For The Bride

How to Disinvite Your Wedding Guests

Bells Will be Ringing, But You’re Not Invited

Couples around the world who dream of the perfect wedding are now forced into difficult decisions.  Because COVID-19 limits travel, closes wedding venues, and creates health concerns over large gatherings, many to-be’s have decided not to be for the moment. While some couples chose to postpone their nuptials, others decide to move forward with small ceremonies. This creates one particularly sticky problem. Invitations sent pre-COVID now have couples faced with the odious task of having to uninvite wedding guests to their smaller celebrations.

Intrigue is here to help you uninvited wedding guests this without causing offense!

Nobody wants to be on the cut list, but during a pandemic that continues to spread and threaten lives, people are likely to understand a couple’s need to create a small and safe celebration. In fact, there will be those who can not, or are unwilling to attend due to virus concerns.

That’s why your first step should be to check with the core wedding group (family, wedding party members) to see what their reaction is to a more intimate ceremony.  You may find that some are immunocompromised or can not travel due to restrictions. Some may simply be unwilling to take the risk.

Once You Make Initial Cuts..

The time has come to establish some sort of rule for cutting, such as family only.  To avoid hard feelings, the last thing you want is to make your decision seem arbitrary.  You might even consider a virtual option whereby disinvited guests are asked to participate via digital access.

When you decide on numbers and who you are cutting from the list, it is important to make personal connections with those you are uninviting.  A phone call is the best way to chat personally and explain your situation.  If not, then the best etiquette is to send a personalized card.

The message you convey will also go a long way toward saving hurt feelings. Begin by emphasizing how difficult your decision is and that it is made absolutely out of concern for the health of all involved.  A nice way to make the ex-guest feel important is to tell them there will be a full celebration at a later (post-COVID) date where you will be eager to see them.  Or, if a party is already part of your smaller plans, you might suggest that you would like to get together with them later one-on-one.

Finally, When the Wedding Day Arrives..

Consider what you put on social media.  Posts that include photos of attendees who are part of a group to which some of the uninvited belong are bound to generate ill-will.  For now, it might be best to stick to shots of the happy couple and maybe the wedding participants.

If you are on the receiving end of wedding guests disinvite, try not to take it personally.  COVID-19 is a serious threat and cutting a hundred person guest list down to a handful is no easy thing.  You were important enough to be invited and important enough for the couple to consider your health. And, yes, you should send a wedding gift even if you are uninvited.  It does not have to be the full Reed and Barton silver place setting you had considered.  Maybe something more modest.  Maybe a lovely pair of toasting flutes or an alloy wine chiller; something that says, “I understand.”

Written by, Megan Glenn

Navigate Our Virtual Wedding Planning Program

Intrigue offers full-service wedding planning and has thoughtfully designed a virtual wedding planning program to help you navigate wedding planning.  Since 2008, Intrigue has planned destination weddings all over the world. As destination wedding designers, our norm is assisting our couples from afar. Now we extend our services to assist more couples by creating customized virtual design & planning packages.  

Our packages are here to help couples that may be working with a full-service venue, hired a Month-of Planner, looking for design assistance, or planning a small elopement.

Our Virtual Wedding Planning  Program Design Consultants are here to get to know you. We come to recognize your personalities, assess your needs, budget requirements, and bringing together your overall wedding vision. However, not only do we offer guidance, but we also offer the necessary tools through our wedding planning software. This allows you to organize your thoughts, designs, and vendors. Ultimately, creating a fun stress-free planning experience. 

Virtual Wedding Planning Program

It may feel like one notebook is not going to be enough as you start your wedding checklist.  Especially, for the next 12-months, 6-months, 3-month, or even the next 30 days. Our virtual wedding planning program consulting packages include access to our planners and the amazing wedding planning tools you need. Virtually Wed has you covered. We walk you through how to organize your budget, review vendor contracts, and customize your checklist. Not to forget, working through your wedding weekend timeline.

