wedding tips Archives - The Corner District

Tips for Understanding Your Wedding Venue Contract

November 15, 2017 · 4 Comments

Wedding venue contracts can be scary and can certainly take the fun out of wedding planning. But don’t get discouraged! Most of the clauses and rules are actually meant to insure your wedding day goes as smoothly as possible. Our wedding venue manager is sharing important things to look for in your wedding venue contract. Apply this to your other wedding vendor contracts, as well!

Fees & Payment Rules In Your Wedding Venue Contract

Initial Deposit.

You will be required to pay an initial deposit to secure your wedding date with the venue. Some brides ask if their date can be held without a deposit while they consider other options. But without a deposit, a venue won’t want to pass up potential business from other brides interested in that day.

Cancellation Fees.

Don’t ignore this part, thinking “it will never happen to me.” If for some reason you have to cancel or move your wedding date, make sure you know whether or not you will be refunded the initial deposit. In most cases, if you cancel your event, you forfeit the amount of the initial deposit. However, if your date can be rebooked, you should get you initial deposit back. But, you still might incur a cancellation fee.

Payment Method Fees.

If you choose to pay with a credit card or an online payment portal that charges a fee (sometimes, they can be up to 3%), know that the charge might be passed along to you. This is so the venue isn’t loosing the required amount needed to secure your date. Some venues may only accept checks because of this.

Other Terms and Conditions In your Wedding Venue Contract

The Details.

Read your contract thoroughly to understand even the smallest of details. For example, if you’ve always dreamed of a confetti or rice exit, your venue may not allow this. Sometimes, only flower petals, sparklers or bubbles may be used as they don’t leave any trash left to be picked up. Also, pay attention at your wedding venue tour. You may find out answers to these types of questions there as well.

Damage Deposits.

If you are required to pay a damage deposit, know that you might not get it back. We have experienced children throw rocks at string lights to shatter the bulbs, intoxicated guests damage amenities, and so on. Your contract will likely say that the client is responsible in full for the actions of all guests, outside vendors or other agents. We collect a $500 security deposit that is returned within 3 days after the event upon inspection by the venue manager.

Alcohol Policy.

This one is so important! Because service of alcohol to an intoxicated person is against the law, know that the venue reserves the right to stop service to a specific individual – or maybe even completely. If the venue is a BYOB facility, you still must have a bartender and insurance/liquor liability. And if you choose to have a dry wedding, that doesn’t mean your guests can bring their own alcohol to serve themselves.

Clauses that Protect Both Parties In your Wedding Venue Contract

Force Majeure.

This one sounds silly, but needs to be included. For this purpose, a “Force Majeure Event” means if any event occurs that is beyond the venue’s control – like a national emergency, act of war, or act of God – the venue has the right to cancel or delay your wedding. You’re thinking, “that won’t happen at my wedding,” but this clause also includes very real possibilities like an earthquake, fire, flood, severe weather, power outage or blackout. This just happened to so many couples during Hurricane Matthew!

Insurance.

Our contract suggests that wedding insurance be purchased to cover the investment of the wedding. For the amount of money that is spent on the big day, an insurance policy that protects that investment can run as low as 1% of the entire cost. If you do not closely read your contract, you may miss this helpful bit of information!

We hope these tips help you better understand your wedding venue contract! From all of us at our North Georgia venue, we hope your wedding is everything you’ve dreamed of and more. Cheers!

Tips for Making the Most of Your Wedding Floral Budget

October 18, 2017 · Leave a Comment

We Used the Same Florals to Create 4 Different Looks

When it comes to a wedding floral budget, most brides have preconceived ideas because they really don’t know what is in season and how much different flowers cost. When doing your research and searching for inspiration, you will likely find that the blooms you love most are either out of season or beyond your floral budget. And if you have peony tastes on a rose budget, that’s okay! This just means it will require some imagination to achieve the look you’re going for while staying within your budget and seasonal restraints.

Our North Georgia vintage venue teamed up with Sarah Bush Designs to show brides how they can achieve various looks within one budget, all while using the same flowers and greenery.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Wedding Floral Budget:

1. Familiarize yourself with similar swaps

Peonies are one of the most sought after flowers, but they are seasonal – much like everything else. Before you write off roses, consider the fact that because they are almost always in season, the price tag won’t be as high. Plus, there are options like the cabbage rose that offer a similar look. Sarah also loves to substitute Juliet roses for peonies, noting, “I recently had a bride who didn’t have the budget for peonies, and we were able to sub in Juliet roses to achieve her vision of soft delicate flowers throughout her bouquet. The prices of roses vary depending on the type and availability throughout the year, but they’re a great flower to start your wedding florals with.

When working with greenery, Sarah says, “I’m almost always able to find eucalyptus and deep greens to design with. I’ll occasionally run through a farmers market and grab kale, rosemary and jasmine. You’d be surprised where some of your wedding florals will come from!”

