Northern California Wedding Planner | Engagement Session Tips

Tips on How to Plan Your Engagement Session

We could never tire of seeing the photo galleries from our couple's engagement sessions, we love to see a glimpse into their relationship and their style.  Pinterest has definitely stepped up the bar for engagement photos, but it is important to be yourselves and plan a shoot that is comfortable for you.   Here are our top tips with a few of our favorite engagement shots!

Photo by Ranalla Photo and Films 

Location Location!

Choosing the location for your engagement session is super important, because it is part of the story that your images are going to tell.  Do you see yourself on a mountainside or maybe by the ocean? What about sipping coffee together downtown in your favorite coffee shop or bookstore? 

Photo by Matthew Lim Photography

Lighting is Everything

Once you've settled on a location with your photographer, consider the lighting/time of day that you have envisioned.  Typically sunrise or just before sunset lends itself to ideal lighting for outdoor sessions.  Above is one of our favorite shots by Matthew Lim that just captures the essence of Dara & Nick with amazing lighting!

Photo by Amanda Wei Photography 

Planning Your Wardrobe 

We recommend asking your photographer for advise on what to wear based on your location, lighting and style.  Wearing stripes can be tricky for example, or making sure that your straps on your gown or undergarments are secure so that you don't go back later and wish you had adjusted your strap etc.  Statement necklaces or fun pieces like colorful shoes or accessories can make your photos pop!

Ceremony Alter Design Inspirations

Ceremony altars come in many different shapes and sizes, textures and styles. When you think of walking down the aisle, what type of altar do you envision? Here are a few altar inspirations to get your creative juices flowing!

wedding-ceremony-altar-decor-ideas-006

Desert Wedding

eco-friendly-wedding-th

TreeWithWhiteRIbbon

danver10055

Photo Credits:
1. Brides.com

2. Inspiring Pretty

3. Thea Rae D Events

4. Intimate Weddings

5. The530Bride

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The 530 Bride's wedding planning services can help you create the wedding of your dreams by helping you craft the details and the atmosphere that will not only set the tone for your event but make a lasting memory for you and your guests.   Learn more on our services page. 

Style Watch ~ Gold

Gold is timeless & can add a hint of upscale glamour to any event.  Gold is not only in, it is taking over!

Style Watch: Gold by venns featuring modern table linens

The Cost of Being a Bridesmaid

It is always an honor to be asked to be a bridesmaid or maid of honor in a wedding.  Being by the side of your good friend or family member when they stand at the altar on their big day and sharing in the journey to get there is pretty special!  All of that aside, it does come with some expenses.  We found an infographic on the web aimed to breakdown some of those costs:

Image courtesy of Dimespring.com

Couples should try to keep these figures in mind when planning the involvement of their wedding party and make sure to communicate with everyone in their party to ensure that the expenses are not a hardship for anyone.  Being open to cost alternatives makes the experience better for everyone, a $200 bridesmaid dress may not be doable for some so its good to consider choosing a color and material and allowing the bridal party to find a dress that fits their style and their budget.

Are you a bridesmaid in a wedding?  Take our poll on the expenses of being in a wedding: [yop_poll id="4"]

Wedding Planning Tip: Draping & Lighting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Planning!

Throw the Ultimate Bridal Shower

Bridal Showers are a fun event to throw because let's face it you mix a little champagne with some pre-wedding excitement and everyone has a good time!  Besides, the design options are endless so get creative with your theme.  Note:  You do not have to stick with the colors the bride has chosen for the wedding! I consider the bridal shower as an event that the bride really shouldn't really have to much input it other than the guess list.  She has enough on her plate with the wedding, so let this be something that even she will be surprised when she walks in!  However, if your bride to be is very hands on, this approach may not work so play it safe if need be.

Suggestion: Contact a local wedding coordinator if you need assistance getting organized or getting vendor suggestions for  food, rentals (such as tables, chairs, linens) or even fun favors!  

1. Decor  Choose a playful or glam color scheme with fun pops of color or textures.  Save yourself time by finding coordinating paperie/decor packages that include invitations, banners or signage.

