Posts

Choosing A Wedding Invitation Suite, Tips from Knots ‘N Such, Raleigh Wedding Planner and Florist

/in /by

Feature image by Nieto Photography, invitation by The Oblique Pen.  Knots ‘N Such is a Raleigh Wedding Planner and Florist.

Chosen a date, time, and venue ✔️

Chosen a color palette & style ✔️

Chosen attire & flowers ✔️

If you said yes to the above items, it’s time to start thinking about your wedding invitation suite.  This will be your guests’ first peek into your wedding day, setting the style, colors, and theme for your big day.  Follow along in today’s blog as Knots ‘N Such, Raleigh Wedding Planner and Florist, gives some helpful tips in picking out your perfect wedding invitation suite.

Wedding Floral Invites

Photograph by Photographs by Stephanie

  • Choose a Wedding Style and Color Scheme
    • Choosing this early will help you craft your invitation suite. You want your motif to shine through in every choices, even the paper products! The invitation is important for letting your guests to know date, time, and location, but also for setting the formality and vision of your wedding.
  • Choose Elements that let your Personality Shine
    • There is room to be creative and let those personal touches shine through.  Maybe you love the feel of letterpress on a heavy paper. Or maybe you love printing on acrylic or metal. Or maybe you like odd shapes and sizes. Let the invites communicate your motif and your personality.
  • Choose Prudently within your Budget
    • As a planner, one of my responsibilities is to keep your budget in check. I work in “wiggle room” so you can splurge in a few areas, but not all. So look at the overall picture and decide if invitations are one of those areas that’s a priority for you. Knowing what you’re able and willing to spend will be a big determining factor in what suite you can choose.
  • Choose Wording Wisely
    • Make sure the wording is clear and easy to understand. Font plays into this as well, so choose something legible. Make sure your guests are able to answer your requests via the invites –  RSVP deadline, meal choices, or song requests.  Also, consider having multiple parts to the invitation, since too much information on one page can cause confusion.
  • Choose with a Time Frame in Mind
    • Your invitations will take time to prepare. Your guests need time to plan to attend. Factor these into determining when you need to finalize your suite. Save-the-dates need to be mailed by 6-7 months pre-wedding and invitations need to be mailed by 7-8 weeks pre-wedding.
  • Choose a Cohesive Style
    • As mentioned already, it’s important to have multiple items in your wedding paper suite. Some things to consider include: Save the Dates, Invitations, RSVP cards, Menus, Programs, Thank You Notes, Signage, Etc.  A designer can help create a suite that utilizes a similar theme, even if the design varies from element to element.  Creating a cohesive suite from the beginning can be a time and cost saving touch.
  • Choose a Proofreader
    • Before you have all the invites printed and ready to be sent out.  Choose a person you trust to proofread the writing for correct spellings, information, and legibility.  Having someone with fresh eyes will be super helpful. Your paper designer can even make mistakes, so be sure to do this!

Photo by Riley Maclean Photography, invitation by Cute Buttons

We hope these tips will help you in creating your sweet suite for your big day.  If you have any questions or are seeking a planner in helping with details like the wedding invite, contact Knots ‘N Such today!

XOXO,

Amy

 

 

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

/in , , /by

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 Emergency Kit, Tips from Knots ‘N Such, Raleigh Wedding Planner and Florist

/in /by

Feature Image by the Nixons Photography.  Knots ‘N Such is a Raleigh Wedding Planner and Florist.

Thinking back to my wedding day, I thought I had all the pieces worked out, but then the unthinkable happened, I ended up with my lipstick somehow smeared on the front of my dress. Luckily, my sister had made a day of emergency kit that came to the rescue.

No matter how much planning goes into place, an emergency kit for the day of will always be helpful.  Knots ‘N Such, a Raleigh Wedding Planner and Florist, is here to provide the top 5 items from our emergency kit that may help you the day of your wedding.

