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Planning a Destination Wedding, Tips by Knots ‘N Such, Raleigh Wedding Planner and Florist

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Feature Image by McCardell Photography. Knots ‘N Such, Raleigh Wedding Planner and Florist.

Summer has been in high gear lately, and if you are like me a bit of wanderlust may have set in.  You might have a desire to visit the cool, fresh air of the mountains Or catch some rays at the beach.  Whether flying to an international destination or sailing the high seas in America, summer definitely is a jet setting time.  Today on the blog, Knots ‘N Such, Raleigh Wedding Planner and Florist, is bringing you tips if jet setting is a part of your wedding plans.  Many people dream of an intimate wedding on the beach or at a European hot spot, but don’t know quite where to begin.  Here are 5 tips that will definitely be helpful to you in getting started!

  • Plan a location that is meaningful to you as a couple
    • First and foremost, this is your wedding.  Choose something that is meaningful to who you are as a couple for that personal touch. How about the location of your first vacation together, or the spot where he proposed, or a place that’s been on both your bucket lists for years. Make it memorable and possibly a place that you will visit again in the future. For me, that spot was in the area where I grew up and the spot where my husband fell in love with that area – the mountains of Virginia.
  • Plan well in advance
    • Unless you’re planning to elope alone as a couple, you don’t want a destination wedding and all its details to be a last minute affair.  It’s best to keep the guest list intimate and recognize the planning that will go in on their end as well.  Like in the previous mention, choose something that is personal, but make sure lodging and travel are relatively easy for your guests.  Also consider the weather – is it hurricane season?  blizzard conditions?  We can’t predict the weather, but we can make educated decisions based on the likelihood of these things.
  • Plan around your setting to help save your budget
    • You are probably not going to be able to travel with each and every knickknack you want to include in your wedding and are going to need to rely on local vendors.  That being said, when planning decorations and other parts of the ceremony, let the local decor shine through.  If at the beach, let the ocean and local blooms be a backdrop.  In Italy, incorporate olive branches and grapes.  Keep it simple, so you can enjoy the trip as well.
  • Plan for a wedding planner in your budget
    • Hire a pro to help be an intermediary between you and your destination vendors. Let them help you with your budget and with incorporating personal and site inspired ideas into your ceremony and reception.  You might hire a local planner here or one that is in your destination area who knows the ins and outs of the market there. If hiring locally here, plan to have her/him travel with you to provide the necessary coordination services. It’s customary to cover her expenses in this scenario in addition to the standard fee. It will be so helpful for you to have an expert in your corner on the trip.
  • Plan your travel and pack wisely
    • You’re probably going to want to make a quick visit before the wedding, a few days ahead of your guests.  This will be helpful in eliminating surprises.  You are going to have some last minute decisions to make and want to make sure everything is set for the big day.  This will also allow for some rest and relaxation too.  Plan wisely when it comes to packing as well.  Baggage fees can be quite hefty these days.  So like we said earlier, let the local vendors be in charge of decor.  Think also about how you will be dressed the day of your wedding.  Does the dress travel well?  Will it work in the climate where you’re visiting?  Talk at length with your wedding planner to be sure all scenarios have been carefully thought through.

I know this seems like a lot of planning and you might be thinking “I just want to get away!”  Destination weddings have different aspects to consider in the planning process, but with the right approach, it can leave you with some beautiful and meaningful memories. (Plus some pretty awesome photographs.)  Need help in planning that destination or local wedding,  please contact Knots ‘N Such, Raleigh Wedding Planner and Florist, today!

XOXO (and happy travels),

Amy

Our Favorite Trend: The Hoop, tips from Knots ‘N Such, Raleigh Wedding Planner and Florist

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Knots ‘N Such, Raleigh Wedding Planner and Florist

I love how wedding trends are always evolving and changing.  Studying and trying new decor and arrangements are a love of mine.  One trend that has really caught my eye (and one that I would love to see make its way into the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill wedding scene) is the use of hoops.  These are not your grandmother’s normal embroidery hoops. Knots ‘N Such, Raleigh wedding planner and florist, is here to share with you how you might incorporate the hoops trend into your wedding day design.