Minted's "Wildflowers" theme uses graphic prints and an understated color palette which allows you to throw in mixed textures and metallics for accents.

Wildflowers Party Decor - $1.70 from: Minted

You can mix textures like glittered champagne flutes to add a little sparkle. Catch the How-To Project on DIY Champagne flutes here.  

Create a simple floral arrangement and spruce it up by adding the glitter element on a variety of glassware.

Photo Credit: http://studioblush.com/blog/blush-floral-design/bridal-shower-2/

"Botanical Wreath" Mixes a variety of colors which gives you a lot of options for decor. You could easily choose a cream or blush linen to keep it light, or add a hint of formality with a black linen. Botanical Wreath Party Decor - $1.70 from: Minted

Botanical Wreath Circle Garlands - $1.70 from: Minted Botanical Wreath Table Signs - $1.70 from: Minted

2. Refreshments Lets face it, a party just isn't a party without yummy treats!  Depending on the time you plan on starting the event, you can choose to serve light refreshments, heavy hors d'oeuvres or a full meal/dinner.  We found a few inspirational ideas:

Photo Credits: www.Bridal Detective.com Photo Credit: Rochebros.com Photo Credit: Themeaningofpie.com Photo Credit: http://www.madiganmade.com

3. Entertainment

Choose the entertainment based on the group, usually a couple of games will get the party going and the crowd to mix. Bridal Shower Bingo Exclusive Personalized Things in a Bride's Purse Game Exclusive Personalized Why Do We Do That Game

If you know the bride well, and want to create a little spicier of a party: Ask the guests to each bring a pair of panties (you can call each guest and tell them what size the bride is and explain the game) so that the bride will have to guess who brought what, and turn a few shades red.. Check out this blog post from "Skip to the Details" where we found the game (it looked like a fun bridal shower!)

There you have it, the bride will be sure to remember this day as a time when her friends and family threw her a kick *** party!  Send the bride home with some treats, and of course the list of who gifted what so that she can get started on those thank you cards!

Happy Planning! Related Articles: 50's Theme Bridal Showers

************************ Affiliate Disclosure: The 530 Bride is a member of Minted Affiliate Marketing and may receive compensation for products purchased via links on our site.

What's in your wedding day bag?

We have all read in the wedding magazines about some of the bloopers that have gone down at a wedding, as simple as someone stepping on the back of your gown and ripping the bustle or maybe the waterproof mascara wasn't all that it was promised to be.  Either way, being prepared is never a bad thing.

I don't like the term "Emergency Kit" for a wedding because it reminds me of the jumper cables and flash light that you keep in your trunk, rather than something to ease your mind on such a big day.

The list of what items are wedding day worthy may seem excessive to some, but could come in handy depending on the circumstance.  I would say the following items are the basics, so we will start with those:

• Extra Copies of toasts, ceremony information, seating arrangement etc (Just in case)
• Brides Make-up Bag
• Mini Sewing Kit
• Snacks
• Super Glue
• Bandaids
• Pair of flats
• Deodorant
• Rubber Bands/Hair Ties/Bobby Pins
• Wet Wipes/Towelettes
• Stain Remover Pen or Wipes
• Dental Floss
• Tums, Excedrin etc
• Pack of Tissues

Now here are some items that are also helpful but could be brought in a separate bag or brought by a member of the wedding party if needed:

• Extra contact list of wedding party, and essential vendors
• Extra phone charger
• Sun Block & Bug Spray (good idea for an outdoor setting)
• Lighters (Keep those candles burning!)
• Bottles of water
• Ipod/Music with player
• Double Sided Tape
• Safety Pins
• Plastic Bags for belongings or even for trash bag
• Tampons
• Compact Mirror
• Small amount of cash (just in case)
• Extra Hair Products
• Nail File

The good news is that you will be surrounded by your friends and family on your big day, so they will be there to help should you need anything. So pack your day of bag and as always, Happy Planning!

