Northern California Wedding Planner | How to Plan Your Bar Menu

We have all been a wedding guest at some point or another right? In between snacking during cocktail hour and grabbing a slice of cake most guests wouldn't think about the logistics that went into ordering wine and beer for the open bar they are enjoying.  That's the art behind a well planned event, you aren't running out of ice or cups and you certainly aren't out of the white zin that everyone is loving! 

Planning your bar menu is more than just what you will serve, but also about the quantities of each that you will order.  How do you figure out how much red, how much white or how many kegs? Here are the tips we share with our clients and hope you find helpful:

1.  Consider the setting
Many venues have specific rules about hard alcohol or prohibit serving hard alcohol all together, double check your contract before stocking the bar of course! For a summer outdoor wedding you may want to pair more of the chilled and sparkling wines, or plan a few refreshing signature drinks in lieu of a full wine or cocktail menu.  Not only will it keep your guests cooler but it will also keep your bar costs down because you are only buying mixers/ingredients for two signature drinks for example vs a full bar or extensive wine list.  Make sure to plan on getting plenty of ice to keep the kegs and drinks nice and cold! Non-alcoholic beverage station with water, iced teas, lemonade etc will also give your guests more options and keep them hydrated.

2. You know your guests
While your caterer or bar service provider may know a lot about hosting events, you know your group better than anyone.  If these folks are beer drinkers you have to take that into consideration when deciding on how many kegs or cases of beer you will need and how many bottles of wine you will need.  

3. Size Matters
If you are trying to get an accurate estimate on how many servings are in a keg or wine bottle etc you should make sure that you know what cups you will be using to serve the guests.  For example, if you bought personalized 16oz cups off of Etsy, you are using a cup that is considered oversized. 

http://www.dummies.com/food-drink/drinks/beer/buying-beer-in-kegs/

4.  Budget
Hosting a wedding or any large event is expensive, plan smart and focus on the essentials.  Here are a few helpful calculators to ensure that you don't overshoot and purchase more alcohol than you need.  If your venue or caterer is providing the alcohol, you will need to set a budget with them to determine the amount that you will be comfortable with hosting.  For example if the country club has a $1200 bar minimum you would have a hosted bar up until that dollar amount, after that it would be become a "no-host bar" and guests would pay for their drinks.  Many couples opt for no-host cocktails which means that your guests can get beer and wine but would pay for their own cocktails.  Make sure to ask about corkage fees as well, these add up!

If you are providing your own alcohol, you can look for deals from Bevmo or World Market for deals or even your local grocery store may offer specials.  Costco often has great pricing for large magnum bottles as well.   How much alcohol do you need? Here is a handy (free) calculator:

http://www.thealcoholcalculator.com/

We strongly advise asking for help from your vendor team so that you aren't stressing over how many bottles and servings you need the week of your wedding! Have questions? We are happy to help just shoot us a message on our contact page. 
 

 ~ Happy Planning!

Northern California Wedding Planner | Tips for Staying Organized

Pinterest and Instagram are only showing you the pretty, tidy photos but let's be real.  Life is busy & messy, and no one is perfect.  The best way to keep your hectic days together and stay on top of all of the to-do lists is to find a system that works for you.  Some of us are visual, while others really thrive with checklists or bullet point journals.  As wedding planners we get to be involved in our clients lives and understand just how busy their schedules are.  Here are a few tips to get your organization rolling:

Track your goals 

At the beginning of each week, choose anywhere from 1-3 goals to start with and write them down! These don't have to be earth shattering or life altering goals, heck just start with easy ones like organizing your sock drawer! Then when you have accomplished one of your goals, acknowledge it and move to the next goal.  If you feel like you are getting stuck on one goal in particular try to document the specific issues that are holding you back, maybe its that you need to take a break from it and come back or that you need to break the task down into separate smaller tasks.

Visualize your progress

When it comes to wedding planning, we love that our clients get the best of both worlds when they log into their personal dashboard.  Not only do they get to see a progress bar moving ever closer to 100% but there are checklists, budget trackers and a beautiful style guide to keep all of the details organized.  Aisle Planner is where we house all of our wedding client's information and we love how streamlined our planning process is from start to finish!

Take time for yourself 

Make sure to allow yourself time for personal care (exercise, sleep well and hydrate!) and enjoying all of the activities you loved before you began your wedding planning journey. 

~ Happy Planning!~

Timeline Tips | Part One: Contracts

A wedding day timeline is absolutely the most important piece to planning your wedding! 

You can find THE dress, and have the perfect flowers and decor but without a well planned timeline your wedding day can feel hectic and unorganized, not just to you but also to your guests.  That is why we are writing a series of blog posts focused solely on helping to ensure you understand the elements that make a fluid timeline and a smooth wedding day.

The contracts that you sign with your wedding vendors (wedding venue, photographer, caterer, etc.) are extremely important because they outline the services that are being provided.  The first contract that we take into consideration is your wedding venue.  Why? A wedding venue that includes the whole wedding weekend from rehearsal on Friday for example to breakdown/clean-up on Sunday will be much different from a venue that allows 12 to 15 hours total.  

Photo of one of our wedding day timelines from a recent event

Knowing how many hours you have onsite will dictate how much man power is needed to set-up and break-down as well as what time you should start the ceremony in order to have time for dinner and dancing before having to turn the music off and start breakdown.  

What you need to know about your wedding venue:

• How many hours are included in your venue/site rental
• If you are having your ceremony and reception at separate locations make sure to factor in the time it takes to travel between locations especially if your photographers/videographers or any other vendors are traveling between sites.
• Does the venue allow you to have your ceremony rehearsal the night before? If not, what is an alternative date when you can access the site to rehearse?
• Can any set-up be done before or after ceremony rehearsal (tables and chairs placed etc)
• What time can vendors begin set-up? 
• What time must music be turned off/down (if any restrictions apply)
• What time must all guests exit the premises, and all clean up be completed?
• Can any items be left to pick up the following day?