Bride Getting Ready Photo

Photo by Thirteenth Moon Photography

  1. A Sewing Kit and Safety Pins
    • You never know when the zipper is going to snag or a hook is going to fall off when everyone is getting dressed for the wedding.  A sewing kit and safety pins will come in handy to do a quick sew in or fix for those unwanted malfunctions. You might also want to think about clear nail polish and/or super glue to help with snags and runs.
  2. A Tide-to-Go Stick or Some other quick stain removing device
    • Like I said about my wedding day, stains are going to happen.  Having a quick stain removing device will potentially come in handy not only for the bride but the whole wedding party.  There are so many elements that are just waiting to attach themselves to these fresh threads.  Being prepared will help calm nerves.
  3. A granola bar, bottle of water, or another mess free snack
    • Weddings are long days.  Blood sugars can drop.  Arrange for meals – breakfast and lunch if possible. Making sure to eat and hydrate will help with any unwanted hunger side effects. No one wants to be the one that passes out in their service. It will also fight off those “hangry” feelings that come along when you are bit too hungry.
  4. First Aid Kit and Over the Counter Meds
    • Long days can bring about headaches, stomach issues, and other minor injuries.  Tiredness, hunger, and stress can all play into this.  It might be great to have a first aid kit for things like bandaids or Benadryl cream. Also having Ibuprofen or other pain meds could be very helpful to get rid of headaches or cramps quickly.
  5. Spray on Deodorant and Mouth Wash
    • Smelling fresh and clean is a goal for everyone’s wedding days.  Have spray on deodorant available to reapply throughout the day.  You don’t want those streaks left from the roll on brands.  Also fresh breath is just as important. Having mouth wash will give you that just brushed feeling.
Bridal Floral Headpiece

Photo By Photographs by Stephanie

Planning ahead can help with these unforeseen circumstances. Put your maid of honor or another bridesmaid in charge of the emergency kit, because you will have a lot on your mind that day.  Also having a wedding planner, like Knots ‘N Such, can put your mind at ease because we come with a large emergency kit.  Contact us today to discuss how else we can help you!

XOXO.

Amy

Gifts from the Bride and Groom, tips from Knots ‘N Such, Raleigh Wedding Planner and Florist

/in /by

Feature Image by Riley McLean Weddings. Knots ‘N Such is a Raleigh Wedding Planner and Florist.

So many people are involved in planning, pulling off, and celebrating your wedding.  It takes time but is so important to show your gratitude and appreciation for these people.  Knots ‘N Such, Raleigh Wedding Planner, is here to help you with a checklist of helpful hints in wedding gift giving.

Homemade Vanilla Favors

Photo By Mabyn Ludke Photography

  1. The Wedding Party
    • Maid of Honor, Best Man, Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, Ring Bearer, Flower Girl. Many times these are the people putting in a significant amount of money and time to be a part of the wedding party.  A gracious way to thank them is with a gift to show your appreciation for their support.
  2. Parents 
    • This is not an obligatory gift but is be a beautiful way to thank your parents for being in your life and helping get you to your big day (especially if they are footing the bill for the wedding).  This generally is a personalized gift with some sentimental value.
  3. Shower Hostesses
    • These are the people that planned those wedding showers prior to your big day.  You might think of gift cards to a restaurant with a hand written letter to show your appreciation.  They went out of their way to make you feel special prior to the wedding, and it would mean a lot to make them feel special as well.
  4. Ceremony Participants
    • Officiants, readers, musicians, ushers.  This category fits anyone that went above and beyond your expectation to make your ceremony special and go off without a hitch.  This gift may include a small token of your appreciation, a gift card, and/or a note handwritten to them to show your gratitude for making your ceremony spectacular.
  5. Vendors
    • It takes an army to pull off your big day – wedding planners, florists, photographers, etc.  Planning ahead for a generous tip on the day of the wedding and an amazing review on Facebook, Wedding Wire, etc. would be greatly appreciated for them.  They make their living from pulling off the wedding of people’s dreams, just like yours.
  6. Party Favors for Guests
    • A final gift to think about is one for your guests.  Look for a blog in the near future on choosing the perfect party favors.  However, just think of a way that you can give a mass “thank you” to those people who are with you on your big day.  Personalize it to fit your personality but make it something that people would want to take home as a memento of your wedding. (Food or drink are always hits!)
Raleigh Wedding Planner & Florist

