To Elope Or Not To Elope

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To Elope Or Not To Elope

Welcome back lovebirds!

Today we are talking about a very hot topic: Micro Weddings and Elopements.

We know we have done a blog on this subject before…BUT today we are talking about the idea and question of whether or not you should elope…

As you know, 2020 was the year of the smaller event thanks to Covid.

Now, 2021 has been more about celebrating and finally getting to WED — BUT — micro weddings and elopements are still happening.

Are you wondering why?

We think this is a trend to stay. There is a lot to be said about the positive points for doing smaller affairs and we are going to run through some reasons on why you still might want to elope or do a micro wedding despite Covid not being the determining factor.

To Elope Or Not To Elope

Reasons TO ELOPE:

Budget Friend

Smaller weddings mean smaller guest counts which means a lot more money to go things you want to spend your budget on: photographer, food, honeymoon, etc.

Intimacy and Meaningful

Sometimes when you have a big day, it can feel a little less special and more like a show. If you have a smaller event then you may feel like you can really connect with the people who are there.

Venue/Vendor Availability

Micro weddings and elopements typically happen during the weekday or in slower seasons for wedding planning. Also, due to their size this may mean that venues and vendors have more flexibility to schedule them!

Destination Wedding Fun

When you think on a smaller scale, this might make traveling to your dream wedding destination more of a possibility! Plus, guests might be able to make it on the trip too!

Less Stress

If you are just focused on getting married and not all the fuss that can surround larger days, the likelihood that your stress level goes down goes way up!

Now, if you are wondering if there are any reasons to possibly not think smaller when it comes to your wedding, here are some reasons we came up:

Reasons to possibly NOT Elope

Inability To Celebrate With Everyone

When you go to a smaller type event, that usually means not being able to invite everyone you know to your big day. This can sometimes risk hurting people’s feelings or even make you sad not to see all the faces you want to see.

Not Getting Your “Dream Wedding”

By doing a more intimate event, some people worry that they are risking the ability to have that wedding they have always dreamt of. They think smaller means losing out on detail or sentiment…

Not as Traditional

With the idea of doing this newer “cooler” type of wedding, it is some people’s opinions that tradition of a “big day” will be lost if you do a micro wedding or elopement.

So, as you can see lovebirds, like with anything in life, there are pro’s and con’s to the idea of eloping..

We are big fans though and as we can see in the Central Texas area, lots of couples are loving this new idea and option for their special day too.

Need help knowing what venues can help you with your micro wedding or elopement?

Let us know and we will connect you with your favorite venues to discuss availability and smaller options 🙂

Until then, we can’t wait to hear about all  your planning adventures! 

Cheers to love and cheers to intimate events!

C+K

Tips for Enjoying Wedding Planning

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Tips for Enjoying Wedding Planning

 

Welcome back to the WDW Blog, lovebirds!

 

Today we are talking about a subject you know we are all too passionate about: wedding planning!

 

Since we help you with one of the first steps of wedding planning, it is important to us to help you throughout the rest of the planning journey too.

 

Wedding planning can be so hard. It is a brand new endeavor that you have never tackled before and most likely never will again either. 

 

There are so many details, so many costs, so many questions! It can be completely overwhelming!

 

However, if done correctly, wedding planning can be really exciting and enjoyable too!

Here are some of our favorite tips for making the process a lot more fun and lot less hectic for you and your love!

 

Tips for Enjoying Wedding Planning

 

Hire HELP!

We know we might sound like a broken record, but this is the most important piece of advice we can give you: HIRE A PLANNER/COORDINATOR.

These professionals are incredible and are going to make the wedding planning process so much better for you. They will help you with timeline, details, bookings, etc. Trust us, if you are feeling overwhelmed you are going to feel so much better when you hire someone to help with all the little details you haven’t even thought of yet!

 

Hire Help You Connect With!

Hiring people you bond with is also SO important. If you hire someone you don’t like or don’t trust it is not going to help anything. In fact, it may do the exact opposite and make you feel even more stressed! No fun! Make sure you really vet the people you hire, interview them, see if you can really get along with them before putting them on the job.