Photo Credit: http://regalodesign.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/bride_bag_contents.jpg

The Big Question

The big question isn't "To be, or not to be" it is "Will you be my Maid of Honor?." This question shouldn't be taken lightly and you can't just ask anyone now can you.. it's sort of a big deal. Sure, you know who you want to have as your maid of honor, but have you considered how you want to ask or maybe you feel that it is a unspoken understanding that if and when you walk down that aisle, your bestie will be right beside you along the way. Either way we think we have found some pretty cute ways to ask:

1. Come right out and ask with a card The Big Question : Wild Strawberry Designed by Eleanor Grosch from: Shutterfly, Inc.

Stylish Request : Bay Designed by Tallu-lah from: Shutterfly, Inc.

2. Put a frame on it Maybe you don't have to ask, it is just a given.. place your fav photo here

Personalized Maid of Honor Frame from: Koyal Wholesale

3.  Pop the question

Pop up Message from Etsy

See other articles on Will You be My Maid? 17 Fun Ways to Ask...

More products on Etsy

Propose to your bridesmaids

Floral Inspirations to Spring For!

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

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

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

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

3.  Stunningly Budget Friendly - Astilbe The Wedding Flower

http://onefabday.com/astilbe/

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

4. Spring Inspired Succulent Bouquet - Aileen Tran Events

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

5. A Bouquet that Pops!

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

'I Do' Responsibly

Weddings are a time we bring friends and family together to celebrate your new chapter in life, so unless you have chosen to have a "dry wedding" odds are there will be a champagne toast and then some!  You can choose to serve drinks during either the cocktail hour, reception or both.

When deciding on what types of beverages to serve, consider your guests, budget, and the type of atmosphere you want to have. If you are concerned with over indulgence or expense considering limiting the amount of alcohol per guests, or perhaps only offering beer and wine.

Many wedding venues will specify their requirements and limitations with serving alcohol, some may require a licensed bartender, event insurance, and/or an additional deposit. Some may allow you to supply your own alcohol, while others may not.  If you are supplying your own alcohol but don't know how much you need, try the Bevmo Calculator http://www.bevmo.com/Misc/PartyPlanner.aspx

We recommend hiring a licensed and insured bar service to host your event as they are not only great bartenders but they specialize in weddings and events and know how to determine when someone has had too much to drink.  They can discreetly handle this for you without causing a scene, and in the end will help ensure everyone has a safe but responsible evening.  A professional bar service will also assist you with selecting wines & spirits as well as the quantity needed for the size of your event. For help choosing a Bar Service in the 530 area, visit our directory.

When it comes to the end of the night (your wedding night is a blur so take care of these details ahead of time) have a transportation plan in place.  If your location is a distance from town consider a shuttle for larger groups.  Make sure that you discuss vehicles and over-night parking with your venue, you don't want any guests to have their cars towed!

Cheers to an amazing wedding night, and to celebrating responsibly!

~Happy Planning!~

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.

Have You Branded Your Wedding Yet?

The days of having to trying to piece together corresponding wedding items that match your color and style are coming to an end.  In comes the trend of branding your event so that the design is exclusively yours while keeping things cohesive across the board. If you are unfamiliar with this trend, you are in for a treat because we have invited our local branding expert Carey Galliani from The Idea Emporium to "school us" on what it all means!

How did branding become a trend in weddings? Like most traditions, weddings have evolved over the years.  When our grandmothers got married they wore white dresses and carried flowers and were in love.  When our mothers got married they took those customs and added some personality in the form of a set of colors that would make appearances throughout the celebration.  When our sisters got married the wedding environment changed once again with the popular addition of a theme or motif (if you’ve attended a wedding in the last year odds are pretty good it featured purple, mason jars, burlap or peacock feathers- the largest trends of 2012).  And now we stand on the precipice of the next big thing to introduce itself into the wedding world…event branding.

Okay, what is branding exactly? Branding in the business world is a term you may already be familiar with.  It’s the biggest ambassador of a business, more than a logo it’s the face of a company.  A well-rounded brand includes at least one logo, a carefully crafted color palette and specifically outlined typefaces (or fonts) all of which used together create the brand.   Each piece of collateral produced for the company  (product, promotional pieces, business cards, packaging, etc.) features the company’s “face”.  So how does this apply to your wedding?