When working through the initial design process, we find our couples are overwhelmed by Pinterest. If you are one of these couples then our design consulting package is the perfect fit for you. Pinterest is a great resource for gathering inspiration, but can also seem like a wedding rabbit hole. 1 am Pinterest pinning, the uncertainty of not knowing which direction to go can cause of some overwhelming stress. However, this is what our Virtual Design Consults are here for. We will assist you through this process to organize your thoughts in order to create a cohesive design.

Virtually Wed Design Studio 

This is something we can not live without. We love this tool because we can take all of your ideas and separate them out by categories! This is great because it allows us to separate your ideas and concentrate on each individually. Additionally, there is a comment section to leave us a little note about what you like about the picture. We can share your design board with vendors to make your meetings with them more efficient. 

What is next? How to get started? How much time is needed with a Virtual Consultant? 

These are questions that we receive all the time. Your time and investment mean the world to us. We do not want to waste any time before we get down to the details. We are happy to set up a  FREE 30-minute consultation with you and your fiance. During the consultation, we will ask you a series of questions in order to get to know your personalities. Such as, where you are in the planning process and your planning stressors. From there we will determine which packages fit your needs best. 

Love is not canceled, and we are here to make sure you have the day you have always envisioned. 

5 Ways to Accommodate for Traveling Guests

It’s time to polish up the champagne flutes and pop open a bottle of bubbly because you’re getting married! You’ve finally bought your dresschose your venue, and sent out those gorgeous handmade calligraphy invitations that express you and your fiancé perfectly. 

But even if you feel that you’ve figured out all the details of your wedding, you still have out-of-town guests to think about. Because chances are, even if your guests have visited the destination previously, they’ll be looking to you for guidance on how to spend their time when they’re not involved in wedding festivities. 

It may feel like yet another stressor to wrangle family together and make everyone happy. But accommodating for traveling guests doesn’t have to push you to elope after all. Read on to learn how you can make everyone feel right at home on your wedding day.

Provide Your Guests a Welcome Bag


When your guests arrive, be sure to have a welcome bag prepped for everyone at the first event. Include items like a map of the local area, snacks, or a bottle of bubbly alongside your wedding itinerary and a personalized note thanking your guests for making it to the wedding. You may also consider including a personalized item like a monogram tote bag or a local magazine sharing the best things to do in the area, 

Whether you provide a welcome bag right at check-in or simply wait until the rehearsal dinner, this simple but lovely gesture will help your out-of-town guests feel right at home.

Invite Your Guests to The Rehearsal Dinner


Regardless of where or when you have the rehearsal dinner, you don’t want to skip out on having one if you have lots of out-of-town guests arriving for your wedding. Although your main event may leave you with plenty to do, guests who aren’t in the wedding need to be entertained.

It may also be a good idea to make sure there isn’t too much time before the rehearsal dinner. And, if you’re having a cocktail hour or meet up ahead of the rehearsal dinner, don’t leave too much time between the two events. Keeping your guests on a consistent schedule will make the weekend even more exciting for everyone.

Provide an Itinerary


You don’t want your guests feeling confused or out of the loop. Even if you provide your guests with a wedding itinerary in their welcome bag, make sure to check in with everyone individually if possible. 

If you’re having a larger wedding and it isn’t possible to speak with everyone ahead of the wedding, make your wedding website available for people to access the calendar of events. You may also consider putting members of your wedding party in charge of checking in with everyone to make sure they’re settling nicely.

Coordinate a Hotel Block

While some couples simply recommend places for their out-of-town guests to stay, it’s even better to take the extra step of coordinating a hotel block so everyone can stay in the same place. This is among the best ways to make sure your guests feel included in every activity. 

Plus, if other guests want to get together and do sightseeing, all they have to do is meet up in the lobby. We recommend using Hotel Planner to coordinate a hotel block. Make sure your hotel is in a fairly central location so it’s easy for guests to enjoy all the area has to offer!

