Think "Outside the Ballroom" ... the budget bride's guide to an elegant backyard wedding

Today's couple need to be mindful of budget unlike couples from years before.  It is no secret that our economy is seeing troubling times.  Many people are out of work, making the contributing hands, at least financially, a bit more scarce.  A wedding should not be a focus of dollars... it should be a focus of love. 

Now, don't get me wrong... I love a big ballroom reception.  A chic hotel event.  A wedding held in a historical venue. However, there is nothing that compares to an elegant, timeless and intimate wedding thrown at the couple's home or at the home of a loved one. Now, most of us do not live in a mansion so envisioning 75 people cozy inside of your home might be difficult... but how about the back yard?  Is there adequate space in your back yard for this number?

There are a lot of factors to consider with planning a back yard reception... and a lot of details to cover.  The most wonderful thing about having the reception in your home... besides not having a venue site fee, is that you have the ability to control the details.  Before we get into all of the fun decor details that you can control, lets discuss a detail you can not control... the weather.

Photo: Weddings Unveiled 

Now, being a Chicago gal... I can tell you like I always tell my brides... you can not control the weather!  I laugh when I have a bride who says, I have to get married in June because I want beautiful outdoor pictures.  Well, as a June Chicago bride... let me tell you, we've had tornadoes the last two years on our anniversary! :) And last year we wore tee shirts to the pumpkin farm.

But in Chicago, typically there are better months than others to plan for an outdoor wedding.   End of May, June, early or late July, August and September are pretty safe.  Notice I left out early to mid May because of rain and mid July because of intense heat and humidity. 

You can always rent a tent, which will protect guests from light to mild rainfall... just no promises for one of those tornadoes.

Plan out and map out your space.  It is not necessary to have a completely separate space for ceremony and reception if you absolutely can not swing it.  Just create the space by combining the two.  Start by separating your tables into two sections, creating an aisle down the middle.  Make sure you create a focal point to act as an altar so your groom knows where to meet you and your guests know where to draw their attention.  In green grass I love heavy layering of rose petals lined with floating candles.

Photo: Vibrant Bride

When possible, use long tables for guest tables, creating elegance and sophistication.  This also adds to the intimacy in a grand way... by allowing guests to be seated at the same table, the same way they would be at the family dining table.

Photo: Simply Sophisticated

I want to point out two very important details of the above pictures.  The first is I love mixing rustic with elegant features, such as hanging crystal chandeliers outdoors.  You can rent these from any major event rental company.  They do have a heavier price tag, but perhaps with savings from other places... this price tag can be justified.  The second detail that is equally, if not more important is the rental of high quality chairs.  With having your wedding outdoors in the back yard, you need to lend sophistication where it can be incorporated to give an elegant touch to your wedding.  White aluminum folding chairs will simply not do.

Create a special area for your "head table" or "honor table".  Adorn the table with elegant flowers, use crystal curtains as a backdrop, be creative, but make it special.  Who know an old worn picnic table could look so good?

Photo: huppahs blog

With the dollars you are saving on venue fees and catering and bar (we'll get to that), focus more time, energy and a few dollars to the little details that will be unique and make your wedding really special.  No need for fancy place cards, but don't leave table placement completely up to guests... create a vintage seating chart.  I adore the use of old glass windows with table numbers and guests names listed. It's elegant and sophisticated.  This style can be dressed up (think script font or calligraphy with crystal draping and flowers around) or dressed down (think worn rustic with woodsy branches).  Guest book tables made from vintage dressers or vanities are my favorite.  Dress up a pretty vanity with flowers and hand made guest book cards or vintage post cards for guests to fill out and pair with a rustic wooden sign like below and you've got the perfect combination.  

Photos: Project Wedding

Now let's get into your biggest savings... food and drink.  Although you will save the most by having someone in the family cook... I would not recommend this.  Hire a catering company.  The wedding, while it is called the "brides day" really is for everyone... no one should be stuck in the kitchen.  Many catering companies offer a buffet style menu at a fraction of the cost of a formal banquet hall.  Additionally, they will supply all of the warming dishes needed to keep food at the correct temperature.  Create a special place for your buffet to be set up so guests can locate it easily and it will be dressed up for your event too!  Another important detail... never, ever use paper plates.  Rent china from a party rental or at the very least, use clear acrylic and faux silverware if budget is getting tight. 