2. Opt for a few of your favorite blooms, combined with more budget-friendly options

If substituting your favorite flower simply isn’t an option, consider adding in subtle touches of what you really want (like a few peonies) with other staples or budget-friendly flowers so that you can achieve the look you want without blowing your floral budget.

“On of my favorite ways to wow on a budget is by using garlands,” Sarah shares. “Garlands are a little more time consuming, but they make a lovely statement and are a great building block for your wedding. By using a garland as your centerpiece, I’m able to stretch your desired flower further by interlacing it within the garland and having it be more of a focal flower than a flower within an arrangement. I advise all of my brides that garlands will not only wow your guests, but are a great way to save in your budget!”

3. Using neutrals as the base, with pops of color for wow-factor

This shoot was all about adding to the linens and playing up the colors of each tablescape. Think about your color palette and which color you want to really shine. Using a neutral palette to make a certain color pop is a beautiful way to bring a crisp finish to the setting. Below, Sarah elaborates on how she was able to do this.

Using the Same Florals to Create 4 Different Looks:

First, I used a lot of greenery and neutral flowers to accent each table setting. From there, it was picking one flower with a deeper tone to bring out the colors and vibrancy of the setting. For the teal setting, the simple white and ivory neutrals of the hydrangeas allowed some soft blues to shine through and keep the focus on the table. The arrangement didn’t overwhelm the tablescape, but still served as a nice focal point for the eyes.

For the blush setting, it was all about letting the garland do the work and building a blush and jewel tone centerpiece within the garland. This allowed the golden tones of the vintage china to shine through and achieve a very elegant and luxe feel to the design. Using simple spray roses and eucalyptus around the backs of the chairs brought the focus not just to the garland, but to the whole design around the table from front to back.

For the jewel tone setting, an arrangement with asymmetry and neutrals with a deep plum tone made the blues of the table setting really pop against the purple of the linen.

This same arrangement was transferred to a neutral table, and instead of pulling a certain color out of the pallet, it enhanced the crisp tones of the lace and gold silverware.

One last tip! Use the recipe of “thrillers, spillers and fillers.” By using several types of fillers and spillers to create a base and shape for the arrangement, you can bring in a few types of thriller flowers (peonies, orchids, the “wow” flowers) to create a beautiful arrangement with a great deal of variety!

Photography + Florals: Sarah Bush Designs

Linens: Graceful Tables

Vintage China: Vision Expressions

Styling + Props: Twigs and Lace

How To Ensure You Get The Wedding Photos of Your Dreams | Carrie Reagan Photography

September 20, 2017 · Leave a Comment

At our vintage industrial + parlor venue, we know that every bride wants gorgeous wedding photos! And we want them to love every single photo! After the wedding, all the couple is left with (beyond wonderful memories) are their amazing wedding photos. Our dear vendor friend Carrie, of Carrie Reagan Photography, is sharing a few tips to ensure you get the wedding photos of your dreams!

Communicate with your photographer.

While every photographer has their own style, the ultimate goal is to beautifully capture your wedding day and get all the shots that you envisioned! Don’t be afraid to tell your photographer if there’s a special shot or idea that you want. After all, this is all for you to remember your special day! If you’re on Pinterest (and who isn’t?), share your wedding board with your photographer. Even if you don’t have a “must take” photo list of images, this will help give your photographer insight into your wedding style!

Details, Details, Details.

You’ve spent months planning and preparing every little detail of this day. You put thought into every little decision, from your shoes to the invitation. So why not have beautiful photos of these details? Finishing touches like writing your vows on pretty card stock instead of on crumpled notebook paper really makes a difference. Another quick tip, make sure simple things like clothing and shoe boxes aren’t scattered over the dressing room for the getting ready photos.

First look photos.

Whether you are a traditional or modern bride, first look photos are always a great idea. It’s no longer considered bad luck to see each other before you walk down the aisle, and there are pretty big perks that go with it. It gives you a chance to have a private moment before the ceremony that can ease your nerves. Plus, it gives you more time for your wedding photos, allowing you to enjoy your ceremony and reception and ensuring you get all the photos you want!

Pre-ceremony photos.

If you decide to not do first look photos, know that the bulk of your styled photos can be taken before the ceremony. Aside from the getting ready photos, it’s nice to get as many photos as time allows before your ceremony. You will be thankful you did! Taking photos of bridesmaids, groomsmen, and any family portraits before the ceremony leave you more time to actually enjoy the day you’ve spent so much time planning for. Make sure to plan your time accordingly. Leave yourself some time for touch-ups before the ceremony.

Short on time?

If your photography contract doesn’t include coverage for your entire day, make sure you make the most of it. Chances are your photographer will be there for at least a portion of your reception. Speak to your coordinator or DJ and have all the main events of your reception scheduled within the first hour. While most couples go into the first dance after they are announced at the reception, you can follow this with special dances, toasts and cake cutting. This way you + your guests are free to party the night away without strict timelines. It’s also not uncommon to do a photo send-off well before the night is over. It’s a great way to get the most out of your wedding photographer and capture all the big moments from your day.

