5 Ways To Be A Great Wedding Guest

Since we are in the "thick" of wedding season, and most of you probably have at a least 1 wedding to attend in the near future, I thought it would be helpful to share some wedding tips for the guests.  These are just a few items that will help keep you in good graces with the bride and groom!

1.  Be sure to RSVP.

Although this may sound very simple, many guests assume that they are accounted for because they receive an invite.  This is far from true and your RSVP, in a timely manner, is very much needed.  Prior to the wedding day, the couple/wedding planner has to provide a final guest count to the venue and caterer, amongst other vendors, and this is why your timely RSVP is necessary.

2.  The Plus One.

Please refrain from bringing "plus ones" that were not included in your RSVP.  As mentioned above having an accurate guest count is crucial to many areas of wedding planning.  Not to mention if the bride and groom have chosen to do assigned seating for the reception, it's important that everyone is assigned a seat.

3.  Observe the dress code.

Wedding invitations are typically mailed out two months before the wedding day.  If a dress code (ex. semi-formal, black tie, black tie optional) is given, please plan and dress accordingly.

4.  Arrive to the ceremony on time.

No one likes to enter a wedding ceremony late, so please be cognizant of the time.  A good thing to know is that most planners (including myself) will start seating guests 30 minutes before ceremony time, so come a little early to avoid the rush and allow for possible traffic (Hello Atlanta!) and bathroom stops.

5.  Follow the leader.

When the ceremony is over the bridal party will remain and take pictures, and the guests will be directed to the "cocktail hour" space, or to a second venue. And then of course into the reception.  Either way, please be sure to follow the directions of the wedding planner and his/her staff.  Venues only allow so many hours per wedding, and that is why we try hard to keep the wedding day on schedule.

Of course the list could go on, but I think I hit the most important points.  Keep my tips in mind at the next wedding you attend.  The wedding planner will love you for it!  

Be sure to visit www.ravenj.com or email us at raven@ravenj.com if you are in need of a planner for your next event.

Raven J.

Big Fake Wedding Atlanta Recap (Part 2)

It's a beautiful Monday and today we're sharing images of the 2nd table design we produced for the Big Fake Wedding Atlanta.  This design was by far the most popular of the two amongst the brides and grooms we spoke to.  Take a look below and decide for yourself.

Table 11-Polka Dots and Stripes   

So, I think this design was my favorite too.  Polka dots and stripes are so classy, and I decided to add the yellow linen for a pop of unexpected color!  

And let's not forget the cute little cotton candy favors we gave out to brides who stopped by our booth.  The cotton candy was such a hit and tasted VERY good too.

To say I enjoyed myself at the Big Fake Wedding is an understatement.  I enjoyed speaking with the brides and look forward to working with several of them soon.

To add to the excitement, the entire event is featured on the Ruffled blog.

Thank you to the following vendors for contributing to the success of our table designs!

Photography: Andre Brown Photography

JD3 Photography

For the Love of Juneau

Linens: I Do Linens

Stationery: Jenkins Rose Modern Paper

Dinnerware: The Head Table

Floral: Chelsea Floral Designs

Chiavari Chairs: Sweet Seats

Happy Planning!

Raven J.

www.ravenj.com

Big Fake Wedding Atlanta Recap (Part 1)

I had the amazing opportunity to be a participating vendor in the 10th Big Fake Wedding Atlanta.  As the name states, The Big Fake Wedding is a bridal show alternative with a fake wedding ceremony, after party, and of course amazing wedding professionals.  Brides and grooms alike get to witness a beautiful ceremony and reception and see the wedding pros in action.

In addition to having a vendor booth, I had the opportunity to design two of the guest tables and I have the pics to show below!  The theme for the show and the table designs was "Party City" to celebrate the 10th Atlanta Big Fake Wedding.

Table 5-Sequins Galore

Thank you to the following photographers for beautifully capturing our designs:

Andre Brown Photography

JD3 Photography

For the Love of Juneau

Stay tuned for part two of our recap and more of our table designs!  