 Photo: Google Images

I love the creativity you can have when you are outside a formal setting with food.  Think stations.  Below is a macaroni and cheese station with ALL the trimmings... guests can customize their macaroni to suit their individual comfort.  I love mash-tini bars for the same reason.  It's a flirty and fun way to serve your wedding food and will definitely be loved and remembered.  And think... pasta and potatoes are cheap!! 

Photo: Ryan Estes Photography

Now let's talk drinks.  My personal suggestion would be to serve beer and wine (in bottles, please) in large ice tubs so guests can help themselves and create about 3-5 signature pre-made drinks in beautiful apothecary jars, again where guests can help themselves.  Make sure to serve water as well.  Fancy up your water by making cucumber melon water, strawberry basil water or simply adding lemons.   Create a down home feel to your drink station as well by having ball mason jars for your glasses (cut costs too) and pretty them with ribbons or personalized flagged straws like below.

Photo: Google Images

Photo: Sugar Plum Invitations

If you really want a fancy touch to your back yard reception create a champagne bar.  Provide a good, inexpensive champagne in large ice tubs with mixers to add.  Peach puree, orange juice, raspberry liquor, etc.  I love how beautiful and creative you can get.  Just make sure to use pretty bottles for the mixers.  There's nothing fancy about a bottle of Minute Maid.

Photo: Green Wedding Shoes

As with all events or weddings careful consideration to the details is key.   Make sure you invite your neighbors so no one complains about noise and do not park 200 cars on your street without a permit or notifying the fire department.  Think intimate and outside of the ballroom, and you can have a gorgeous wedding for under $10k, possibly less than $5k.

Vendor Spotlight: Trellis Weddings - My Exclusive Florist

Meet Courtney - Owner of Trellis Wedding - Floral Designer

Pictured here with David Tutera! 

When I first decided to start my own wedding planning company, I started attending local bridal shows to gather information and introduce myself to local vendors.  This approach was one of the best decisions I made for a few reasons.  The first is because I was able to meet vendors in a non-pressure enviornment, but also approach them in a way that would show me how they would treat my brides, as that is what they suspected at first I was... a bride shopping for wedding vendors.

The vendor who impressed me the most was Courtney Pilman of Trellis Weddings.  Her bright, warm smile greeted me as I approached her booth at the Key Lime Cove Bridal Expo last January.  I will be honest... her floral display was what caught my eye from across the room! I quickly made a bee line straight for her booth, passing up several other vendors along the way.  I loved everything about the floral design she had displayed. The contemporary use of color, the elegance of the choice of vase mixed with a bit of rustic charm in using curly willow branches, beautiful draped crystals and submerged led floral lights.  I smiled and chatted a bit until I finally got the nerve up to ask... "How much would you charge for a centerpiece like this" ... mind you, I sat biting my lip as I stared at the tall orchid, lilly, rose and hydrengea filled vase draped in crystals... "About $90.00", she replied.  I nearly fell back! "WHAT?!?!?!"

Courtney's style, vision, creativity and talent is what drew my eye and what keeps my brides interested in only working with her.  However, her price point and her passion about creating a beautiful wedding for every bride is what makes her Johanna Luna Weddings and Event's exclusive wedding florist.

Please keep on reading to get a chance to meet a bit of Courtney.  Enjoy drooling over her work in the few pictures here!

A little bit of Courtney... and Trellis Weddings' AMAZING floral designs

    How did you get started in floral designs?

I had worked at a florist throughout high school and college as an “after school job”- good hours and fun work!   I never thought it would come as far as this, but I love what I do!

 What inspires you when you create floral designs for weddings?

