From Ring To Veil | Wedding Planning Podcast

Bachelor Party Ideas - Episode #132 A bachelor party seems to be a right of passage for men getting married.  It doesn't always need to be a night of debauchery or turn out to be like the movie The Hangover, it can be a night of male bonding and adventure. Traditionally the Best Man was in charge of hosting the evening.  It originally was a gentlemen's evening with dinner, drinking, smoking, nd toasting. Make it a guys weekend and make sure to schedule it way in advance of the wedding. Schedule fun things to do each night (Friday and Saturday) and plan something during the day on Saturday. Sunday morning do breakfast and say goodbye Make a weekend out of it Take a road trip Camping Vegas Beach destination Mountain destination Nighttime activities: Pub crawls- Gambling/Casino night Nice steakhouse dinner and cigar bar Poker night Take in a baseball/hockey/football/basketball games If you just need to do a strip club, opt for a high class one (sexy, not raunchy), do research, or take in a burlesque show. Gaming

Writing your Vows – Episode #131 Update on everything! We have talked about vows before on the show, episode #41 but this time we want to help you write them.  To get you thinking about what to say. Writing vows for some of us is scary. Speaking in front of everyone and pledging your life and love is a big deal not to be taken lightly. Hopefully, we can help with the stress of writing them. Tips: Some religions require that you use traditional wording so make sure that you know what your "rules" are and follow them. Talk with your fiance about what you each want to do and agree on what is allowed. Start out by asking yourself some questions: What does marriage mean to you? Why are you marrying your fiance? Do you have a favorite memory? What do you hope for your future? Do you know what will make her happy? What are your promises? You need a few, at least 2, that you want to promise and can keep. Nothing embarrassing, you can make it a little funny if that's how you are but nothing that is going to make y

Wedding Toasts – Episode #130 Wedding toasts. Who gives them and what do they say? Today we are giving you the answers to your questions! The bride's father, the groom, and the best man all usually give toasts. Sometimes maids or matrons of honor also give a toast. Bride and groom should give a thank you toast to guests. Tips on giving speeches:  Personal Humor Thanks Strong opening and closing Not too long PRACTICE! Father of the Bride and/or Groom toast:  Welcome guests and thank them Feelings and relationship to daughter Acknowledge families joining Wish the couple's future The Groom:  Big deal Thank the bridesmaids and groomsmen Parents should be thanked, special memories Thank the bride's parents Thank guest for coming and for gifts Toast his new bride with love The Best Man:  Thank you's to bridesmaids and fellow groomsmen Reminisce about the groom and couple Humor is a must Wishes for couple's future Maid of Honor:  Boost the bride Sentimental stories Thank the bride and bridesmaids Wishes for

Planning your Beach Wedding Episode #127 Today we are taking you to the beach and helping you plan your beach wedding! We love beaches. Any kind really. Beaches, winds, sun, we'll let you know how to make it work. Ceremony Yes, Reception No The Smell, Seafood No Big Dress, Down the aisle in a huge dress Sandals, NO heels, maybe barefoot, foot jewelry Let the guys go informal, cargos... Jorts?  #nojorts  Shorts/jeggings... No Veil, cool for pics but not for the ceremony Updos, combs, floral pieces Check out the beach rules, open to public or no? Hawaii beaches are all public No Chairs allowed usually Prepare guest Welcome bags with bug spray, sunscreen, water Shoe Station – swap for flip flops Provide shade Refreshments Wooden benches – withstand ocean breezes Prepare for the wind Hair Arbor Chairs Flowers No tall arrangements No aisle petals Daytime Ceremony Backup plan Ie. Resort area Sound system Waves and the wind Upscale port o potty Décor ideas Lights!  String Suttle touches of blues instead of seashe

Planning Budget Savvy Weddings – Episode #128 We all know that DIY can save you some money but what are some other money saving ways to plan a wedding? Well, we have Jessica Bishop of Budget Savvy Bride here with us today and she is the queen of planning beautiful weddings on a budget. Jessica Bishop of The Budget Savvy Bride has been sharing tips and secrets since planning her own wedding back in 2009. She has info for wedding budgets as low as $1000.  Jessica is here today to share some of those secrets with us. -Jessica's journey -Besides DIY what are your 5 top tips for planning budget savvy weddings?  Budget  Smaller guest list to create a better experience for your guests  Resources from friends and family  Consider less traditional and Upcycling  Think outside the box - catering -Where are the best places to buy/rent décor? Oriental Trading  Luna Bazaar  Buy/Sell  Buy Nothing on Facebook -How do you acquire top quality vendors on a strict limited budget?  Realistic Expectations within your budget

