Posts

Don’t Forget to Date–Tips from a Raleigh Wedding Planner

/in /by

Poppy Belle Design is a Raleigh wedding planner & florist. Feature photo by Mikhail Glabets Photography.

Raleigh Wedding Planner & Florist

McCardell Photography

I spent today running between Planet Snoopy kids rides and “big person” roller coasters at Carowinds theme park in Charlotte with my family and some friends.

When I wasn’t circling on the carousel for what felt like the 100th time or waving enthusiastically back as my girls whisked quickly around in a hot air balloon or commenting on the gorgeous flowers scattered strategically throughout the park—the florist in me never really sleeps—I took a few wonderfully welcome breaks testing my inner daredevil with my husband.

And as I sped through the air at speeds that should terrify me, held only by a molded hunk of metal, it occurred to me… I love spending time with my husband. And these moments we steal together are priceless.

Raleigh Wedding Planner & Florist

Mikhail Glabets Photography

Now, what has this to do with wedding planning?

It’s more important than ever to remember your significant other exists during your engagement period. I’ve seen more than a few brides get so caught up in the dress and the centerpieces and the invitations that their fiancés kind of get left by the wayside.

Take time for yourselves!

Is planning important? Sure—I do it for a living, so you know I’ll agree with you on that one.

But it isn’t the only thing, and to make sure you have a happy spouse at the end of the aisle to say your vows to, don’t let it consume your life. Plan special date nights, leave sweet notes, pick up a surprise pack of favorite beer on your way home from work. Remember all the things that got you to this point in the first place!

Raleigh Wedding Planner & Florist

Mikhail Glabets Photography

You’re only engaged once. Each phase of your relationship is precious, so don’t let it slip away while you’re nose deep in bridal magazines!

If you’re having trouble balancing the two, wedding planners can absolutely help take some of the stress off and free you up for those gooey romantic candle-lit date nights. Give us a call at Knots ‘N Such – we’ll be more than happy to help you out!

4 Months and Counting—Ramping Up for the Big Day (Tips from a Raleigh Wedding Planner)

/in /by

Poppy Belle Design is a Raleigh wedding planner & florist. Feature photo by McCardell Photography.

Raleigh Wedding Planner & Florist

McCardell Photography

By now, I bet you’re tired of big picture.

By now, I bet you’re ready to throw all those origami place cards into the fire.

By now, I bet you’re chomping at the bit to do something, anything, just a bit more directly related to the big day.

You’re four months out from the wedding and—lucky you!—it’s time to rev up the engines.

Call in the big leagues, it’s about to get real.

The first eight months (assuming a year-long engagement) of your wedding planning process focuses on the heavy hitters: lining up your vendors, buying your wedding dress, choosing a wedding party, daydreaming about how things will look, feel and sound.

But four months out, you need to start looking at the fine details.

 

Raleigh Wedding Planner & Florist

McCardell Photography

  1. Create a draft timeline.

You need to start drafting a timeline for the big day. This can be a bit bare bones at this point and will definitely be subject to change (trust me, there will be draft on draft on draft), but start getting things down on paper. Your coordinator can provide a generic one for you to get started.

  1. Look again at what you need to do.

Update your to-do checklist for the coming months, taking into account coming deadlines for deposits and tasting dates. Put these on your calendar! If you can get any of those payments out of the way, go ahead and do so.

Raleigh Wedding Planner & Florist

Jocelyn & Ryan Photography

  1. Start making (more) lists.

Again just getting ideas on paper since this is subject to change, begin outlining what you will need to pack and bring for the big day. I’m not talking about your personal day-of bag but any possible item needed for your wedding. This will be crucial for whoever is actually tasked with heading setup. You should also start making or update a to-buy or to-make list.

 

  1. Hammer out the last of the big-picture items.

If you haven’t figured out desserts (which is fine!), start doing tastings and get that piece lined up. Same thing with the groomsmen attire. If you’re renting tuxes, they should probably get cracking.

 

  1. Invite those guests!

Finalize your guest list if it has changed from when save-the-dates went out. Get started on your invitations—fine tune the wording, have them printed, address the envelopes—so that they’re ready to go in the mail.

Raleigh Wedding Planner & Florist

Mabyn Ludke Photography

This is the beginning of the end. This is the start of the nitty gritty details that make your wedding come to life. You’re just putting down the broad strokes now, laying the foundation so you can tinker again and again moving forward. But buckle up because it’s go time.

Not quite ready? Feel like a deer caught in headlights? Give us a call at Knots ‘N Such; we’re happy to point you in the right direction, give a quick consultation or take over that coordinator position for you!.