Happy Planning and visit our website below if you are in need of event planning assistance.

Raven J.

www.ravenj.com

Day in the Life: Atlanta Wedding Videographer Eric Blanks Media

Happy Wedding Wednesday!  I'm excited to bring a new series to the blog titled "Day in the Life".  In this spotlight I will feature Q&A from select Atlanta wedding professionals.   For brides and grooms this should provide excellent insight into what to expect when hiring wedding professionals.

Name: Eric Blanks

Company: Eric Blanks Media

Website:  ericblanksmedia.com

Why did you choose a career in videography?

Both my father and brother had a huge influence in my choice of becoming a

videographer. I've been around cameras (both video and film) my entire life

so it was only a matter of time. I can recall seeing my first cinematic

wedding online and thought to myself..."Wow, that was awesome. I would

love to create something so visually stunning, heart-felt and moving!"

Describe your typical wedding videography client experience.

Most(~80%) of my inquires come from online and the remaining from a phone

call. I typically try to help all potential clients, even if they don't

book with me. After I inform a couple of my package prices, if they want

to move forward I set up a face-to-face meeting before any contracts are

signed or money is exchanged. If a couple lives out of town I typically

schedule a video chat consultation.  My consultations typically last from

30 minutes to an hour. At the consultation meetings I typically don't

discuss contracts unless the couple asks first. The last thing I want for a

couple is to feel pressured.

After a couple decides they want to proceed usually a deposit is sent in

with the contract(snail mail, or electronic).  Once the contract and

payment are received I block off that date from my calendar.  I usually

stay in contact with the couple up into the wedding day. Typically the

wedding planner would send me a schedule a few days out in which I may ask

to insert a few items into the schedule if necessary(i.e. vow prep

writing or toast prep writing).

What sets Eric Blanks Media apart from other wedding videography companies?

We produce true cinematic films. A lot of companies say they are cinematic

but you don't hear any sound from the actual ceremony, reception, etc. I

purchase cinematic music that sometimes takes me days to find the perfect

score. I also have the necessary equipment to produce a cinematic

film (slider, dolly, drone, audio equip, etc).

Speaking of the drone,  tell us more about this feature.

The first time I saw a drone video I knew I had to purchase one.

Even though I never saw it in a wedding film(I'm sure people have used it

prior to my knowledge), I knew that it would separate me from other

videographers. The drone I use has it own stabilizing system so the shots

are flawless! I try to open all of my films with an aerial shot.

How would you describe your video recording style?  

Simple yet effective. I let my equipment work for me. It's mostly about angles and

proper lighting and a good mix of camera movement.

What advice would you give to a couple when searching for a wedding videographer?

DSLR cameras provide a better cinematic experience than a

traditional camcorder.  Make sure that the videographer uses stabilizing

equipment. My pet peeve is shaky footage.

What do you enjoy most about filming weddings? 

 Seeing the excitement of couples and being able to capture those moments.

  
Thank you Eric for allowing me to interview you and helping me to kick off this new series!
Go to http://ericblanksmedia.com/portfolio/videos/ to check out Eric's video portfolio and tell him I sent you!

Happy Planning!

Raven J.

www.ravenj.com

How To Use Lounge Seating At Your Next Event

Hi everyone!  So I'm planning a 40th birthday party and my client asks to include lounge seating.  I was so excited because lounge seating is such a fresh take on the traditional seating of tables and chairs, and it adds just the right touch of sophistication.  Another great advantage of using lounge furniture is that it encourages your guests to relax and really take in the evening.  I've put together some examples of how to wow your guests with lounge seating at your next event.

So what do you think? Will you try lounge seating at your next event?  Let me know below!

Happy Planning!

Raven J.

