If you are feeling overwhelmed and just want to chat or want some help creating timelines and checklist, please email me to set up an appointment – jennifertaylor@taylordeventsbyjen.com – rates start at $250 for 2 hours and $750 for 6 hours plus timeline creation.

Starr Photography

If you are feeling overwhelmed and just want to chat or want some help creating timelines and checklist, please email me to set up an appointment – jennifertaylor@taylordeventsbyjen.com - rates start at $250 for 2 hours and $750 for 6 hours plus timeline creation.

If you are looking for a destination wedding or a honeymoon within your own backyard, Alderbrook is the place to go!  It is roughly 2 hours from where I live in Woodinville, whether you take the Edmonds Ferry, Bremerton Ferry or drive around to Gig Harbor, I have tried them all and they all seem like a quick trip.

photos by Lyndsay Undseth Photography

 They have multiple areas for ceremony, overlooking the dock area, the tented terrace or on the lawn they all have their special touch.  Rehearsal dinners are great on the cabin lawn area; the hotel can do a great seafood feast.  In the past most of the receptions were done in the two indoor rooms, now there are a couple of options there as well, the tented terrace for a smaller group, the Lady Alderbrook for the lovely tour of Hoods Canal, a smaller indoor room and the main ballroom, depending on the number of guests. 

       photos by Lyndsay Undseth Photography 

I have help with organizing tee times at the golf course, yoga on the lawn and wine service to the rooms above the ballroom for guests that are staying there that are not a part of the wedding.   It is a great atmosphere for a wedding!  Everyone is so happy!

I would highly suggest if you are looking for a destination wedding or honeymoon within the state of Washington that you put Alderbrook Resort and Spa on your list.

Happy Planning!

 photo credit – Ambiance Photography 

In this post of What to Ask, we are discussing music.  From ceremony to reception music is a huge part of a wedding.  It reflects who you are as a couple.  Don’t think you have to have the same traditional music pieces to walk down the ailse, pick something that you like and that makes you smile.  The reception start off with “soft” music during dinner and then start cranking up during the dancing.

I have plenty of couples walk down to very popular tunes that are arranged for strings, I even had a bride want Billy Idol’s White Wedding, we did not go forward with that but it got me thinking if it would work and I think it would.  One of my favorite DJ companies Wave Link Music turned me on to Vitamin String Quartet, which takes all different types pop and rock songs and arranges them for strings.  So check them out if you are concerned about wanting strings but wanting a modern song.   Another great resourse for music for the ceremony is “A Brides Guide to Wedding Music” complied by Naxos, I have linked to Amazon, but you can also find it on ITunes. 

No matter if you are meeting with a string quartet, DJ or Band ask the following questions.

• Do they have a demo tape where you can hear them perform?
• What type of packages do they offer?
• How long have the company been in business?
• What is the cancellation policy?
• How much and when are deposits due?
• Do they send out a song list?
• How much setup time do they require?
• What do they need on site? (table, chairs, electrical, A.V. shade for outdoors)
• How close to the wedding date do they meet with you to go over the music choices?
• How will they dress for the wedding?

For Ceremony Musicians

• Will the ceremony musicians arrive early to go over the program with your officiant?
• Will the ceremony musicians attend the rehearsal? (they usually don’t)
• Do they need any ampfilication, if so, will they provide?

For DJs and Bands

• Do they have a wireless microphone available for toast?
• Will they need a meal?
• What type of music do they play?
• Do they bring assistants?
• Any special electrical requirements
• Will they act as an Master of Ceremonies (MC, emcee)?
• Do they have a variety of music that can please a diverse crowd?
• Do they have any props or special games?
• Band – How many break will they take and when?
• Band – Do they have recorded music to play during breaks?

In this post of What to Ask, we are discussing floral.  When you are meeting with florists, give them all the same information, if you don’t you might be comparing apples to oranges and that is not good. 

Bring a few magazines clipping of the styles and colors you like, if you don’t know what you like then bring in clippings of styles and colors you DON’T like. 

Consider the type of flower that is in season during your wedding month (this will save money).  The color of your flowers usually does not make a difference in the price.  It is the type of flower and how many are arranged in each piece that does make a difference.  When you meet with a florist they should have photo albums to show you their work and will also let you know the best flowers for all the seasons.  

A great online resource is this Floral Library it is a great tool to look at flowers and what they look like and when they are  in season.

Bring the list of “people flower” you will need it so that they can put together a quote for you quickly. 

• Know the approx. number of tables at your reception
• Let your florist know if you are having your bouquet preserved.
•  How long have the company been in business?
• What is the cancellation policy?
• How much and when are deposits due?
• What type of training and experience do they have?
• Do they have a minimum order?
• What are the delivery, transfer and pick-up fees? How far will they travel?
• Where do they get their flowers?
• Do they do their own designing?
• How many weddings can they handle per day? 
• Have they worked at the facility?
• Can you view their work at an upcoming event or wedding?
•  Do they need a swatch of your gown or attendant’s fabric?
•  What type of props do they use?   (fabrics, arches, stands, columns, candles)?
• What is the average price range for each floral piece and do they have a list?
• Could they give an estimate at the initial meeting?  Or do they send it afterward?
• Do they make an extra boutonniere or two just in case one breaks?