Next we will be talking about how to make the most of your photography coverage.  Catch Part Two or subscribe to our updates to get all of the latest blog posts!

~ Happy Planning!

The Do's and Don'ts of a Long Engagement | The 530 Bride

We love "engagement" season and all of the excitement in the air, the first thing brides do is tell their families and their prospective wedding party of course! Then it is time to consider possible wedding dates, start by reading The Knot's article on How to Choose Your Wedding Date, including considerations of the season, symbolic dates such as your anniversary etc, and dates to avoid.  If you have your heart set on a local wedding venue or booking your fav' wedding professionals make sure to take that into consideration before announcing your wedding date. 

We have put together some Do's and Don'ts for those who are planning on a longer engagement and need a little reassurance after setting the date: 

Do Hire Professionals - You may have dear friends or family members who have volunteered for one thing or another, but we urge you to put the brakes on and use this time to start brainstorming on what is important to you as a couple including budget, the atmosphere, overall decor and guest count.  Meet with local wedding planners who can guide you to vendors who may be a good fit for the aesthetic you have described.  

Do Attend Wedding Shows - It comes with the territory and you'd be surprised how fun it is to attend the bridal shows, taste samples, view galleries and check out what your local vendors offer.  There are great opportunities to save money when booking vendors at the bridal shows, not to mention the great raffles and prizes available.

Don't Impulse Buy - Small impulse purchases eventually add up, and before you know it you have a whole room full of random items that you pick up over the course of a few months.  Talk with your wedding planner and decor or rental company about items that you are interested in and request a price comparison on items before purchasing. Often purchasing mason jars, burlap and votives end up being much more expensive than renting.  

Do Share Your Pinterest Board - As a wedding planner we love to get an idea of the styles that appeal to you, so Pin away! Collect images of wedding bouquets, lighting, signage, linens and photography that speaks to you and make a note about what specifically in the image is appealing.  Leaving these notes for yourself will be helpful down the road when discussing with the florist or other creatives.

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff - Often the longer the engagement the more the small stuff seems to creep in and stress brides out.  Throughout your planning process there will be some lulls, or times where you think nothing is happening.  This is normal and you are allowed to enjoy the downtime and day to day life with your Fiance! 

Do Schedule Your Engagement Session Early - By scheduling your engagement session early, you can get your photos back a little earlier which will give you time to use them for your wedding website, save the dates if you choose to do them, gifts, or displaying them at your bridal shower. You will also get a chance to interact with your photographer and get to know them better too! Read What You Kneed to Know for Your Engagement Shoot 

Don't Second Guess Yourself - When you have a longer engagement you may be more prone to second guess some of the decisions and purchases you have made such as your gown, or color scheme.  In times of doubt, don't hesitate to call your wedding planner or your bestie to calm your nerves! 

Make sure to schedule time for yourself and set a routine to include working out and other activities with your partner that you find relaxing.  There is life outside of wedding planning, and don't feel guilty if you need to take breaks from planning! 

For more tips, stay tuned to our blog and visit us on Facebook & Instagram

Plan to Experience Your Wedding | The 530 Bride

Details, Details,..but don't forget to experience your wedding day!

You will hear "it goes by so fast" about a million times while you are planning your wedding; and that's because it's true! We can plan every detail out but we unfortunately cannot stop the clock or rewind the seconds that you missed like your grandma out on the dance floor! Check out our tips on being in the moment on your wedding day:

1.  A Detailed Timeline is Key
   Work with your wedding planner on a timeline that captures the flow of your day, allowing for some buffer time in between as you don't want to feel like a slave to your timeline.  Typically we prefer to check with the photographer first to see if there is a particular flow that works best for them based on the package you have booked.  If your coverage is less than 8 hours we want to make the most of that time.  Then we send a draft timeline to your caterer and DJ for their input/suggestions.  We continuously update your timeline to keep all of your vendors & wedding party on the same page along the way.  
    
2. Plan meaningful details
   Incorporate memories and details that are authentic to you as a couple and don't hold back. If the bouquet and garter toss aren't really your thing, then scratch it! Tell your love story in a unique way, incorporate memories and choose details that are authentic to you as a couple and don't hold back.  Guests are coming to your wedding to celebrate you, and they will appreciate all of the personal touches and quirks to the day. 
    
3. Regardless of how hands-on you want to be during your planning process, you should always have an exit strategy (not kidding.)
   What the heck is a exit strategy you ask? Well it is the plan that allows you to systematically transfer all of the details and plans that have been in your mind and we walk through those details so that we can later execute them for you.  We plan mock table settings and use photos/sketches to plan a detailed layout, decor set-up, and breakdown plan so that you can rest assured everything will be just right.
    
4. Label each box of wedding items or any belongings you are bringing to the venue
   For the brides who have been collecting mason jars, dishes or other decor items be sure to have a detailed packing list or provide the items to our planner ahead of the wedding as well as write a short description on a piece of paper and tape to the box, listing the items and where they should go.  This helps you when packing and organizing before heading to the venue and it will also help with re-packing all of these items after your wedding. It is also good to establish what you would like to do with leftover items at the end of the night (extra programs, favors, floral arrangements etc.) 
    
5. Rental Items, decor & personal items
   Make sure to clearly communicate with vendors on any items that need to be returned or when they will be picked up from the venue.  If you would like to have your wedding planner return items, it should be determined when these items are due back just in case.  Have a clear plan & outline with your wedding planner:  who is responsible for removing garbage, clearing tables, picking up linens, putting tables and chairs back, cleaning the venue and when all cleanup needs to be done so that you do not risk your deposit with your venue.  
    
6. Hire a wedding planner! 
   Couldn't resist, but seriously hire a professional who will handle all of this stuff for you so that you can enjoy this amazing day. 

Congrats on your engagement and we hope you are loving every minute!

~Happy Planning~ 

Shopping Small | Gift Guide

Finding the perfect gift for all of your special peeps? The struggle is real! 

