Wedding Planning Tip: Draping & Lighting

If you have attended events at a local venue several times, you know what to expect when you walk in and in your mind the venue will always look the same aside from table decorations.  What if I said that your venue could be completely transformed by using elements like fabric draping and uplighting?  These elements will add a touch of personality and flair to your event, making it stand out from other events that guests have attended there. Adding decor elements such as draping and lighting gives your event a personal touch and will stand out in your photos. Before you meet with your decor vendor, discuss the limitations of your venue space with your wedding coordinator or site coordinator. This is to ensure that you are allowed to either use staples, tape or nails etc on the walls of the venue. Otherwise you will have to use pipe and draping around the perimeter of the room so that nothing is physically attached to the walls. You will also want to get the measurements of the venue space so that you can accurately get a quote for the draping panels and determine how many up-lights you would need to achieve the look you are going for.

You may have seen a previous post about my own wedding at the Card Center in Chico, where the talented WeDo Designs and Lisa's Flor Decor absolutely transformed the room by using draping and uplighting.  In case you missed it, here is the before and after pictures: CardCenterBefore&After

https://the530bride.wordpress.com/tag/the-card-center/

WeDo Designs recently used draping at the Elks Lodge in Chico and transformed the outdoor space.  The vivid colors caught the guests eyes and tied in the walk way with the rest of the event space.

draping elks lodge

For an indoor ceremony setting, jaws would certainly drop with this dramatic ceremony entrance! ceremony draping Image courtesy of http://venuesafari.com/dreamy-drapes-using-fabric-draping-at-your-wedding/

Pin spot lighting on the cake, and uplighting throughout the reception hall adds a very rich element to the overall atmosphere.

St_Paul_Hotel_2_low_res Image Courtesy of http://www.avantdecor.net/gallery.php

I also recommend saving some images that you find inspiring and showing them to your planner and or decor vendor so that you can give them an idea of the look you are going for. Just remember, the options are endless and don't be afraid to step outside the box and show your personality!

Happy Planning!

Wineries in Our Backyard

WineCountry2 There is something about a winery that is just effortless and romantic, making it a perfect location for an engagement party, engagement photography, bridal showers and even an intimate outdoor wedding.  We tend to associate these beautiful winery venues with places like Napa, California or further south but there are locations here in the "530" area that would be just as magical.  Here are a list of some of the local wineries that may be just what you are looking for.

Anselmo Vineyards 28740 Inwood Rd, Shingletown, CA 96088 (530) 474-5546 http://www.anselmovineyards.com

Long Creek Winery Oroville, CA http://www.longcreekwinery.com

Gale Vineyards Durham, CA http://www.galevineyards.com

Dog Creek Cellars Durham, CA http://www.dogcreekcellars.com

Bertagna Son Kissed Vineyards Chico, CA http://www.bertagnawine.com

Odyssey Winery and Vineyards Chico, CA Visit their Facebook page

Rough and Ready Vineyards 17860 Cattle Drive, Rough and Ready, CA (530) 432-7373 http://www.roughandreadyvineyards.com

Vintner's Cellar Redding, CA http://www.222wine.com

 

If you are thinking of a destination winery event, check out this cool resource mapping out the wineries in California!

 

Photo Credit: http://www.weddinglocation.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/WineCountry2.jpg

 

 

Floral Inspirations to Spring For!

Choosing your floral arrangements can be a little overwhelming, but sometimes all it takes is the right mix of color or textures to get you inspired.   Here are a few designs to put some spring in your step when working on your wedding to-do list. 1.  Ombre Floral Centerpiece - Green Wedding Shoes Blog

Ombre Centerpiece

http://greenweddingshoes.com/diy-ombre-floral-centerpiece/

2: Keep It Simple - French Wedding - Style Me Pretty

lavender

http://www.stylemepretty.com/2014/03/27/french-wedding-in-the-countryside-of-bergerac/

3.  Stunningly Budget Friendly - Astilbe The Wedding Flower Spring Flowers

http://onefabday.com/astilbe/

4. Pretty In Peach - Want That Wedding peach http://www.wantthatwedding.co.uk/2012/12/17/pretty-in-peach-wedding-inspiration/

