Expert Wedding Planner Tips- Part II

We have all seen the images from wedding after wedding under the stars with nothing overhead aside from strings of lights. Just so dreamy and it is on my bucket list to pull off one day.  However, in New Jersey, we are not blessed with sunny blue skies nearly ever day. Cue the tent.  The beautiful compromise to an outdoor backyard wedding.  Many people are apprehensive about hosting a tented wedding due to the unpredictability of the weather or overwhelmed at the prospect at starting from ground zero.  Hopefully, through my experience, I can share some expert wedding planner tips to help you navigated the tented backyard wedding.

Schedule a walk-through

If you are thinking about having a backyard tented wedding but don’t know where to start, simply give your favorite local tent company a call to come survey the space.  They will be able to tell you what size tent will fit comfortably, if the ground is level enough, what size dance floor works, and talk to you about lighting, power, climate control, staging and more.

Lights, Camera, Power

Speaking of lighting and power, make sure you have enough of both. Of course, your tent will be lit well, but consider the path that your guests will be taking to the restroom or to their cars at the end of the night. Pathways lights and uplighting will be areas that you should budget for to keep your guests safe.  When it comes to power, do your research. Find out from your caterer and band or DJ how much power they will each need. You may even need to rent fans, air conditioning or heaters to regulate the climate the best you can.  My suggestion is always to splurge for the generator since nothing kills the party quite like when the music stops.

Know the costs

Tented weddings can be expensive so know the costs and what is a comfortable budget before committing. A wedding planner can help you with estimated costs for each area including rentals which, not surprisingly, will add up quickly.  I also recommend leaving some wiggle room in your budget for your Plan B. If the weather is looking iffy, you can add a ceremony or cocktail tent or walkways where needed to make sure that guests stay warm and dry. Although there are many perks of having a raw space that will conform to any style wedding you wish to have, you are creating a space from nothing and everything will need to be brought in to create an inviting and whimsical venue and that is not cheap, yet completely worth it.

Hire good help

My ultimate recommendation is to hire a wedding planner with tented wedding experience. They will be paramount in anticipating what you need to create the ultimate experience for you and your guests. At the very least, a day of coordinator will save you from running around the morning of your wedding just before jumping in the chair for hair and makeup like I did on my wedding day. A caterer with experience with tented wedding or unconventional venues is also a great idea. They will be working in small quarters and braving the elements, so a bit of practical knowledge is invaluable in making sure the event goes off without a hitch.

 

Are you thinking of hosting a backyard wedding and need help? Feel free to ask any questions in the comments below. I would love to help you have your dream wedding.

Vendor Credits

Photography: Christina Lilly Photography

Tent: Sperry Tents NJ

Caterer: et al Fine Foods

Florist: Devon & Pinkett

Architectural sketch: Todd Schmeling Portraits

VW Photobooth: VW Booth Bus

 

 

 

 

An Intimate Palm Springs Inspired Wedding

Inspired by the bright, poppy colors and endless summer days of Palm Springs, we dreamt up a color palette as beautiful as a sunset on the West coast. And yes you may recognize this couple from their stunningly romantic wedding & engagement session here and here even though they are gorgeous, they are a real life couple that I had the privilege of being a part of several events leading up to their May wedding. Luckily, Love & Light Photographs was on board as well to capture all of the sweet moments.

Nicole, Mike and I were in the planning process of their “black tie almost 300 people” wedding when they decided to also have a small intimate & traditional church ceremony with just their immediate family. When they asked me to be a part of this as well, of course I said yes!

We started brainstorming how to make this day stand apart from their soft, ethereal wedding the following weekend. A bright and colorful palette filled with coral charm peonies, flamingos and a white-on-white snakeskin linen fit the bill. We had fun to say the least! Mary Kate Moon set the stage with this bright watercolor beauty of an invitation suite. The cactus stamps we found were just so perfect- I love when that happens!

Their wedding dinner was held at Angelica’s in Sea Bright. Originally the plan was to host the dinner outside, but the weather didn’t cooperate but in my opinion was sweet to be nestled inside by the glow of candlelight.

One of my favorite little details were these wooden laser cut place cards from Ever Laser. I always recommend that for a head table at a wedding or a small dinner party to assign seating to take the guess work out of where to sit and encourage great conversation.

We also had some fun with a few details like the custom napkins and fun flamingo cake topper. The cake topper on a cake from The Vintage Cake was created by Ann Wood. You can shop the cake topper here.

Jessa of Love & Light always does an amazing job of scouting the best location for portraits. She spotted this bright teal door with striped awning and we knew we had to shoot the newlyweds here. These two are so in love and I felt so lucky to get to know them & witness their true partnership during this wedding planning journey.

For anyone wondering what it was like to have two ceremonies. I can guarantee you that it made it even that more special. From the bride Nicole, “Having two ceremonies is something we couldn’t be happier about.  They were both incredibly different and special in their own way.  The church was so intimate and romantic.  It was a day for us to spend such a sacred moment with our closest family members.  The large ceremony was just breathtaking and it truly felt like a wedding.  I wouldn’t change a thing!”  Not to mention, it goes by so fast so why not do it twice!

Vendor Credits: Photography Love & Light Photographs //Design and Florals Gilded Lily Events //Paper Goods MaryKate Moon // Cake The Vintage Cake //Place Cards Ever Laser Venue// Anjelica’s // Cake Topper Ann Wood // Bride’s Dress Anthropologie // Groom’s Suit Tommy Hilfiger // Vintage Stamps Gubba Gumma