Serving Shenandoah Valley
Shenandoah Wedding Professionals Blog
Planning your dream wedding is an exhilarating journey, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. At Shenandoah Wedding Professionals, we understand the importance of every detail in creating the perfect day. As the premier group of wedding professionals in the Shenandoah Valley, we're here to guide you through the process and connect you with the finest vendors who will make your dreams a reality. Here are five invaluable wedding planning tips that every bride should keep in mind as they embark on this exciting adventure:
-
Define Your Vision: Before diving into the myriad of choices available, take a moment to define your wedding vision. What ambiance do you envision? What colors resonate with you and your partner? By having a clear vision, you'll make the vendor selection process much more straightforward. Explore our diverse range of vendors to find those who align with your style and preferences, ensuring a seamless and harmonious wedding day.
-
Create a Comprehensive Budget: Wedding expenses can add up quickly, so it's crucial to establish a comprehensive budget early on. Our expert vendors at Shenandoah Wedding Professionals are skilled at working within various budget ranges while still delivering exceptional results. By understanding your financial parameters, we can connect you with vendors who not only fit your vision but also your budget.
-
Start Early to Secure the Best Vendors: The early bird gets the worm – and in the world of weddings, this couldn't be truer. Begin your vendor selection process as early as possible to secure the best professionals for your special day. Shenandoah Wedding Professionals offers a curated selection of top-tier vendors, ensuring that you have access to the finest talent in the industry. Don't wait; reach out to us today to start building your dream team.
-
Utilize Our Expertise for Seamless Coordination: Coordinating multiple vendors can be a logistical challenge, but it's a challenge we're well-equipped to handle. Shenandoah Wedding Professionals offers not only individual vendors but also a network of experts who seamlessly collaborate to execute your vision. From photographers to florists, we'll ensure that every detail is impeccably coordinated, allowing you to enjoy your day stress-free.
-
Personalize Your Experience: Your wedding day should reflect your unique love story. Personalization is key, and our vendors specialize in bringing your distinctive vision to life. Whether it's custom decorations, unique venue suggestions, or personalized ceremony elements, our professionals are dedicated to making your wedding uniquely yours. Explore the possibilities with Shenandoah Wedding Professionals to create a celebration that tells your story in the most enchanting way.
In conclusion, planning your wedding is a significant undertaking, but with the right guidance, it can also be an incredibly rewarding experience. At Shenandoah Wedding Professionals, we're here to make the process as seamless as possible. By following these five essential tips, you'll not only navigate the planning process with ease but also ensure that your wedding day is a magical and unforgettable experience. Reach out to us today and let's embark on this extraordinary journey together. Your dream wedding awaits!
On average, wedding couples spend about 10% of their total wedding budget on flowers. So, if your wedding totals $15,000, you can expect to spend at least $1500 on your flowers.
According to 2019 survey conducted by The Knot the average cost of wedding flowers then was around $2000. However, if you want your ceremony aisle lined with fresh flowers with a lush floral arch behind you, have 18 attendants in your bridal party and have a reception with 20 dinner tables with tall, flowing floral centerpieces, please expect to spend a lot more than $2000 on flowers!
When my company, NatureScapes, submits an initial proposal for wedding flowers, we try to include everything our clients' hearts desire and see how they feel about the total. It's easy to pedal back to suit budgets this way. Each arrangement, bouquet or display is itemized along with delivery and set-up labor and if the total for everything ends up being over budget, then the client has the ability to pick and choose what is of greatest priority.
Whether your floral style is over-the-top or minimalistic, or somewhere in between, here are some tips to consider when planning for the floral accents for your special day:
1) It is ok to mix high and low-end flowers! (i.e. accent your David Austen garden roses with less expensive fillers or greenery.)
2) Use candles in your centerpieces! (Votive candles and holders are often part of a venue's arsenal of decor items...some can be rented and some are complimentary. Ask your planner or venue representative, or look at discount websites to purchase and re-use in the future.)
3)Choose wedding flowers that are in season! This will definitely save you money!
4)Potted plants can work for you in many ways; they can be used as table centerpieces, fill empty spaces in large rooms, act a living dividers, direct foot traffic patterns around the venue, and conceal generators or other eye-sores. NatureScapes rents tropical plants of all types and sizes for a fraction of the cost to purchase them.