What does it mean to brand a wedding? As any bride or groom can tell you there are a million tiny pieces that go into a wedding.  The big stuff you’ve been warned about; the flowers, the linens, the rentals… but what about the tiny touches?  This is where custom event branding can take your wedding to the next level. Event branding ensures that all of the bits and pieces, from the table numbers to the thank you cards and from the invitation to the cocktail napkins & matchbooks are cohesive, impressive, and most importantly say something about you.

“In a world of mass production, wouldn’t it be nice for your wedding to be a breath of fresh air that looks and feels like an authentic representation of your relationship?” explained Carey Galliani, owner of wedding design company, The Idea Emporium.  “Custom branding gives our clients the opportunity to show their personalities through their event details.  This year I had the opportunity to design a dinosaur theme wedding.  White roses, calligraphy and tuxedos are beautiful, but wouldn’t be a fit at all for that couple.  So we took the dinosaur inspiration and ran with it bringing in sophisticated prehistoric touches that were a true representation of the couple.  The best part was hearing how “them” their wedding was and their guests felt the same.”

How do couples get started? Branding your wedding is a two-step process; the creation of the brand and the creation of the wedding pieces that utilize that brand. Just like a company, your brand will include a color palette (good news…you can have more than 2 colors), logo and typefaces.  It will also feature a monogram for you and your future spouse and graphic patterns to compliment the look.

What does wedding branding look like? Here are a few examples of a brand board for a couple that outlines their patterns, color palette, logo/mongram & typography or fonts, etc.

Brand Board Example #1

Pages from BRAND BOARD copy

Brand Board Example #2

Pages from Rusty and Christin Palm

Pages from Julia and Craig-Design Board

Brand Board Example #3 Your wedding logo may make its appearance on your invitation, welcome signage and ceremony program.  Whereas the monogram will make its way onto things like menus, favor packaging.  The patterns and graphic elements designed within your brand are great for items like envelope liners and table runners.  These are also perfect for party favors.  Lets face it, a shot glass with your name on it is cute, but a shot glass in mint and white stripes with the white peony printed on it is something a guest will truly want to keep…which is the point of a favor anyway right?

Long story short, if you want your wedding to be cohesive and riddled with perfectly harmonious details then event branding is the way to go.

For more information about the Idea Emporium, and how to get started contact Carey today:

The Idea Emporium  www.theideaemporium.net or follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theideaemporium 

Featured Photographer ~ Emily Hajec Photography

Fun. Fresh. Modern. Natural light, on-location, lifestyle photography for fun, fresh, modern people in Northern California and the Reno-Tahoe area.

We met Emily and instantly loved her style & personality she portrays in her work, whether in her portraits or weddings her talent shows!  There are a lot of options when it comes to photographers in Northern California, so couples can choose the photographer that fits with their vision and their personalities.  Set up a consultation with Emily to see if she is "the one" for you!

"My hubby and our little girl are my everything...my whole world...my soulmates...they're the cheese to my macaroni." ~ Emily

Contact info Email emilyhajecphotography@gmail.com Website http://www.emilyhajec.com

For The Wedding Party

You have been trusted with the important role of a bridesmaid, but you don’t know what the bride needs or wants from you?  We are here to help!

If you ask a bride what you can do to help, chances are she won’t be able to even explain all of the little details that are swirling around in her head.  So how can you help your bride when she is in overload mode? Listen.

We aren’t saying that you have to devote the next six months to a year to wedding sessions with her but when you are talking to her make sure that you are understanding of how much she has on her plate.  Wedding planning is supposed to be fun, so do your best to put a smile on her face and remind her that you are there if she needs your help.  Offering to do projects or help organize her wedding plans is a nice gesture and shows that you do want to help if she needs it.

