To Elope Or Not To Elope

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

WDW: How To Search For Your Venue

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

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


  

Events AROUND Your Wedding

Events AROUND Your Wedding

 

Hello love birds!

 

Today we are thinking about weddings and all the events and celebrations that surround them.

 

You may be scratching your head and thinking…what events?

 

There are lots of ways to celebrate your upcoming nuptials and there are so many events these days that have been built around weddings.

 

Let’s break it down by PRE-Wedding and POST-Wedding.

Take a look —

 

Events AROUND Your Wedding, PRE – Wedding:

Photoshoots

Engagement Shots — this is typically a fun first way to really celebrate your engagement. Couples get to get dressed up and take pictures in an area that is special to them and then these pictures can be used for all kinds of things! The pictures can be used for save the dates, wedding websites and can even be showcased on the wedding day!

Bridals — this is a photoshoot dedicated to capturing the bride in her dress ahead of the wedding day. Typically these are shot at the venue and are reflective of what you will look like on your wedding day. People do these shoots because there is rarely time to capture these images on wedding day. Plus how fun is it to get to wear your wedding dress TWICE???

 

Engagement Parties

— typically these happen within the first few months of getting engaged. It is a great way to get together with friends and family members and celebrate the wedding that is to come. Some fun ideas for these parties are: his & hers celebrations, cocktail hours, themed bashes

 

Showers

— showers are where the presents typically come in. While grooms can have showers, brides are usually the stars of these events. Family members usually hold these early in the day showers so friends and families can come shower the bride in all the gifts she and her love registered for early on in the planning process.

 

Rehearsal Dinners

— a great way to get everyone together one last time before the big day. Rehearsal dinners are wonderful because they typically include sentimental toasts, stories and bonding moments between the blending families. This is a great time to give gifts to parents and celebrate your bridal party too.

 

Events AROUND Your Wedding, POST – Wedding:

 

Post Wedding Brunches

— A big trend happening in weddings right now is post wedding brunches. This is a great way to celebrate after the big event with friends and families and bask in the glow of being a newlywed. These are fun as you are able to chat about the wedding and what everyone thought and loved about it.

 

Collective Honeymoons

— Now this is a new one even for us, but another recent trend going on in weddings right now is taking a honeymoon where friends and families can come along! If you are a fan of big groups and want to travel with buddies, this may be for you! 

 

Needing more ideas about how to celebrate after the wedding? We loved this article from One Fab Day. You will be inspired by these fun ideas!

 

Also, if you need help finding a local venue for one of these events be sure to look on our website! Most venues love to do additional celebrations on top of weddings!

 

Until next time love birds,

C + K

 

**picture by Al Gawlik