 

Take Time Off

You might feel like planning your wedding is a second job. In some ways, it kind of is, especially if you are on a tight timeline. However, just like a normal job, it is ok to take time off! If you need a day (not weeks or months!!) to clear your mind and not think about all things wedding, take the day to have a little break. The break will help immensely and you will be ready to jump back in and tackle more details when you revisit everything.

 

Make it a Team Effort

You don’t have to go through this alone. After all, you are getting married to someone, so let that special someone help you and jump in! They say there is strength in numbers, so let your partner join in on the fun, make decisions and be collaborative with you! It will make the process all the more special too if you work together because come wedding day you can look at the amazing day you created together!

 

Make it Fun

Wedding planning doesn’t mean you have to be on the computer or on the phone all day bored and alone. Especially if you have your partner helping out, make it a fun and relaxing experience. Maybe go on a date and during the date look at all the florists you love on Instagram. Eating and planning can totally go hand in hand. Plus what is more romantic than talking about your upcoming wedding day??

 

Hopefully all these little tips will make your wedding planning process much smoother, lovebirds!

 

It is our hope for you all that you love the journey and enjoy every moment that leads up to your special day.

 

If you are struggling or need more help, let us know! That is why we are here. 

 

Until then, take a deep breath, enjoy the process, and watch your beautiful wedding unfold!

 

Cheers,

C+K

 

WDW Venue Showcase: Mae’s Ridge

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WDW Venue Showcase: Mae’s Ridge

 

Hello again, lovebirds!

 

Today we are shedding some light on an amazing venue that we love called, Mae’s Ridge.

 

Just outside of Dripping Springs, the chic and modern barn overlooks 28 acres of incredible Hill Country Views.  

The interior is crisp and sophisticated. Like nothing else we see in the area! This venue is one of a kind and we could not recommend it enough if this is the aesthetic you want for your wedding day!

 

Ready to learn more about the amazing Mae’s Ridge?

 

Here is some history:

Joell and Rick Ebbert (the owners) have built and remodeled several homes in California, Colorado and Austin.  Joell has been an Interior Designer for 20 years and has worked on the Property Brothers HGTV series– no detail goes unnoticed!

Known as the ultimate entertainers, Joell and Rick throw parties quite often for 100+ of their closest friends and needed a space to host outside of their home.  This lead to the building of Mae’s Ridge.  Friends and family are what life is all about for the Ebberts and you are assured that they have thought of every detail to make sure your celebration.

And boy did they! From the bridal suite to the sprawling grounds, every single back drop for your wedding day will be absolutely stunning.

 

Pricing:

Monday- Thursday- $4,000 (11:00- 10:00)

Friday- $7,000  (11:00- 11:00)

Saturday- $9,000 (11:00- 11:00)

Sunday- $6,000 (11:00- 10:00)

These hours may be moved up by 2 hours (example 9:00 am to 9:00 pm).

**They allow one extra hour for clean up.

 

Planner needed?

Yes! They require you to have a “Day of” Coordinator or wedding planner so your day runs smoothly.  We can offer a list of our favorites for you to choose from and work directly with.

 

Amenities included:

– A climate controlled, modern farmhouse-style barn for indoor ceremony and/or reception

– 250 folding white ceremony chairs

– 250 rattan and white reception chairs (which are unique to Mae’s Ridge)

– Round tables for 250, cake and buffet tables

– Several gorgeous settings for ceremony spots including The Grove and Sunset Ridge and the Pavilion

– Indoor/outdoor bar and patio including a lush green lawn for lawn games and cocktail hour 

– Gorgeous bridal lounge with private bathroom and shower

– New Groom’s (or extra wedding party) room with lounge, bar, TV, covered patio

-Vendors extra room

– 2 hour photo session

– 1 hour rehearsal (time and date permitting when there is not an event) You may use this as an extra hour for on your wedding day (prior).