Everything… Honestly!  I’m always looking for inspirations, and they come from everywhere. I get color inspiration from nature as well as from fashion- I read a lot of different magazines too!  As far as different designs, I love working with different kinds of flowers and making combinations that work together!

What piece of wedding details is your favorite to design and why?

Definitely the bridal bouquet!  I love doing the bouquets in particular, because they play such an important role. Most of the time, it’s the first floral the bride sees, and it’s pretty much with her all day. I love to be a part of something so special!

 What inspired you to start your own business?

Weddings have been my passion from the start of my design career, and I used to be the head wedding designer at the shop I worked at.  My husband and I found out we were going to have a baby, and I really wanted to be able to stay at home with her WHILE doing something I loved, so it was a perfect match!

  Why the name “Trellis”?

My grandparents live near Atlanta, and while visiting them we went to a quaint little town (you know, the ones with brick streets and cute shops?!) Well, there was a little plant shop called “Trellis Designs” down there- the name immediately stuck with me. At that time, I was just getting ideas to start my business, and was trying to think of names that sounded bridal without being overdone, Trellis seemed perfect! I also love that it’s not my name, because I’ve seen that a thousand times too!

Your prices are so competitive… how do you keep them that way?

I work from a home studio, so my overhead is quite a bit less than a traditional shop. I strive to do beautiful designs for any budget and will work hard to suggest different options to do so.

 What advice would you give to brides who are shopping for wedding flowers?

Ask a lot of questions! There are so many flowers that are available year-round (while others are seasonal), but there are so many beautiful flower varieties to fit any style. I would also suggest thinking about what kind of feel you want for your wedding, because flowers can play a huge role with helping you achieve that.  Modern, Garden, Elegant… there are so many styles out there- and asking a designer what kinds and colors of flowers they’d suggest can help you a bunch! Also, by hiring a wedding planner, you get a wealth of knowledge you wouldn’t have otherwise- so I’d definitely suggest that (not only for flowers, but for the whole wedding planning process!)

  If you were designing your own wedding centerpiece, for your wedding today… what would it look like?

Oh my goodness! So many to choose from… I don’t know how brides do it! I really love the “rustic/elegance” look, so I’d probably go with lots of curly willow branches with candles hanging down with different orchids (and crystals!) But I’d definitely do a mixture of centerpieces- I love the look that different textures give!

What sets Trellis apart from other Chicagoland wedding florists

I love doing what I do!  From meeting with my clients and helping them choose the flowers to actually designing and setting up- I love being part of such an important day in my client’s lives.  I strive to provide the most up-to-date designs while staying in budgets. Every wedding is different, and I love to see the end product!

  Where do you see Trellis in 5 years?

I’d love to just continue to do what I’m doing- making beautiful flowers for beautiful weddings! However… if David Tutera calls me to do one of his events- I’m so there!

If you haven't seen enough of Courtney's beautiful work or you are just simply ready to hire her please contact her! Remember to tell her you heard about her through Johanna Luna Weddings and Events!

http://www.trellisweddings.com/

Making a First Impression

When I plan a wedding, I work backwards... allow me to explain.  I take care of outlining the major details of the wedding - booking the ceremony site, the reception venue, the florist, entertainment, transportation, photographer, videographer etc.

Once those details are taken care of I design. Again, I design backwards... We work color schemes and linens, late night snacks and music, favors and such.  The last details I take care of are the guest book table, the place card table, the program design, aisle runner design and finally... the invitation.  The invitation comes last... and for a reason.

How could you possibly design an invitation to introduce your wedding to your guests for the first time before you know every detail of what your guest will experience?  Yes... your invitation is the first impression you will make on your wedding guests of your wedding style.

I literally cringe when I hear brides tell me that they are not wanting to spend a lot of money on "that paper stuff" (i.e. wedding invitations).  Nothing makes me more sad than when a couple works so hard on a wedding and spends big money on all facets of the wedding, and make budget cuts on their first impression.