  1. Bouquets
    • Maybe you are looking for a unique take on a bouquet for your wedding day.  Taking an embroidery hoop, a florist can cover the hoop with a variety of florals and greenery to create an eye catching and remarkable bouquet.  It also has the added benefit of being easy to carry and can easily set on your arm, in case you need it.
  2. Backdrops and Hanging Decor
    • Another way to incorporate hoops into your wedding day is into wall decor, like the one on the picture above. Thinking of the ceremony side of things, you might create a beautiful and eye-catching backdrop of hoops with a variety of sizes. At the reception, you can create a focal point that draws the guests eye to places like the cake table or sweetheart table. The center of the hoops can be covered with wire, thread, fabric, etc. to create a unique touch and beautiful photography.
  3. Chandeliers
    • Like backdrops and hanging decor, another way to incorporate hoops is with chandelier-like pieces.  Use of greenery and Christmas lights can help define the center of the dance floor.  For an outdoor wedding, you might think about hanging a variety of hoops from trees to create a “Secret Garden” like atmosphere.
  4. Seating Charts, Table Numbers, and Other Unique Details
    • I have seen a variety of ways to have your seating chart displayed: mirrors, chalkboards, wooden features, etc.  You can also use a hoop as a way to get people to their seats.  Having a hoop seating chart can then tie into smaller hoops with table numbers and other unique table scape features that tie your theme together.

As a wedding planner and florist, in my consultations, I really urge my brides to see the importance of cohesiveness.  Creating the same look and style from end to end.  Thinking flowers, colors, shapes, metallics, etc.  Use of hoops can be a cohesive unit, tying the wedding together from ceremony to reception.  Check out this Pinterest search on a variety of decor ideas involving this trend. Knots ‘N Such, Raleigh Wedding Planner and Florist, would love to talk and work with you to use the trend of hoops in your wedding. Stay tuned for next week as we talk about more bouquet alternatives.  Contact us today!

XOXO,

Amy

Building a Wedding Day Timeline, Tips from Knots ‘N Such, Raleigh Wedding Planner and Florist

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Feature Image by Mikhail Glabets. Knots ‘N Such is a Raleigh Wedding Planner and Florist.

A crucial component to a successful wedding day is building a Wedding Day Timeline. Knots ‘N Such, a Raleigh Wedding Planner and Florist, is here to give you some advice for crafting a timeline that is efficient yet not rushed.

bride & bridesmaids in bridal suite

Photo by The Nixons Photography

  1. Ceremony & Exit Time: These are the first times to choose, because every other begin and end time will depend on these. Do you want an afternoon wedding? Do you want a twilight wedding?
  2. Photographer’s Schedule: How many hours do you want your photographer to cover? This may depend on your budget, since most photographers have set hours in their packages. Your photographer will talk with you about what and how many photos you’d like to do pre-ceremony versus during cocktail hour.
  3. Hair & Makeup Time: Who will be getting their hair done the morning of the wedding? Your beauty artists will create a schedule based on how many people they’ll be making over and what time your photos are scheduled to begin.
  4. Squad Schedule: Be sure to communicate the plans to your squad – wedding party and family need to know where to be and when to be there. Make sure they are waiting on the photographer rather than vice versa. Once the day gets behind schedule, it’s difficult to catch up, so stress this to your loved ones, so they are ready and waiting. It might be helpful for you to write this up and and email or print for them, so they don’t forget.
  5. Vendor Arrival Times: Each of your vendors will schedule their arrival time on your ceremony start time. They’ll let you know how much time they’ll need to setup and prepare, so ask for their guidance in this area.
  6. Cocktail HOUR: Going back to your photographer… Create a list of photos you want completed during cocktail hour. Make sure he/she can do all that you want in about 45 minutes. Keep your list to immediate family and wedding party only. Extended family guests should be reserved for candids during the reception. You want to keep your cocktail hour to an hour. If you go over, you may be considered a rude host. Guests get antsy, hungry, and tipsy, so be sure to join them ASAP, so the show can go on.
  7. End the night early:  This is a tip I give to a lot of brides.  It will be a long emotionally draining day, and believe me, you will be exhausted.  Confirm with your venue when you need to be out (including break down times), and this will help you set that key departure time. If you want the party to continue, plan an after party and invite key people to join you.
Bride and Groom Photo on Bridge

Photo by Danell Beede Photography

Planning your wedding day timeline does not need to be stressful.  The important thing is to communicate: communicate with photographer, vendors, bridal party, etc.  Make sure everyone is on the same page when it comes to arrival and departure times.  A great resource to have is a planner/coordinator for your wedding.  This is where Knots ‘N Such would love to help you.  Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you in your wedding planning adventures!

XO,

Amy