Question

“Dear Exclusive, a family friend mentioned something she did for her daughter’s wedding that sounds like an awesome idea; I just don’t know where to find it. Instead of having your typical alcoholic bar [for the reception], they had a coffee bar. They hired a coffee shop and had someone work the wedding making lattes, mochas, frappachino, etc. as if they were in a café. I am a coffee addict, and if I could find something like this for my wedding, it would be very fitting for those who know me well. I am wondering if Lynchburg has [a service] like this that I could [hire for my event]. I had never heard of this until a few weeks ago, so I don’t really know where to look.” - Lucy

Answer

Who says that choosing to forego alcohol means you can’t have a fun and exciting reception, with pretty stemware and unique, signature drinks? An event where your guests stay late and dance the night away because they are having too much fun to leave? While a fine wine and a mixed drink may taste and look beautiful, having a successful event is not dependant upon whether or not you choose to serve alcohol.

In comparison to the cookie-cutter punch station of the past, today’s bride has near limitless possibility when it comes to showing off her individual style and taste. Whether you choose to incorporate alcohol or not, a little creativity and the right planning can satisfy your taste buds and allow you to wow your guests with a reception full of delicious and eye-catching beverage surprises. Your wedding planner can work with you to choose a caterer or beverage vendor who can design a specialty drink bar or create signature drinks that incorporate the colors, scents, and textures embodied in your wedding theme along with your own personalized tastes.

Specialty coffees have become a mainstay for just about everyone, and are especially perfect for the cooler months. You can fashion your own self-serve coffee bar complete with special flavored syrups, toppings, and gourmet cookies to delight your guests and add the warm and cozy vibe of a chic café. Another option is to hire your favorite coffee shop to set up and run a serviced coffee bar to woo your guests with a variety of specialty drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, or frappachinos. With its growing popularity, many local and chain coffee shops now offer this service – including right here in Lynchburg! Love your skinny pumpkin soy latte? Why not make that your signature drink for the evening?

In addition to thinking “outside the box,” when it comes to reception style, it’s also important to think outside the glass! The use of assorted specialty glasses of all shapes and sizes add sparkle to your table, and can be used for everything from sugar-coated lemonades, mock mimosas, and sparkling ciders, to iced-coffee and delicate cordials.

Have fun with garnish! Fresh fruit, edible flowers (like pansies and nasturtiums), herbs, or branches can enhance your drink and add that extra pop while tying in with your wedding theme.

A fun and whimsical non-alcoholic beverage option is to have an Italian soda bar stocked with a variety of flavored syrups for your guests to choose from. Want to make it vintage? Serve your drinks in old-fashioned soda glasses, and use straws colored to match the theme of your wedding.

Want to go fresh? Have a bartender serve freshly squeezed lemon or limeade in martini glasses (upscale) or old-fashioned mason jars (timeless and relaxed). Looking for something more unique? Made-to-order smoothies, Italian ice, and homemade milkshakes are fun and crowd-pleasing spring and summertime drinks. For those a little more daring, have non-alcoholic shooters served in stylish glasses passed around the room.

You can even create an entire bar devoted to your drink of choice. One of the most popular, specialized bars found at weddings this season is the “bubble bar,” which features an assortment of sparkling wines or fruit spritzers.

Consider having a variety of specialized beverage stations or wet bars set up around the reception room as it is a great way to keep your guests occupied and mingling, moving from one place to another as they sample your special drinks.

A little creativity and artistic presentation can go a long way to giving you the look and feel you want while leaving your guests in awe for years to come. Working with a local wedding planner, you can come up with a fabulous plan for an exciting evening with the most delicious and exquisite beverages.

Your guests will have a wonderful experience and they might even forget that their drinks are non-alcoholic.

Thank you to RS Exclusive for their wonderful, fun posting on different drink choices!! If you want to check out their brand new website, be sure to click here … there are lots of pretty things to see! All photos are from Flickr (hover over photos to find out who!).

The big day has finally arrived; the moment in which a woman gets to walk down the aisle surrounded by close family and friends as the man of her dreams is awestruck with the beauty he gets to soon call his wife. The atmosphere is flawless and every expectation of the bride is fulfilled above and beyond what she dreamed or hoped for. The decor is an exact extension of the bride’s personality, and the music enveloping the air around her brings warmth and serenity to this unforgettable moment in her life.