4. Spring Inspired Succulent Bouquet - Aileen Tran Events Rustic-vintage-bouquet2

http://aileentran.com/blog/2011/01/24/bouquets-part-duex/

5. A Bouquet that Pops! spring wedding bouquets, spring wedding bouquet, wedding bouquet

http://perfectweddingcollections.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/spring-wedding-ideas.html

Custom Shapes For Your Cards at Zazzle

Sunday Funday..Wedding Style

We are glad to see that so many couples are prepared to take advantage of the Bridal Show for all of their wedding needs, making sure to pre-register and save money at the door is just one of the smart moves they are making. If you pre-registered you will receive your personalized mailing labels with your contact information pre-printed so that you can use them to enter to win countless prizes. If you missed the pre-registration, you can still make your own labels ahead of time and print them from home.

As always we will give a few tips for getting the most from your bridal show experience:

1. Check Your List Be aware of your needs so that can make sure to collect information from exhibitors offering the services you have not yet booked.  For example, if you do not yet have a venue or a wedding coordinator you should be sure to make that a priority.  Take advantage of discounts and special offers, and pay special attention to the expiration (if any) of the offer.

2. Attire Your wedding will give you time to shine, but the bridal show isn't the best place for those new heels you bought.  Your feet will thank us, just be comfortable!  Bring a bag that you will be comfortable holding so that you can easily store flyers and business cards from the exhibitors.

3. Entourage Make a day of it, bring your bridal party as back up just in case you need someone to help you decide which catering sample rocked your world, or to help you cover more ground and listen for your name on the prize announcements overhead.

4. Enjoy This day is about you, and all of the possibilities out there to help shape your big day into the celebration you always dreamed of.  So go ahead, have another cupcake on us!

Featured Venue - Gale Vineyards

Between the shady avenues of the vineyard, a secret oasis awaits you. Soaring groves of bamboo, oak, and sycamore cast shadows as you meander throughout the gardens, taking in the smells of warm earth, rich soil, and Italian grapes.you've arrived- Welcome to Gale Vineyards.

Features include Koi Ponds, Outdoor Lighting, Private outdoor setting

Gale Vineyards 281589_172012436205264_3384686_n

 

photos courtesy of Gale Vineyards

Fore more information please contact this venue directly:

Gale Vineyards Durham, CA

 

Phone (530) 891-1264
Email Steve@GaleVineyards.com
Website http://galevineyards.com/

Teegarden House Event Center - Bridal Faire Recap

We were delighted to be a part of the first Bridal Faire at The Teegarden House Event Center in Yuba City. Not only did we get to meet brides from the area, but we also got to mingle with several talented wedding professionals and businesses. The Teegarden House is a great spot for an intimate wedding or bridal shower celebration, baby shower, birthday party or corporate event. If you missed the event and would like to check out this charming venue just give Cindy at Teegarden House a call to schedule a tour or inquire about hours. Teegarden House Event Center 731 Plumas Street, Yuba City (530) 674-7310 http://Teegardenhouse.com

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You're Invited ~ Teegarden Event Center Bridal Faire 4.11.13

The 530 Bride was invited to be a vendor in the first semi-annual bridal faire at the Teegarden House Event Center, Yuba City. We are excited to be a part of the event, and hope that guests will not only have a great time but also get an opportunity to tour the venue and get some face time with some of our area's premier vendors. Hope to see you all there!

Invitations: Set The Tone

Finding an invitation that matches your overall theme and vision for your event is sort of like finding your dress, ( when you know, you know.)  Invitations give your guests the information they need in order to make plans to attend & guests will also be getting a sneak peak about what to expect at the event.  Save The Dates can tie in with your overall theme & stationery or you can think outside the box with the style to really have fun with it.  Here are a few styles that could set the tone for your big day! 1. This elegant design ties in any chalkboard elements you may be using and could easily fit in with a DIY/Rustic wedding or and elgant affair.  Very versatile & fun!