Photo by Riley Maclean Photography

It can seem like a daunting task to make sure that everyone that is involved in your wedding feels your appreciation.  Set a budget for these gifts, think about a timeline for ordering them, ask yourself “would I want this gift?”, and personalize it as much as possible.  Everyone loves a gracious giver, and the more you plan ahead, the more time you will have to express your appreciation. Have questions or need help in wedding planning? Contact Knots ‘N Such today!

XOXO,

Amy

Choosing a Wedding Venue – Tips From Knots ‘N Such, Raleigh Wedding Planner and Florist

/in /by

Feature Image by Erica Serrano Photography

Knots ‘N Such is a Raleigh Wedding Planner and Florist

 

Drive around the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill area, and you will come across some of the most beautiful wedding venues.  Today we are here to help you to choose which of these fantastic spaces fits your wedding and your vision.  Poppy Belle Design, Raleigh Wedding Planner and Florist, gives some tips for making this important decision, and helping you craft the wedding of your dreams.

Wedding reception room view

PBD Inhouse Photographer, Brant Daniel Photography

 

  • Know your total event budget and Estimate your guest list

Last blog we talked about that b word – budget.  When choosing your venue, it comes up again as important because your budget will help you determine which venues are realistically feasible for you to use on your wedding day. In this market, the average venue for an average wedding is about 20% of the budget. A wedding planner can help you craft and manage your budget, so it’s wise to get one involved from the very beginning.

Before you contact venues, create your guest list. You need to know how much space you’ll need for 85% of your guest list to sit down for dinner.

River Ridge Golf Club Ceremony

Photo by Azul Photography

  • Talk to a planner and Research venues in the area

A wedding planner, like Knots ‘N Such, can be a tremendous help in casting your vision and finding venues that fit your needs. When making your initial budget, determine if a wedding planner fits into that budget and will help you be satisfied at the end of your day. At the very least,  a month of coordinator is essential and can offer advice even during the planning process.

Also, research the venues in your area, check out their websites to see what they offer.  Research photographers that have been at those venues, so you can see the venue as captured by a camera. Does the venue have photo worthy views and spots that will make your photos beautiful?  If you’re the type of bride that likes organization, create a spreadsheet with contact information and details you can gather from their website.

Bride & Groom at American Tobacco Campus

Thirteenth Moon Photography LLC

  • Find venues that fit your vision of the big day

Are you planning an industrial chic wedding?  A wedding with unique architectural features?  Are you planning ceremony and reception to be in the same space?  I suggest sitting down with your significant other and writing down your must haves, like outdoor spaces or a space the bridal party can stay the night before.  These must haves will help in finding that venue that fits you and your significant other’s wedding vision.

Corner Table and Chandileer

Photographs by Stephanie

  • Find out what’s included and preferred vendors

Each venue is a bit different and has different requirements.  In your planning process, find out what’s required or expected during the wedding time.  Do they provide in-house catering?Do you have to use one of their caterers?  Do they have a list of other vendors they require you choose from because they have a working relationship with them?  Is it an all inclusive type of venue? These sort of factors will play into your decision making.

Raleigh Wedding Planner & Florist

Casey Rose Photography

The venue is the focal point that puts the wedding vision into motion.  It creates the ambiance, the inspiration, the storyboard of your big day.  Like we said earlier, a wedding planner, can be such a great resource in helping craft your wedding day.  Poppy Belle Design, a Raleigh Wedding Planner and Florist, would love to help you personalize and customize your wedding, starting with that initial venue decision.  Contact us today!