Since most of your guests will likely stay more than one day when traveling for your wedding, give your guests some options of fun things to do outside of wedding festivities! Not only will your guests feel valued, but they’ll also have something fun to do while you’re prepping for the special day.

There are many ways to communicate the activity ideas to your guest. One easy way is to simply include a list with the welcome bag you provide for your guest. You can also include a “Traveling Guest” section on your wedding website in case you do not provide a welcome bag. If you are feeling a bit more creative, try to make a scavenger hunt or a check list of all of you and your significant others favorite places for your guests to visit. This will keep things fun and meaningful.

It can be stressful to figure out how to make all your guests happy but making their stay a little more fun will make the whole wedding experience even more fun for everyone. Of course, the best way to accommodate your traveling guests is to let them know how much you appreciate them. A simple thank you goes a long way!

Blog Contribution – Amanda Moore amandalmoore65@gmail.com

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Charleston Strong

David Tutera + Lifetime TV meets Charleston

Charleston is a gorgeous city full of unique wedding venues that fit almost any preference. We are so glad David Tutera with Lifetime TV My Great Big Live Wedding, decided to bring this opportunity to our town, and thrilled we were able to work together and truly demonstrate how Charleston Strong our community is!

This past February, us gals at Intrigue Design + Events  had the exciting opportunity to work with Lifetime TV David Tutera’s, My Great Big Live Wedding, in our location of choice—Charleston, South Carolina! Okay, so maybe we are biased since we are based out of this breathtaking place on the water called the Holy City. Charleston has an abundance of unique venues to choose from, and David and his crew certainly took advantage of this opportunity and we were honored to share in the process!

Having the opportunity to assist David and his team as well as these two high school sweethearts Chris Singleton and Mariana De Andrade, have the wedding of their dreams was priceless. With Chris’s love for baseball and starting spring training with the Chicago Cubs just a few days after he said “I do” we knew we couldn’t just have a their wedding at any venue. Can you guess? I am sure baseball park came to mind, but can you imagine building a full ceremony & tented reception in the middle of the field facing the water and centered off home base. Thanks to Shipyard Park  we were able to create something these two would never forget. However, a baseball field doesn’t come fully equipped with a wedding setup (weird, right?). Our team faced the task of utilizing our Charleston vendor relationships to construct this fabulous wedding venue! Charleston’s industry talent, such as Loluma EventsQueen Street CateringDarby Events, and Event works Rentals, were happy to lend their helping hand to David and his team to get this tremendous feat accomplished for this deserving couple. 

Shipyard Park was nothing short of accommodating for David’s plans, organizing its baseball practices around the production teams schedule and lending help when needed. Southern hospitality extends beyond everyday manners, it would seem—most venues in Charleston have offered assistance and thoroughness beyond what might be expected. In addition to this, the city’s various event spaces are unique due not only to their Charleston charm but their own distinctive features as well. Our city offers a multitude of centuries-old locations that are filled with gorgeous vegetation and seaside views, as well as more modern settings such as renovated historic buildings and newly-constructed ones. Examples, such as Lowndes Grove Planation, the  William Aiken House on King Street, 159 RutledgeLegare Waring House, and many more!

We are so glad David Tutera decided to bring this opportunity to our amazing city, and thrilled we were able to work together and truly demonstrate how Charleston Strong our community is. We travel the world for our couples and have visited cities such as Sydney Austria, Toronto Canada, Bahamas, Mexico, and many other city’s across the US and we are always humbled to share Charleston with our amazing couples. Creating a venue on a baseball field was definitely new for us and our city, but with the help of David’s crew, Chris and Mariana’s good-heartedness, and Charleston’s natural beauty and experienced vendors, our teamwork produced a memorable day for this young couple with memories to last a lifetime. 