A Chalkboard Marriage Wedding Invitations from: Minted

2. Lighthearted

Pink Primrose Wedding Invitations from: Minted

3. Turning the expected into the unexpected!

Vintage Typography Poster Save the Date Cards from: Minted

4. Elegant

French Vintage Wedding Invitations from: Minted

5. So Ombre!

Ombre Stripes Save the Date Cards from: Minted

6.  Wedding Gram meets glam, just add a metallic envelope and done!

WeddingGram Wedding Invitations from: Minted

7. Seedpack Invites  will match with your garden or eco themed event

Seed Packet Wedding Invitations from: Minted

8. Who doesn't love Tiffany Blue? Bookbinder Wedding Invitations from: Minted

9. Proud to Serve Air Force Salute Wedding Invitations from: Minted

10. Keep it simple, all we need is love Picnic Basket Wedding Invitations from: Minted

Whether you have custom invitations made, use a retail company or DIY your stationary we know that the options are endless!  If you need assistance with invitations, wording, rsvp tracking & more we are here to help.

Where did you fall in love with your invitations? Leave us a comment here to gush about your stationary crush! ___________________________________________________ *The 530 Bride is an affiliate member of Minted.com*

Organizing your Day of Timeline

A wedding timeline or "order of events" is the glue that holds all of your wedding plans together.  Your vendors will rely on the timeline to allow them to work cohesively with each other and your guests will enjoy a well organized order of events to let them know what is happening next. Creating the timeline involves not only the couple but each of the vendors should be able to review and give suggestions before for the final timeline is decided.  Being aware of how much time is required for bridal portraits & family shots will be important so the caterer will have the food out at the correct time, the limo picks the couple up at the right time etc.

When you are selecting your wedding vendors and finalizing your agreement make sure to ask them confirm how many hours are included in the package or service.  Then confirm what time they expect to arrive and depart from the event.  These times should be noted on the master or vendor timeline, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

Every wedding is different, so the couple should feel free to re-arrange the timeline to what feels right for them.  For instance if the bride wants to have the photographer in the room during hair and make-up, the make-up artist and hairstylist should be aware of what time the photographer would need the bride to be photo-ready!  Other factors include whether or not the couple will see each other before the wedding, if they would like to have an extended or standard cocktail hour, distance from ceremony site to venue (if separate locations.) If the couple is leaving to their honeymoon or to an offsite hotel, the photographer won't want to miss the friends & family "sending off" the couple.

Often times several of the vendors will have their own basic of the order of events drawn up after your initial consultation, but if you can hire a coordinator he or she can ensure that all aspects of the timeline will run smoothly.  A coordinator will be able to spot any areas that might otherwise be missed, and will also be able to establish cues for certain vendors like the DJ or Musicians to play a specific song or make a requested announcement.  Adding notes on the timeline such as listing the names of the wedding party in the order they will walk down the aisle and order they will be announced will allow the DJ to find the information easily.

Make sure you have given yourself plenty of time to finalize your timeline, and do not hesitate to ask your vendors to look it over! Feel free to contact us regarding any timeline questions or concerns for your big day.

~Happy Planning!~ The 530 Bride Team

__________________________ The 530 Bride offers creative and affordable event coordination.  We utilize a toolkit designed to keep our clients organized during their planning process.  We offer a complimentary consultation and are available for a la carte services such as creating or reviewing your wedding timeline, communicating with vendors, completing projects & more.

Tackling Your Pinterest Board: how to focus ideas into a vision

By Christina Rafael

When I first got engaged, back in February 2012, I had a plethora of ideas I wanted to incorporate into my wedding and no idea how to execute them.

Was I a modern bride? Rustic? Should I call vendors? What about my dress?

These were just some of the topics I was mulling over in my brain and obsessing over in my dreams.

I had been planning—like most women I know—an imaginary dream wedding on Pinterest for quite some time before a ring was even introduced by my fiance. Anytime I would see something shiny or pretty, I would pin it.  Anytime something made me cry, I would pin it. And anytime I did a mini clap over a creative idea, I would pin it.

I got a bit shameless with my “pinnings” and needless to say, had no focus or clear vision for my big day (May 25th!)

I’m sure I’m not the only person who went a bit overboard with ideas and thought it might be helpful for our 530 Brides to know they aren’t alone!

Here’s some tips on how I was able to condense my  ideas, pave the road to planning and communicate with vendors who lacked psychic abilities to know EXACTLY what I wanted.

