Northern California Wedding Planner | Wedding Planning is Easy

Hey friends! Thanks for checking out our blog and today we are sharing a little about our planning approach, because when you have a team behind you - wedding planning is easy! Ok so picture a newly engaged couple who has been soaking up the excitement of their news and are eager to get planning underway asap! Yay we love this stage because there is simply nothing better than two folks who are completely smitten with each other and want to say I do!

Naturally, we have all sorts of questions from what type of venue are you looking for, how many guests do you plan to invite to whether or not you will see each other before the ceremony a.k.a “first look”. lots of questions! Ultimately a consultation with a planner is a getting to know you process, and making sure that our team has a good handle on your wishes & expectations. Then we move on to the logistics, we talk about things that work well and maybe some small adjustments that we could see helping avoid any timing issues - stay with us because this is the part where couples can start to gloss over on us - logistics aren’t always sexy!

The good news is that once you get the planning process started and you have the framework of what you hope to experience on your wedding day combined with a planner who knows the local network of wedding professionals; it comes together pretty quickly. Did you know that we use an online planning dashboard to help our couples organize the details allowing them to access all of their wedding information 24/7 - we love seeing the progress bar go up as items get checked off the list!

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So there you have it, wedding planning can be done around your work or school schedule still allowing you to have those fun date nights because you will have a team to support and guide you through all of the phases of planning. We are so excited to help so many amazing couple’s plan their wedding and we get to hang out with some pretty awesome wedding pro’s too!
~ Happy Planning!

Northern California Wedding Planner | Demystifying the Invitation Suite

Throughout planning, some elements come naturally to couples and other elements just seem more tricky or confusing. Invitation suites can feel like a lot to figure out, from choosing the design to deciding what wording to use or how formal you want the suite to be. Budget does play a part in these decisions of course, but sometimes the difficulty simply lies in not being able to visualize these pieces together.

Our post today will be highlighting the various elements of the modern invitation suites, as well as what options couples have when deciding where to go to get started. We’ll share links and resources to find all of the info you need to make a decision on the best option for you!

 
the-530-bride_blog_demystifying-wedding-invitations
 

Custom Stationery design is a process of bringing the couple’s desired aesthetic and their personalities together to create something unique and authentic. These details can be in the paper and color choice, a custom monogram or crest, specialty envelope liners, hand painted details, wax seals, custom postage and of course the calligraphy for addressing the invitations.

What goes into a design suite, well of course that varies by preference and budget but a complete suite would include most if not all of the elements below:

The method of production, from letterpress to digital or hand-painted/calligraphy is one of the more major decisions because that dictates the cost, the type of paper, the turnaround time and the design process in general. One would argue that the invitations set the tone for the rest of the event, however I don’t believe couples should be held to that 100% of the time if that deters them from moving forward with a design that they really feel drawn to.

Image via Unsplash

Image via Unsplash

If you have a vision of a beautiful flat-lay image of your whole invitation suite (like those stunning photos you see on Pinterest and Instagram) this can still be achieved even if you chose a semi-custom or template from a digital design retailer and had them printed. Tip: Do be sure to mention to your photographer that this shot is important to you!

With the introduction of sites like Minted.com, Wedding Paper Divas, Etsy and many more, couples are flooded with pages upon pages of designs to choose from and this can certainly be overwhelming. You want a design that speaks to your personalities and matches with your theme or vision but you might not want something that is trending or overly popular at the moment. Even when using a pre-designed template you can find ways to personalize it by adding a band, ribbon, vellum sheet, envelope liner, embossing, calligraphy etc.

So should you choose a custom designer to ensure that you have a one of a kind invitation suite? Here is a great article from Raspberry Creative listing 5 reasons you should hire a stationery designer.

Image via Unsplash

Image via Unsplash

One recommendation that I make when working with couples is to find at least one to two elements they really want to throw their personality into during their wedding planning process. This could be the decor, the food menu, the ceremony or even the dance/entertainment line-up. Of course you could put your personality into all of those, but sometimes your wedding budget doesn’t give you the ability to customize every element.

In the interest of keeping this post short and sweet, we have linked to a few helpful articles and resources on each of the various topics that we find couples have the most questions about.