Brides are always shocked to find the heavy price tag attached to custom invitations... Many are in the $5-$10 price range... per invite. And if you want them hand addressed for your guests... that costs extra. I always explain the value to my brides with this explanation.  If you were going to go to Target and buy your friend a birthday card...  you'd expect to pay $3-$5 for that card. The nicer the card, the more it costs. That birthday card is not personalized. It doesn't have Jenny's name on it. It doesn't have hand placed crystals on it or produced on your time. It's just a basic card on the shelf. Nothing special. No wow factor. So why would you expect to pay any less for a completely custom wedding invitation? One where you decide where the crystals go. One that has your name and your desired wording on it. One that may have several sheets of paper included in making just one little invitation. Now you get it.

Wedding invitations set the tone for your wedding.  Imagine you open your mailbox to find a beautifully wrapped box, addressed in hand-written calligraphy.  You open the box to find a hard-back, satin bound book style invitation tied with a satin bow and fastened with a rhinestone broach.  You'd know you need to dress to impress for this wedding and that you'll have the finest of experiences.... even before you've opened it up to see the "black tie requested" on the bottom.  This couple got it right.

Image: Sotodesignstudios

I am not saying you need to spend $30 an invitation (yes, that is how much this style can cost) to "get it right". I simply mean that the couple wanting a black tie wedding who sends that style invitation gave their guests the right impression.  If you are having a less extravagant wedding, it is still important that your wedding invitations reflect your wedding style.

Simple can be elegant... elegant can be fun... fun can be appropriate for your wedding invitations - as long as it is reflective of your wedding event style.  Take this fun, spin on an elegant black and white wedding invitation... No less formal event... just one that invokes a bit of whimsical fun to the tradition.

Image: Blisstree

Wedding invitations are also a great time to introduce your wedding colors or theme to your guests. Just make sure it is appropriate... the pocket invitation below indicates a contemporary spin on a formal traditional wedding... through the font choice and fun use of color.

Image: my modern wedding invitations

The beach wedding invitation below paints a picture of a theme or destination wedding where the love of the beach and ocean will be included in every detail of the day. I can picture a wedding on the beach, complete with flip flops provided to each guest.  Tropical floral centerpieces in trumpet vases full of sand and tiny shells... a color scheme of teal and pink... with other tropical color infusions... stylish food, and seafood as a main course.  If I arrived at the wedding where it was a black-tie ballroom event or centerpieces were brass candelabras I'd say something went wrong. 

Image: passionatepaper.com

Photo invitations are also popular and when done correctly... can be just as impressive as heavy, expensive card invitations.  Not to mention, there is no better way to personalize an invitation for you as a couple.  Just keep in mind... you still want to show your guests what to expect on your big day. A wedding invitation like the one below offers guests an insight into the semi-formal wedding to come while still showcases the couples love and passion for each other as they approach their big day! Also a wonderful way to show off those engagement pictures!

Image: photocardchef

No matter what your wedding style is or what your budget... just make sure your invitations are appropriate for the wedding you are having.  A young contemporary couple with fusion colors of deep royal purple and bright lime green, Orchid centerpieces and mini food stations would do their wedding a serious injustice to send an invitation like the one below. 



Image: weddingfully.com

Being Thoughtful Goes A Long Way With Guests

It's no secret to anyone that a wedding is all about the bride, and the groom too! But what about all of those wedding guests, some of which may have flown in hundreds of miles to be part of your special day?  A wedding is a very special occasion for anyone involved.  Heartfelt moments, a room full of love and emotion, hope and best wishes for a long future together... these are the moments that make a wedding a special day.

I always encourage my brides to remember their guests and to make sure they add little touches to their day to make their guests really comfortable.  A garden wedding might be romantic, but if it is in the middle of July in 98 degree weather... romance is going to be the last thing on your guest's minds. After all... this day isn't all about you, is it? :)

Here are some great inspiring ways to keep your guests comfortable... all the while allowing you to achieve a little bit extra ... "ooh and ahh" factor! Each of these ideas can be designed, as they are below to match your color scheme and to be elegant...

dancing shoes... 

Image: GetMarried.com

 keep warm blankets...

