Wedding Venue Archives - Wedding florist for Hillsborough, Chapel Hill, Durham and Raleigh NC

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

January 10, 2018/in Tips /by Amy Wurster

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Popular Floral Trends: Tips from a Raleigh Wedding Planner

August 9, 2017/in Floral Design, Tips /by Amy Wurster

Feature photo by Lauren V. Allen Photography. Knots ‘N Such is a Raleigh wedding planner & florist.

I understand the importance of floral trends and how they change each year, and the countless possibilities! Traditionally, people believe that certain trends are too “outdated” to work with a more modern bride; however, many of these old traditions are coming back in style! The “Rustic Movement” is giving way to a more modern aesthetic, while holding fast to some classic elements like floral selection. Instead of barn-wood, brides are gravitating toward more metals and glass this year.

So how does the modern bride get the best of both worlds? Every bride wants to be unique, and these five classic trends are a surefire way for her to achieve that originality in a traditionally beautiful, yet modern way.

Floral Colors

One could say that color is trending this warm season for weddings; however, the latest craze is all about combinations.

Go bold: Make a statement with bright bold hues such as pinks, oranges, and lime greens.
Muted colors: Go for a cohesive and blended tone with muted tones in the same color family (rose, peach, soft browns, etc.)
Bright burgundies and reds: What is more classic than red? These gorgeous hues and shades offer a vibrant pop with a visual impact. Don’t forget to add some dainty pink tones in as well!
Whites and greys: Forever a bridal favorite, white is classy and elegant. This time, ladies, try incorporating lush foliages that also come in this grey hue.
The 2017 Pantone Color of the Year, Greenery, is also very popular. However, think subtle, nontraditional, rather than literal uses of this classic shade. Greenery can be used in creative ways such as garlands, wreaths, and table runners.

What’s Old is New

Heirloom varieties such as chrysanthemums, antique carnations, and deeply textured blooms like scabiosa-flowered zinnias, are taking the wedding world by storm. Another fan favorite is Queen Anne’s Lace, which is taking diversity to a new level. These reasonably priced flowers are making a startling comeback in the wedding circuit, being incorporated with higher end flowers and greens. New flower cultivars with bold shapes, colors, and forms, are proving to be must have statement pieces this year. These sought-after seeds are in high demand and local farmers and florists will be fighting to claim these luscious florals.

McCardell Photography

Cascading Floral Wedding Bouque

Cascading floral arrangements are hot this season as they offer a lush, romantic feel to any wedding. You may opt for a smaller cascade if you wish to go for a simpler look. One thing is for certain, no one could ignore the appeal. Brides are gravitating towards this look as it offers a more tailored look to an otherwise large bouquet, giving off a more organic and natural feel. The updated designs of these bouquets complement the bride in every way, while not detracting the attention from her.

Special Request Flowers

Recently, there has been a swarm of brides entering floral shops armed with images from social media, asking for more obscure flowers for their bouquets. Some of these long-standing favorites include roses and carnations, but more recent requests have grown to include dahlias, peonies, and eucalyptus.. These requests can be a challenge – and an opportunity – to explain seasonal nature and availability of certain flowers.

Danell Beede Photography

Stylish Floral

Accessories

Move over big, bold floral crowns! Make way for subtle, floral hair accessories. This year, we will see more half halos, floral hair “combs,” and simple sprigs of foliage woven into hairstyles than any year past. Another huge trend that is on the rise is the cuff wrist corsage which offers a more elegant alternative for mothers’ corsages, as well as giving the look and feel of jewelry. For guys, this will mean mixing more interesting textural elements, such as pods and berries, alongside grasses and focal flowers.

My mantra includes taking traditional elements and modernizing as I’m inspired by the couple themselves! To see my work, visit the Poppy Belle Design Gallery. Interested in what I can do for your wedding? Contact me here!

9 Ways to Illuminate Your Wedding Day – Tips from a Raleigh Wedding Planner & Florist

May 10, 2017/in Inspiration, Tips /by Amy Wurster

Feature photo by Thirteenth Moon Photography . Knots ‘N Such is a Raleigh wedding planner & florist.

One of my favorite wedding elements has to be lighting. There are so many beautiful and creative options to choose from….Each as unique and symbolic as the love being expressed. In this week’s blog, we’re putting a spotlight on 9 ways to illuminate your wedding day.