5)Spend money decorating where you and your guests will spend the most time- but don't forget about your photographs! If your outdoor venue has a naturally beautiful setting, like so many in the Shenandoah Valley do, maybe don't go for that expensive floral arch. Nature itself will accent your ceremony photos. If you have a large dinner reception, make sure you have addressed the dinner tables properly since your guests will be spending so much time there.
6)Find a florist you trust who understands your style and who communicates well. Flowers are not perfect. Nature is unpredictable. I have had to re-think and change wedding floral designs at the last minute several times in my career based on limited flower availability due to hurricanes, droughts and other natural disasters which affected our suppliers to the point where I could not get the flowers originally proposed to the clients. *And my clients, thus far, have thankfully all been pleased.* Be flexible and open to substitutions.
And please remember- flowers are ALWAYS in style! And this is YOUR DAY! Do your research first- Bring any images you've saved, pinterest boards or photos of your favorite floral designs to your florist for inspiration. This will only help US help YOU!
Call us slightly biased, but we believe Virginia brides have a distinctly unfair advantage as you get to welcome and entertain your guests in one of the most gorgeous lush landscapes on the planet, rich with history and charm.
At Six Pastures, we have the pleasure of working closely with clients planning weddings in the Winchester area and in search of a premier wedding venue. We understand the bride and groom have a unique vision for their big day. Perhaps our farm is your dream setting or maybe you have something else in mind. Either way, making an informed decision is the best way to ensure you're making the right decision for your most special occasion.
Here are 5 Things You Need to Know Before Choosing a Wedding Venue:
*Stay True to Your Vision*
You may have noticed the moment you announced your engagement, everyone has an opinion about what your wedding should be. More than likely, you're getting bombarded by well-meaning friends, family, wedding guides and Facebook ads. And though you've been dreaming about your wedding since you were a girl, suddenly you're finding yourself distracted by every wedding photo on Instagram!
If you feel somewhat overwhelmed and unsettled, even in the early phases of wedding planning, you're not alone. This is common for brides and couples; so before you allow your dream wedding to become someone else's Pinterest-perfect event, step back, take a breath and remember this is your day and you want to be able to show up and shine as your authentic self. When choosing a wedding venue, make sure it will make the perfect canvas to bring your wedding theme and unique vision to life.
*Honor Your Guests*
While your wedding day is your day, it is also a day for your friends and loved ones to celebrate with you. So it's important to consider their experience as well. Before you search for the perfect wedding venue, you should have a good idea of how many guests you're expecting to invite and how well your venue will be able to accommodate them.
Your guest list will shape the overall guest experience you will be providing for them. Will you be inviting a large number of out-of-town guests? Do you want your wedding to be family-friendly and welcoming of small children? Will you be inviting a lot of older or disabled guests who may have trouble walking? Is the venue parking on grass or hard surfaces? Remember, rain turns grass and dirt into mud quickly! There's much to consider and you will be able to enjoy your wedding with peace of mind once you know your guests will be comfortably accommodated.
*Respect Your Budget*
In a perfect world, wedding couple would have a blank check to cover their wedding expenses. But in reality, your budget matters. Although it's not always fun to focus on limitations, it can actually be quite enjoyable to get creative within a reasonable budget and still plan the wedding of your dreams in an idyllic setting.
When choosing a wedding venue, keep your overall costs in mind. You'll be paying for more than simply renting a space, so you will need to know what is included and what you will need to add. Does the wedding venue offer full-service packages or in-house services? Are there food and beverage minimums? Does the space you're considering have exclusive contracts with wedding vendors such as floral designers, caterers or rental companies for banquet chairs, linens, etc.? Be sure you understand the costs of extras beyond the base price! These add up quickly and can destroy a budget! Can you bring in your own vendors or does the venue require you to use theirs? Save yourself the heartache of outpricing your vision by getting clear on pricing before making big decisions.
*Consult with a Planner*
An experienced wedding planner is familiar with the best local wedding venues. If you talk to a wedding planner about what you have in mind for your ceremony and reception, they will be able to recommend ideal local venues that fit your needs. Before you spend too much time doing research on your own, have a conversation with a professional who can guide you through the decision-making process.