What is expected of a bridesmaid? Here are some of the common roles of a bridesmaid:

- Offer to help with specific tasks such as tying bows on programs or menus etc - Lend a hand with double checking the RSVP’s or mailing list as a second pair of eyes - Assist with music selection, offer suggestions for playlist if needed -Assist with selecting attire for wedding party -Snap photos of the wedding process to add to the Bride’s album -Assemble favors, decor etc if needed -Assist with tracking gifts at wedding shower for thank-you cards - Learn how to bustle the wedding dress & these are just a few!

We know all of this wedding stuff can get expensive with buying a bridesmaids dress, shoes  & sometimes taking off work to attend wedding functions.  Check out some of our DIY related posts to give you some ideas on how to throw the best bridal shower, bachelorette party or assist with wedding projects for less!

(Read DIY related posts here on The 530 Bride.)

If you are an out of town bridesmaid and don’t know how to offer a hand from long distance you may want to see if there is any research you can help with such as looking at local restaurants for the rehearsal dinner or offer to help with room blocks or other tasks that can be done over the phone or online.

The most important part of being a member of the wedding party is sharing the experiences of planning and celebrating such an important day in the couple’s lives.  Though it is nice to have a bridesmaid around to help with planning, it may not be possible for you to be present at all times and the couple will understand.

Here are a few resources for bridesmaids from those who have walked in your heels! Bridesmaid Tips & Advice Bridesmaid.com  Always a Blogsmaid The Knot

Yuba Sutter Bridal Show

It was great to meet so many excited couples planning their upcoming wedding. Lots of great questions and inspiration, so we know 2014 will be a busy year!

Mark Your Calendars!

Some very exciting bridal events are just around the corner in the "530" area, so make sure you mark these dates down so that you don't miss out! Yuba Sutter Bridal Show September 8th - Yuba Sutter Fairgrounds Featuring the area's premier wedding professionals all in one event to simplify your wedding planning process.  The show offers catering & cake samples, music , a fashion show, giveaways & more! Click here to pre-register

WeDo Designs - Open House September 8th - Noon to 3pm 1616 Nord Ave, Suite G Chico, CA 95926 View linens, rentals & décor for your upcoming event Visit www.WeDoDesigns.net for more information

Always Elegant Bridal & Tuxedo - New Location  September 10th - Style Me Maids Tuesday - 5 to 7pm September 11th - Stylish Details Wednesday - 5 to 7pm September 12 - Sample Sale Thursday - 10 am to 7 pm September 13 - Ooh La La Friday - 5 to 7 pm

Enjoy Discounts, Giveaways, refreshments & more. Appointments are recommended http://www.alwayselegantbridal.net

Blush Catering - Supper Club September 28th - 6pm to 10pm Searching for a caterer for your special day, or maybe date night plans? Check out Blush Catering's intimate monthly dining experience, featuring a unique, local, and sustainable menu! RSVP required. Email blushcatering@gmail.com for more information, or visit their Facebook.

More event information coming soon!

*Have an event you want to promote? Leave your information as a comment or send us a message and we are happy to spread the word!

Working on Your Wedding Playlist?

Are you trying to put your wedding playlist together but feeling stuck on what to choose?  When you are putting your playlist together you can add songs that may just be background music or prelude songs while guests are arriving or socializing during your cocktail hour.  This is a good time to add some of the more playful and fun songs that you enjoy listening to and would like to share with your guests.    Many couples may have songs they would like to use, but feel they have been over played.  Our suggestion is to take an older song or a well-known version of a song and find a cover version which will give life to your playlist.  Sometimes the change of tempo, or style makes it sound brand new and will definitely keep your guests interested! Here are just a few fun songs as well as covers of some well-known songs: Boyce Avenue - A Thousand Years

Hunter Hayes - Wanted

Civil Wars- Dance Me To The End of Love

Adele - Lovesong (The Cure)

Sara Bareilles - I Choose You

The Civil Wars - Forget Me Not

Did you find a gem that you want to share with others? Feel free to post the link or name of the song and artist on this post!

~Happy Planning~

For a list of local wedding DJ's visit our directory

*Featured Image compliments of LJS Productions www.ljsproductions.com