How much do custom invitations really cost & a breakdown of the process

Letterpress Wedding Invitations (Etiquette, Samples, Ordering Resources, F.A.Q’s & Tips)

Watercolor/ Hand Painted Wedding Invitation examples

Additional Articles/Links:
Comparing invitation costs
https://www.papelnco.com/custom-wedding-invitations
https://www.sableandgray.com/press
https://inkandpressco.com/the-semi-custom-collection
https://www.bellafigura.com/customize/calligraphy/
https://www.howdesign.com/creative-freelancer-blog/passion-projects/why-wedding-invitations-will-never-go-digital/
Envelope Liners
How to properly Mail Your Wedding Invitations

Northern California Wedding Planner | The Pressures of Planning

When it comes to wedding planning, there is no shortage of excitement but it also brings unsolicited advice and a lot of opinions. If you are feeling the weight on your shoulders, this post is for you.

Photo by Morgan Chantelle Photography

Photo by Morgan Chantelle Photography

Plain and simple, it can be hard to please everyone all the time, at some point you may even hurt some feelings along the way. Trying to have every girl you’ve been friends with since second grade in your bridal party will only cause more headaches down the road, so keeping your bridal party super close knit is probably best!

Aside from hurting feelings, could wedding planning hurt your relationship? What if you are bickering about the smallest details like which flatware style to rent or what style limo you want to book.. yes these are among some of the decisions you need to make but try to take a step back and consider what you will actually remember or care about on your wedding day.

As wedding planners we get to know so many different couples and no matter if they have been highschool sweethearts going on 10 years or a shorter engagement; we know that making all of these decisions and trying to stay under budget can add stress to your relationship. What is important is that from day one of planning you set a realistic budget that you both are comfortable with and agree to communicate about the costs. This will help ease both of your minds and reduce the financial pressure even if it means cutting back on some of those wish-list items.

If you feel like wedding planning has opened up concerns in other areas of your relationship, seek advice and be willing to open up so that you don’t carry forward any resentment or stress post-nuptials! A healthy marriage takes a lot of forgiveness, trust, communication and understanding so try to apply these principles in your planning process and just remember that a wedding day comes and goes - but your marriage needs to always come first.

~ Happy Planning!

Northern California Wedding Planner | Elopement Planning

We’re so excited about all of the recent engagements and that we have the opportunity to work with couples with such a range of vision, from a large rustic ranch wedding to an intimate evening for 40 guests. Over the last few years we have been seeing more unique elopements and love when couples can really hone in on the experience they want to have without feeling any pressures to make plans outside of that vision.

If you can see yourself with your fiance and maybe a handful of your closest family members or friends and tying the knot in a location that speaks to you, then an elopement is really a wonderful option. We would love to chat with you about your ideas and help you create a magical memorable day with an incredible team of vendors to handle all of the details for you from photography, florals, beauty and more.
~ Happy Planning!

Northern California Wedding Planner | Engagement Session Giveaway

You still have time to enter into the Engagement Session Giveaway by Julia Lukash Photography!  Head over to our Instgram and follow the giveaway instructions, entries are valid until Sunday 4/22 at 5 pm.

We've been swooning over Julia's work since we first met years ago and we cannot wait to work with her for upcoming weddings.  We love Julia's fun personality, and her passion for photography.  You can check out her website to see more of her work or follow her on Facebook or Instagram.  
 

Don't forget to enter for this awesome giveaway, or feel free to share with other engaged couples!

~ Happy Planning!~ 

Northern California Wedding Planner | He Put a Ring On It! ~ Delphine and David

When a wedding planner dreams of one day walking down the aisle with the love of her life, the dream will likely involve a detailed timeline, a list of trusted event partners and of course an open bar.  Beyond that, just like anyone who dreams of her day it is still the little things that make the experience such an exciting time in life.

So when your biz bestie and the other half of The 530 Bride get's engaged you do your happy dance and swoon over the engagement photos! Beyond excited for Delphine and David, beautifully captured by TreCreative! 
- Veronica

We'll be keeping you up to speed on the milestones of getting these two down the aisle next September, but in the meantime you can check out the post over at theTreCreative Blog!

Northern California Wedding Planner | Wedding Show Weekend Recap

Another fun bridal show in the books! Had a blast at the Wedding Show Weekend at Canyon Oaks Country Club in Chico.  The venue is gorgeous and the staff are so friendly and fun! 

Wedding-Show-Weekend_2017

We loved getting to meet so many excited couples who are still in the beginning stages of planning their wedding, some couples were already starting on plans for their 2019 weddings!