We are in love with the shop small movement and all of the master creatives out there who run their own etsy shops or storefronts, work from home, or collaborate locally.  Lucky for us we follow an amazing group of talented creatives so we are sharing a link to check out and cross off all the goodies on your gift-giving list.  

Image via Rising Tide Society

Already done with your Christmas shopping? (Hey, no bragging) Keep this gift guide in mind for bridal party gifts, guest welcomes, home decor, or heck tell santa to sneak a little something into your stocking! 

~Happy Holidays~

Don’t Let Anyone Burst Your Engagement Bubble | The 530 Bride-To-Be

I always said that I wanted to have a long engagement. I’d had enough friends get married over the years and tell me how quickly time flies when your busy planning and preparing for the day of your wedding (and all the events leading up to it) that they wish they would have stopped to enjoy the smaller moments, excitement of the experience, and the simple joy of being proposed to by the person you love most.

What I hadn’t thought about was what defines a long engagement. One year? 18 months? Two years? There are lots of books, online articles and wedding magazines that try to define it, but this is something I learned that every couple has to define for themselves.

When my long-time love proposed to me on our trip to Rome my first feeling was that of surprise, then elation, and if I’m to be honest, next came a little bit of selfishness. Here we were in Roma, Italia, a city that helps to compose the word ROMAnce, and all that mattered in the moments and days that followed his proposal were that we were engaged and in love. Not that our families wouldn’t have been ecstatic or jumping for joy had they been there, but there was something meaningful about sharing this moment alone without any outside influence – it was just the two of us.

I knew this wouldn’t last for long and so my fiancé and I came up with a term for this special time. We called it our EB; short for engagement bubble. We didn’t rush to post the news to Facebook or rack up international minutes calling family back home. Instead we chose to savor the remaining time we had alone, away from our everyday lives, simply enjoy being engaged, and staring a lot at the shiny new object on my left hand. (I really miss being in our Rome EB.)

It’s inevitable that after a period of time the high and glow that comes with being a newly engaged couple will fade as you return to your normal pre-proposal routines. And it doesn’t help that wedding planning is stressful and even those closest to you, who love and support you, can unintentionally push their opinions on the two of you or cause pressure on your relationship.

This is when it’s most important to stop, take a breath, turn to your partner and do something to get back into your EB. Remember that this special time in your lives really is about the two of you, your love for one another, and the commitment you’re going to make in … whatever time frame YOU CHOOSE.

These could be simple things that help remind you of the proposal, special moments when you were dating or just telling each other how much you love one another spontaneously. Here are some ways my fiancé and I remind ourselves that we are in our still in our EB even though we left Rome:

1. Send text messages to your partner while they’re at work that mentions something special from the proposal to get them thinking about your engagement. (We’ll randomly text something as simple as #EB or a photo from our trip in Rome to each other.)

2. Leave a note or card in your partner’s car for them to find on their way to work that tells them how much you’re looking forward to spending your life with them. (I’m planning to take my own advice a little further and plan a small scavenger hunt on my fiancé’s next day off that ends with a bottle of bubbly.)

3. Plan dates that are themed to take you two somewhere relative to where the proposal took place or that’s meaningful to your relationship. (We really didn’t need another excuse to go out for Italian!)

4. Plan fun activities together in the mix of all the wedding appointments to help make the planning phase more enjoyable. (We choose to meet with potential vendors at our favorite local coffee shop and make a point of walking our dog there and back. Ice cream tastings have also become one of our preferred vendor vetting experiences to do together!)

5. Discuss each of your wedding must-haves early on and make a point to celebrate with one another when you check one of them off of your list. (When we finally signed with a winery to be our venue, which was one of my favorite scouted locations, my fiancé and I went out for brunch and toasted with a glass of champagne.)

No matter how long you choose to be engaged, don’t forget that your engagement bubble exists wherever the two of you are and this really is a special time in your life, so soak it up.

Wedding wishes and celebratory cheers!
The 530 Bride-To-Be

5 Reasons You Should Create A Wedding Website | The 530 Bride

Why Create A Wedding Website? Here are 5 Reasons!

1. Share Your Love Story
Where did you two meet? How did he pop the question? Give a little of your backstory to guests who may be meeting you or your fiancé for the first time. This is especially helpful for couples who have had a shorter engagement or whose families haven't met yet. 

2.  A Central Place for Your Guests 
 Feel like you are getting 21 questions from your friends and family? Use a wedding website to provide information such as your wedding date, time and location.  This is the appropriate place to list registry information rather than within your invitation.  Going on a honeymoon? List your honeymoon plans if you have registered for a honeymoon registry so that guests can contribute to your trip.

3.  Out of Town/Destination Accommodations 
If the majority of your guests are not local to where your wedding will take place, it is helpful to provide some information about the town including accommodation & lodging resources.  Have a few favorite restaurants or other fun spots to visit in case guests have some extra time to explore.  

4.  Your Vendors Can Get To Know You Better
Your vendors may find your website helpful to learn a little more about you, and also to connect with any additional details that may help them provide better service.  Vendors who might want to get you a thank you gift can even find something on your registry or contribute to your Honeyfund! 

5.  It's Fun..and Free!
Creating a wedding website will give you another outlet for getting into the wedding excitement and also having a sense of control so that you have shared the information that you feel your guests need to know.  Your groom may not have his hand in as much of the planning, so giving him the link to share will allow him to communicate the details without having to ask you!  You can share as much or as little as you'd like and even have fun designing the style and theme that fits your personalities.  

Ready to get started?

You can start by checking out a few of the free wedding websites below: 
www.MyWedding.com
www.TheKnot.com
www.WeddingWire.com

Happy Planning!

What's in your wedding day bag?

We have all read in the wedding magazines about some of the bloopers that have gone down at a wedding, as simple as someone stepping on the back of your gown and ripping the bustle or maybe the waterproof mascara wasn't all that it was promised to be.  Either way, being prepared is never a bad thing.

I don't like the term "Emergency Kit" for a wedding because it reminds me of the jumper cables and flash light that you keep in your trunk, rather than something to ease your mind on such a big day.