1. Sky Lanterns

Photo by PBD

At #1… Sky lanterns are a symbol for play and festivities in Asian cultures. So how do these beautiful floating symbols actually work? They’re typically made of a very thin paper on a light weight frame. A small flame from a candle or other flammable item heats the air inside the lantern causing it to rise into the sky, sorta like a hot air balloon. What a lovely way of symbolizing the beginning of a marriage!

2. Floating Candles

Wedding Table Setting with Floating Candles and Flowers

Photo By Natalie E. Photography

Taking the #2 spot is floating candles. Floating candles of all sizes and shapes are now on the market. They also come in a variety of colors. My favorite is classic white or ivory in a clear glass vessel. Such an inexpensive but elegant way to create a romantic ambience for your reception!

3. Pinspot Lighting

Ever thought of illuminating your cake and centerpieces? This is known as pinspot lighting, #3 in our list. Think of how much you pay for these gorgeous creations. Then think of how they fade into the background when the lights are dimmed in the room! Using pinspot lighting, you can make them stand out and show their beauty all evening. You’ll notice most of the high end venues include pinspot lighting in their ceilings, but for any venue, you can bring in a professional lighting company to provide this.

4. Twinkle Lights

Bride & Groom Photo with Cascading Bouquet

Photo by Casey Rose Photography

Coming in at #4… Twinkle lights litter Pinterest, right?! There’s a good reason for that. They can make nearly any item shine and look amazing! I’ve decorated trees with them, put them inside vases, bottles, jars, and cloches, and wrapped tables and columns with them! The only limit is your own imagination on this one. I particularly love wrapping posts or columns with them and adding drapery over it. Oh la la!

5. GOBOs

Taking the spot at #5 is GOBOs. Funny word for a not so funny decor element! Your lighting company or DJ can provide a variety of shapes and designs through which to shine light onto your dance floor. They can also create a custom shape for you. Most popular is the monogram. How special to have your new family monogram in the center of the dance floor or above the cake table!

Photo by Casey Rose Photography

6. Chandeliers

Who doesn’t love a romantic chandelier in nearly any kind of space?! Number 6 adds instant class and elegance to your wedding, whether you use them under an arbor for the ceremony, in the ceiling of a tent, or over the dance floor!

7. Hanging Candles

That’s right, you can hang candles these days! I have the cutest little holders that just beg to be used anywhere and everywhere! I’ve used them on walls behind cake tables, on manzanita trees lining the ceremony aisle, and under pergolas for cocktail hour! They’re amazing and add a simple and gorgeous touch!

8. Uplighting

Your DJ is your ultimate source for uplighting, #8 on our list. And don’t think that means it’s only bright flashing dance lights. Continuous uplighting in a white or amber on the walls is elegant and classy around the perimeter of your reception room. Many venues are including these as well, which makes their rental packages so enticing!

9. String Lights

Photo by Chris Harburg Photography

The #9 spot goes to a wide variety of string lights. Some popular forms include xmas lights, market lights, fairy curtains, lighted garlands, and Edison lights. Many of these lights also can be found in nearly every color imaginable. String them around your tent, over your deck, over the dance floor, around the arbor, or anywhere you can imagine!

To see my work, visit the Poppy Belle Design Gallery. Interested in what I can do for your wedding? Contact me here!

KNS Tips: The Perfect Support For Your Perfect Day

April 12, 2017/in Tips /by Amy Wurster

Feature photo by Thirteenth Moon Photography. Knots ‘N Such is a Raleigh wedding/event planner & florist.

Here at PBD, we know the process of planning your wedding is magical. However, it can be stressful for you and your family without the right support system. Knowing when and how to plan the perfect wedding is not an easy task for a bride, and this is the reason that you might opt to hire a wedding planner like myself. I am often asked by brides and their family, what are our options? What are the differences between a wedding planner, a venue coordinator and a day-of coordinator? How does each help with the planning process and the day of your wedding? In this week’s blog, I will be discussing the different support options available to you and how these wedding professionals like myself…help with your big day.

PBD shares picture of Bride & Groom Portrait at American Tobacco Campus

Photo By Thirteenth Moon Photography LLC

Wedding Planner

As a wedding planner I will help you plan each stage of your wedding, and will keep you on schedule as deadlines approach. Ask questions. We’re here to guide and assist you. Experienced planners have a large network of trusted vendors in every category imaginable, have tips for where to splurge and where to save, and have planning tools that can save you tons of time! There may some additional benefits to hiring a planner who is also a designer. It makes perfect sense that hiring a vendor who can help in multiple categories is much less administration and management for you. For instance, I’m also an event & floral designer, so can make every detail of your wedding memorable, special, and beautiful.

