaped some level of ennui. My message is: do something for yourself, and don’t feel you must do what everyone else is. We are all different, and different things please us. Find your happy thing.

Enjoy what we have, and what’s to come. It’s all we have.

And to my brides, both present and future out there, we will get though this. Sending my love.

Below, Mary in a dress. 🙂

 

 

 

Virtual Wedding ?

Posted on by Mary P Karnes

 

How to Plan a Virtual Wedding

So you’re worried that your wedding won’t happen because of the pandemic. Think you’re out of options? Think again. You DO have options. You will have to change the paradigm of what you thought your wedding would be, but you can still get married, and do it well.

Option A:

Elope.  Seem old-fashioned? It is. An elopement is something our great-grandparents did. But you can do it with a few modern-day tweaks. Make sure you get your marriage license is obtained  where you  choose to get married. A courthouse is a  good place to start.  Call ahead and confirm hours have not changed due to our new reality.

Option B:

Reschedule for a later date. This is disappointing and a lot of work. But if you’re looking for your dream wedding with no changes except the date, it’s your best bet. My concern? What is to insure you won’t be rescheduling again in six months?

If you go this route, talk to your venue and vendors about penalties, rebooking costs, and their availability.

Option C:

Get married in a simple manner now, then hold a big party a year to year and a half from now. While not guaranteed to be trouble free, your new plans have less chance of interruption again.

Option D:

A virtual wedding. WHAT?  Yes, it’s a thing. This option, life anything else, takes planning.

  • First, make sure your vendors are available.
  • Next, inform your guests of the new date. I suggest doing this via email, or even better, an e-invite such as https://www.paperlesspost.com I’ve used this company for many occasions, and you can often select e-invites for free!
  • Make sure you have whatever tech gear you may need.
  • Choose the platform you wish to use. A quick google search will give you options.
  • Make sure all your ducks are in a row.  Have you decorated as you wish? Are you wedding clothes ready?
  • Say, “I Do!”

 

https://thebudgetsavvybride.com/how-to-plan-a-virtual-wedding/

abc.go.com

Check your state’s requirements for virtual weddings, While virtual weddings are a way to allow guests to view your wedding who can’t attend, your state most likely will require your officiant to be physically present, as well as witnesses.

How To Virtually Plan and Live Stream Your Wedding

herecomestheguide.com

 

Virtual Wedding Expo: Fancy That Cake - TheWeddingRing.ca

theweddingring.ca

My Mom and Dad were early adapters.  Here they are viewing my oldest’s wedding in New England from the comfort of their home in California.