Wedding-Show-Weekend-2017_The530Bride
The-530-Bride_Chico Wedding Show

We met with a lot of couples who are planning their weddings outside of the Chico area such as Redding, Bodega Bay, Modesto, Butte Meadows and Auburn.  We are happy to travel and have had a lot of fun working with new venues in order to spread our wings a little!  

If you are still in need of a wedding coordinator, or want to learn more about what we do please feel free to shoot us a message the530bride@gmail.com

~ Happy Planning!

Wedding Tips | Making the Most of Your Engagement Photos

You're Engagement Session is Scheduled..It's Getting Real! 
Photo via Minted

The first rule is to think of what scenes would feel the most authentic to you as a couple? Are you super fans of a local micro-brewery, or maybe there is a family cabin that is your home away from home.  Choosing a location that makes you not only feel comfortable but that highlights your love story is one way to make the most of your session.  

Wardrobe: After you have selected your location, talk with your photographer about his or her recommendations on wardrobe for the specific lighting and desired look.  Then choose a few looks that are easy to change into for example jeans and a cute top for one look, throw on a cardigan to change it up and lastly for the third look switch the jeans for a cute maxi or pencil skirt depending on the vibe.  (Tip: Bring a blanket along not only to give you the option to sit down but your sweetie can hold it while you change if needed) Finally, bring a few statement pieces like a chunky necklace, or colorful bangle bracelets, watch etc for the nice close-up shots of your hands and that beautiful ring. 

Make-up: Wouldn't it be nice if you had your own personal glam squad? Sometimes it works out to schedule your hair and make-up trial on the same day as your engagement session.  This is great for seeing how your make-up look photographs and it may give you that extra boost of glam confidence.  If you are doing your own hair and make-up for the shoot, be mindful if you are shooting outdoors that wind can blow your hair around and you may have to keep adjusting before each shot.  An updo, bobby pins or some hair accessories are helpful to avoid any hair malfunctions! Eye make-up can always be a tad more dramatic for photo's but you shouldn't need to wear extra blush or bronzer depending on the lighting. 

Enjoy a cocktail or cozy beverage before you begin shooting, it can help loosen both of you up and get you ready to smile in front of the camera.  Some couples have even opted to take some photos that include them loosening up at their favorite pub or cafe.  

Have more questions? Chat with your photographer and wedding planner to relieve any of your pre-session nerves!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

Get The Word Out

At a time of year when many couples are celebrating their engagement, many are looking for fun ways to announce their news & their date to their immediate friends and family.  Call us old fashioned but Facebook just doesn't cut it! Depending on the length of your engagement you can opt for an engagement announcement, save the date card, or even a wedding announcement if you chose to elope and want to announce the nuptials.

Here are a few cute ways to spread the news!

Charming Chalkboard Save the Date Cards

Our Love Story Save the Date Minibook™ Cards

Wood Carving Save the Date Cards

Stache + Kiss Save the Date Cards

Engaged Engagement Party Invitations

E is for Engaged Engagement Party Invitations

Darling Deuce

Finally Engaged

Keep in mind, announcements like these do not have to correspond with your wedding theme as you may not have even defined what your theme is yet at this stage of the game.  If you already have your theme in mind, or would like to create one from scratch and want to work with a local designer you can head over to The Idea Emporium and get started on branding your wedding!

__________________________________________ **Disclosure: The530Bride is an affiliate of Minted.com and TinyPrints.com, we only list and recommend products and services from companies that we have personally used and believe are a good fit for our readers.  We may receive a commission from products purchased directly from sponsored posts.  For more information please contact us.

Carnival Themed Events

Out of the box creativity is the best ingredient for a good time, especially if you are looking for a new spin on a bridal shower, bachelorette party or wedding.  While you don't have to have a set "theme" it does help to keep everything cohesive.   We are loving the carnival themed ideas, so here is some inspiration for you! http://www.engagedandinspired.com/2011/09/12/vintage-carnival-themed-bridal-shower/

Downloadable Template Click here for a downloadable template from OneCharmingParty.com

Shower Invite http://www.utahbrideblog.com/color-pallets/a-perfectly-planned-themed-bridal-shower-by-autumn-buys/

http://ruffledblog.com/carnival-themed-dc-wedding/

Pair these details with a whimsical Carnival Themed Engagement session and include in your wedding day photography  and you are set! http://www.bridalguide.com/planning/engagement/carnival-themed-engagement-photos

http://www.brides.com/wedding-ideas/real-weddings/2012/05/cassie-chris-i-do-sign

It's That Time of Year!