Wait a minute. Unforgettable weddings don’t just plan themselves. Hours upon additional hours are dedicated to creating and orchestrating the wedding that exceeds a bride’s desires. The wedding planner and specialist of your choice can be the all-in-one stop to any bride’s perfect day.

Let’s take you behind the scenes to what goes on prior to when the bride and groom say, “I do”. An event may go off without a hitch, but that doesn’t come without a commitment to work hard and hammer out any issues in advance. When a bride comes with questions about the services offered, a consultation with a planner is both professional and personal, providing answers to anything a bride may inquire about. An event planner can ensure that your requested colors and theme will be incorporated through flowers, linens, candles, and so much more, and an expert can take care of rentals, which is one more stress off your shoulders. Flowers are purchased as close as possible to the wedding day so freshness and vibrancy is guaranteed. Event coordination and direction is another specialty your wedding planner can handle so you don’t have to worry who will run the dress rehearsal if such a need should arise.

Your wedding specialist can recommend a top of the line caterer who will keep all the guests coming back for more at the reception. Every bride has a preference for the type of music she wants at the wedding … from romantic music to songs that pull you off your seat and onto the dance floor. So, the perfect musician or DJ that fits your style can be scheduled. Do you feel anxious about your first dance, and want it to look effortless? All you have to do is ask your wedding planner to help you choreograph (or find someone who can choreograph) the most creative and captivating dance; entrusting them with that special moment will surely be a decision you won’t regret.

With any wedding comes the unavoidable hindrances that put a glitch into the planning. No delay should impede progress or the professionalism your wedding planner can bring to each and every event. If scheduling is thrown off course, if flowers don’t come in when expected, the rentals don’t live up to the standard set high for every wedding, each and every issue will be addressed immediately. Every bride’s desire is fulfilled will care, and attention to detail is everything. The time leading up to the wedding no longer has to be stressful because all you need to do is let your wedding planner take care of your every need so you can breathe easy.

On a day when you want to just sit back, be the bride, enjoy and soak everything in, I would encourage you to think about leaving the coordinating to someone else. You’ll be glad you did!

When considering a wedding planner, we encourage you to check out RS Exclusive along with Love Is in the Air, Ashley Baber Weddings and At Your Service Events Planner. Check them all out on HCB!

Once again, thank you to Rachel McLean of RS Exclusive … she is speaking from experience to the guys out there. I love this twist on an article for those grooms-to-be out there. Enjoy! 

Dear brides, as much as I love you, today’s topic is actually geared toward your man, so be sure to pass this along to your future hubby, as we want him to know he’s not alone if he’s been feeling a bit of the groom-to-be-blues.

(Ladies, before you panic, let me iterate that when I say “blues,” it has absolutely nothing to do with a lack of excitement on your fiancé’s part about making you his bride – of course he’s excited! — rather, it can be a teeny, tiny voice in his head that points out that his lack of experience in the realm of wedding planning renders him useless, and his opinions for the big day, obsolete. Guess what, this is not true!)

Long before there is even a ring, many future brides already have a pretty good idea of what their wedding should look like, and are ready to dive right in to the planning process with their event planner. Guys, not so much. The fact of the matter is that we’re just wired differently, and that’s okay. (Hey, us girls aren’t exactly dying to hit up Lowes for a new set of tools to tackle the leaking plumbing. And if you are, you’re my hero.)

So here’s the part I want to emphasize: while your future groom may not be chomping at the bit to start picking out flower arrangements, chances are deep down he really does want to be a part of this process – after all, it is going to be the biggest day of his life as well. It’s naturally easy as a bride (you’re on a mission!) to get caught up in making all of the decisions — unintentionally dismissing the groom from playing any important role – which can result in the groom feeling a little left out.

And guys, just because you put a lot of time and energy into your proposal doesn’t mean you can just “check out” and show up on the wedding day. This is such an exciting time in your lives, and we want you to enjoy it to the fullest. Sharing your ideas and plans – and most of all, your support – with each other can make this time even more meaningful to your relationship.

So here are a few suggestions and practical tips on how you as the groom-to-be can best support the love of your life and get involved (without feeling in over your head) in the wedding planning process:

1) Don’t be afraid to give your opinion.
Chances are you probably aren’t going to care whether the centerpieces have fruit or flowers, but you may really care about what food and beverages are on the menu, or what the evening entertainment will be like. While it can be easy to feel (unintentionally) left out as planning kicks into high gear, don’t assume your bride doesn’t care what you think. It’s important that your wedding day reflect who you both are as a couple. Write down your ideas as you have them and talk them over together. Your brilliant ideas may just be the ones to make your reception a smash hit.