Not only will a wedding planner be familiar with the ins and outs of the space, they will know what questions to ask and what to look out for. In short, you don't know what you don't know, and a wedding planner can fill in the gaps for you when it comes to selecting the right venue for the occasion. They have knowledge and relationships that can save you unnecessary headaches, frustration and stress.
*Meet Your Needs *
When planning a dream wedding, you'll need to come down from the clouds and think both practically and tactically about your needs and logistics. First, if a specific date is already set or you're getting married during a popular season, make sure the space is actually available before falling in love with it.
Also, think of all the aspects of your wedding that you want to include and ensure the layout of the event venue will accommodate your needs. Will you need separate spaces for a ceremony, cocktail hour and reception? If you have your heart set on an outdoor space, is there an indoor alternative if it rains, and if so is the covered area nice enough or will it put a big damper on your vision? Look over the space with a discerning eye and make sure it's suitable for what you need.
Whether the perfect wedding venue for you is a cozy chapel, sleek art gallery, elegant ballroom, or a stunning barn nestled in the Virginia countryside, you have a big decision to make and we hope you enjoy the journey.
If you're looking for a wedding venue in the Winchester area, the "flying pig" barn has most often been described as "rustic chic." If that's your style, we invite you to consider Six Pastures, one of Virginia's most enjoyable wedding venues.
Picture a gorgeous restaurant in the DC Metro area with a beautiful waterfall, and a Koi pond where typically weddings are held outside overlooking the waterfall on a large cement patio. Weddings are gorgeous at this location. However, when the wind blows the cemented area becomes a wind tunnel.
Recently, a November bride wanted her wedding on the patio, but the wind was blowing. The florist was trying to set up the flowers, but the wind was literally tearing the flowers apart. When she arrived, I asked her to walk outside and see what she thought...2 minutes later the ceremony was moved inside. Whew! Right decision! The Koi pond outside the huge picture windows was the perfect spot for the ceremony. Everyone was warm and comfortable, the flowers were beautiful, and the ceremony was magical!
Another time, at a gorgeous venue in the woods, weddings are often held at a lovely, serene spot. Electrical power comes from a tiny house near the pond. On the night prior to the wedding, there was a huge thunderstorm. The power was out and repairs were not imminent for 24 hours. The power outage posed a problem for all of the vendors and the venue. I mean, our world comes to a stop when there is no power, right?! Luckily I have a sound system with a battery backup that doesn't require electricity. The venue powered up their generator, so they had power and used another for the ceremony site. Everything was going well, except for the bride. She was distraught! Her bridesmaids were upset too, and didn't know what to do.
I decided it was time for an intervention. I approached the bride about 5 minutes before the ceremony, gave her a huge hug and some tissues and whispered to her, "Remember, at the end of the day you will be married. All this other stuff doesn't matter. Today is your wedding day!"
She gave me a huge hug, dried her eyes, got out of the golf cart and prepared herself to walk down the aisle. One of the difficult things for her was walking down the aisle alone. No one seemed to have her back...but of course I did! She looked beautiful and the wedding ceremony went off without a hitch!
Many times, wedding couples choose frivolous things over practical things. For example, you can save a little money on programs. The sad reality is that other people don't cherish the programs as much as you do. They end up on the ground, left in the seats following the ceremony and usually end up in the trash.
So when one of my brides reached out to me about creating the outline for the program, I told her what I thought. Happily she agreed and saved that expense. No one noticed there were no programs, and the moms were thrilled when I gave them copies of the ceremony. Couple and parents were happy, the service was perfect and the couple has a little more money in their pocket!
The key lesson here is to listen to the professionals you hire for your wedding. We keep your special day on track, keep you comfortable and save you money! Happy Weddings!
***Rev. Sandra Lynch is Owner of Ceremony Alchemy, and creates customized magically inspired wedding ceremonies for her clients int he Shenandoah Valley and beyond.***
As a professional wedding planner I meet a lot of brides. When I get hired by a bride, she is usually feeling very stressed and she finally breaks and realizes she needs someone to help her that is a professional. When a bride gets engaged, she starts out excited and then in the midst of excitement she realizes there is a lot that goes into planning a wedding. She then isn’t excited anymore. Here are some common signs I see regularly when a bride realizes she needs a wedding planner .