Ideas for Vow Renewals – Episode #127 In this episode, we answer two awesome listener emails! First email:   French Lady Hello! Love the podcast, and have only started listening to your podcast when my husband of 20 years decided that he wanted to do a vow renewal! I've gotten a lot of wonderful ideas regarding a wedding, but not a lot of information regarding a vow renewal. Since we have already had the big wedding years ago, I'd like to know what the etiquette is regarding a vow renewal??? Should we invite folk or not, do we need to have a reception or not, what role our parents would play, etc. We certainly don't need gifts, and I'm pretty sure that's something that's not appropriate to do anyway.I want to wear white (though I'm sure someone will snicker--I have three teenage kids!!!), but my heart is set on this. Should we do mailed invites or special photographs with a photographer, and what sort of things are the thing to do for a vow renewal? Would really, really love to hear some advice on this, thoug

Farm to Table Weddings - Episode #126 New Patron on Patreon - Kelly Butchien of http://www.thesimplyorganizedteacher.com/  This is her space to share her thoughts, ideas, and knowledge she has gained as a classroom teacher. Each Tuesday she posts a new blog with tips and tricks to help other have a Simply Organized classroom.  Thank you, Kelly!!! We aren't experts in this new-fangled 'farm to table' wedding trend. So we asked a friend to come to help us explain this topic. The previous co-owner of not only Woodland Meadows farms but also the owner of Activity Girl consulting, Amee Quiriconi is here today to help us explore the topic of farm to table weddings. She is an entrepreneur, inventor, product designer, and boss. Amee joined Woodland Meadows Farm in 2011 and has been tirelessly building it and Dairyland farms into premier wedding venues here in the Snohomish area. -What does Farm to Table mean? -How do you plan a farm to table wedding/reception? -Give us some ideas for decor for a farm to table wedding

Totally Cool Things To Do At Your Wedding Episode #125 Shannon found this fun article and we decided to share it with but with our own opinions OF COURSE! Make sure you listen to the episode! Get engaged without a ring. Have a big-ass public proposal. non-diamond ring. Propose to the man. And give him an engagement ring. Post a photo of your engagement ring on Facebook and Instagram. Skip choosing "wedding colors." Have a tiny guest list. Get married on a holiday weekend. Keep toxic people off your guest list, even if those people are your family members. Have bridesmen and groomsmaids. Don't have a bridal party at all. Wear a colorful wedding dress. Or a black one. Or a short one. Refuse to go on a pre-wedding diet. Get married someplace other than a church. Walk down the aisle to your favorite rock song. Ask your grandma to be a bridesmaid or your daughter to be your ring bearer. Have a dry wedding. Serve something other than wedding cake for dessert. Serve only cake and punch at your reception. Skip the b

Elopements with Erika of The Greatest Adventure – Episode #124 Marla Singer, Jen loves Dan, and Ciaocat Apple Podcast Reviews – Thank you! Today we share all about elopements with you!  It may not seem like the best option but listen in to what Erika has to say, you may just change your mind! Erika Hernandez of The Greatest Adventure is here with us today.  She is a senior planner with New Creations Weddings and specializes in Elopements.  She brings to the table her experiences working with professional sports, corporate conferences, and nonprofits as well as working with some of Seattle's top wedding coordinators! Erika is here today to help us explore the topic of elopements. A few things we discuss: Tell us a little about yourself and why you specialize in elopements What exactly is an elopement? Why elope? How do you plan for an elopement? Is an elopement all inclusive? Can a couple elope anytime anywhere? Elopement costs What are some do's and don'ts of elopements? Where are some of your fav elopement p

Wedding Venues in the Spokane Wa Area Episode #123 8 Wedding Venues in the Spokane Wa Area. Intimate to large weddings, the Spokane WA area has them all with views to boot! Foxwood House Located in Pend Oreille County between Newport and Diamond Lake. Backyard there sits a 1950’s Texaco Gas Station, a Saloon, a Victorian Cottage, a Gazebo and a 20×30 pergola. Foxwood House can accommodate 200 plus people Tables and chairs and linens for up to 200 people Venue Available Mid May thru September   The Cannons Edge Colbert WA, 1800 sq ft Timber frame building with large surrounding patios Lots of décor available Parking for up to 150 vehicles   Arbor Crest Four acres of gardens and grounds for you and your guests to enjoy vine-covered evergreens Croquet Court and the Event Stage, extends from the Gate House to the historic Florentine-style Cliff House The Enchanted Forest can accommodate up to 300 guests The Vineyard Tent can accommodate up to 225 guests for a reception; additional seating on the Vineyard Lawn inc