As a North Georgia venue, the beautiful scenery always makes for some amazing photo opportunities. We cannot get enough of gorgeous wedding photos, and we love to see couples swooning over the photos from their special day! Photographers, do you have any tips for getting the wedding photos of your dreams?

All photos by Carrie Reagan Photography

To the Mother of the Bride | Cherishing Each Step

June 28, 2017 · Leave a Comment

Mother of Bride. It isn’t a coincidence that the acronym for these three words is MOB.

I think it is safe to assume that at least one time during your daughter’s wedding planning, a MOB scene will develop. That’s where you, your “bride,” and possibly the bridesmaids will come to tears over certain details. Planning a wedding is time consuming and can be stressful. Here at The Corner District, we understand that there will be differences in opinions on various wedding details. But even moreso, we believe that a wedding should be a time where a mother + daughter are able to cherish a sweet and exciting journey.

To the mother of the bride,

Be there for your daughter in this process. Help her when she needs it and love + support her unconditionally. But remember, this is her and her fiancee’s wedding. Even when you have differing ideas or opinions, make sure to cherish each step, making this sweet time as memorable as possible.

It’s important to remember that even if you are paying for the dress, it is still her dress. Your daughter will fall in love with her dream dress once in a lifetime, and having your support behind her will mean the world to her.

It doesn’t matter if you are paying for the food, it is their food. The couple works hard to make decisions that will fulfill their wedding vision. Little details from signature drinks to unique food stations like popcorn bars, your daughter will be making decisions to help her dream day come alive.

Sure, your saged advice is seasoned with experience and can be helpful, but that doesn’t mean it’s timeless. Mothers, things have changed since we planned our weddings. Let your daughter take the reins and just enjoy getting to be a part of the her day. Be supportive and helpful, but let things happen on her timeline. When she needs your help, you will know it.

Although you might be anxious to run out and buy your MOB dress, let the bride pick her venue and her dress first. Colors, flowers and overall decor will change several times throughout the process. Part of the fun of planning a wedding is taking each of these steps one at a time and cherishing the journey.

It will be over way too fast, so make sure it is a pleasant experience and include only those that will make it so. No need to invite the entire wedding party and groom’s family to join in wedding dress shopping. They aren’t buying or wearing the gown so do we really care what they think? Maybe, but try to include them in something less stressful, like a reveal after the purchase of the gown.

So many “traditional” aspects of the planning process are now passe and for a good reason. Each task, when checked off the list, should be done with a smile and a sense of one step closer to an amazing day that isn’t about the “show” but about the love and commitment that is signified with the wedding. After all, that is what we are here for.

Sincerely,

A 2x mother-of-the-bride + wedding professional

Mothers of the bride, what was your favorite part about helping with your daughter’s wedding? What tips do you have for a new MOB? We’d love to hear!

Understanding Florist Pricing + Unexpected Costs | A Delicate Petal

May 31, 2017 · Leave a Comment

At our vintage wedding venue, we know that the florals you choose for your wedding day will be one of most important details for fulfilling your wedding vision! From the centerpieces to the bouquets, your floral arrangements can tie your wedding together and express your unique style as a couple. To make sure you choose your dream flowers, it is important to ask your florist lots of questions, especially about florist pricing.

One important question for brides and their families to ask for is a pricing lists from their floral vendors. However, they often grow frustrated with the lack of information provided, not realizing that each flower costs a completely different price. Today, our dear friend Melissa at A Delicate Petal is sharing how to better understand florist pricing!

Photo: Carrie Reagan Photography

Understanding Florist Pricing + Unexpected Costs with A Delicate Petal

At A Delicate Petal, we pride ourselves on flexibility with our ‘packages!’ Each couple’s wedding is completely their own! Due to our specialized design for each bride, we do not offer a price list. A Delicate Petal works hard to build our bride’s DREAM wedding- including all of the different flowers she could ever dream of!

When considering a florist, make sure you look into how much they require as a deposit and what extra ‘fees’ they have. Florists can charge fees for everything from cancellation costs to breakdown labor. Make sure to ask about pricing for things like editing quotes, rental fees, and delivery costs. Here at A Delicate Petal, we’re pretty straight forward. It’s $100 to hold your date and time. The only other ‘fees’ that we charge are vase rental and delivery. No catches!

Many brides try to save money by decorating with smaller floral arrangements displayed in water décor, such as floating candles. However, submerged florals can often be labor intensive and require water being transported during the wedding. Florists sometimes charge fees for these services. Another unexpected cost can come from small, bud vases. These arrangements often take extra planning and organizing and can raise costs.

Sometimes brides will also choose many small décor pieces to display on a table, especially a longer farm table. Again, these types of florals can add up due to the extra planning required and vase rentals.

Brides, as you start looking for your which flowers and floral vendors to use, make sure to consider all the costs your florist might charge. Thinking about the possible unexpected costs can help you save money and get your dream flowers without blowing your budget!

Brides, what unexpected costs did you see from florists? We’d love to hear!