5 Things to Do After You Get Engaged

Happy Holidays everyone!  If you didn't know, along with the Holidays comes a bevy of engagements! From Thanksgiving to Christmas, to New Year's to Valentine's Day, you can expect to hear of lots of couples getting engaged. If you happen to be one of those lucky people, read about my tips on what to do after your get engaged. 

1.    Call the VIPs
Yep, make the announcement to your closest family and friends. You definitely want them to get the news from YOU and not anyone else. While you're at it, call up your bridal party too. The earlier you ask your friends to be a part of your wedding the better.

2.    Think About Your Wedding Style
If you're like most brides you may already have an idea of the style of wedding you want. If not, start thinking about you and your fiance's individual and collective style, so that your wedding will be a reflection of both of you. For instance, consider if your style is more traditional, modern, or maybe glamorous. If you choose traditional, maybe you would like to marry in a church. If you consider yourself to be modern, maybe you would consider marrying in a park, museum or hotel ballroom, just to name a few.

3.    Money, Money, Moneeeey
You and your fiance should have a talk about your wedding budget BEFORE you make any wedding plans. Be sure to bring in all contributors: parents, grandparents and anyone else who is paying for your wedding. Set a figure that is realistic, within your means, and agreed upon by all parties.

 4.    Consider a Planner
If you are considering hiring a wedding planner, be sure to engage him/her at the BEGINNING of the planning process. This can save you so much time and money, I promise :-). We know the right people and places to connect you to and since we have planned more weddings than you, we can educate you on how to do things the right way! And remember, most planners offer different levels of service, so at the very least hire a planner for day of coordination, so that you can relax on your wedding weekend and not worry about anything going wrong.

5.    Hire the Pros
This will include selecting a ceremony and reception venue, photographer, entertainment, caterer and more. If you choose to work with a wedding planner, he or she will be able to refer you to reputable vendors in each of the categories above, that fit your style and budget. If not, just remember that wedding professionals can get booked very quickly, so contact them as soon as possible.
                                                                          

                           Happy Planning!
                                                            Raven J.                                   

Wedding Welcome Bags

A great way to welcome your out of town wedding guests is with a welcome bag full of goodies.  This will not only make them feel special, but it's a great way to share some of your favorite things.  Check out a few of our suggestions below.

For a destination wedding, a beach inspired bag will be a hit with your guests.  Sunscreen, bottled water, and a beach towel are a few items to include.

 

 

Martha Stewart Weddings

 

 

A wine and spa themed bag will be sure to delight.

 

 

Wine Lover Baskets

 

 

Tea and cookies are always appreciated.

 

 

Tea Lover Gift Baskets

 



 

Scented candles would make a great addition.

 



 

 

Northernlights Candles

 

 



Don't forget to add a few of your favorite snacks to conquer the late night munchies!

 



 

So what do you think?  Will you be using welcome bags for your wedding?  Let us know what other items you would add to your bags.

 

Happy Planning!

Raven J. 











Atlanta Venue: The Millenium Gate Museum at Atlantic Station

Hey everyone!  I toured another great venue recently and I want to share my sights with you.  I'm speaking of the Millennium Gate Museum in the beautiful Atlantic Station area.  Atlantic Station is one of my favorite parts of town so I was stoked to tour this venue.  The Millennium Gate Museum is perfect for an outdoor wedding ceremony, or a social affair of any kind.  There's the option to host your event outside on the lawn, upstairs overlooking the water, or inside of the museum.  I love a venue with flexibility!  See a few of my pics below and tell me what you think.   

 

Happy Planning!

Raven J.

The Inventor's Loft Welcomes ISES

Happy Thursday everyone!  On yesterday I had the opportunity to visit and tour the Inventor's Loft, one of Atlanta's newest event venues.  The Inventor's Loft played host to the June ISES Atlanta chapter meeting, and I enjoyed every bit of it.  See a few of my snaps below.      

Take in the stunning garden view with the Atlanta skyline in the backdrop.  Perfect for a cocktail party of any kind!