Wedding Lighting Options for Ceremonies and Receptions - Episode #122 Marie Kubin is the CEO of the nationwide rental company, Rent My Wedding. In efforts to cut costs on her own wedding, she was led to something called bride-sharing.   She's here to provide us with some expert advice on wedding lighting options for ceremonies and receptions. She tells us about her journey. What unique options are available for ceremonies? Unique options for receptions? Custom gobos? Ie. Hand lettering to match the wedding suite. Spotlights, what can you spotlight, what do you suggest? Trends? What are you seeing done lately? Rent My Wedding Segment/Addendum Email from local vendor Cynthia Kuni, Harpist giving us some more info after listening to Episode 56 on hidden fees  Late weddings (more the 15 minutes late).The only ambiguous cost I have ever had to charge is the "late wedding" fee. My contract does state that late weddings will incur a fee after a grace period, but the length of the "overtime" can vary so much. With

Unique Wedding Ceremony Rituals - Episode #121 Unique wedding ceremony rituals can be something that's been passed down through history or something that you can just make up as you go.  Today we share some of the more unique rituals that are happening. Handfasting – pagan ritual of tying hands together Ring warming, hanging/organza bag Quilt wrapping Lei exchange Rose ceremony - giving or getting them Sand ceremony – hourglass Unity cross - two piece Wine box love letters – add bottle of wine and letters, determine an anniversary, lock box at the wedding (different variations, rum and nailed) (also having guests sign the bottle) Earth mixing - gathered earth from all the homes each has ever lived in and mixed the earth together in a single jar. Beer blending - Same concept as sand Wine blending Salt covenant - Ancient ceremony ritual Tree planting - take home or plant at the venue Stones – each guest holds a stone, makes a wish for the couple (can even write it on the stone) place it in a decorative bowl or

Wedding Words Glossary Part 7 – Legal Terms – Episode #120 Legal terms...so confusing and scary. Today we are going to share with you some legal terms so that you can understand what you are reading and be a bit more comfortable with the contracts your vendors are giving you. Independent Contractor- a person or business which performs services for another person or entity under a contract between them, with the terms spelled out such as duties, pay, the amount and type of work and other matters. An independent contractor is distinguished from an employee, who works regularly for an employer. Client-a person or group that uses the professional advice or services of a lawyer, accountant, advertising agency, architect, etc Retainer-a fee paid in advance to someone in order to secure or keep their services when required. Deposit-a sum payable as a first installment on the purchase of something or as a pledge for a contract, the balance being payable later. Usually, when it says deposit it will say non-refundable

BoHo Wedding Ideas Episode #119 The boho wedding is one of my (Kim's) favorites. Things like earthy, flowy, soft, and romantic are all things that describe the boho wedding. BoHo Wedding Dress Free and flowy Floral hair wreaths or greenery Unique veils Messy looks hair, braids, waves Faux fur and feathers BoHo Wedding Décor Romantic and earthy Floral and plant elements – chairs, dishes, arbor, cake... Branches and ribbons Natural, rugs, dreamcatchers, Fairy lights actually lights of any kind Arches and swings Floor seating on pillows Hanging botanicals Macrame backdrops Chill areas/lounges Doilies Draped ropes Blankets Family style Candles BoHo Wedding Floral Bright wildflower look Lots of greenery Earthy elements Succulents BoHo Wedding Cakes Florals including painted Naked w/florals or fruits Drippy Use elements from your wedding, if feathers are your vibe go for it BoHo Wedding Invitations Water colored Earthy, kraft paper... Botanical Laser cut Belly bands that have elements of your wedding, floral, dream

Asian and Pacific Island Weddings – Episode #118 Today we have with us guest host, Rebecca Grant of New Creations Weddings. Rebecca began her wedding planning career on the island of O’ahu. She has planned weddings in Oahu, Maui, Portland, and the greater Seattle area. Rebecca is seen as the premier authority on Asian wedding customs within the Seattle market. She is here today to give us a little insight into Asian/Pacific Island Weddings. Tell us about your journey, how did you become an Asian/Pacific Island wedding specialist? What traditions do you most often see? Chinese weddings Japanese weddings Filipino Hawaiian What do you do if a couple is Asian, but doesn’t really want to bring in a lot of culture or traditions into the wedding day? We understand and respect family dynamics We understand what is done if an item or gift is given See if we want to honor parents/grandparents Are there other vendors that are bilingual or specialize in Asian weddings? I have found several photographers and a few vi