This time of year is a popular time for proposals, and the beginning of the wedding planning process.  So in honor of engagement season here are a few tips and resources for the newly engaged!

Is that left hand heavier? First and foremost, try to resist the urge to admire your new bling while driving and focus on keeping your eyes on the road!  After you have settled down from the excitement you might be wondering what to do next, and what the etiquette is for this time in your life.  You can read our post on announcing your engagement for some of the various ways to spread the news (without shouting from the rooftops.)  Did we mention you get an excuse throw an awesome party? While not required, an engagement party is a great way to introduce and start merging your closest friends and family with his.  Read here about the Etiquette of Engagement Parties from Martha Stewart Weddings.

Now that you are engaged, you might be inspired to pick up a wedding magazine while checking out in the grocery line or maybe even DVR Say Yes to The Dress or Platinum Weddings on TLC. Take our advice and give yourself time to let it sink in and don't overwhelm yourself with wedding madness. Just enjoy this exciting time and take it step by step while communicating with your fiance about what you both want for the wedding.  Here are some of wedding buzzwords that you might not already know:

BM: Best man, or bridesmaid BP: Bridal party DH: Dear husband DOP: Day of Planner DW: Destination wedding, or dear wife E-ring: Engagement ring E-party: Engagement party E-pic/E-Session: Engagement pictures (usually taken outside in a variety of poses, outfits, locations) FFIL: Future father-in-law FG: Flower girl FH: Future husband FI: Fiancee FILs: Father-in-laws FMIL: Future mother-in-law FOB: Father of the bride FOG: Father of the groom FSIL: Future sister-in-law GM: Groomsmen GP: Grandparent HM: Honeymoon JP: Justice of the Peace LTBM: Living together before marriage MIL: Mother-in-law MOB: Mother of the bride MOG: Mother of the groom MOH: Maid of honor OOTG: Out-of-town guests RB: Ring bearer RD: Rehearsal dinner STDs: Save the Dates TY: Thank you For more check out http://www.yourwedding101.com/wedding-basics/wedding-glossary.aspx

No proposal yet? Dropping the hint: If your significant other has expressed their intention of proposing or taking things to the next level but you aren't sure if they know your ring style, you can start by checking out the website of your favorite jeweler.  Most large jewelers will have a page or link on their website for "dropping a hint" this can either send an email link with the style number, size etc via email or you may have the option to print it out and leave out in plain sight.  If you want it to be a surprise, then give your significant other the confidence to choose out the ring style on their own, by letting them know you will love whatever they pick out.  As a fail safe, some jewelers will have the customer pick out the diamond to their specifications and propose with a basic setting until the couple can come in together and select the style.  For a helpful glossary on wedding jewelry click here.

Check back for more engagement related posts, and enjoy your holiday season!

Wedding Rings Guaranteed to be Original!

Wedding Rings have come a long way, with new styles and gemstones being introduced constantly there are virtually endless options.  We have posted about Rose Gold, and Celebrity Bling but this post is about a company who offers a new spin on custom jewelry. For some couples, it is about finding the ring that fits their unique personality and captures the essence of who they are.  They may not know exactly what style rings they are looking for until they see "the one."  Brent & Jess offers custom fingerprint and signature jewelry including wedding rings, pendants, keepsakes and more. With the ability to put your own personal stamp on your wedding rings, or special piece of jewelry it just doesn't get more custom than that.  We not only instantly liked the concept, but we liked that the company was a small start up with a passion and has blossomed into a successful brand! Photos Courtesy of Brent&Jess.Com

About the Company: Brent and Jess created the first fingerprint wedding bands in the early 2000s. In 2007 they finally had the opportunity to pursue their dream of starting their own business and began listing the Original Custom Fingerprint Wedding Band in sterling silver on the fine craft website Etsy.com. The idea was picked up by several wedding blogs, and customers quickly began asking for the rings in finer materials.

About the Jewelry: While the Original Custom Fingerprint Wedding Band is still offered in sterling silver, Brent and Jess have expanded their line over the years to include many fingerprint jewelry creations in gold, palladium, and platinum.  The company is eco-conscious and all the pieces are handmade in the USA.