The list of what items are wedding day worthy may seem excessive to some, but could come in handy depending on the circumstance.  I would say the following items are the basics, so we will start with those:

• Extra Copies of toasts, ceremony information, seating arrangement etc (Just in case)
• Brides Make-up Bag
• Mini Sewing Kit
• Snacks
• Super Glue
• Bandaids
• Pair of flats
• Deodorant
• Rubber Bands/Hair Ties/Bobby Pins
• Wet Wipes/Towelettes
• Stain Remover Pen or Wipes
• Dental Floss
• Tums, Excedrin etc
• Pack of Tissues

Now here are some items that are also helpful but could be brought in a separate bag or brought by a member of the wedding party if needed:

• Extra contact list of wedding party, and essential vendors
• Extra phone charger
• Sun Block & Bug Spray (good idea for an outdoor setting)
• Lighters (Keep those candles burning!)
• Bottles of water
• Ipod/Music with player
• Double Sided Tape
• Safety Pins
• Plastic Bags for belongings or even for trash bag
• Tampons
• Compact Mirror
• Small amount of cash (just in case)
• Extra Hair Products
• Nail File

The good news is that you will be surrounded by your friends and family on your big day, so they will be there to help should you need anything. So pack your day of bag and as always, Happy Planning!

Photo Credit: http://regalodesign.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/bride_bag_contents.jpg

'I Do' Responsibly

Weddings are a time we bring friends and family together to celebrate your new chapter in life, so unless you have chosen to have a "dry wedding" odds are there will be a champagne toast and then some!  You can choose to serve drinks during either the cocktail hour, reception or both.

When deciding on what types of beverages to serve, consider your guests, budget, and the type of atmosphere you want to have. If you are concerned with over indulgence or expense considering limiting the amount of alcohol per guests, or perhaps only offering beer and wine.

Many wedding venues will specify their requirements and limitations with serving alcohol, some may require a licensed bartender, event insurance, and/or an additional deposit. Some may allow you to supply your own alcohol, while others may not.  If you are supplying your own alcohol but don't know how much you need, try the Bevmo Calculator http://www.bevmo.com/Misc/PartyPlanner.aspx

We recommend hiring a licensed and insured bar service to host your event as they are not only great bartenders but they specialize in weddings and events and know how to determine when someone has had too much to drink.  They can discreetly handle this for you without causing a scene, and in the end will help ensure everyone has a safe but responsible evening.  A professional bar service will also assist you with selecting wines & spirits as well as the quantity needed for the size of your event. For help choosing a Bar Service in the 530 area, visit our directory.

When it comes to the end of the night (your wedding night is a blur so take care of these details ahead of time) have a transportation plan in place.  If your location is a distance from town consider a shuttle for larger groups.  Make sure that you discuss vehicles and over-night parking with your venue, you don't want any guests to have their cars towed!

Cheers to an amazing wedding night, and to celebrating responsibly!

~Happy Planning!~

For The Wedding Party

You have been trusted with the important role of a bridesmaid, but you don’t know what the bride needs or wants from you?  We are here to help!

If you ask a bride what you can do to help, chances are she won’t be able to even explain all of the little details that are swirling around in her head.  So how can you help your bride when she is in overload mode? Listen.

We aren’t saying that you have to devote the next six months to a year to wedding sessions with her but when you are talking to her make sure that you are understanding of how much she has on her plate.  Wedding planning is supposed to be fun, so do your best to put a smile on her face and remind her that you are there if she needs your help.  Offering to do projects or help organize her wedding plans is a nice gesture and shows that you do want to help if she needs it.

What is expected of a bridesmaid? Here are some of the common roles of a bridesmaid:

- Offer to help with specific tasks such as tying bows on programs or menus etc - Lend a hand with double checking the RSVP’s or mailing list as a second pair of eyes - Assist with music selection, offer suggestions for playlist if needed -Assist with selecting attire for wedding party -Snap photos of the wedding process to add to the Bride’s album -Assemble favors, decor etc if needed -Assist with tracking gifts at wedding shower for thank-you cards - Learn how to bustle the wedding dress & these are just a few!

We know all of this wedding stuff can get expensive with buying a bridesmaids dress, shoes  & sometimes taking off work to attend wedding functions.  Check out some of our DIY related posts to give you some ideas on how to throw the best bridal shower, bachelorette party or assist with wedding projects for less!

(Read DIY related posts here on The 530 Bride.)

If you are an out of town bridesmaid and don’t know how to offer a hand from long distance you may want to see if there is any research you can help with such as looking at local restaurants for the rehearsal dinner or offer to help with room blocks or other tasks that can be done over the phone or online.

The most important part of being a member of the wedding party is sharing the experiences of planning and celebrating such an important day in the couple’s lives.  Though it is nice to have a bridesmaid around to help with planning, it may not be possible for you to be present at all times and the couple will understand.

Here are a few resources for bridesmaids from those who have walked in your heels! Bridesmaid Tips & Advice Bridesmaid.com  Always a Blogsmaid The Knot

DIY Table Runner Project

Here at The 530 Bride we love to see couples express their style and personality while enjoying their wedding experience.  We are fans of the ladies over at The Idea Emporium for encouraging their clients to step outside the box and get creative.  We are happy to share this creative and inexpensive DIY Table Runner project demonstrated by Carey at The Idea Emporium!

Materials Needed 14 yards of white muslin fabric Scissors Fabric Dye 1 large bucket Boiling water (per dye instructions)

Step 1: Rip fabric to desired width by cutting a starter mark, and then proceed to rip the fabric into two equal sections

Step 2: Following the instructions included with the dye packet, bring water to a boil. Meanwhile, begin fraying the edges of the fabric.