PBD shares picture of Bride & Groom at American Tobacco Campus

Photo By Thirteenth Moon Photography LLC

Venue Coordinator

A venue coordinator can be invaluable in helping make sure your special day goes according to plan. These professionals are there to ensure the venue, its staff, and their outlined responsibilities are handled expertly. Some venues, but not all, have a venue coordinator on staff. However, it is important to consider that a venue coordinator is not there to make sure your day-of schedule is followed. Details such as the photographer being in place, that you have your bouquet in hand before you walk down the aisle, or that the correct music is played at your reception, is not among their responsibilities. These duties belong to your planner and day of coordinator.

PBD shares picture of Ringbearers with Bowties at 21C Museum Hotel

Photo By Thirteenth Moon Photography LLC

Day of Coordinator

Last, but not least, you have the option of a day-of coordinator. A day-of coordinator is responsible for making sure that your wedding day goes perfectly. They will make sure that all your vendors arrive and perform on time and ensure that each stage of your day goes according to plan; a day-of will also keep up with the members of your wedding party, the venue is set-up according to your wishes, and that everyone performs according to the schedule you have in place. They are an invaluable resource. However, they differ from a wedding planner in that they will not be with you during the whole process of planning your wedding. They will not make sure your invitations go out on time, that all your vendors have been hired or that your dress has been altered correctly. He/she will come in at the end of the planning process to ensure all your wishes are carried out on day of.

Each of the above professionals offers a different set of services, and it is up to you to determine which will give you the most value for your situation. Be sure to weigh the limits of their expertise, and always remember that you get what you pay for! Interested in what I can do for your wedding? Contact me here, and to see examples of my work, visit the Poppy Belle Design Gallery.

A Raleigh Wedding/Event Planner Venue Spotlight: River Ridge Golf Club

March 31, 2017/in News, Tips /by Amy Wurster

Cover photo by Azul Photography. Knots ‘N Such is a Raleigh wedding planner & florist.

As a Raleigh Wedding/Event Planner, I know the importance of finding the perfect venue. The venue sets the tone, captures the theme, and frames the memories being made for any event. Each couple has a vision of their ideal wedding and finding the right space to make that dream a reality is very important. This week I would like to share a venue spotlight on River Ridge Golf Club located in Raleigh, NC. and an interview I did with Miranda E. Day, River Ridge’s Sales and Events Director. But first, mark your calendars for their open house on April 23rd from Noon – 3:00 PM. I’ll be there showing off some blooms to inspire you for your big day!

Venue Location:

Surrounded by blue Carolina skies and sweeping green landscapes, River Ridge Golf Club is sure to offer an intimate stage for your love story and create memories that will last a lifetime. When asked if River Ridge had both outdoor and indoor ceremony and reception sites available, Ms. Day commented, “River Ridge hosts both ceremonies and receptions. Typically, our events are outdoor only, but we can host events in our ballroom or ceremonies on our covered outdoor pavilion.” When asked about the maximum capacity, Ms. Day said, “Approximately 300 guests between our outdoor pavilion space and indoor ballroom or 215 located on our outdoor pavilion. We provide 150 chairs for reception and ceremony. Our ballroom is a gorgeous 10,000 square foot space. In the event of rain, if a couple chooses an outdoor ceremony, we can also accommodate a tent.” River Ridge is also ADA accessible with a ramp.

As a Raleigh Wedding/Event Planner and owner of Knots 'N Such Event Planning & Design, I understand how important finding the perfect venue is. River Ridge Golf Club offers a lovely outdoor space for ceremonies.

Beautiful outdoor ceremony at River Ridge Golf Club

Price of Venue:

When it comes to venue selection couples want to know how much a venue will cost and what is included in the fee. When asked this question, Miranda was very detailed and I just loved that. No couple wants hidden fees. Miranda shared with me that at River Ridge Golf Club, they do not charge a fee per guest. Instead, they base their charges on whether the couple is interested in the wedding ceremony only ($1200), a wedding reception only ($2800) or both ( $3200). Prices don’t vary based on day of the week or time. This is great for couples that wish to have a weekend wedding. Most locations charge more for a weekend date.

What’s Included:

When asked what the price included, Ms. Day commented, “Our rental fee includes the use of the outdoor pavilion and indoor ballroom, use of our indoor clubhouse, ceremony chairs as well as reception tables and chairs for 150 guests, 48 hours use of storage space, access to a certified wedding planner to meet with you and discuss your visions of your special day, 10-hour day of event coordination from our events staff, flexibility to decorate our neutral space to reflect your personal taste, complimentary one hour for rehearsal, and complimentary use of venue for bridal portraits before your event. Staff will also help transition from ceremony to reception.”

