Uncooperative Wedding Day Weather (Day #4)

We have no control of the weather when planning a wedding.  I'd like to think as a wedding planner that when we are speaking about your outdoor ceremony, cocktail hour, or reception, that the sun is going to shine on your union all day.  But I learned this year, in particular, that it can rain or be too cold to subject your guests to the elements.

So that is why it's extremely important to have a Plan B when planning any part of your wedding day outside.  The two biggest concerns should be: (1) Where on site can you host the ceremony and reception should you need to move indoors and (2) how much of advance notice does the venue need to have outdoor ceremony and/or reception moved to an indoor location?  Once you learn of this details, THEN consider your outdoor wedding.

Until tomorrow...WEDologize!


(photo credit - www.rushphotovideo.com)

Planning For An Outdoor Ceremony

I have planned numerous outdoor ceremonies and receptions during my career, and for 2014 the DE Team is spending a lot of time outdoors with our couples.  When considering an outdoor ceremony and/or reception, their are some major things to take into consideration...outside of having a Plan B.  Check out the list below:

• How many people can the outdoor ceremony and/or reception accommodate?
• What time of day will the ceremony be held?  The reception?  Asking these questions will determine if you need specialty lighting.
• What kind of foods will be held at the reception and how will they be served? Buffet-style?  Plated?
• What types of flowers and decor will enhance the "space".  Many flowers can't hold up well in direct sunlight, so select hardy flowers.
• Make sure your photographer knows the ceremony and/or reception will be outdoors.  He or she may need specific equipment to make sure the photographs come out correctly.
• What is the venues back-up plan in the event of rain?
• Will the lawn be treated for pesky bugs and mosquitoes?

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: www.vsphoto.com | repost from 7/30/12)

WGC Partyscape: Cocktail With Details

I had the most fabulous team of vendors to help me in creating my latest Partyscape for Wedding Guide Chicago which I titled "Cocktails With Details".  The inspiration comes from an increase in the number of cocktail receptions to celebrate a couples wedding nuptials. Rich colors, gorgeous flowers and delicious desserts makes this style of reception over-the-top fabulous! Take a look:

I'd like to personally thank my team of vendors for bringing this vision to life:

Location: Eaglewood Resort & Spa		Photography: Artistic PhotoGraphics		Floral Design: Jane's Blue Iris
Cake: Luscious Layers Bakery		Invitations & Favors: CT-Designs & Calligraphy		Tableware & China: Classic Party Rentals		Linens: Classic Party Rentals
Videography: Wedding Connections

Look for our newest Partyscape coming to Wedding Guide Chicago in December!!!
 
Until next time...WEDologize!

Protecting Your Outdoor Wedding

You can pray, check the almanac and even do some type of ritual, but Mother Nature is ultimately in control of the weather on wedding day.  So when planning an outdoor ceremony and reception you must prepare for inclement weather.  In addition to Plan B...a location to hold the wedding indoors...there are some ways to prevent bad weather from ruining your wedding day. 

If it's HOT:

• Use a paddle fan, made from thick card stock, as your wedding program
• Have a beverage station of ice tea, lemonade and bottled water for guests to grab as they arrive to the ceremony and/or reception and take their seats
• Mini battery-operated fans on a hot day make the BEST guest favors and are greatly appreciated

If it's COLD:

• Have shawl's in a basket near the ceremony and/or reception site for guests to ward off the breeze
• Keep warm beverages like coffee, hot tea, hit cider and cocoa nearby for guests to partake should they become chilly
• Rent a few heaters to keep your guests warm

If it RAINS:

• Encourage guests (via your wedding invitation) to bring umbrellas if you are marrying during the rainy season
• Purchase you the ladies in your wedding party, and you too, heel protectors so that your shoe heels do not sink into the moist soil

But as a courtesy, make sure your invited guests know that the ceremony and/or reception will be held outdoors.  You can include this note within your invitation suite or on your wedding website.  It's also a must to let your hired vendors know so that they can plan accordingly.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - Rush Photography & Videography)

CSW: Planning An Outdoor Wedding

When it comes to planning an outdoor wedding ceremony and/or reception, there are some important things to consider.  Chicago Style Weddings invited me to give some advice on hosting an outdoor.  Take a look:

"You want to think about your guests and their comfort, " advises wedding coordinator Desiree Moore Dent of Dejanae Events.  If you're doing a summer wedding, hand out fans or parasols as a keepsake so people can cool off a bit. Sunglasses and small bottles of sunscreen are another nice idea.  If you're getting married in July or August when the temps really soar, Dent says, take it a step further: have an air conditioned area accessible where guests, particularly the elderly, can "go inside and take a breather." Depending on your venue, you may need to ward off bugs, mosquitoes, and flies. Survey the space ahead of time, and if necessary, find an eco-friendly bug zapping product to treat the area "so your guests aren't swinging and fly-swatting during your ceremony," Dent says.  "Brides love outdoor weddings," she adds, "but it can take a toll on your guests."