More Weddings in the News – Episode #117 We have new reviews on iTunes!  Thank you so much for your support and for letting us know. We are encouraged by the feedback that we've been receiving recently.  Please let us know if there is anything we can do, talk about, or share with or for you. This is a fun episode are excited to share it with you. Thought we'd take a look at more weddings/brides in the news, we found a lot of weddings news. So many don't but a few do's. Make sure you listen to hear our thoughts on these articles. Some good some not so good. Party Bus Carrying Bride and Groom Catches Fire On Way To Wedding, (Everyone Is OK!) http://www.bravotv.com/blogs/party-bus-carrying-bride-and-groom-catches-fire-on-way-to-wedding-everyone-is-ok Don't Dos: 10 UNBELIEVABLE WEDDING PLANNER HORROR STORIES https://www.thrillist.com/news/nation/wedding-planner-horror-stories Woman Pops The Question To Boyfriend Wearing A T. Rex Costume http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/marriage-proposal-t-rex-costume_us_58c

Spring Wedding Ideas - Episode #116 Subscribe to From Ring to Veil anywhere you listen to podcasts. If we aren't there, please let us know because we want to be there! If you don’t know how to subscribe just let us know and we will help you!! Spring is just about here! We have lots of spring wedding ideas for you to consider.  From Spring Wedding trends to florals available. Spring Wedding Trends: Bring color back, pops of bright colors Elaborate entrances Far away destinations Adventure Destination Weddings Episode #114 Planning virtually (mobile) Vertical visual interests –using empty space Floral chandelier Fabric Garden inspired florals – greenery based Unique guest experiences Food stations – self-serve/taco bar Games – Lawn Entertainment – cool bands Photo booths Dessert bars instead of cakes Donut walls S'mores Never ending feast Giving to charities instead of gifts Bring in the tech Snapchat filter Hashtags Wedding websites:  fromringtoveil.com/appy Paper flower bouquets, centerpieces, or crown Sustai

Gifts for your Bridesmaids and Groomsmen Episode #115 Are you subscribed to the show? Subscribe to From Ring to Veil anywhere you listen to podcasts. If you don’t know how just let us know and we will help you!! Do you know what to get your wedding party as a thank you gifts? Did you even know it was proper etiquette to do so? Well, we've got some great ideas for you. Bridesmaids Gifts Personalized Makeup bag  Tote T-Shirt Necklace Bracelet Robe Hangers Jewelry dish Wine Glasses Water bottle Tumblers/insulated cups Mirrored compact Stationary Journal Organizer Passport covers & Luggage tags Hoodies Bath bombs Spa Set Handmade soaps Paying for hair and makeup on the day of Buying shoes for maids dresses Go with something quite unique Necklace with a pressed flower in the charm Folding ballet flats Find some great vintage jewelry pieces Groomsmen Gifts Personalized Knife Beer mugs Openers Boxers Money clip Hatchet Shaving kit Unique cufflinks Tie clips Cigars Cards, poker set Barware BBQ accessories Humidor

Adventure Destination Weddings Episode #114 We are continuing our destination weddings series with guest hosts Jonny and Elsie Storm of nomoreboringweddings.com. Together they consult couples in planning adventure destination weddings and do a little life and couples coaching! They successfully planned their own adventure destination wedding and are here today to give us some expert advice on how to plan yours! This is what we discuss with Jonny and Elsie. -What exactly is an "adventure" destination wedding - What is an adventure destination wedding? Why do you want to have one? What generally stops people from having them? - The story of our adventure destination wedding - Logistics - Marriage Laws - The 5 W's of Planning a destination wedding (who, what, where, when, why) - How to integrate with local culture - How to cater to different adventure levels of guests - Hiring local help, scouting locations, negotiating bookings A few key takeaways from our discussion: -It's cheaper than you think -Locals, espec

Bridal Shower Etiquette- Episode # 113 Are you subscribed to the show? Well, don’t miss a show! Subscribe to From Ring to Veil anywhere you listen to podcasts. If you don’t know how just let us know and we will help you!! We received an email from a listener asking about bridal shower etiquette and we thought it would be a great topic to discuss. Courtney Shaw's email answer Who hosts? Family members Groom's mother or sister Bridal Party According to Emily Post, the MOH or bridesmaids are not required to host but are encouraged to do so. The Hostess is required to give a gift. Showers should be intimate gatherings, so close friends and family are usually invited. Please ask the bride's advice on who to invite. When to host- two months to 2 weeks before wedding date Guest to the bridal shower should be wedding guests You can have multiple bridal showers, would choose a different theme for them Personal Household Charity Couples Honeymoon/Travel Also if having multiple showers, it would be better to invite peop