River Ridge Reception

The fee also includes the use of (15) 72” round tables that can accommodate up to 10 guests each, (150) white resin reception chairs, (150) white ceremony chairs, (10) 8 ft. banquet tables, (5) 30” tall cocktail tables,(1) 36” round cake table, (1) 48” sweetheart table for bride and groom, and (2) 6′ banquet tables. There is no additional charges for water, electrical, or parking. Parking is ample and there is no need to rent additional rest rooms.

Set Up and Decoration:

At River Ridge Golf Club, you can be in the venue at 7:00 am if you’d like to get ready onsite. Club staff will arrive between 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm. If you would like staff to be on the premise early to help with additional setup, there is an additional fee. All tables and chairs will be setup the day before so your vendor setup can begin at 7:00 am.

When asked if there are there restrictions to the space with decorating, Ms. Day replied,”Our elegant neutral spaces can be decorated with your personal style any way you like. However, you will want to have centerpieces with a heavy base because the pavilion is elevated and there is always a slight breeze blowing through. Candles should be sheltered from the wind as well. Also, we ask that you do not put holes into walls and ceilings and use command hooks instead.” Occasionally, River Ridge will host multiple weddings on the same weekend. It can affect tent rental pick up and drop off but it will not affect rehearsal. Staff will coordinate these times.

Catering:

River Ridge Golf Club does not have an in-house caterer. They do, however, have a preferred vendor and caterer list you can choose from. If a couple prefers to use someone outside of that list… it is welcomed as long as the caterer or vendor is approved by Miranda. There is no fee for using your own vendors. The next questions are always asked by couples. What is the alcohol policy? And what kind of bar options are offered? Miranda is happy to provide insight. River Ridge has both Beer & Wine Licenses and all beer and wine must be purchased through the Club. There are several options for you to choose from that will suit your personal preference best and accommodate your budget.

Enchanting Photography possibilities at River Ridge

Open Bar:

With our open bar option, we invoice based on consumption. While other venues charge per person, we charge per drink, so clients only pay for what is used. The prices listed below are the fees for the open bar option:

$3.00/ domestic beer
$4.00/ import beer
$4.00/specialty beer
$5.00/ glass of wine
$20 per hour for bartender fee + hour clean up/set up
20% gratuity added to all beverages sold

*According to the NC Consumer Tax Law, there will be an Alcoholic Beverage Tax charged for all beer and wine consumed.

Open Bar with Limits:

If you choose to forego the open bar option, you have the choice to control consumption and spending by setting a monetary limit or by using a ticket system.

Monetary Limit: Set a limit for how much you want to spend on alcohol at your event. *This set price does not include tax, bartender fee or gratuity.
Ticket System: The preferred and equitable option of the two, open bar with ticket limit ensures that every guest can enjoy complimentary drinks, without breaking your budget. Each guest is allotted a certain number of tickets at your discretion (usually attached to the programs or name cards) When guests have used all their allotted tickets, they can purchase alcohol from the bar with cash.*This set price does not include tax, bartender fee or gratuity.

Cash Bar:

Our cash bar option is great for couples on a budget. Your guest will pay for their own drinks. The only charge you are responsible for is the bartender fee, which is $20/hour + clean up/set up.

Liquor Bar:

Liquor is an option! You must obtain a 24-hour special occasional alcohol permit from ABC. Once you are granted your permit, you will be allowed to bring in your own liquor and mixers and our bartenders will make the drinks for your guests. There is an additional corkage fee of $3 per person that will be added to your final invoice.

Entertaining spaces at River Ridge

Entertainment:

Next Ms. Day and I discussed entertainment… after all…what’s a wedding and reception without music? Bands or DJs are welcome and must provide their own equipment. All noise and guests must be packed up and out of the venue by 11:00 pm. to respect noise ordinances. Miranda added that there are no photo or video restrictions or fees, but guest are at their own risk on the golf course.

Miranda Day is your point of contact at River Ridge Golf Club; She will be there for the 10-hours of day-of coordination. Accommodating and friendly, you’ll love working with her! I’m very excited to provide floral decor for their clients! For more information or to view the River Ridge Golf Club gallery click here .

To see the work of other professionals I love, visit the Poppy Belle Design Gallery. Interested in what I can do for your wedding? Contact me here!

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