1. You are excited about your wedding, but no one else seems to be. Your friends seem to be too busy to even help you with ideas or be excited with you. That doesn’t help the bride keep her excitement.
2. You and your fiancé are employed full time and can’t seem to find time to research, look through wedding magazines or even call wedding professionals.
3. You booked your wedding date and venue, but haven’t done anything else since then. You then realize your wedding is in like 4 months and now you want to pull your hair out.
4. You’re planning a wedding in an area where you don’t live, and no one you know does either. When you aren’t familiar with an area it’s very hard to hire the right wedding pros for your wedding day.
5. You’re addicted to Pinterest, and because of it you can’t narrow your ideas to make any cohesive design scheme.
6. You have no idea how much things cost for weddings, therefore do not know what to budget for.
7. Planning your wedding is starting to cause your stomach to ache. It’s not exciting or joyful anymore.
8. You’re fiancé says you spend too much time with planning that you don’t spend enough time with him.
9. Family members are getting too involved with planning that it’s causing conflicts. Hiring a wedding planner can help alleviate some of these issues. She/he would be a great mediator.
10. You’re so far behind you don’t know where to start to get back on track.
These are just some of the most common signs you might need a wedding planner. Planning a wedding should be exciting. It should bring some enjoyment. You can’t completely take all the stress away, but you can certainly get rid of a lot if you hire a wedding planner.
Wedding planners are there to calm you, hear you, help you, guide you etc. Their sole job is to make your life a little easier in planning the most important day of your life. They help you keep things in budget and give honest opinions. You still get to enjoy your day and the planning process without losing your mind while doing it.
Do any of these sound like you? If so, there is a perfect planner just for you. Seek her/him out and you will be so glad you did.
Renee Krejci is the owner of RCK Weddings & Design . She is a professional wedding planner, and has been in business since 2006. She plans weddings and life events in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. She currently resides in Stephens City, VA with her husband and 2 children. Renee loves crafting and design and has loved events ever since she was a teenager. She had a special knack for organizing events at her church and people took notice. She absolutely enjoys what she does and hopes to continue for a long time.
You want an epic wedding reception, right? You want to have fun, dance to your favorite songs and have your name and everyone in your bridal party's names pronounced correctly. You want your musical entertainment to be professional, with no crackling speakers, broken microphones or inappropriate song lyrics.
Take the advice of DJ Jeff Baker, owner of Let the Good Times Roll DJ service, in business since 1996, and ask these 10 questions to those DJ's you meet with BEFORE you make the decision on who to hire to handle your wedding reception entertainment.
1) Are we guaranteed the DJ of our choice on the day of our event?
A written contract with your specific DJ protects you from unscrupulous operators.
2) How many years of experience do you have?
Experience brings knowledge of common problems and situations. Be sure your DJ has experience with your type of event.
3) May we contact your references?
References are a major part of the entertainment business.
4) Do you belong to any professional associations or trade groups?
An involved business person shows a willingness to learn, network and share ideas. Belonging to a professional trade group reflects a caring attitude.
5) Will you allow requests?
Requests should be welcome. If a song seems inappropriate, a good DJ will explain the reason and ask for an alternative selection. Professional DJ's use clean edits of any musical requests.
6) How early will you be there to set up your equipment?
An average of 60 minutes should be allowed for set up and sound check. Normally there is no additional charge for this service.
7) How will you be dressed?
Proper attire reflects a positive image to your guests.
8) Are you insured?
Insurance is a part of any legitimate business. Liability and casualty policies protect your guests and the DJ company.
9) Do you use professional gear?
Using professional sound equipment helps ensure reliable service and quality presentations.
10) Will you provide an emergency back-up system at our event?
Weddings and special events are often a once in a lifetime opportunity. A back-up system will protect your investment.
Lots of couples get married each year and each year new and interesting elements of the ceremony become popular. One way to make your ceremony more interesting, fun and unique is to include elements that mean something to you- things that include family members or friends.
If you have children, a twist on the candle lighting ceremony is to have each of them light a taper from your unity or family candle.
Another idea is to add a cute candy ritual; it's especially fun with M&M's. You pick a color for each child and for each parent. After they are poured into a jar, they are not only pretty but you can share them at the reception!