You may be looking for a special way to say " I Love You" or possibly looking for a gift that will make a lasting impression, if so visit Brent & Jess's website or blog for more information and to check out the rest of their designs!

The Etiquette of Parents Meeting Parents

An engagement season can be magical as a couple busily plan their wedding, shares their excitement with those close to them, and bask in pre-wedding festivities. No matter the length of the engagement, one of the crucial tasks during this time is for the couples' parents to meet and get better acquainted.After all -- they're about to become family!

Whose parents reach out first? Traditionally, if the couple’s parents have not met one another, it is the groom’s parents, or specifically mother, who arrange this meeting. However, this is one of those traditions that is more for the sake of tradition than for practical, modern application. In fact, it dates back to when brides would move in with the groom's family, thus making the groom's side a dominant figure in the marriage. Even if the bride's parents wish to adhere to tradition, if no invitation or arrangement has been communicated within the first few days or weeks following the engagement announcement, it is perfectly acceptable for them to take the initiative. His parents may even be waiting for hers to make the first move.

How to make contact As a parent, don’t be afraid to get the other parent’s phone number(s), and introduce yourself with a friendly call. If you’re comfortable with technology, you could suggest video chatting through a program like Skype for a more in-person vibe. If your schedules are very busy, or you find it difficult to coordinate, it is acceptable to use email, although this is seen as more of a last resort. From there you can arrange a time to meet in person that works best for everyone. In the event that distance prevents you from getting together in person before the big day, stay in touch throughout the engagement and wedding planning process.

What about divorced parents? If the other parents and/or yourself are divorced, the first question to field is how pleasant the relationship is between exes. This is a conversation to have with the bride/groom regarding their parents. If the relationships between all exes are on good terms, there's no reason not to all come together for this wonderful moment. If any relationship is not on the best of terms, you should decide to meet separately, but as close to the date as possible so as to avoid hurt feelings.

In any case, it's a good thing to keep in mind that whether or not you all become best friends, this is a time to think about the kids you share, and the grandkids you might share someday.

Posted by Kendall Arelleis, Event Coordinator with The 530 Bride

Your Name Doesn’t Have To Be Your Something Old

For many engaged couples, the prospect of sharing the same last name is joyous. However, for many women, changing their name is accompanied by a feeling of loss, of who they once were, and of their family heritage. Some women may even feel undervalued by the unequal treatment of only her changing her name. While the majority of brides still take the more traditional route and acquire their groom’s last name, more modern women keep their family surname, or hyphenate with their new hubby, a movement started during Women’s Lib. Some progressive husbands even change their name to hyphenate alongside their wife. But did you know that you have more options than your parents did?

CA’s name change law Laws change per state, but in California we have what’s called The Name Equality Act of 2007 (AB 102, Chapter 567, Statutes of 2007), and it’s opened up a world of name possibilities to those filing for marriage and domestic partnerships. Before it was passed, multiple couples had spoken out against the state for having archaic laws that promoted gender discrimination when it came to name changes, even if the man’s intention was as noble as wanting his wife’s family name to continue, despite having no brothers. Now a couple can change one or both of their middle and/or surnames, using any of their last names that are current, or from birth.

How it works You have the option of both taking his name *or* her name, hyphenating in either order, swapping names, or, for those looking for a truly unique moniker, combining your names in a sort of word scramble with segments of two or more letters, and arranging them in any way you find pleasing for your new last name. Middle names can stay untouched, be replaced by the old last name, or be hyphenated with the old last name. My husband and I opted for the “word scramble”, and after much time, effort, creativity, and names like Hartstetter, Lear, Ellis, and Muarette, our final choice was Arelleis.

Need a hand? If all these options give you too much of a headache, you can always turn to a Name Consultant. While many couples are turning to the opinions of friends and family, even creating online survey sites for them to visit, some hire a professional to layout all their options for them. The 530 Bride offers Name Change Consulting, along with other Wedding Planning services, for which we create a customized list of all possible names and initials for a couple.

Whatever reasons you have for choosing any direction with names for your new life together, just remember to do it in the name of love.

Posted by Kendall Arelleis, Event Coordinator with The 530 Bride

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For further reading on Name Changing: More Men Taking Wives' Last Names To Be Safe, Call the Bride by Her First Name