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Idaho Outdoor Wedding Venue Planning Checklist

18 Jun

Idaho Outdoor Weddings - things to consider

Idaho Outdoor Weddings - things to consider

Outdoor Wedding Venue tips

Having an outdoor wedding is a trend we see more and more from Wineries, Inns and retreats to large city parks and gardens.  We are lucky here in Idaho, to have such amazing locations and natural scenery.  An outdoor wedding venue provides bridal couples the freedom to customize a design that is completely their own, with little to no limitations of an indoor venue.

There are a few things that are a must when using an outdoor wedding venue and a check list is very important to making sure every detail is accounted for, so your special day go according to plan.

Outdoor Wedding venue location:

Selecting a venue can be challenging, due to a lot more thing you as a couple needs to consider when visiting each location.  Below are a few items to consider:

  • Size and terms: Larger enough accommodate your wedding guests, yet still able to provide an intimate atmosphere.  If on government land, what paper work and permits are needed, along with any special codes and rules?
  • Level ground:  The perfect location will have plenty of level surfaces for a dance floor and tents.  Size up the level areas, not be to at a bottom of a hill, incase of rain before, during or after your reception, it may be muddy or very soft.
  • Tents/Gazebo: This is a fantastic back up plan, to your outdoor venue. Even though the open-air concept is amazing, the weather; be it heat or rain, can be unpredictable. Make sure to do this well in advance, to get the best quality for the lowest price.
  • Table/Chairs/Linens and other items: Some outdoor wedding venues may supply tables and chairs, but linens, tableware (plates, silverware, napkins and glassware) are all extras through a rental company. Renting and setting them up your self will cave cost, yet time consuming. Note: Average wedding reception table seats 8 people, so arrange table accordingly).
  • Time: It is critical to visit the outdoor venue you’ve selected a few times, approximately the same time as you wedding and reception is scheduled, so you know how the venue will appear to your guests, photographer and many be where you will place the tents for shade.

 

Submitted by:

Diane Estey  —  Delicate Designs –  www.delicatedesigns-coord.com

 
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Posted in Idaho Wedding, Wedding Planning

 

Wedding Gift Tips

11 Jun
Wedding Gifts

Choosing the perfect wedding gift

Here we are in the middle of June – the most popular month for weddings, especially here in Idaho. Chances are that you or someone you know will be attending a wedding this summer – so how do you tackle the choosing of the perfect wedding gift?

Gift Registry

Some people don’t like choosing gifts from the registry for a variety of different reasons. Maybe you feel that your creativity is being hampered, or that you are concerned that the bride and groom will know how much you spent. Keep in mind that the bride and groom have taken the time to go together to a location and pick out gifts that mean something to them. They don’t care who gets items from their registry or how much each person spends. They’re simply going to be thrilled to have items they asked for. If you feel you’d still like to add a personal touch to a registry gift, add an accent gift. For instance – if you’re buying a bread machine, add a cookbook. When buying from a registry, take advantage of wrapping and delivery services. Having your gift delivered before the wedding shows forethought and makes it easier on you for not having to transport your gift to the reception.

Personal Gift

A personal gift is always a great idea – as long as you know the bride and groom well. Be sure that what you are planning is something you know they will appreciate – maybe check with their friends and family to help prevent duplicates. Consider also giving an event – maybe a prepaid weekend getaway that the couple can use 6 months or a year down the road when they need a break.

Money

As the saying goes – everyone accepts cash. Money may seem impersonal, but is always welcome. Chances are the new couple will be going on a honeymoon and can always use spending cash, or maybe they’ve even set up a honeymoon fund and are asking for gifts to help them pay for their excursion. So how much do you give? If you are family or very close friends, you probably already have an idea as to what is appropriate. A good rule of thumb is to give the same amount of money the bride and groom are spending on food and alcohol at the wedding reception. If you’re giving money, bring a card to the reception with the money or check enclosed. Checks should be written to the bride and groom together.

 

When choosing the perfect wedding gift, you have a large variety of options. Be smart, plan ahead and don’t worry – anything you do will be appreciated and is sure to help the new couple out in their future.