Vendors

Venue | Shipyard Park

Floral | Lush Flowers

Rentals |Eventworks Rentals

Lighting | Loluma

Cake | Cakes by Kasarda

Photography | Kim Craven Photography

Entertainment | Darby Events + Cece Winan

Catering | Queen Street Catering

Bridal Ensembles | Focus on the Bride + Bari Jay Fashions

Elope or Bust?

You Decide

Wedding planners + married couples know how much preparation goes into a wedding—there are hundreds of little choices to be made and not a lot of time to execute the end result. But ultimately, it’s worth it….Right?

A lot of couples consider eloping because of that very question: Is planning a big wedding really worth it? Obviously, this is a complex thing to consider. There are all kinds of benefits and drawbacks to elopement and traditional weddings, but one thing is certain: the common perception of both events is changing.

Most people have heard their share of anecdotes about eloping. Spontaneous “Vegas weddings,” boat ceremonies in international waters, and simple courthouse services have started to become more popular; this probably has to do with a change in the perception of elopement over the last few decades. It’s gaining a more positive reputation, rather than being seen as a sneaky way for couples to wed without their parents’ approval or as a secretive last-resort for couples These days, the act has gained more respectability as an intimate, financially sensible choice. The increasingly positive perception of elopement is even reflected in pop culture. Spontaneous, secret, and low-key marriage ceremonies seem to turn out well!

As for traditional weddings, their reputation has remained fairly consistent, although many spouses-to-be are opting for ceremonies that break smaller traditions and better suit their personal interests. People are getting creative. There are a lot of options out there, and our understanding of what a wedding should look like is changing. Still overwhelmed? Planners love offering elopement packages as well..So, is elopement the way to go, or does the bad still outweigh the good?

All Cards on the Table..

Positively Pro

Attractive Price Tag

It’s true: weddings can be insanely expensive. You’re paying for every detail—from chairs and tables to flowers and sparklers. With elopement, most of those details aren’t included, so you don’t have to abuse your bank account over them. Due to the lack of guests, you won’t have to pay for catering, seating, transportation, decorating a large venue, or even accommodation (if it’s a destination wedding). The only things you’ll have to worry about buying are the necessities for you, your spouse, and whoever will be with you during the ceremony.

Stress Free is the Way to Be

For most of us, saving money decreases stress, but there are plenty of other things that you can avoid stressing over if you opt out of a traditional wedding. With an elopement, there are fewer guests to manage, fewer decorative elements to tweak, and a much looser schedule to follow—and even those things are assuming that you have any guests, decorations, or schedule in the first place. In the end, a smaller ceremony lets you take your mind off of the little things and focus all of your attention on your new spouse. In fact, that’s a pro of its own:

Intimacy is Key

Without a doubt, having your wedding day all to yourselves is special and personal beyond compare. Although a bigger wedding would allow more people and extravagance, the romance and intimacy of elopement cannot be overlooked; optimally, there are no distractions from one another during the ceremony that binds you and your partner together for life. It’s about just the two of you and your connection, rather than you as a couple in the wider family/community.

More Marriage, Less Wedding

In that same vein, elopement can make your big day all about marriage itself, focusing your attention on the lifelong love and commitment between you and your partner. A traditional wedding, on the other hand, usually requires that you split your attention between your new marriage and the party that surrounds it. Although a celebration can emphasize the excitement of marriage, it can also take away from the solemnity of the day itself.

You Me and Spontaneity

Up until now, I’ve mostly been concentrating on planned-out elopements, but it’s important to note that elopement is the perfect method for getting married without any planning at all. There’s something to be said for the passion and excitement that accompany spontaneity, especially with a decision as big as marriage. If you think you want to get hitched but you want it to happen in-the-moment, elopement is probably the best way to go.

Candid Cons

Where is the Personality

Although intimate, elopement doesn’t let you make the hundreds of little choices that typically go along with a big wedding, meaning that you might not feel like the ceremony is as tailored to your taste. There probably won’t be as many decorations, so choices like color scheme, types of greenery, and furniture arrangement won’t be as impactful to the ceremony’s overall look.