Step 3: Once you have frayed all of the edges, fold the fabric in half lengthwise and then proceed to roll it towards you

Step 4: Mix the water and the dye packet in a large bucket, and dip the fabric into the dye with the frayed edges down. You can dip the fabric in to the dye at the desired depth, and as many times as needed to give the intended color. *For an ombre effect you can use multiple buckets with varying shades of the dye*

Step 5: Unroll the fabric and layout to dry on a flat surface

We love this color combo of white and blue, but the choice is yours so feel free to get creative. This project is not only fun, but it can really save you money! Here is our breakdown of expenses:

14 yards of Muslin fabric @ 3.99 per yard* 2 boxes of dye @ $2.29 per box

*The amount of fabric you need will depend on what size table you are using and the length you would like the fabric to extend past the edge of the table.

If you would like assistance with planning and or designing your wedding or next big event please feel free to shoot us a message with any questions and we will be happy to help!

Wedding Planning Tip: Transportation

Post by: Alisha Rouland, Event Coordinator Depending on the logistics of your wedding, your ceremony and reception sites may differ. Many couples choose to offer a shuttle type of transportation from point A to point B (and sometimes even to point C.) Providing transportation for your guests will most likely be a welcomed service. However, to prevent delays in your wedding timeline, consider the following:

• The number of guests that can safely ride in one limousine or shuttle.
  • For example, if one trip can accommodate 15 guests, and your guest list has 100 persons, you are looking at a minimum of 7 trips. This may or may not include a separate shuttle for the groom, groomsmen, the bride, her bridesmaids, and mothers.
• The estimated time for round trip transportation, from location A to location B.
  • For example, for  a 4:30 p.m. ceremony, with a 15-minute round trip shuttle carrying 15 guests at a time from your 100 person guest list, you should begin shuttling guests a minimum of 1 hour and 15 minutes before the start of your ceremony.
• The scheduling of other events, such as concerts, fairs, or graduation. Check local event calendars to see if  there are any large events that may affect your pre-determined travel time. Also consider day of the week and the time of day - weekday weddings during rush hour may pose a delay to your start time. Arming yourself with this knowledge will help you choose the best route, with the least amount of outside interference.
• The age and mobility of your guests. For example, parents with young children may need to use an extra seat for a stroller or other baby items, while some elderly guests may require extra space for special need items (walkers, wheel chairs, etc.)
• Give yourself some leeway in your travel time. Trying to coral all of your guests may take longer than you think, giving yourself a few extra minutes can help ease your mind, and ensure proper flow of your wedding day timeline.
• Once you have figured out the transportation to your site, consider returning your guests. You may want to offer an early shuttle (for those with young children for example), and then a later shuttle to accommodate those who wish to stay until the end.

Happy Planning!

Wedding Planning 101: Timeline!

No matter where you are in your wedding planning, staying organized is important.  Part of being organized is to refer to a timeline and checklist to make sure you don't have a last-minute wedding crisis on your hands.  If you have a wedding coordinator they should be assisting you with creating an outline of the planning process, and helping you stay on track.  There are many wedding planning resources and tools out there, so you don't have to reinvent the wheel. Depending on how far out your wedding date is, you should be able to space out the time-line so that you don't feel overwhelmed.  Word of advice: ask your fiance to help you with the parts that he can help you with because it is his wedding too! If he can't help you then look to your friends and family because chances are they are pretty excited for you and would love to help.

Note: timelines are meant as a guide only and may or may not reflect your actual event.  If you feel that some of the items do not apply to you; not to worry.  Take your check list with you to your vendor meetings so that you have the information as a reference if needed.

Wedding Checklist 9 – 12 Months Determine Your Budget, and set-up a time to talk about who pays for what Select the Date for your wedding Determine the number of guests you expect to invite Start looking at available wedding venues appropriate for your guest count Hire a Wedding Planner/Consultant if needed Browse wedding magazines and websites to see what trends & color schemes appeal to you. Book your engagement Photo Sessions Mail your save-the-dates cards Choose your wedding attendants Set-up Consultations with Caterer, Florist, DJ or band and Photographer

6-8 Months Select your wedding officiant Finalize your agreements with your Caterer, Florist, DJ & Photographer Create a wedding website or blog Select & order your wedding dress Order or create your wedding invitations Select or assist bridesmaids with choosing a gown and over-all style Register for wedding gifts (Ask your wedding vendors about registry options) Start compiling your music selections to review with your DJ Research Cake Decorators and schedule a Tasting Finalize your wedding food menu with Caterer Review your budget to ensure you are on track or make adjustments Arrange for the groomsmen to be fitted for their tuxedos Order your wedding rings Reserve the limo or make transportation arrangements Research Honeymoon destinations

4-5 Months Finalize Honeymoon arrangements Reserve rental equipment Review your guest list Have the Bridesmaids order their dresses, and groomsmen order their tuxedos Check-in with your travel agent and finalize honeymoon details including flight information & passports Shop for a wedding gift for each other and for the wedding party Schedule the wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner Set-up room blocks at nearby hotels, do this early to ensure your guests will have no problem finding a place to stay during a busy weekend or event.

2-4 Months Check your states requirements for marriage licenses Meet with your photographer to determine your must-have shots & do a walk- through of your venue and timeline Send out the invitations Enjoy your bachelorette party Print or order your ceremony programs Decide if you will be writing your own vows, and begin preparing or researching your vows Send your wedding announcement information to the local newspaper Purchase wedding accessories such as guest book, flower girl baskets & ring bearer pillows or signs, toasting flutes & cake knife. Order or start creating your wedding favors 2-4 Weeks Assemble the favors & programs if needed Think about rehearsal dinner speeches Check your RSVP’s against your list of invitations, call the guests who have not yet responded Attend your last dress fittingSend out final payments if possible Confirm Hair & Make-up appointments Confirm all groomsmen have completed fittings and ordered their tuxedo’s Meet with Wedding Planner and vendors to ensure all plans are satisfactory

Week of the wedding Make sure to confirm special readings for your ceremonySubmit your final guest count to your caterer Confirm arrival times with vendorsPrint/Email directions and locations for drivers of transport vehicles Pick up your dress, or make specific arrangements with bridal shop for pick-up Send a timeline to the bridal party & parents Pack for your honeymoon if you are leaving soon after your wedding Book Spa appointments for nail treatments Break in your shoes Delegate any other tasks such as bringing your purse, camera and/or night bag to a family member or close friend

Day before your wedding Attend wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner Get lots of rest & Stay HydratedCharge camera and cell phone batteriesSend your hubby to be a love note,  to bring the focus back to where it should be..You  and him!