Recently a couple asked their grandmothers to be flower girls. It was sweet and adorable. The grandmothers were thrilled!
Last month I officiated a ceremony where the moms were the ring bearers. They held the rings until I asked them to join the couple and me. I blessed the rings, the moms kissed their child and then the bride's mom gave the ring she was holding to the bride. The ring exchange followed- it was lovely and beautiful ring exhange! So you can hear the words spoken, here is a video of the recent ring exchange:
https:www.facebook.com/www.ceremonyalchemy/videos/541458202965956/
Many times, the engagement ring is included with the ring exchange.. This ritual solves the problem of what to do with the engagement ring and can add so much to the couple's ceremony story. When I ask for the rings, the engagement ring is slipped onto my pinky and remains there until it is time to hand it to the groom to place on the bride's finger.
One couple's ring story was amazing! All of the rings from their great grandparents and their grandparents on both sides of the family were melted down and new beautiful bands including the engagement ring were created that held the blessings from the entire family! So very beautiful!
Anything you can do to share your love story is wonderful and with the right officiant, it can be amazing!
-By Sandra Lynch, Owner and Officiant, Ceremony Alchemy
Congratulations, you are engaged and planning a wedding! Finding vendors and asking how much things cost will make your eyes roll back in your head, give you cold sweats at night and possibly cause you to pass out because weddings are specialty events!
You should ask lots of questions about the vision, feel and details you want about your event, intstead of asking "how much?" first. Why? Because you have never done this before and it's not like buying a refrigerator!
Wedding professionals are specialists; they provide specialized services unique to weddings. There are lots of reasons why it may be difficult to give you an answer to your "how much," question. Wedding professionals are passionate about what they do and have systems in place to handle the variances of wedding days. They are not the Cheap guy.
For example, a disc jockey is not just the music provider but manages the pace of the reception and acts as the Master of Ceremony. You can count on a professional DJ to have your song list, know how to line you and your wedding party up for the grand entrance and create a fun-filled atmosphere at your reception.
When planning your wedding, you can purchase anything you dream up. For example, you want mason jars filled with flowers for your table centerpieces. Put carnations and baby's breath in them and it's super affordable, but add roses and exotic orchids, and it will cost you.
Looking for the lowest cost vendors for your wedding and choosing the Cheap Guy is not your best choice. The Cheap Guy will not go the extra mile, may not understand weddings and might not even show up! Why; because your wedding may not be their primary focus.
For example, several coulpes who purchased a photo booth on Groupon found out too late when the photo company didn't show up on their wedding day. Nothing is more heartbreaking than having your photographer miss the ceremony or worse the entire wedding! Unfortunately, examples like this are not uncommon and happen every day; and the loss of your precious memories cannot be retrieved. Do not purchase wedding related products or services from on online discounted site like Groupon. Due to the volume of purchases of the product and/or services, the vendors are often double booked and oversold, meaning you are out the money you spent and without services too!
In my personal experiece of watching and working with vendors at the weddings I officiate, I highly recommend hiring professionals that are willing to work together to creat the atmosphere and the look you want at your wedding.
My advice:
Hire vendors who:
1. Provide a contract
2. Have great reviews
3. Are referred by other providers
4. Are reliable, trustworthy and professional
Follow these basic steps, and you will have a great wedding experience with memories to match!
Planning your dream wedding is an exhilarating journey, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. At Shenandoah Wedding Professionals, we understand the importance of every detail in creating the perfect day. As the premier group of wedding professionals in the Shenandoah Valley, we're here to guide you through the process and connect you with the finest vendors who will make your dreams a reality. Here are five invaluable wedding planning tips that every bride should keep in mind as they embark on this exciting adventure:
-
Define Your Vision: Before diving into the myriad of choices available, take a moment to define your wedding vision. What ambiance do you envision? What colors resonate with you and your partner? By having a clear vision, you'll make the vendor selection process much more straightforward. Explore our diverse range of vendors to find those who align with your style and preferences, ensuring a seamless and harmonious wedding day.
-
Create a Comprehensive Budget: Wedding expenses can add up quickly, so it's crucial to establish a comprehensive budget early on. Our expert vendors at Shenandoah Wedding Professionals are skilled at working within various budget ranges while still delivering exceptional results. By understanding your financial parameters, we can connect you with vendors who not only fit your vision but also your budget.