Lost Loved Ones

Some elopements include a few close family members or friends, but the guest list still has to stay relatively limited. Even if you have ten of your closest people with you, there will probably be others that you wish were there, too. Also, many couples consider eloping without anyone but an officiary and a required witness. This method, though very private and significant to the participants, is even more likely to result in regret over absent parties. Getting married can be stressful regardless of how it’s done; eloping may not bring as much pressure as a traditional wedding, but you still might want someone other than your spouse there to support you and calm any nerves.

Is Bigger Really Better

For many people, the festivity and socializing that come with a bigger wedding are an important element of their big day. Also, a little vanity can be justified—a lot of couples look forward to all of the attention being focused on them, their love, and their bond for just that one day. With elopement, there won’t be as many people there to give you the gift of their attention, excitement, support, or mere social presence. The lack of attendees and celebration can impact the significance of the ceremony, as well, making it feel like less of a big deal. So, these factors shouldn’t be considered lightly. They can be really important parts of a couple’s wedding day, but they may not be necessary for everyone.

Too Much Drama Mama

If you look up “elopement ideas” online, a lot of the results include tips on how to handle your family’s reaction to the concept. Along with judgement, you should also prepare yourself for drama or resentment from the people who hear about your plan to elope. More conventional people, especially family members, might feel that a wedding is a right extended to the couple’s family and friends rather than a privilege. They may take it personally that you’re not having a ceremony to which they will be invited, and these feelings could create tension between yourselves and your loved ones that you might not consider worth the trouble.

So, those are the ups and downs of eloping. What do you think—is it worth it?

Engagement Season: Tips for the Lads + the Ladies

With engagement season fast approaching, we know the planning and process can be daunting! From planning the big ta-dah, to picking the shiner you will place on her finger forever, there is so much to consider. Never fear, we are here with some helpful tips and tricks to make the big day a little easier along with all the fun to follow!



For the Boys

Do your Ring Research. Start with the basics. Look at the style of jewelry she wears or ask her best friend for advice. If you think it’s too obvious to ask her ring size, take one of her everyday pieces to measure! Need more insight? It may be time to whip out that magnifying glass to take a closer look. Don’t be afraid to investigate, every girl has pinned, liked, or even commented on her dream ring through some social media platform. Do some digging. 

Ask the Future Family: While this is not customary, it shows a great deal of respect and could go a long way with your future in-laws. Who knows, they may give you some great insight on how to achieve her dream proposal! She may have mentioned it once or twice. 

Dress to Impress: Planning your outfit may sound silly, but your bride-to-be will want you looking spiffy in those proposal photos. Most importantly, keep the ring box safe and concealed until the big question arises. Choose pants or a jacket with deep pockets to keep your secret safe until the moment of truth!


Grandeur or Private Affair:  Ask friends and family whose secrecy you can trust for their advice. Trust your gut too. You know your bride-to-be and their personality. If they are shy, have the proposal be an intimate moment to cherish forever. If you have a slightly more adventurous fiancé-to-be, plan that huge party and the reveal she’s most likely expecting.

Trend NOT:  Think back to those noteworthy moments in your relationship that led you to falling in love. You are about to make the woman of your dreams your future wife, so don’t skimp on the romance. Finding the perfect proposal location might seem complicated, but the answer may lie in the simplest of places. Think about where you had your first date or first kiss, even locations with inside jokes between the two of you!

Outsmart Your Smarter Half:  Think of activities or outings you know she can’t resist. Recruit a trustworthy accomplice to join you in your plan. Great starting points include planning around friends or family member visits into town. It is easy to disguise just meeting company for dinner, cocktails, or a work party, the list never ends.

Off the Script: Collect your thoughts. You should have some concept of what to say when you propose, and how to deliver it. Your tact should be heartfelt, and your demeanor direct. However, memorizing lines will make it seem forced and less genuine. Sticking to a script may contribute to unnecessary stress, and who needs more of that?