Photo by Team Photogenic

It is Valentine’s weekend!  What do you and your sweetie have planned?  My husband and I are having a quiet weekend planned, and I actually might cook for once in a very long while.

In this weekly post, What to Ask, we go through each vendor category and I will try to give you a comprehesive list of what to ask.  This week we are starting with venues. 

So you’ve have sat down with both parents and discussed who is paying for what and the final budget.  You have your wedding date selected and guest count fairly locked in and now you are ready to go out and look at venues!  But what do you ask?

First call the venues you are looking for and find out if they are available on your date.  If they are available then set up a time to walk through with the venue’s sales and/or catering department

Now before you go to the meeting print out this list and as you are touring the venue and the person that is giving the touring is giving  you the information, go ahead and fill it out and at the end of the tour sit down and go through any of the questions that have not been answered.

How many people can the facility seat comfortably?

 Is catering in-house, or can you bring in your own caterer? 

Do they provide tables, chairs, dinnerware and linens?  Is there additional cost for these?  Do we need to rent equipment? (dance floor,  A.V. votives)

Is the site appropriate for live music?  Is there proper spacing, wiring and equipment?

Can you see photos of receptions setups in the room you are looking at? 

How long is the site available for? 

Is there a food and/or beverage minimum you must meet? 

Are there overtime charges?

Is there free parking?  If not, what is the cost for parking and parking attendants?  Or do you have to provide valet service? 

Does the facility have more than one reception site on the premises?

If someone else is occupying another room at the site, will there be adequate parking available:  Is there enough space between two rooms to ensure privacy?

Are there any other receptions scheduled?  Is there enough time between to get set-up?

Where can you change into your wedding dress/going away clothes? 

Will the deposit be returned in the event of a cancellation?

Are there any other possible reception-related charges?

How much do they add for tax and service?

How early can we get in for setup?

If at a hotel, is a bridal suite included?

Are there any restrictions for music, candles, photographers, videos, flower, décor?

When are you able to book our ceremony rehearsal?  If your ceremony and receiption are at the same location

What is the retainer deposit amount, when are the other payments due?

Are they willing to put together a proposal/contract?

Could you stop by and view a similar event at the facility?

Do they have an open house or do they offer a private menu tasting?

Here is what they say about themselves – “Novelty Hill • Januik Winery is an ideal location for a contemporary, intimate wedding celebration. From casual to elegant, our staff specializes in creating rehearsal dinners and wedding receptions that reflect the unique personality of each bride and groom.” 

The food is another unforgettable experience, Chef Dan Koommoo is dedicated to fresh cuisine from sustainable resources, including organic fruits and vegetables from nearby Oxbow Farm, designed to complement Novelty Hill’s and Januik’s award-winning wines.  The menus are changed seasonally to reflect what is available and custom menus are available for your special day.  Speaking with experience this is the case, the staff truly loves to see the couple have an unforgettable experience and become a part of the Novelty Hill • Januik Winery family.

They are open daily from 11am to 5pm for wine tasting and on the weekends they do have brick oven working overtime with fabulous homemade pizzas.  So stop by for a glass of wine or two and a pizza and take a look around.  If it is nice outside the bocce balls will be ready.

Below are some photos of what it looks like set up for an event.

Luna Bella Event Photography

 

Luna Bella Events Photography

Luna Bella Events Photography

                                                         

Every month I will go through checklist and provide you what a Summer (August) couple should be working on.  Since this is the first one, it will be more than a few items.  As each month goes by you will see what you should be working on a tailor it for your wedding!

photo by Azzura Photography

This one is great for the gardener valentine on your list or as a great wedding favor for the couple that loves the great outdoors or has a garden themed wedding.

Seed-Starter Valentine

Propagating seeds is a little like nurturing relationship: The more attention and care they get, the more likely they are to flourish and thrive. Give flower seeds with little pots that they can take root in. Put seeds in plain white coin envelopes available at stationery stores, and label with an eraser stamp. Or use a rubber stamp, or make a heart with thumbprints. Put growing instructions on back, noting when seedlings need to be transplanted.
Read more at Marthastewart.com: Seed-Starter Valentine – Martha Stewart Holidays

1)      Who is paying for what?

2)      If your parents are helping, ask them to commit to an exact amount.

3)      Use your budget guideline to help give you an idea of wedding costs (example food and beverage should be 50% of your budget).

4)      Determine your top three priority categories (what’s most important to you).

Now you are sitting around wondering how much should I set aside for each category, you already know that 50% of your budget should be food and beverage, but what you should set aside for attire, floral/décor, photos, video, ect.   Well you are in luck!

Bride & Groom attire – 9%

Flowers & Decorations – 8%

Photography/Videography – 10%

Music & Entertainment – 6%

Invitation & Stationery – 3%

Ceremony Site & Officiant – 3%

Wedding Rings – 3%

Attendants Gifts – 3%

Wedding Planner – 4%

Transportation & Parking – 1%

So with that come up with what are you including in the budget and what is not included and your top 3 priority category. 

When talking to vendors you now have the tools to tell them what your budget it.  As a vendor, it is great when you know how much you have.  It is not that we want to spend it all, but it gives us a guideline to make sure we don’t go over your budget.