-
Start Early to Secure the Best Vendors: The early bird gets the worm – and in the world of weddings, this couldn't be truer. Begin your vendor selection process as early as possible to secure the best professionals for your special day. Shenandoah Wedding Professionals offers a curated selection of top-tier vendors, ensuring that you have access to the finest talent in the industry. Don't wait; reach out to us today to start building your dream team.
-
Utilize Our Expertise for Seamless Coordination: Coordinating multiple vendors can be a logistical challenge, but it's a challenge we're well-equipped to handle. Shenandoah Wedding Professionals offers not only individual vendors but also a network of experts who seamlessly collaborate to execute your vision. From photographers to florists, we'll ensure that every detail is impeccably coordinated, allowing you to enjoy your day stress-free.
-
Personalize Your Experience: Your wedding day should reflect your unique love story. Personalization is key, and our vendors specialize in bringing your distinctive vision to life. Whether it's custom decorations, unique venue suggestions, or personalized ceremony elements, our professionals are dedicated to making your wedding uniquely yours. Explore the possibilities with Shenandoah Wedding Professionals to create a celebration that tells your story in the most enchanting way.
In conclusion, planning your wedding is a significant undertaking, but with the right guidance, it can also be an incredibly rewarding experience. At Shenandoah Wedding Professionals, we're here to make the process as seamless as possible. By following these five essential tips, you'll not only navigate the planning process with ease but also ensure that your wedding day is a magical and unforgettable experience. Reach out to us today and let's embark on this extraordinary journey together. Your dream wedding awaits!
On average, wedding couples spend about 10% of their total wedding budget on flowers. So, if your wedding totals $15,000, you can expect to spend at least $1500 on your flowers.
According to 2019 survey conducted by The Knot the average cost of wedding flowers then was around $2000. However, if you want your ceremony aisle lined with fresh flowers with a lush floral arch behind you, have 18 attendants in your bridal party and have a reception with 20 dinner tables with tall, flowing floral centerpieces, please expect to spend a lot more than $2000 on flowers!
When my company, NatureScapes, submits an initial proposal for wedding flowers, we try to include everything our clients' hearts desire and see how they feel about the total. It's easy to pedal back to suit budgets this way. Each arrangement, bouquet or display is itemized along with delivery and set-up labor and if the total for everything ends up being over budget, then the client has the ability to pick and choose what is of greatest priority.
Whether your floral style is over-the-top or minimalistic, or somewhere in between, here are some tips to consider when planning for the floral accents for your special day:
1) It is ok to mix high and low-end flowers! (i.e. accent your David Austen garden roses with less expensive fillers or greenery.)
2) Use candles in your centerpieces! (Votive candles and holders are often part of a venue's arsenal of decor items...some can be rented and some are complimentary. Ask your planner or venue representative, or look at discount websites to purchase and re-use in the future.)
3)Choose wedding flowers that are in season! This will definitely save you money!
4)Potted plants can work for you in many ways; they can be used as table centerpieces, fill empty spaces in large rooms, act a living dividers, direct foot traffic patterns around the venue, and conceal generators or other eye-sores. NatureScapes rents tropical plants of all types and sizes for a fraction of the cost to purchase them.
5)Spend money decorating where you and your guests will spend the most time- but don't forget about your photographs! If your outdoor venue has a naturally beautiful setting, like so many in the Shenandoah Valley do, maybe don't go for that expensive floral arch. Nature itself will accent your ceremony photos. If you have a large dinner reception, make sure you have addressed the dinner tables properly since your guests will be spending so much time there.
6)Find a florist you trust who understands your style and who communicates well. Flowers are not perfect. Nature is unpredictable. I have had to re-think and change wedding floral designs at the last minute several times in my career based on limited flower availability due to hurricanes, droughts and other natural disasters which affected our suppliers to the point where I could not get the flowers originally proposed to the clients. *And my clients, thus far, have thankfully all been pleased.* Be flexible and open to substitutions.
And please remember- flowers are ALWAYS in style! And this is YOUR DAY! Do your research first- Bring any images you've saved, pinterest boards or photos of your favorite floral designs to your florist for inspiration. This will only help US help YOU!