Take a Good, hard, look at your wedding Pinterest board

I set aside a morning to scan all three hundred pins (I know…) and look through them for repetitive ideas.

I recorded reoccurring themes and colors on post-it’s and found that I pinned, more than often, a LOT of burlap and blush-themed wedding ideas. As a result of this exercise I was able to determine my colors (neutrals with splashes of blush) and bridal style: rustic romantic. I was also able to select DIY projects I could successfully complete.

Folders, folders galore

My wedding folders can be classified as a bit obsessive. Once I was going through my Pinterest  on paper I decided to tackle it virtually. I saved actual images from pins to my desktop and classified them by what they applied to.

For example, if I loved a cake design I would have a folder entitled “Reception” and within that folder would be one named “Food”, within THAT folder would be a “cake” folder filled with several photos.

This organization prevented me from getting lost in my own ideas. It also came in handy to show family and vendors photos of what inspired me from my laptop without relying on wifi connection.

Look at vendor websites

One thing I’ve learned as a bride is to pay attention to the vendors you pick and why you pick them.

Many wedding vendors—from caterers to consultants—have social media you can look at to view previous work. If you seem drawn to a certain vendor, make sure to see what they’ve done in the past and branch off of it.

For example, if you find a dessert display (like the one pictured above) on a caterer's Facebook page, reference it to them when you discuss your own plans and discuss why you liked it.

Often times they’ll be flattered, know exactly what you’re talking about and can make it better than it was before.

Call in for re-enforcements

If your vision wanders, you feel overwhelmed or just have a small question as you begin this planning journey, give us a call or comment on a post through our website or on social media . We're always reading our feedback and love to hear from our brides.

Our services are also available, from full planning packages to specialized event coordination. We also offer hour-long consultations where you can get detailed answers to questions, help with vendor planning, guides for invitation wording  and much more.

Happy Planning and remember, we're here if you need a hand.

The Chico Bridal Show Recap

Chances are you're coming down from your sugar high from cake samples, and your feet are a little sore from the Chico Bridal Show today.  There is one thing we know for sure, you won't leave a bridal show hungry with all of the food, sweets & refreshing drink samples.  We want to thank all of the couples who stopped by our booth today, we always enjoy having the opportunity to meet new people and share in your excitement.  We look forward to sitting down with all of the couples who signed up for a complimentary consultation.  Don't forget, all of the couples who meet with us for a consulation will be entered to win coordination for their bridal/wedding shower.  If you need more information about the drawing please email us with any questions.  For anyone who wasn't able to attend, here are just a few images we snapped of the show (forgive us for our iPhone photography!) Thank you to WeDoDesigns & Cambray Rose for collaborating on the open concept design of our booth for the show. We hope all of the attendees liked our booth and we are looking forward to a great show in August! For more information on any of the vendors you see here, you can check out our Bridal Show Page for direct links.

Happy Planning!

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Wedding Giveaways & Sweepstakes

If you have been following our blog you have seen our posts about some of the reasons why attending a local bridal show is important, mainly because it can save you time and money. If you didn't catch the part about all of the prizes you can win at a bridal show; listen up! The Chico Bridal Show is this Sunday, February 24th at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds. Check out some of the prizes that will be given away at the show!

Make sure to attend the Chico Bridal Show for your chance to win some of these sweet prizes: ♥ Thousands in door prizes ♥ Two honeymoon giveaways ♥ Three sets of wedding bands at the show! Valued at $600 each (shipping and handling not included)

These are just a few of the prizes available, as most of the vendors will also have their own raffles and contests at their booths so don't pass any booths on your way through the buildings. You never know what you will miss if you do! Signing up to win prizes may seem like a waste of time but if you end up winning you can save a lot of money, so bring your mailing labels with you!

Mark your calendar, the Chico Bridal Show is Sunday, February 24, 2013 from Noon to 5 p.m. at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico. For more information visit the Chico Bridal Show Facebook Page

Good Luck and stop by to see our booth at the show!

_____________________________________________________ Here is another contest going on in 2013:

Michaels Craft Store is having a 2013 Ultimate Wedding Contest www.mdesign.michaels.com/bridecontest