Happy Planning!

Raven J.

Fashion Friday: Stylish Bowties for the Groomsmen

Hey everyone and Happy Friday!  I normally focus on women's fashion on Fridays, but today I'm switching it up and posting about the guys, the groomsmen in particular.  If you're looking for a way to bring some edge to the groomsmen's attire, how about a bowtie?  It's different, unexpected, and it gives the groomsmen an opportunity to get a little creative.  Take a look at some of my suggestions.

1.  Red, white and blue check-Pairs well with a knaki suit for an outdoor casual wedding.

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2.  Summer Brights-Wear with a gray suit for an instant splash of color.



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3.  Stripes and polka dots-Pairs well with a classic black suit or tuxedo.

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So what do you think?  Do you see any bowties in your future?

Happy Planning!

Raven J.





      

Wedding Reception Songs

Hello out there.  For today's post I thought it would be fun to talk about wedding reception songs.  Everyone knows that the reception is where the magic happens.  From the first dance to the last dance of the night, the music will set the tone for your reception and help your guests to have a good ole time.  Here are a few of my favorites from love songs to dance songs.  More importantly, I want to hear from you too!

1.   Matrimony-Maxwell
2.   Let's Stay Together-Al Green
3.  The Closer I Get to You-Beyonce and Luther Vandross
4.  Because You Loved Me-Celine Dion
5. Just Dance- Lady Gaga
6. Suit and Tie -Justin Timberlake
7. Wobble- V.I.C.
8. Lady in My Life -Michael Jackson
9. Whoknows- Musiq Soulchild
10. The Only One for Me by Brian McKnight
11. Forever Mine-The OJays
12. Moves Like Jagger- Maroon 5
13. Can't Get Enough of your Love Babe- Barry White

So what do you think?  Share your favorite wedding reception songs with us in the comments below.  Can't wait to hear from you!

Happy Planning!

Raven J.

5 Tips for Selecting a Great Venue

Selecting your wedding or event venue is one of the most important decisions you will make when planning your special event.  There are lots of things to consider such as the obvious: location, the number of people the venue can hold, and of course whether you find the venue aesthetically pleasing.  I  would like to share a few things that I think are often overlooked, and that you should keep in mind when choosing your venue.

1. Space- There should be enough space for eating, drinking and dancing.  Be sure that there is a dedicated area for the cocktail hour, dance floor, and that the venue will still be roomy enough once the room is filled with tables and chairs.

2.  Catering- Some venues will have an in-house caterer or a preferred caterer list.  This may sound very convenient at first, but be sure that you will be comfortable with using their caterer before signing the contract.

3.  Decor Limitations-  Always ask about decorations.  Venues often have rules regarding what can be hung from the wall or ceiling, using rose petals, and sparklers, just to name a few.  You want to make sure that your selected venue will accommodate your event design or at least know up front what you may have to compromise on.

4.  Wheelchair Accessibility-  Is the building wheelchair accessible?  Are their lots of stairs to climb?  Will the guests be able to utilize elevators?  

5. Parking- Yep, no one wants to search for a park on your big day. So please make sure that there is ample parking to accommodate your guests.  Also be sure to find out if parking is free, if the guests will have to pay, or if valet parking is available.

Happy Planning!

Raven J.

Fashion Friday: Something Blue

Say it with me. Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue!  Yes, we all know this bridal tradition.  The good thing is that today's brides have an array of options to choose from, especially when deciding on something blue. I've listed 5 non-traditional ways to incorporate something blue into your wedding day.

1.  An elegant pair of blue earrings will add just the right pop of color.

 

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2.  Colored bridal shoes are a huge trend, so try a royal blue pair instead of white.



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3. Keep it simple with an aqua blue diamond necklace.

 



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4.  Be bold and rock a blue mani or pedi.



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5.  And for added fun, delight your guests with a blue cocktail during cocktail hour.



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Happy Planning!

Raven J