Seal the Deal: To go above and beyond, think about what comes after the bride to be says YES (other than jumping up and down!). Consider what or where you are you going to go after. Will it be a planned dinner or celebration with friends? A lovely walk, night on the town, or maybe a simple trip back home to “celebrate” hint hint wink wink. 


Post Proposal…What’s next? 

Don’t Show THEN Tell: While the moment is beyond exciting and you want notify everyone on the face of the planet, understand how important it is to tell your parents and close loved ones before posting on social media. It is better to protect their feelings by hearing it from you, before seeing it in a picture! Remember to be prepared to tell the story a million times with the same enthusiasm and gusto, no matter the number of repeats you must endure.

Bling Without the Brag:  It is only natural to want to show the amazing job your fiancé did picking out a ring that best suits your taste and your personality! If you aren’t patient enough to wait for engagement photos, a tasteful way to show off your rock on social media is by incorporating your fiancé into the shot. Tip: Treat yourself to a manicure!

Live in Your Moment: You may want to jump right into wedding planing, however, don’t feel pressured to rush. Enjoy your honeymoon phase of being engagement before stressing over details. Remember, your fiancé put in a lot of time, thought and effort, into planning the engagement. Give him a little breather room, he may need a break! Plus, let him bask in spotlight for planning such an awesome engagement, just a little bit longer.

It’s Party Time: Why not have a get together to celebrate this new step together in the journey called life. Test your planning skills and host one yourself, or pass it along to a group of friends. (even potential bridal party) Getting engaged is a big change for both you and your friends, and you can be easily swept up with your fiancé and all the excitement. Planning these parties & showers will give you a chance to spend time with your best gal pals.

Tip: Keep track of the recipients to your engagement party/bridal shower/ initial save-the-date invitations. Guests will expect an invite to your big day..keep this in mind when you’re planning wedding numbers!

https://www.kingstreetphotoweddings.com
Photo Credits: King Street Photo Wedding

Wedding Who? Enjoy your engagement, however, it is okay to start thinking of “Big Picture” ideas for the big day! We all know People wills start to ask about potential dates, details, venue, and food before you have time to think about it. Don’t stress out, just start a conversation with your future hubby and both of your overall visions and wants! Think about the date/season, venues, budget, wedding size a little later in the process. Tip: It is never too soon to start your wedding planner research. A planner can assist you in making those “Big Picture” decisions, and setting you up for a successful and less stressful wedding experience.

A Mindful Bride: Yoga Retreat

As a Bride,

you go to great lengths planning your wedding day to ensure everything will be picture perfect, enjoyed by your guests, and seamlessly executed. Of course all of these elements are extremely important, however, it is crucial to take time to prepare yourself mentally and physically for your big day! Yoga is the perfect outlet to rejuvenate your mind and body during the stress of wedding planning, and the perfect opportunity to relax with your bridesmaids before the big weekend. Treat yourself and your crew to a yoga session and brunch party here at the Rutledge House. Breath, let go of stress, relieve tension, enjoy the moment, and stretch your body. Have the instructor read passages that invoke thoughts of love and happiness. It will be the calm before the storm, literally!

 


 

Ditch The Studio: To make your yoga session an intimate affair, researchvenuesthat have private popup event packages, equipped with vendors and specialized personnel that will take care of the logistics and legwork for you.


 

Home Grown: After taking time to replenish your spirit and your mind, you and the girls can refuel your bodies by partacting in a healthful brunch. Take advantage of local artisans and indulge brunch-y selections such as cold pressed juices, Kombucha, organic blends of hot tea, chia seed pudding, homemade granola with almond milk, acai and smoothie bowls, avocado toast, and fresh heirloom bruschetta.

A Not So Basic Bachelorette Weekend

Goodbye to nuptial traditions & hello to modern couples eager to travel!