2) Be an active listener
It pretty much goes without saying that a woman needs to talk, and as the main squeeze in her life, you are the first person she wants to go to when she has something on our heart, ideas to share, or just to let off some steam. Want to go the extra mile? Take some initiative: set your bride down and ask her how she’s doing, what’s on her mind, and how you can make things better. (Brownie points!)

3) Be available
You have no idea how much it means to your bride to just know that you’re there when she needs you – whether that means making phone calls to scope out the band for your reception, or simply there to offer a hug and an encouraging word when she’s feeling stressed. She needs you!

4) Be supportive
So your expertise may not be floral arrangements, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be involved. Express support and provide encouraging feedback to your bride on the choices she’s making. Tell her she’s doing a great job and that you’re proud of how beautiful things are coming together. Trust me on this: your uplifting words, and show of support, go a long way.

5) Don’t forget the romance!
Amidst the busyness of planning your wedding, don’t forget to take time out for some one-on-one, non-wedding-related, time together. (I.e. plan dates!) The whole reason you’re getting married is because you’re crazy about each other. Don’t let the wedding take over and lose sight of the importance of building your relationship during this time.

Thank you again, Rachel! Be sure to check out the website of RS Exclusive when you get a chance to see their amazing work … what a great team they have to make your wedding happen.

Speaking of weddings, tomorrow is your last day to vote for our I Dream of a Wedding couple … who is your favorite?? You have until midnight on Thursday the 1st to tell us!

In addition to being one of the happiest and most exciting times in you and your loved ones’ lives, getting married can also be one of the most emotionally-charged and stressful times for your families – which is only natural as emotions run high.

Regardless of how idyllic your relationship is with your immediate family and future in-laws, if you’re like the rest of us, the months and weeks leading up to your wedding are bound to contain at least some level of familial conflict and discord. Here’s the good news: not only is this perfectly normal, but there are ways you can be proactive to help avoid potential conflict and create an attitude and environment of peace.

Here’s a little-known fact about us wedding planners: in addition to planning and orchestrating the details surrounding a wedding, we also carry the unofficial title of family counselor. You see, after years of working with brides, grooms, mothers, fathers, step-parents, in-laws, and best friends, not only have we pretty much seen and experienced just about every type of family dynamic and discord under the sun, but we’ve also gained some important insight to help make your journey to the alter as stress-free, and full of joy, as possible.

Image by Stone Blue Productions

Communicate in Love
As the bride or groom-to-be, naturally you are excited and anxious at the big day that awaits – but it is easy to forget how important this day is to your families as well. For better or worse — in addition to your own expectations — your respective family members probably have their own ideas as to what your wedding day should look like, and may communicate it in such a way that leaves you feeling without a voice. Instead of fighting over an issue, take time to honestly share your heart and explain why the location/food/dress is so important and memorable to you. Clear communication – spoken in love– can often go a long way toward drawing family in to share your beautiful vision.

Bestow Honor
Most families just desire to be involved and recognized during this special time in your life. By clearly communicating your needs and desires for your wedding, you can better redirect your family members’ involvement in a way that is both honoring to them, and appreciated by you. You’d be surprised at how even the simplest request for help from a loved one can make them feel loved and included.

Image by Visions by Heather

Marriage First, Wedding Second
While it is easy to get completely wrapped up in each detail of your wedding day, it is important to not lose focus from what that day truly symbolizes: the beginning of a lifelong marriage to your best friend and the love of your life. Sure, the color of the flowers in your centerpiece may be important, but ultimately, the strength of your relationship with your future spouse – and the family that will forever be a part of your life – is what will matter most, long after you’ve said, “I do.”

Extend Gratitude
While your wedding is absolutely your day to enjoy – and rightly so – it is important to take time to properly recognize all of the love, and gifts of time and financial support that may be given to you by your loved ones. Any gift given in love – be it large or small – it something to be thankful for, and should never be taken for granted. It is amazing what a heartfelt word of thanks, and a warm hug can do to keep spirits high and conflict low.