Wedding Day Eat a light meal & hydrate Appoint a bridesmaid or family member to do a time check with your coordinator while you are getting ready, to ensure you stay on schedule Do your hair & make-up  applications  before  you  get dressed Get dressed 30 minutes  before  you  leave  to allow  for  photographs Enjoy your day and take in every moment, you  will always remember this day!

Choosing Your Wedding Registry

By Alisha Rouland, Event Coordinator Registering for a wedding is equal parts exhilarating and confusing. With each beep of the scanner, you begin to more clearly see your future – teal kitchen aid here; purple bath towels there; 1,000 count linens- check; fine china – umm, is this really necessary? There are so many traditional registry ideas that we can get lost in it all. In my opinion, it is most important to consider what type of items you and your groom actually need and want. Luckily, there are extensive options for registries today that allow any couple to choose the best registry that defines their needs and style.

The Honey Moon Registry - This option allows the couple to register for honeymoon experiences, rather than fine china or bath towels. From airfare and travel expenses, to meals and drinks, to surf lessons, rounds of golf, shopping sprees, massages, or romantic cruises - your guests can gift you items that allow you to customize your perfect honeymoon. There are many honeymoon registries available, visit them all and find the one that best fits your needs. You may want to consider researching expiration dates, set up or transaction fees, whether or not you are truly getting a good deal, if your desired honeymoon destination is offered, or if exclusive vendors must be used. Also, Keep in mind that you most likely will purchase your airfare before your guests complete your honeymoon registry – you might want to inquire if travel expenses can be reimbursed or transferred to another item on your registry

• www.honeymoonwishes.com - Includes: Downloadable announcements to print, email announcement wizard, wedding website, full online photo album, wedding blog, and a share tool to post your registry on Facebook, Twitter and other social media site
• www.honeyfund.com - Allows you to calculate the estimated cost of your honeymoon (flight, driving or cruise cost, number of nights, type of desired accommodations, dining, beverages, excursions and/or activities.)
• www.travelersjoy.com - Partners with well-known wedding sites such as The Knot and Wedding Wire and do not charge a guest fee.
• www.wanderable.com - Wanderable provides a thank you tracker and iPhone app that allows the couple to share their experiences with their guests by sending a digital ‘thank you’ postcard.  

The Traditional Registry - This option allows the couple to register for household items such as kitchen appliances, pots and pans, furniture, décor, linens, and items that they may not have bought on their own.  Check out the 10 Registry Tips from The Knot. Among some of the tips: check for store return policies, register for gifts in a variety of price points, and register for items you actually need (how often do you plan on using that expensive fine china?) and items that you may not purchase on your own (teal kitchen aid mixer – yes please!)

A few commonly used traditional registries include (but are absolutely not limited to): Bed, Bath, & Beyond; Macys; Crate and Barrel; Williams and Sonoma; Target; Pottery Barn; or Amazon.com.  Consider registering at a locally owned store - don’t be afraid to choose a store that fits your unique style.

The Multi-Site Registry – This registry option allows couples to register for multiple items at multiple stores all from a single website.  You can register for almost anything: typical household items, entertainment tickets, travel, electronics, outdoor furniture, motorcycles, camping gear, jewelry and much more!

• www.registrylove.com - Registry Love lets the couple register for anything from anywhere – from local retailers to retailers that do not have online website to honeymoon and adventure registries.
• www.simpleregistry.com -Same options as Registry Love and allows for group gifting, and a mobile scanner app so you can add an item to your registry anytime, anywhere.
• www.myregistry.com - Allows you to put your entire registry on Facebook, add gifts with your phone, and allows you to sync pre-existing registries.
• www.knackregistry.com - Allows you to create a registry full of unique items not available from national retailers.

 The Homeowner’s Registry – This registry option allows guests to put money towards a couples’ new home, or provide renovation, remodeling, or decor to an existing home. Before signing up for a Home Registry, consider the fees and restrictions involved, and how/where you can spend your gifted money.

• www.hatchmyhouse.com – Allows couples to design their ideal house. Guests can gift money, which can be used to purchase parts of the house (like windows or doors) or provide general funding towards a downpayment.
• www.mydreamhomeregistry.com/index.aspx - Gives couples the opportunity to register for things like paint, flooring, furniture, and/or remodeling costs.

The Charity Registry – This registry option allows the couple to raise money for their favorite cause(s).

• www.justgive.org - Just Give gives you the option to choose from more than 1.8 million different charities.
• www.idofoundation.org - Partners with www.justgive.org, and gives you the option of choosing charitable favors.

The Gift Card Registry – www.cardavenue.com - Card Avenue lets couples choose gift cards from over 500 stores, restaurants and services.

The Experience Registry – www.newlywish.com - Newly Wish provides guests with the opportunity to gift a variety of gifts from kitchen and linens, to spas and fitness centers, to dancing lessons and theater visits, to sporting and cultural events.

The Cash Registry – www.weddingrepublic.com - Wedding Republic allows couples to get money without necessarily asking for money and allows your guests to see what their contribution is going towards.

Get Glowing Skin With These 12 Super Foods

Posted by Alisha Rouland, Event Coordinator with The 530 Bride There are countless preparatory measures a bride can take to look her very best on her wedding day: from whitening to tanning to exercising to waxing and everything in between. With all the extra steps we take prior to our wedding to ensure a perfect bridal glow, we may overlook one of the most effective and most permanent ways to attain that healthy glow: our nutrition. Check out twelve ways to promote your perfect bridal glow! *Please note that this is by no means an all inclusive list - just a few highly recognized super foods for skin health!*

#1: Blueberries

Blueberries are proof that great things really do come in small packages. These tiny morsels are very rich in antioxidants, which help to prevent free radicals from damaging and destroying collagen – keeping your skin elastic and plump. Blueberries are also low in fat, high in fiber, and high in vitamin C – which not only aids collagen formation, but also strengthens your immune system! No one wants to be sick on their wedding day! Try adding some blueberries to a smoothie, your cereal, or some yogurt!