You can view the entire article and others in Chicago Style Weddings eMagazine at http://www.chicagostyleweddings.com/emagazine.aspx.

Until next time...WEDologize!

...I Found It, You Pin It...Friday!

Now that spring has finally arrived, my love for tulips is manifested!!!  And this tablescape of LUSH all-white tulips centerpieces, satellite arrangements of hydrangea and calla lilies and tons of candlelight speaks volumes when it comes to setting the tone for a STUNNING wedding reception.  WOW FACTOR APPROVED! Enjoy!

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - Bridal Guide | KT Merry Photography)

Take a Stand on Wedding Day

2012 for Dejanae Events had to be the year of outdoor wedding ceremonies!  I'm thankful for the GREAT weather we had each and every wedding we coordinated.  But the biggest challenge for most wasn't the weather...but the shoes sinking into the soft soil and running the bride and/or bridesmaids shoe heels.  So ask me the question, "how can this be avoided?"

I love this idea I found on Pinterest awhile back.  The bridesmaids are standing on "flat" stones just as poised as ever!  Oh and if there is any confusion as to wear to stand...follow the stones.

Or consider purchasing what I find to be the most fabulous product on the planet... Sole Mates!!!  These fabulous little gems cover the bottom portion of the heel.  So now you can stand firm and safely in grass, on uneven pavement, gravel...practically anywhere and they cost as little as $10.  Check them out at The SoleMates.

Until...Pin it and WEDologize!

(photo credit: www.danielledaigle.com)

Wedding Paper Cone Infatuation

The scrapbooker is coming out in this blog because I love a paper cone!  I'm actually seeing them everywhere for ceremonies, receptions and events.  And what I love most is it's a D.I.Y. project that you can't really mess up :)  Plus, if you need an unique, yet inexpensive idea for decor or to display food items, you can't go wrong with a paper cone.  Check out some of the fun ideas below:

Lovely idea for an outdoor wedding or event!
Paper cones + fresh flowers = make GREAT tree decorations

Create decor idea using paper cones and hydrangea
on the ends of the chairs or pews

Have your guests toss rose petals as you walk down the aisle as husband and wife

Make paper cones from the music sheets of your favorite songs...then add popcorn

Late night snack? Serve the French fries in these cute holders.

Should you like the ideas above and want to try and make some paper cones yourself, I've added a very simple template below.  All you need are scissors, glue, and some fun card stock or paper.

Until next time...WEDologize!

Photo credits: hydrangea cones; rose petal cones; french fries; birch cones; popcorn cones)

...I Found It, You Pin It...Friday!

Imagine this.  Your guests arrive to the ceremony location, are greeted by a smiling hostess and usher who lead you down a walkway to the actual ceremony site.  But wait...the journey to the ceremony site is so breathtaking that you have to stop and take it all in.  The columns are stunning and reek elegance!  Can you imagine what the actual wedding ceremony looked like?!?! WOW FACTOR!!!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit: WedLuxe)

Plan Smart for Outdoor Weddings

I have planned a few outdoor ceremonies and receptions during my career, and for 2012 the DE Team is spending a lot of time outdoors with our couples.  When considering an outdoor ceremony and/or reception, their are some major things to take into consideration...outside of having a Plan B.  Check out the list below:

• How many people can the outdoor ceremony and/or reception accommodate?
• What time of day will the ceremony be held?  The reception?  Asking these questions will determine if you need specialty lighting.
• What kind of foods will be held at the reception and how will they be served? Buffet-style?  Plated?
• What types of flowers and decor will enhance the "space".  Many flowers can't hold up well in direct sunlight, so select hardy flowers.
• Make sure your photographer knows the ceremony and/or reception will be outdoors.  He or she may need specific equipment to make sure the photographs come out correctly.
• What is the venues back-up plan in the event of rain?
• Will the lawn be treated for pesky bugs and mosquitoes?

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit:  ceremony - The Knot; Reception - Elizabeth Anne Designs)