Image by Visions by Heather

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
Anticipate and accept that there will some level of anxiety and conflict during the planning of your wedding. By preparing yourself, you will be less likely to overreact, avoiding unnecessary, hurt feelings.

Accept Guidance
As your wedding planner, we are there for you every step of the way on your journey toward marriage. In addition to creative and logistic assistance, we are also here to provide emotional support, and to supply needed direction or advice if family issues arise.

The journey toward marriage is such an exciting process. Choosing to see things from a different point of view, bestowing honor, and making a point to engage in meaningful, and open communication with your loved ones can go a long way toward avoiding potential conflict, and serve to draw your families closer together during this beautiful season of your life.

Images by Stone Blue Productions

Thank you again, Rachel … what wonderful advice to ease tensions that you do not want rising at a wedding. If you would like to visit the site of RS Exclusive, just click here. If you have a question to ask for next month’s column, just email us at info@hillcitybride.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Once again, I am pleased to have the team of RS Exclusive lending their expertise in all things wedding to our HCB readers! Be sure to check out their website to see examples of their work by clicking here.

For many of us, the mention of the word “centerpiece,” usually draws our mind to some sort of arrangement composed of – or centered on – flowers. And with the vast variety of shapes, colors, and sizes available to compliment any number of wedding themes or styles, it is no wonder flowers are often in the spotlight.

However, while fresh flowers most certainly are beautiful, they can also get expensive. For the bride (or hostess) on a tight budget – or simply one who wishes to expand her creativity beyond the norm – with a little inspiration, there is really no limit to what you can create.

Rather than seeing your centerpieces as another item to simply check-off on your “wedding-to-do-list,” use them to show off your individual personality and flair. Those tables are your artistic canvas in a sense, have fun with them.

Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

Want to go natural? Fruit and vegetables can make a beautiful centerpiece. With their bright, natural colors, they can add zest and life to a table. Whether arranged in a vase or spread out in a long, rustic basket, their natural beauty will shine.

(photo: http://youaremyfave.com/gallery/backyard-harvest/)

Bring the outdoors in with the use of branches. For a more modern look, go with a sleek, naked branch, or follow the style of the recently-wed Duchess of Cambridge, and incorporate full, tree leaves to add rich depth and dimension to your tables.

(photo: http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/photogallery/non-floral-centerpieces#slide_7)

Set a romantic mood using all candles. Choose all one style (taper or pillar) for a sleek and elegant look, or mix and match styles and candleholders for a more eclectic, relaxed feel. This type of candlelit centerpiece is especially beautiful for a late afternoon or evening wedding.

(photo:http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/decorating/tips-techniques/magic-candlelight-00000000016059/page2.html by Annie Schlechter)

Another option for adding candlelight to your table is through the use of a beautiful array of lanterns. Again, mix and match for a more eclectic, rustic feel, or use similarly colored lanterns for a more upscale look. Enjoy reading? Incorporating your favorite books (choose volumes with antique or colorful covers) into the mix can add a distinguished, and vintage, feel to your tables.

(photo: http://iloveswmag.com/)

Want to incorporate fresh flowers into your centerpiece without having them as a dominant feature? Consider topping off a variety of vases with water, and either floating or sinking a single flower into the center for a simple, yet elegant, look.

Getting married at the beach? Nothing says summer loving like a little fun in the sand.

(photo: http://www.engagementweddingring.net/wedding-centerpieces/)

Depending upon your theme, potted plants  – like the uniquely-shaped cactus – are another great alternative to a floral centerpiece, while also being eco-friendly. Following your event, these plants can be sent home with family members and guests as special favors to enjoy long into the future.

Who says dessert has to come last? Add some whimsy to your table and surprise your guests with a colorful – and delicious – candy or dessert centerpiece. Choose goodies that coordinate with your color scheme, and then go to town!

(photo: http://budgetdreamweddings.com/2761/candy-buffet-centerpeices/ by Megan Robbins Photography)

Want a little chic without going over-the-top? An airy chandelier made from doilies can be a beautiful addition to both an afternoon and evening affair.

(photo: http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/photogallery/non-floral-centerpieces#slide_3)

These are just a small sampling of non-floral centerpieces that can be done. Whether or not you choose to incorporate floral elements, use your imagination and have fun with it. Remember to utilize your wedding planner! Using their vast experience, they can help you fine-tune your ideas to develop a design that will not only fit your budget, but that will be memorable and special to both yourself and your guests.