 The uptrend in both domestic and international destination weddings means saying goodbye to nuptial traditions, hello to modern couples eager to travel, and welcoming the bridal party to do the same. We can part with the days when throwing a bachelorette party meant a one night affair filled with bar hopping, tacky matching attire, and far too many shots! The bachelorette party is all about the bride making special memories with her closest friends, and a one night rendezvous just isn’t going to cut it. Bachelorette Weekend it is – and even better – make it a destination…maybe even to Charleston, SC! Organizing activities and getting a group somewhere for a destination weekend can be a tough task! Here are some of our favorite tips + ideas to make your weekend away (or stay) as smooth as possible, and fun for the whole group!

 

 

 


Land Your Lodging: Try an Airbnb instead of a traditional hotel

There is no better way to bond with the entire group than sharing a common space such as a home in the destination you are visiting. Everyone is able to get ready together, encouraged to hangout and chat in lounge areas, and eliminate any left out feelings within the group. Not to mention, splitting the cost of an Airbnb property can be substantially less expensive than buying individual rooms in a hotel or resort. ProTip: Buy communal snacks and drinks to keep in the kitchen for your clan, to satisfy any munching or quick bite needs.

 

 


Value in a Venue: If your lodging can’t accommodate all your activities, rent a swanky venue to host the weekend’s festivities! Check out venues that offer special packages specifically for bachelorette weekends or popup events for small groups. Check out one of our favorites here! 

ProTip: Here are some unique private event ideas to host during your bachelorette weekend

  • Sweat It OutJumpstart your day and spend the morning breaking a sweat to getting those endorphins flowing and burn some wedding planning stress. A cardio, pilates and/or dance class at  The Rutledge House is the perfect start to the weekend for you and your girls. After, reward your hard work, by indulging in a yummy brunch. Get more info about their yoga & brunch special here!
  • Belt It Out – Let’s be honest…We all love karaoke, but hate doing it for the whole bar to see. Host your own karaoke night and let loose with your ladies. I promise, Insta-worthy stories and videos will commence, especially with a group of ladies who feel no shame in belting their favorite 90s pop melodies.
  • Paint & ProseccoGive your gals an opportunity to tap into their imaginative side and pour their creativity onto a canvas! Pop some bottles, sip on some bubbly, and paint away! Not only does this create lasting memories, it leaves you with a piece of artwork to cherish after the weekend is through.

 


Private Affair: 

It can be tough establishing reservations for meal times that accommodate larger groups, especially when seeking a dining experience. Host a private dinner with an entirely chef selected menu. Set up a wine or beer tasting with appropriate food pairings. Showcase a chef demo with interactive elements. These intimate experiences will cater to everyone’s needs, and make the most out of your use of a venue. The Rutledge House Wine Cellar is the perfect backdrop for wine tastings and private dinners, and we offer a variety of options for you and your group. Check more info here!

 

Caffeine Crawl:

Get that pep back in your step after the weekend and try an unconventional approach to Sunday Brunch. Go on a caffeine crawl! Research local Coffee Shops, Tea Artisans, and Bakeries to try a little bit from everywhere. The fresh air and cups of joe might just be your bridal party’s saving grace.

 

Hire a Photographer/Videographer:

Quick, add this to your list of bachelorette weekend must-haves! Gone are the days of alternating between which girls take what photos, and the stress of posting photos in the moment. Why not hire a killer photographer/videographer to capture you and all your best gals during the celebration? Any photographer & videographer would be happy to capture these moments for you! ProTip: Plus..it’s the perfect surprise gift for the bride!

 

 


 

Top Bridal Trends for the Months to Come

As spring weddings approach, we are seeing confident and feminine looks that put a fresh spin on the classics. Trends that channel every bride’s inner personality and create a look that is less than traditional and out of the ordinary. The rise of temperatures in the spring and summer months brings inspiration for new bridal looks that are vibrant and enhance a seasonally appropriate feel. Consider design elements like ruffles, florals, color and cuts to add a playful vibe that suits this time of year!