#2: Salmon

Salmon has high levels of an essential healthy fat: omega-3. The nutrients in salmon can help reduce skin inflammation, fight against dry skin, improve skin elasticity, and diminish fine lines, wrinkles and occurrences of clogged pores.  Salmon is also rich in protein and other beneficial vitamins and minerals.

#3: Tomatoes

Tomatoes are one of my favorites fruits! Especially the delicious gems I pick from my own garden! Tomatoes are packed full of many vitamins that promote good health! There are many great things to say about tomatoes, but Vitamin A (same vitamin in carrots!) is important for the health of your eyes, hair, and skin, while Vitamin C helps to strengthen your immune system!

#4: Walnuts and Almonds

Just like salmon, walnuts have healthy omega-3 fatty acids that prevent damage to skin cells, aid in moisture retention to soothe dry skin, reduce inflammation, and can even help to protect against UV rays. Vitamin E found in both almonds and walnuts is a powerful antioxidant that protects against skin cell damage. Nuts are a fantastic on-the-go snack or add to cereal, yogurt, or salads. Not only are nuts excellent for skin health, they are heart healthy and good for your brain!

#5: Dark Chocolate

Not that you really need a reason to eat chocolate, but flavanols or the antioxidant in Dark Chocolate strengthens skin cells and can reduce the effect of UV rays on the skin! Unfortunately, this skin fighting benefit isn't uniform among all chocolate products, look for dark chocolate with high levels of cacao.

#6: Sweet Potatoes

Similarly to carrots, sweet potatoes contain high levels of beta-carotene (Vitamin A) and are a good source of Vitamin C. Vitamin A aids in generating new skin cells and vitamin C assists collagen production to maintain skin elasticity.

#7: Green Tea

Green tea  has been termed, ‘the fountain of youth' because of its high levels catechins (or antioxidants.) Green tea catechins, chiefly EGCG has been shown to reactivate dry skin cells. Green Tea is also rich in vitamins C, D, and K, and the minerals zinc, calcium, magnesium, and iron.

#8: Whole Grains and Brown Rice

Not only do whole grains pack a high fiber punch that keeps you full and regular, they contain high levels of B vitamins. B Vitamins help to maintain energy levels and metabolism, but also to generate new skin and hair cells and retain skin moisture.

#9: Avocado

Avocados are another favorite of mine! Avocados are excellent sources of healthy fats, fiber, vitamin E, vitamin C, and vitamin B. Vitamin E is another powerful antioxidant that prevents cell damage and protects skin. Vitamin C, as mentioned before assists in collagen formation and prevents cell damage.

#10: Flax Seeds

Flax seeds have the powerful omega-3 fatty acid that helps your skin cells attract moisture which reduces appearance of wrinkles, and reduces skin irritation. Flax seeds can be added to pretty much anything - throw some in your morning smoothie, or try mixing some into your pancakes (see recipe below!)

#11: Carrots

Carrots are excellent sources for vitamin A, which is an essential vitamin for developing and maintain healthy skin cells. Not only do carrots have fiber and other essential vitamins, they are also high in damage-preventing antioxidants.

#12: Water

I know it’s not necessarily a food, but water is probably one of the most important steps to achieving healthy skin. Water hydrates your entire body – including your skin cells. Water helps to remove toxins from your body, and deliver nutrients throughout your body. You can eat plenty of vitamin and mineral-rich fruits and vegetables, and omega-3 rich foods, but without water, nutrients cannot be edelivered to necessary cells in the body.

I am a huge fan of multi-tasking, and that carries into my meal planning. Here are a few recipes that include two or more of the above-mentioned super foods!

1. Salmon Spaghetti with Plum Tomatoes and Avocado  (Salmon, Tomatoes, Avocado)

2. Blueberry, Watermelon and Walnut Salad (Blueberries, Walnuts - add some shredded carrots for some extra crunch!)

3. CrockPot Recipe for Sweet and Spicy Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Stew with Coconut Milk (Sweet potatoes, brown rice)

4. Green Tea and Dark Chocolate Torte - (Green Tea, Dark Chocolate, Almonds)

5. Sweet Potato and Flax Pancakes - (Sweet potato, Flax Seed)

6. Lastly, Water. Infuse your water with blueberries or seasonal fruit, or enjoy plain!

 References:

1. Price, M. (2010). Vitamin E on Hair & Skin. Retrived from http://www.livestrong.com/article/106234-vitamin-e-hair-skin/

2. Gaynes, S. Healthy Skin From the Inside Out. Retrieved from http://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/perfect-skin-diet

3. Tucker, J. (2012). Sweet Potatoes For A Younger Looking Skin And Other Health Benefits. Retrieved from http://www.amoils.com/health-blog/sweet-potatoes-for-a-younger-looking-skin-and-other-health-benefits/

4. Hoffman Center Staff. EGCG - potent extract of green tea. Retrieved from http://www.drhoffman.com/page.cfm/118.

5. Whole Grains Coucil. Whole Grains: An Important Source of Essential Nutrients. Retrieved from http://wholegrainscouncil.org/whole-grains-101/whole-grains-an-important-source-of-essential-nutrients

6. California Avocado Commission. Avocado Nutrients. Retrieved from http://www.californiaavocado.com/avocado-nutrients/

Lost in Wedding Planning Chaos?

Posted by Kendall Arelleis, Event Coordinator with The 530 Bride I ran across an image online the other day, and it really hit home. It reads:

Needless to say, I now have it set as my computer background.