Image: theknot

parasols to shade from the sun...

Image: Labellemarie

cd's for guests with long car rides between venues....

Image: TWESA

bug spray for guests of outdoor ceremonies...

Image: Glamour.com

misting spray bottles to cool guests down...

Image: Elizabeth Anne Designs

refreshing water handkerchiefs...

Image: Elizabeth Anne Designs

fan style wedding programs....

Image: Inspiremywedding

Who knew being thoughtful could be so chic? A wedding planner will aways find a stylish way to solve any pending problem or concern.  So go ahead, plan for your dream garden wedding, your outdoor woodsy reception! With thoughtful touches like these... your guests won't mind a bit!

Sex in the City Inspired Wedding

I think all Sex in the City fans fell in love with the wedding that should have been in Sex in the City the movie.  New York landmark venue... Vivienne Westwood couture ... and of course who could forget the fabulous feather bird that accompanied Carrie's veil.  If you had wedding style envy watching Sex in the City... here's some fabulous way to get a little "Carried Away" on your wedding day!

 

For much less than a couture dress... you could have similar wow factor in this gorgeous Maggie Sottero gown

 

Fashion your hair with an eye popping teal feather clip... I love the embellishment in the middle... just a little bit of sparkle makes this clip wedding ready.

 

Sex in the City is all about the shoes!! Fabulous Manolos, such as these featured in the movie would be absolutely perfect... but if all the other wedding planning has you on a bit of a shoe budget... simply google "Royal Blue Heels" and you are sure to find something that will do the job.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nothing says Sex in the City like a Cosmopolitan... so keep 'em pouring and make them your signature drink

 

 

Who could forget the adorable Judith Leibers Strawberry cupcake clutch that little Lilly carried?  Make it the inspiration for your wedding "cupcake"

 

A pink tower of cupcakes topped off by a replica of the bag, complete with fondant and sugar beads is almost too cute to eat!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For a dramatic, very sexy effect saturate your reception venue in a beautiful hot pink color... easily done with uplighting and pin lighting... continue the color on though the centerpieces.... and remember the more dramatic the more Sex in the City... your decor should be high fashion... after all, would Carrie have it any other way?

 

 

 

 

And finally for the bride who really wants to make a lasting "city impression"... forgo the traditional transportation (and SAVE MONEY) by arriving true New York City style in a bright yellow cab... it makes for fun pictures too!!!

 

 

Bridal Bling... How much bling is too much of a good thing?

Today's brides are all about the bling! But how much is too much of a good thing?  A little bit of sparkle goes a long way... don't over do your wedding bling.

 

Subtle hints here and there of sparkle add wonder and magic to your day.  The best sparkle is found in unexpected places.

 

Such as on bridal shoes!! As you kneel in Church, this little bit of sparkle will make your guests chuckle. For a bit more sophisticated sparkle you can add a more glamorous touch, still with out going too far.

Just remember not to overdo the sparkle on yourself either.

 

If you keep your jewelery simple, such as chandelier earrings and no necklace... you can add sparkle to your look in your bouquet.  This lovely gardenia ribbon tied bouquet fashions just enough vintage sparkle for a unique look and a little wow factor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Centerpieces are most likely going to be your biggest investment when it comes to the decor of your wedding.  Your guests will be captivated by subtle sparkle on large centerpieces while enjoying your wedding dinner.

I would limit any other tablescape sparkle to subtle shimmer to avoid a bling overdose.  With dimmed lights and the glow of soft candle light, this is sure to achieve as sophisticated glamorous look.

 

Not crazy about crystal centerpieces? You could still add glitz to your tables in smaller doses.  Table number such as these are charming accompanied by a picture of you and your groom.

One of my favorite places to add glamor to your wedding is in your cake.  Your cake is edible art.  Your guests will ooh and ahh at the cake as they enter your reception.  Often times, the cake is the centerpiece to the reception room itself.  Not to mention there is an entire tradition centered around it.  It is sure to be photographed over and over so this is a place to make your bling count.  A cake such as this one is glamorous and sure to be a star!