Color Me Pretty: In bridal, ivory, white and alabaster reign supreme, but of all seasons this is the time to experiment! If you are unsure about wearing white, consider taking a risk with color. Choose soft pinks, pastel floral prints, butter yellow, something soft blue and pistachio greens for a look that feels fresh in the months where everything is in bloom – transforms the most traditional silhouette into something unexpected – or go bold with multicolor embroidery!

Back to Black: Black and white are a match made in heaven when it comes to everyday wear, and now the classic pairing is making a splash in the world of bridal fashion. A simple black belt can add a hint of edge to a sweet gown while black velvet ribbon accents provide visual interest without overwhelming a look. Even opt for a piece of dark jewelry or make a splash with a black shoe.

Short Story: From sassy minis to sophisticated tea-length dresses to romantic high-low hems, this trend is not afraid to play with length, and you neither should you. Raising your hemline does not require you to lower expectations for a dramatic dress moment. Shorter skirts feature embellishments and textures and allow for spunky layering. Bonus Perk: Showcasing your fabulous legs – or adding the perfect pop of color with an outrageous shoe.

Bang for Your Bow: Let’s be honest—putting a bow on a wedding dress isn’t exactly revolutionary. But bows are back and even bow-lder than before. This ultimate feminine detail softens up otherwise sultry looks but with ads a sophisticated spin. Asymmetrical bows stand out against clean lines and can introduce subtle volume to your sleeves. The trend has never felt fresher.

Hot for the Cold Shoulder: This trend may have already made its way into your closet—now the cold shoulder look is begging to be featured in your wedding. Strapless used to reign supreme, and then off-the-shoulder made its debut – now this neckline has proved it not going anywhere anytime soon. Add interest to a classic shoulder-bearer with ruffled, off-shoulder sleeves or a cut-out version that still feels fresh. This is the happy medium between a basic strapless gown and anything with sleeves. Bare shoulders and peek-a-boo cutouts highlight your enviable frame and infuse a soft and sexy appeal that feels right for the season.

 

Playsuits, Yes Please: In months where easygoing minis, blouson gowns and effortless A-lines are the best bets, try for something even more easygoing–a jumpsuit or palazzo panted set that feels as special as any bridal gown could. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be the world’s sharpest dresser to pull off an all-in-one wedding-day look! Hint – the same rules for accessorizing apply! Don’t worry.

How to Choose a Perfect First Dance Song

The beloved tradition of having a first dance is a wonderful moment that signifies the beginning of a newlywed’s exciting journey together. Whether you choose to choreograph a routine or simply sway back and forth, this once in a lifetime moment is by no means supposed to be stressful. That being said, your song selection is a key component in making this moment magical and memorable.

We have created some tips below on how to choose a perfect wedding song that will create an unforgettable experience with your new spouse, allow for friends and family to gather around and admire your love, and kick start celebrating the wonderful night ahead of you!

1. Pick a song that has meaningful/sentimental lyrics to you as a couple; maybe it reminds you of the time you first fell in love, your journey together so far, or a special moment you have shared.

2. Choose something you can dance to. You want to be comfortable with how slow/fast the beat is so you hit those right steps you practiced. And if you miss one, don’t worry! Enjoy the moment and laugh about it together.

3. Find a song that resembles who you are as one. Every couple is unique and so are the endless amounts of songs to choose from! Decide whether you want to go for that romantic, classic, modern, or sheer fun tune.

4. Take into consideration your wedding venue. If you’re hosting a southern wedding, maybe choose an acoustic/country song or if you’re tying the knot at a destination, choose a song that originated from that location!

5. Utilize all the music services offered today. From Apple Music to Spotify and everything in between, there are sure to be tons of pre-made wedding playlists. While browsing, if you fall in love with a song, go for it!

6. Select a song from an artist/band that you both love. When you both relate to the song on a personal level, it makes your dance so much more extraordinary.