No one hides the fact that planning a wedding can be stressful. We hear stories of "Bridezillas", partly as cautionary tales, partly as laughable fair warning, as if it's inescapable. It's also widely pronounced that Brides-to-be should try to enjoy this time, as if that's possible while sitting in a circle of receipts, toolkit budgets and contact lists, magazine clippings, half-finished DIY projects, and so many rewritten to-do lists that you've lost track of which is the most recent. Note to "self": start writing dates and times on any loose wedding scratch paper.

As a professional planning my own wedding, it's semi-shocking to me that it is a lot scarier when it's 100% on your shoulders, rather than assisting a bride with her vision. I sympathize with all brides, myself included. How does one do this without an army of help, and either a vacation from work, or else a really nice boss who'll let you sneak hits of Pinterest and online shopping?

The better question is "How do I keep this from consuming my life?" As a Bride, I find myself lying awake fretting about not having booked my makeup stylist yet, whether I made the right choice for my veil, which design would be best on the programs, and weighing out my floral options. And then there's the nightmares; whether it's showing up naked to your wedding, or falling behind schedule, sometimes it seems better to lie awake fretting. I think it's quite possible internal monologues of "The Little Engine That Could" chanting "I think I Can, I think I Can" counts as talking to yourself.

We say all the time that Brides need to find a balance between their day-to-day lives and planning this memorable day, but the best I can get is, "Hey honey, let's go out to a nice dinner, and then I won't shut up about brainstorming for our photo session next week", or, "Let's cuddle on the couch and watch Wreck It Ralph, and while we do that, I'm going to finish the wax seals on these last invitations."

However, there is one adage about wedding planning that is absolutely true and endlessly comforting; the marriage bit is all worth it.

Other truths I've learned to be...well, true: 1. Give yourself an appropriate amount of time to plan. more than a few months to plan ; having a small wedding doesn't exempt you from all the hullabaloo. 2. Don't be afraid to ask for help, no matter how self-reliant you are. 3. Be sensible with your budget. Know where to splurge, how to sacrifice, and when to hussle! Read more about how to make a wedding work on a tight budget. 4. Work closely with your vendors; they are a wealth of information, and can save you the headache of trying to figure things out on your own. 5.

If you'd like to share your story of wedding planning madness, we're here to listen and console.

Posted by Kendall Arelleis, Event Coordinator with The 530 Bride

Tips To Keep Young Children Occupied At A Wedding

Children attending a wedding can be a touchy subject. You may be planning a formal event, your venue may or may not allow kids, or your budget may not allow room to pay for a child's attendance. Or perhaps you just prefer that your weddings be kid free - an evening where adult family and friends can come together and celebrate - which I totally respect and understand. There are no words to describe how much I love my daughter, but I would much prefer to attend a wedding sans baby - giving myself and hot date (my husband of course!) a night free of graham cracker smears and adult conversation - and dancing! Some other attendees may feel differently: cousin Jane R.S.V.P'd five people (two adults, and three kids), when clearly the invitation was addressed only to Mr. and Mrs. John & Jane Doe; or your friend Stacy's babysitter cancelled last minute; or perhaps you invited the entire Smith Family intentionally (2 parents and 4 kids!) There are many reasons children attend weddings - hopefully, it is because you requested their presence, but circumstances arise that may be our of your control. Fortunately, you have 530 Bride Event Coordinators to help you navigate the child attendance dilemma.

Below are some ideas to help  you control the uncontrollable, and maintain your desired atmosphere by providing some entertainment to keep your little guests occupied and well-behaved.

1. Designate a separate kid-friendly space!

Look to see if your venue has a separate room or outdoor space that would be available to act as a 'childcare' setting. Hire a babysitter(s) and pay them an hourly wage. Make sure you have an appropriate babysitter to child ratio, and sitters who are CPR trained. Parents will want to make sure that their child is sufficiently cared for. For kids who are relatively young, make sure your space is child-proofed. For example, cover electrical outlets, make sure stairs are blocked off with a gate, and breakable items are stored out of reach. Bring in books, movies, coloring books, or other craft items to keep children occupied.

2. Offer a kid-friendly menu and dining table!

Designate a "kids table" where kids can eat unbreakable dinner wear (paper plates and plastic cups for example.) If you feel up to it, provide a more kid friendly main dish (chicken strips, hamburgers, carrot sticks, 100% fruit juice, cheese sticks, etc.) You may opt to avoid foods like spaghetti that may end up staining a young boy's clean white shirt. Cover the kids table with a paper 'tablecloth' and allow kids to draw silly versions of the bride and groom.

3. Provide alternate activities!

• Provide kid-friendly (quiet) activities. For example: coloring books, crayons, quiet toys (foam blocks, bubbles (kids love bubbles!), balloons), puppet show, hop scotch or other crafts. Avoid providing kids with balls, bats, swords, or other fun toys turned weapons. A fun game of wiffle ball or tag would be fine if there was a space away from your reception area.
• If it fits within your theme (and budget), you could hire outside entertainment (like a magic show!)
• Show a "drive-in" movie. Lay some blankets on the ground, pop some popcorn, hang a sheet, and feature a popular Disney movie.
• Give kids some glow sticks, and let them have their own dance party.
• Get a polaroid camera and some photo booth props (mustaches, boas, hats, sunglasses, dry erase board with markers, etc.) and allow the kids to create and enjoy their own photo booth.

4. Include them!

Depending on their age, you can always include them by give them jobs, such as manning the guest book table, helping guests find their seats, or passing out wedding programs.

5. Don't be afraid to designate a person to monitor out-of-control behavior!

However you decide to provide entertainment to children - or not provide alternative activities - ideally, a parent or guardian should be responsible for their children's behavior. It is your big day, which entitles you to whatever type of ceremony and reception atmosphere you and your groom desire. However, sometimes our hopes do not turned out as planned - in extreme circumstances, be prepared to have an individual that can nip chaotic behavior before it ruins the atmosphere and vibe of your wedding.

We'd love to hear our 530 Brides thoughts and ideas on innovative ways to include children in your wedding!

Posted by 530 Bride Event Coordinator, Alisha Rouland (alisha@the530bride.com)