– An amazing preferred vendor list to assure you are in best hands

– Several fun photo  spots including: with Rusty (our cute truck that always has a smile on his face), our distressed barn with a turquoise barn door, and 360 degrees of amazing Hill Country Views

 

Have you fallen in love yet, lovebirds? We bet so!

Mae’s Ridge is always offering tours. Go there for yourself and fall in love. You will not be sorry!

If you would like us to connect you with this amazing venue, let us know too! We are here to help!

Until next time, lovebirds!

Cheers to amazing venues and cheers to LOVE,

C+K

 

**All information taken from Mae’s Ridge website**

 

 

 

Venue Showcase: Springdale Station

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Venue Showcase: Springdale Station

 

Well hello lovebirds!

 

It is that time again! Time to introduce you to another amazing Central Texas wedding venue!

 

Springdale Station is located in the downtown heart of Austin, Texas. It is an amazing option for all kinds of events and is splendidly unique.

 

Venue Showcase: Springdale Station

First we want to take a little look at its historical roots. 

 

“Springdale Station is a historic train station built by Arthur Upshaw Boone. Arthur Boone, a descendent of Daniel Boone, was born in 1921 in Kentucky and passed away in 2008. After fighting in World War II, he moved to Austin to begin a food manufacturing company, Frostex Foods. As his business thrived for nearly four decades, he invested his resources into his passion for trains and built what is now known as Springdale Station in the field next door to his warehouse.

Boone sold his business in 1987 and his family later sold the property to a local developer in 2003. Springdale Station is nestled alongside the warehouse, sitting in a beautiful field as if it were a time capsule. Owner Moya McIntyre conceived the idea to breathe life back into the old relic. She joined forces with the developer to convert the unique train station into a public event venue to be shared with all of Austin. 

In the summer of 2016, Springdale Station opened to the public, as an event venue, a one of a kind space to host parties, receptions, fundraisers, weddings, and community events.”

Now, on to the interesting booking points!

 

Booking Options:

There are two booking options, so you can pick what works best for you!

  1. “Do it Yourself (DIY)” 
  2. “Turnkey”.

 DIY means that you rent the venue from Springdale Station and then you hire your own caterer, bartender, florist, etc. 

Turnkey is when we organize everything for you using our in-house vendors. This can be a great option if you would like the venue to handle all of the details.

 

Their Rental Rates:

They fluctuate depending on the day of the week and the month of the year. The nightly rate ranges from $3,000 to $7,300 depending on the season.

 

Amenities included with the rental price:

A comprehensive furniture package, which includes (300) fruitwood chairs, (125) white ceremony chairs, (20) 60” round tables, (18) 8′ banquet tables, (10) 30” cocktail tables, (9) 36″ natural wood cocktail tables, (2) sweetheart tables, (2) 6′ tables, (16) copper barstools, (10) gold barstools, (4) custom hardwood farm tables, and (3) two mobile wooden bars  + all of the setup and break down labor (Please note that linens and all dining items including cups, flatware, plates, napkins must be rented from an outside vendor or bought and brought in.)

A contemporary triangular maple wedding arch with a brass inlay

A hand crafted steal diamond arch with a brass patina 

Privacy curtain for outdoor wedding ceremonies

In-house styled lounge sets with two indoor lounges and one outdoor lounge

In-house floral options

Yard games

 

Is it just us or does this venue sound like a dream?

We love their team, we love the location, we love the building…there is so much to love!

Be sure to check out Springdale Station if you are looking for a one of a kind venue for your special day. We cannot recommend it enough!

 

Have questions or want us to connect you?

Let us know!


Until next time lovebirds, cheers to amazing wedding venues!

C+K

 

 

 

*all information taken from Springdale Station website*

*all photos taken from Springdale Station Instagram*

 

WDW: How To Search For Your Venue

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WDW: How To Search For Your Venue

 

Hello lovebirds,

 

Here at We Do Weddings, we specialize in helping you search for your ideal wedding venue!

 

When it comes to finding that perfect match of a venue, a lot of details can come into play!

 

Today we wanted to run through our search parameter options so you can know exactly what they mean and how to use them!