 
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Posted in Idaho Wedding, Wedding Planning

 

Idaho Outdoor Wedding Tips

04 Jun
Idaho Outdoor Weddings

Idaho Outdoor Weddings

Are you an Idaho bride planning your wedding  for this year or next? Moving your wedding celebration outdoors is definitely a trend that is continuing through 2010. When moving your wedding outdoors, there are still a number of ways you can go.

Outdoor – Upscale:

Enhance the beauty that mother nature provides in your location by utilizing rentals. Rent chairs and tables, tents and a dance floor. Add decorations that tie in with the outdoor beauty such as lights, crystal and other decorative elements traditionally used indoors. Make sure that you rent tents to provide areas of shade and protection from any light breezes or possible rain. Hire a wedding decorator or coordinator or talk with rental companies to find unique ideas that will help to elevate the natural beauty of the location you choose.

Outdoor – Casual:

Go simple. One of the advantages of living in Idaho is we have such a wide variety of possibilities for outdoor wedding locations. Consider a casual “summer dress” style wedding. Have your bridesmaids choose their own dresses off the rack but matching your colors. Consider asking your guests to dress casual for a wedding in the park. If your family and friends are the outdoors type anyway – you might want to even have games lined up such as croquet, horseshoes, frisbee, etc. – and consider renting a bounce house or other entertainment for kids. You could even do a shoes optional theme and hand out custom designed flip flops or flower anklets. Be creative and use mother nature as your inspiration!

When having your wedding outdoors in Idaho you have many choices and sources of inspiration. Take advantage and think outside the box to help make your wedding day unique and a perfect reflection of you!

 
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Posted in Idaho Wedding, Wedding Decorating, Wedding Planning, Wedding Trends

 

More than Just a Dance

21 May
Idaho Wedding Dance - father daughter

A father daughter dance can be one of the most emotional moments at a wedding reception - make it more than just a dance.

One of the most poignant moments at a wedding reception can be the father daughter dance. In my final consultation with brides prior to their wedding, I often find some getting emotional when they describe sharing a dance with their dad. As the father of two girls, I know firsthand the strong bond that can be formed between a father and daughter.

Here are four ideas to consider as you plan for this special dance with your dad.

  1. Let your Dad choose the Song – I remember one wedding where the father chose the song they danced to and I shared over the microphone the story behind its meaning and significance. The father was driving down the road one day long before his daughter was born and he heard a song on the radio. He told himself that if he had a daughter, this would be the song he would dance with her on her wedding day. Tears flowed down the brides cheeks as they danced to this old classic song.
  1. Share your Favorite Memory of your Dad – A great way to personalize this special moment is to have your MC share your favorite memory of your dad. Here is an example I shared at wedding last year “One of Jennifer’s favorite memories of her dad was when she turned 18. Her dad told her that he had something he wanted to show her and asked her to jump in the car with him. Jennifer was really confused when they pulled into the U-haul parking lot. John told Jennifer, your 18 now, so we’re going to rent a U-haul and load up all your stuff ….your moving out! “DAD!!!!” She reluctantly went inside and stated to the person at the desk, I don’t know why I’m here but my dad made me come in. In on the trick, the salesperson reached over and handed her keys to brand new car. A car she still drives to this day.”
  1. Have a Photo Montage Playing in the background during the Father Daughter Dance – Another great way to personalize this dance is to have photos of you and your dad taken over the years projected on a large screen or LCD TV. Talk to your DJ/MC about creating a personalized music video to be shown and enjoyed by everyone at the reception. This feature is best accomplished at an indoor reception facility where the lighting can be controlled and dimmed to get the best possible image.
  1. Invite other Fathers and Daughters to join half way Through – To involve others, invite all fathers and daughters that are present to join halfway through. This can also serve as a foreshadowing for younger ladies of their future wedding day.

A father daughter dance can be one of the most emotional moments at a wedding reception that leaves everyone in tears. Consider these ideas to make to make it more than just a dance.

Submitted by:

Dave Meine
DJ Dave’s Mobile Disc Jockey Entertainment, LLC.