XOXO,

Amy

Choose Your Squad with These 7 Questions: Bridal Party Tips from a Raleigh Wedding Planner

/in /by

Feature Photo by Jocelyn & Ryan Photography. Knots ‘N Such is a Raleigh wedding planner and florist.

 

First comes the engagement, then comes the question: I found the groom, now who do I choose to stand alongside me on the happiest day of my life? You don’t want to leave anyone out, but you also want to make sure you emphasize the most important people in your life! So, skip all the head-scratching and ask yourself these 7 questions:

 

Question #1: How big is your wedding and venue?

First things first, you need to know how big the space is that you’re trying to fit all of your friends in! The venue will likely have some input on this, so contacting them first is always a good idea!

 

 

bride & bridesmaids in bridal suite

Photo by The Nixons

 

 

Question #2: Who do I consider to be my family?

Oftentimes close siblings will be included in the bridal party. But what about not-so-close siblings? Or extra close friends who may as well be your siblings? The lines are often blurred, so put some thought into who you truly consider to be your family (and don’t feel obligated to add your second cousin twice removed just because your aunt asked nicely).

 

 

Question #3: How responsible and supportive are they?

We all have that friend who we love, but isn’t exactly known as the reliable, responsible one. And some of us have friends who love us, but never got completely on board with the marriage. These friends can be wonderful, but may be better suited as guests, rather than bridesmaids.

 

 

Raleigh Wedding Planner & Florist

Photo by Ultimate Images

 

Question #4: Does my fiancé have any people he wants to add?

You also have to keep in mind any women your fiancé may want added as a bridesmaid. It could be his sister, it could be his friend who introduced you, it could be his brother’s wife. Regardless, remember to consult with your fiancé to see if he has any input (and maybe make a deal to get your brother in as a groomsman).

 

 

Question #5: What do I need and expect from my bridal party?

Your bridal party will be your go to for all kinds of support! Consider what you’ll need from them before finalizing your decision. Maybe you want your level-headed friends to keep you calm, or your fun-loving friends to keep you motivated!

 

 

Outdoor Ceremony Fall Colors

Photo by Chris Harburg Photography

 

 

Question #6: What will their situation be around the time of my wedding?

We generally assume that everyone we ask will shriek with excitement and readily accept, but while they may truly want to, sometimes life can get in the way. Has your friend been dealing with an illness, either for herself or a loved one? Maybe one of your friends is struggling financially and taking on extra shifts, and the added expenses of dresses, bachelorette parties and beautification may be more stress than she can handle. Or even a friend who has a baby due to arrive the same month as your wedding! Nevertheless, be mindful of where your friends are in their lives, and maybe just an invitation will do.

 

 

Question #7: Where will she be in the next 15 years of my life?

These ladies will be in your wedding photos forever, reminding you of the wonderful day you married your sweetheart and the great company you kept. Can you see them being in your life when you’re looking at your photos on your 15th wedding anniversary? If not, they may be able to help with invitations, greeting guests, or DIY projects. And of course, the more the merrier at the bachelorette party! Good friends now can be great help now, but you want to reserve the spaces in your forever photos for your forever friends.

 

 

Raleigh Wedding Planner & Florist

Photo by Casey Rose Photography

 

XO,

Ivana

PBD Coordinator

A Raleigh Wedding Planner’s Advice on DIY Done Right

/in /by

We’ve all fallen into it. The beautiful photos, the step-by-step tutorials, the ease of spending your entire afternoon pinning to your heart’s content. Pinterest is a great invention. It has recipes, beauty tricks, and a massive collection of stunning, easy-looking wedding DIYs. And don’t get me wrong – some of these DIYs are great. But as a Raleigh wedding planner and professional in my field, I will share with you a little secret: DIYs can sometimes go wrong, but with a little help, these projects can go so right.

Read more →