 

Let’s jump in!

 

Location:

Where do you want to get married, put the city name in there!

 

Time Frame:

When do you want to get married? The system can be as specific as you want it to be…

  1. Specific Date — example: if you want to get married 10/7/22
  2. Specific Date Range — example: if you want to get married sometime in the month of November 2022
  3. Period of Time — example: if you are looking to get married sometime in the next 6-9 months

 

Price Range:

What is your budget? How much do you want to spend?

 

Guest Count:

How many people do you want to have at your wedding? What can venues accommodate?

 

Ceremony Site– Indoor/Outdoor:

Where do you want to get married? Are you a fan of indoors or out?

 

Alcohol Availability:

Does the venue allow alcohol? Does the venue provide alcohol? Do you have to provide your own alcohol?

 

Catering Availability:

Does the venue provide catering? Do you have to provide your own catering?

 

In House Florist Availability:

Does the venue provide a florist? Do you have to provide your own florist?

 

In House Planner Availability:

Does the venue provide a planner? Do you have to provide your own planner?

 

Lodging Capabilities:

Does the venue provide any lodging options for overnight guests?

 

 

See lovebirds, so easy right?

We hope this little refresher on how to use the site was helpful!

If you need any additional help, let us know. That is what we are here for!

 

Until then, sending lots wedding vibes you way!

Cheers to your searching fun,

C+K

 

Top 5 Things To Look For When Choosing A Venue

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Top 5 Things To Look For When Choosing A Venue

Hello again lovebirds,

As you know, we love all things wedding venues! So, today we thought we could talk about the Top 5 things we think you should look into when choosing a venue!

While there are so many details to think about when deciding on what venue you want for your wedding day, we think these five things are crucial and can really help you when it comes to decision time.

Let’s take a look!


Here are the Top 5 Things To Look For When Choosing A Venue

  1. Privacy
  2. Space
  3. Features You Like
  4. Available Backup Plans
  5. Good Customer Service

Now, let’s break them down!

Privacy:

When getting married it may be important to you that the venue belongs to just you and your event the day of. When talking to venues, see if you have to share the space! Privacy also comes into play when getting ready and preparing for the day. Especially if you aren’t sure that you want to do a first look, think about asking about a specific and private space where you and your spouse-to-be can get dressed and prepped ahead of the ceremony!

Space:

Having enough space to do everything you want during your wedding is a big deal. The most beautiful venue in the world may exist but if it cannot fit the needs of your guest count, then you may want to think about looking elsewhere (or resizing your guest list). Make sure the space can accommodate your guest count and that it has enough space to do things you want to do like have a cocktail hour, dance, photo booth, etc.!

Features You Like:

this one always has us thinking of that sentiment, “you only get married once”…well if you only do this once, it is important that you love the space you marry in. If there is something specific your heart desires in a wedding venue, like an outdoor ceremony space, lodging, or a built in bar, seek out venues that have those special details. The more you love about the space, the more you will love your wedding day. Don’t compromise on details, they will be what make you smile come the day of and when looking back at pictures.

Available Backup Plans:

Texas is known for its crazy weather. One minute it is sunny and beautiful, the next it is pouring down rain. If you really love a venue, make sure they have provisions in place come yucky weather days. THEN, make sure that rain plan is okay with you. Bad weather plans usually involve tenting (which can be more money) or doing an indoor ceremony. Do your homework here!

Good Customer Service:

Working with a great team is so important when it comes to wedding planning. See if you like the vibe your venue gives off during the tour, through email, via phone, etc. If you don’t love the staff, communication may be difficult and you do not want to deal with the additional stress during wedding planning! Make sure your personalities mesh!!

As you can see, there is a lot to think about when it comes to choosing a venue, lovebirds! 

There are even more things to consider than just what is on this list.

If you have questions or concerns about your venue prospects, let us know! We are always happy to help!

Until then, do your homework and FALL IN LOVE with a venue!

Sending you all the food luck vibes! Cheers!

Xo,

C+K


  

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