208-571-9807
www.djdaves.net

 
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Posted in Idaho Wedding, Wedding Planning, Wedding Trends

 

Old is New

14 May
What's old is new again

What's old is new again

One popular trend brides are leaning towards is revitalizing styles from the 20s and 50s. Gowns are trending towards shorter and more color than the traditional white or ivory. Check out old TV shows or movies from those eras for inspiration for your wedding. Look at renting more traditional or older style venues for your wedding location to fit with a retro theme. You can probably find a great bargain on a “non-traditional” wedding venue rental.

Not only are the look and feel of weddings taking inspiration from the old – but brides are using heirloom items in their decor. Take a look at vintage items to spice up your decor – incorporate photographs of parents and grandparents into your decor. Utilize vintage napkin holders and chandeliers into your decor. Visit antique stores and second hand stores for a variety of old looking picture frames.

Look for other ways to include generational items into your theme as well. Perhaps (with a little altering) you can wear your grandmother’s wedding dress or your mother’s necklace. Your wedding is, after all, a celebration of the creation of your new family. Incorporating traditions and pieces from your family and your new husband’s family into your wedding day can increase the memories and traditions you are building.

 
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Posted in Wedding Decorating, Wedding Planning, Wedding Trends

 

Wedding Theme – Theatrical Style

30 Apr
Consider a Theatrical Theme for your Idaho Wedding

Consider a Theatrical Theme for your Idaho Wedding

Are you in the beginning stages of planning your wedding and don’t want to have just a typical traditional wedding? Though you may be an Idaho bride, do you tend to have a flair for theatrics? Maybe you love Vegas and would love to have a destination wedding there, but aren’t sure about the logistics and costs of getting your guests there. Well, consider an extreme-theme wedding going Theatre Style!

This could be a fun theme that you could carry as far as your imagination (or budget) will allow. You could ask everyone on the guest list to arrive as dressed for a costume ball. Encourage your guests to be lavish and wear masks. You can even have some great masks for the bride and groom and wedding party! Thinking “Phantom of the Opera, anyone?”

Check with your local wedding rental location, or even with a theater department at your friend’s or family’s school. There might be some great props you could utilize as wedding decorations and photo backdrops.

Consider this theme when choosing your wedding venue and reception location – don’t rule out schools and studios, or maybe you could even rent out a theater and hire a local acting guild for some interactive entertainment.

Don’t forget music and lights! Whether you choose to play recorded movie soundtracks or broadway show tunes, or you hire a symphony your music will help to set the mood of your “theatrical ball”. Also, if you’re outdoors consider going overboard on mini LED lights, rented uplights and maybe even touch lights for the reception tables. If you’re indoors, consider a spotlight or renting a beautiful chandelier to serve as your photo focal point.

Whatever your fancy, a theatrical style wedding theme will certainly make your wedding day memorable for not only you and your groom, but also for your guests.

 
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Posted in Idaho Wedding, Wedding Planning, Wedding Trends

 

Modern and DIY Wedding Planning

23 Apr

Do It Yourself Weddings and Favors can be fun and budget savers

Modern Choices:

A contemporary, modern wedding is still big in 2011.  Brides can opt for non-traditional dress choices, such as: beautiful hues instead of usual white or ivory; shoulder instead of strapless; and short cocktail dresses instead of a long gown.  The modern trend can also continue through the décor of your wedding as well, couples can steer away from the customary 10-person round table and opting to mix table shapes and sizes. Couples can also incorporate bright and bold colors, cool lounge setting and after parties; choosing cupcakes instead of a wedding cake and having the bridesmaids choose different styles of dresses in the same color or souvenir photo booth picture strips instead of traditional wedding favor trinkets.

DIY weddings:

“Do it yourself” is a big trend continuing into 2011.  Personalized touches and little details are very important; couples can incorporate their favorite interests, hobbies, places and even sports. It’s a great idea for a couple to plan every detail of their entire wedding. Then on the wedding day assign a trustworthy relative, friend or wedding coordinator, to help with the details so the bride and groom can relax and enjoy their big day.

