Advantages of Having a Winter Wedding

 

 Photo Courtesy of Arising Images

www.arisingimages.com

Have you considered having a wedding in the winter months?  My guess is most of you have not thought about this option.  Having been involved in planning weddings for over 13 years, I think this is a wonderful time of year for a wedding.  Here's why:

1.   You have a wider selection of Wedding Venues and Vendors

If you don't start planning soon enough for a spring, summer or fall wedding, you can miss out on securing the venues and vendors you prefer.  You may need to plan as far as 18 months to two years in advance for the most popular venues and vendors in your area.  Holding your wedding in the months of January through March gives you a much better chance of booking where you want your wedding to take place and the vendors at the top of your list.

2.   Discounts for Off-Season Weddings

Sometimes you can get off-season discounts from your venue and vendors.  Not all them will offer this, but some do in an effort to book during the slow wedding season.

3.   Combine two events into one

Dream Wedding and Event Planners just planned and coordinated a spectacular New Year's Eve wedding.  Everyone had a wonderful time at the Reception, but adding New Year's Eve into the mix ramped up the party even more.  You could combine your wedding day with Valentine's Day if it falls on a weekend.  We always plan and coordinate weddings around the three major summertime weekend holidays:  Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day.  The advantage for your guests is they have an extra day off work to relax, especially if they are from out of town.

 

Photo Courtesy of Blaine Siesser

www.BlaineSiesserPhotography.com 

4.   Romance, romance, romance....

Weddings are all about romance, but there's something special about winter weddings.  When you think of snuggling up with a cup of hot cocoa in front of a fireplace while there is snowstorm outside, especially with the one you love, it's almost like "comfort food".  Is there anything more romantic than the picture below inside a comfy limo with the snow swirling around outside?

 Photo courtesy of Jess and Nate Studios

www.JessandNateStudios.com

5.   Higher attendance 

The typical percentage of regrets for summer weddings is 20%.  This is because people have personal and family vacations planned and can't do it all.  In the winter months, however, people have settled in to the work and school routines after the Holidays and are happy to receive an invitation to a special event like your wedding day!

6.   The weather is more "predictable"

In the summer months, everyone hopes and prays the weather is sunny and warm with no rain predicted.  Even if it is planned to be held indoors, couples hope for the best so they can grab a few outdoor pictures in between.  In the winter, everyone knows it will be cold and can dress accordingly.

7.   Photos in the winter are gorgeous

Let's face it.  None of us enjoys shivering in the cold, but a fresh snowfall is beautiful.  Photos taken in the snow are romantic and fun.  You can still step outside for a few minutes to get some amazing wedding photos taken in the winter. 

Photo courtesy of Arising Images

Photo Courtesy of Blaine Siesser

So, you might be thinking, "Maybe...".  I say, "Why not?"  If you love the idea of a winter wedding with all of the beautiful decor that comes with it, your reception can be one that is talked about and remembered fondly for years to come.  There are so many advantages to consider holding your wedding event during the winter months.  Contact us for more information at 734.582.0200. 

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It's all about your Wedding Cake!!

CHOOSING YOUR WEDDING CAKE

Whether you choose a traditional white tiered cake with handmade sugar flowers, natural flowers or a more contemporary design in a bright color, what is certain is that after the Bride, your cake will be the focus of attention at your Wedding Reception.  

Choosing your wedding cake can seem like a daunting task.  I hope you find these words of wisdom helpful in finding your perfect wedding cake.

CHOOSING A CAKE DESIGNER

When choosing a cake designer, ask to see examples of their cakes.  Not only will this inspire you, but it will showcase their skill and expertise.  A talented cake designer can replicate any picture you bring them.  Have a tasting before ordering your cake.  Many cake designers will have a range of exquisite flavors, different fillings, and are often able to design a cake that incorporates more than one flavor.

ORDERING YOUR CAKE

When you meet with your cake designer, take along any pictures, inspiration or swatches of material you have for your dress, color schemes, flowers, venue, etc.  This will inspire them and make sure they make your cake so it matches the design and feel of your Reception.

 

The best cake designers can get booked up to one year in advance of your wedding date.  If you have your heart set on a particular designer, make sure you contact them in plenty of time.  For most cake designers, though, order you cake around 6 to 7 months in advance.  Once you have booked your baker, you will be asked to confirm the date of delivery and pay a deposit.  You will need to have secured your venue, have a idea of the budget for your wedding cake, and discuss the delivery time of your cake with your Wedding Planner at Dream Wedding and Event Planners.

When thinking about the size of cake you need, consider the number of guests who will be attending and whether you will be serving the cake as dessert or part of a dessert table.  This will affect the number of slices you will be serving.

Confirm with your baker whether you will be providing any flowers for decoration or if you would prefer edible sugar flowers.  Also, make sure you advise your designer if they need to make allowances for guests with nut or other allergies.

Of course, don't forget the cake stand.  Some bakers will have stands for you to rent, or your Planner at Dream Wedding and Event Planners can locate a rental for you.

CUTTING YOUR CAKE

Believe it or not, wedding cakes are a long and ancient tradition dating back to the Roman Empire.  In those days, the Groom would break a loaf of bread over the head of his new Bride as a symbol of dominance.  Thankfully, times have changed and the meaning behind the cutting of the cake has evolved in a joyful celebration representing the start of the couple's life together.

You cake can be cut after your Grand Announcement into the Ballroom and served as dessert, or after dinner, at which time the cake slices can be served later in the evening with coffee, summer fruits or ice cream.

The bottom line is this:  Select the designer of your cake that reflects you as a couple, the formality of your wedding reception, and taste.  If a wedding cake does not taste as good as it looks, it is a waste of money.  I'm sure you want your Guests to enjoy every aspect of your Wedding Dinner and Reception, and everyone looks forward to a delicious slice of the Wedding Cake!

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Selecting the Right Wedding Venue

 

  Photo Courtesy of Jess & Nate Studios

Now that you're engaged, you are embarking on the search for the perfect ceremony and reception sites.  Before you get started, here is a list of what you need to know:

1.    Talk with your fiance and families about how many guests you plan to invite.

2.   Determine your budget - the most amount of money you want to spend on absolutely everything.

3.   Hire Dream Wedding and Event Planners for their expertise and advice. It can be overwhelming.

4.   How do you want your ceremony and reception to feel to you and your guests? 

5.   Make sure your reception venue is "roomy" enough to comfortably fit all of your guests.

6.   When you are standing the room, try to visualize where everything will happen.   

    
7.   Look for columns or any obstructions that might block your guests' view.

8.   How private is your reception space for your party?

9.   Lighting is key.  Try to visit you space at the exact time of day you are planning the event.

10. Determine if the curtains/carpet will blend with your color selection.

11.  Does the room have good acoustics so your music sounds good?

12.  Make sure there is plenty of parking.

These are just the "tip of the iceberg", but important elements to keep in mind during your search.  Dream Wedding and Event Planners will assist you in every aspect of your planning journey.  They will help you with every detail, often addressing pros and cons that you would not be aware of.