Contributed by:
Dawn Rising   – Delicate Designs – www.delicatedesigns-coord.com

 
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Posted in Idaho Wedding, Wedding Decorating, Wedding Planning, Wedding Trends

 

Hot Wedding Trends for 2011

16 Apr

Planning a Vintage or Retro-inspired Idaho Wedding

Congratulations you’re engaged! You have your wedding date picked and now you are ready to begin planning the most important day of your life. But have you asked the question: What are the hottest wedding trends for 2011?  Here are a few I thought might be helpful.

Vintage Modern:

Vintage and retro-inspired with a modern twist.  What’s old is new.

  • Vintage wedding dresses with cap sleeves
  • Beautiful textures
  • Ornate details
  • Natural settings, including outdoor and backyard weddings
  • Vintage photography
  • Nontraditional veils, vintage or heirloom combs.

Eco-friendly weddings:

Environmentally friendly weddings. Second-hand and vintage wedding dresses, LED lighting, recycled paper invitations and programs, and food from local Idaho farms and Idaho providers. Charity donations are a popular option instead of traditional wedding favors, and couples can ask for donations to their favorite charity instead of wedding gifts.

Contributed by:
Dawn Rising   – Delicate Designs – www.delicatedesigns-coord.com

 
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Posted in Idaho Wedding, Wedding Decorating, Wedding Planning, Wedding Trends

 

Photography Tips for your Idaho Wedding Guests

09 Apr
Idaho Wedding Photo Tips for Guests

Wedding Photos from Guests - Be Creative and Respectful

Now that Spring is officially here you’re probably gearing up for the wedding season. Most likely, you’ll be attending at least one wedding this year, and you’ll probably bring your camera along with you. Consider these tips before you pull the “trigger”

  • If the bride and groom have hired a professional photographer, take your cues from him/her. Chances are if they’re not taking pictures at a certain time during the ceremony, you shouldn’t be either.
  • Feel free to get creative, but be careful not to get in the professional photographer’s way.
  • Make sure you have your camera “noises” tuned off as much as possible during the ceremony. Noisy beeps might just get in the way of the “I DOs” and you don’t want to be responsible for that.
  • Think Candid. Remember, that even if there is a professional photographer there, nobody is going to be able to capture your unique wedding experience as candidly as you!
  • Consider your surroundings. If you’re sitting at a reception table, ask the folks you’re about to take a picture of to stand up so you’re not getting  table full of half eaten food in the mix. Or, consider zooming in real close so you’re filling the entire picture with a perfect expression of one or two guests’ faces.
  • Keep kids in mind. Children have an innate ability to convey very animated expressions. Take advantage of this – utilize a wedding favor or borrow a bridesmaid’s bouquet and see what happens.
  • Most of all – be creative and HAVE FUN!

Sometime the absolute best wedding pictures come purely out of luck. I know one of my favorite pictures was taken by a dear friend attending my ceremony. So… don’t forget your camera and help contribute to beautiful Idaho wedding memories this year!

 
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Posted in Idaho Wedding, Wedding Planning, Wedding Trends

 

Wedding Rental Tips and Planning

26 Mar
Idaho Wedding Rentals

Consider utilizing wedding rentals for planning resources as well as budget savers

Even if you’re in the beginning stages of your Idaho wedding planning, don’t forget to utilize local wedding rental resources. You might not even know your venue or how many people you are inviting – or maybe you have the day and place picked out but aren’t sure how you want to decorate for your wedding. Don’t forget, the professionals at wedding rental facilities are experts who have helped plan hundreds of weddings – use them for their experience!

If you’re searching for ideas or inspiration, make an appointment and look through books of past weddings they have done. Go armed with questions! Consider asking the following:

  • Are there any big trends you are seeing?
  • What kind of things can be rented?
  • What advice do you have to a bride that’s just getting started?
  • How do you calculate the number of items you need?
  • Do you have any cost saving ideas?
  • Can you work within my budget?
  • Do you recommend any particular venues?
  • I’ve already chosen my venue – have you had any particular complications or things that worked really well at that venue in the past?
  • What important things to people often forget to order?
  • Can you handle all of my renting needs?

Want to get started right away? Call up some of our Idaho wedding rental specialists today!

 
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Posted in Idaho Wedding, Wedding Decorating, Wedding Planning, Wedding Trends

 
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