Tracy

Deciding on whether to have children at your wedding is a big decision to make…and one that you should solidify early on in your planning. Although small, children will play an influential part in your wedding planning and there will need to be some separate decisions made around them. If you are curious to know what you need to have ironed out before deciding to have or not to have children at your wedding, then stay tuned!

1. First it is important to know that you do not have to have children at your wedding. Evening weddings, weddings with open bars, and classier weddings do not always incorporate children. Daytime weddings, or more casual weddings are the ones where kids are seen most often. It is entirely up to the couple.

2. Be specific on your invite, address it to exactly whom you are inviting to avoid awkward calls from people asking if they can bring their children. Some even specify “adult-only reception” and other specific other things like “children welcomed” so that everyone is clear.

3. Offer childcare services or alternatives, if you can. There is nothing worse than inviting parents to a wedding but having them have to search around for a babysitter because all of the people who they would normally call will also be attending the wedding.

4. Consider using the children to help with other duties during the wedding. Along with the flower girl and ring bearer, there are jobs such as ushers, handing out programs, passing out wedding favors, etc. that can allow the kids to be productive during your ceremony. Just be sure that there is someone who is overseeing the children involved in the wedding.

5. If you are having children, consider having a different meal for them. They are usually less expensive and are not as fancy as the wedding meal. This is not a must, because some parents might confirm that their children can eat off their plates, or eat a normal meal.

6. Designate an area for the kids. Many couples have a “kids table” at the reception where they can get their special food, do small activities, and be entertained during the event. Additionally, some couples have separate rooms for the kids. This way they can really let loose in their own enclosed space.

So as you can see, there are several things to consider and keep at the forefront of your mind when planning for children at your wedding. If you have anymore questions contact Devoted To Your Event and we will help you come to the best decision for you big day!

Source: https://www.marthastewartweddings.com/228425/children-your-wedding?slide=734933

Amber Bentley
Social Media Manager/Event Assistant,
Devoted to Your Event

So, you just got married to the man of your dreams, you are ready to take on your new life with your new last name, but what exactly do you have to do to ensure that you officially change your name? Well, we have the answer for you here!

Step 1: Get your marriage license

Before you can officially drop your maiden name and embrace your new one, you will need to obtain your marriage license. Be sure you have the original or certified document.

Step 2: Change your Social Security card

To do this you will need to go online and file a request for a new Social Security card. Do not worry, the number will be the same, the only thing that will change is your name. Typically this new card will arrive within 10 business days.

Step 3: Change your license at the DMV

In order to get a new license you will need both documents you obtained in steps 1 and 2. Who knows, you might even be able to sneak in an updated license photo!

Step 4: Update your bank accounts and cards

This is important because you will surely need all information on your accounts and cards to match your license. Some wont even let you use your card without your name matching what is on your license. The most efficient way to change this information is to go into your local bank and have your license and marriage certificate handy. Don’t forget to ask for updated checks if you use them.

Step 5: Fill in the blanks

Once you have finished steps 1-4 the rest will be easy. It may be helpful to make a list of all of the things that you know your name is on; here are some of the common things:

• Post office
• Passport office
• Voter registration office
• Various Doctors’ offices
• Employers and payroll
• Electric and other utility companies
• Credit card companies
• Mortgage or landlord companies
• Insurance companies

As you can see, changing your last name is not something that should be a hard task at all. There are many other routes that you can take as well to change this information, some in much less steps. Either way, congrats on your marriage or future marriage, and we wish you a happy transition process!

Source:  https://www.theknot.com/content/name-change-101

Amber Bentley
Social Media Manager/Event Assistant,
Devoted to Your Event

So you want to get married on a special day, but want to avoid the typical Valentine’s Day, Fourth of July or Christmas weddings…well then a New Year’s Eve Wedding is a great option for you! Most people want to go out and celebrate New Years with their special loved ones, so why not invite everyone together to celebrate your wedding as well?

Brides.com mapped out several great tips that one would need to successfully pull off a New Year’s Eve wedding, and Devoted to Your Event is going to share them with you.

1. BOOK IN ADVANCE: New Year’s Eve is a super popular night for parties and events. If you want your dream wedding location then you need to secure your venue as early as possible. Along with the venue, you need to secure your vendors as well, such as your wedding planner (consider www.devotedtoyourevent.com!!!), your florists, caterers, DJ, and more.

2. Notify your guests earlier than normal: Most people will be thinking of their own New Year’s Eve plans.  If you want to ensure than no one makes plans on your big day, send out your invites early so everyone can plan to be there!

3. Provide transportation options: New Year’s Eve is a very popular time on the road, especially at night. You want to make sure that no one is stuck in traffic trying to get to your event, so consider providing a meet-up location and shuttle busses, cabs, etc. for guests to ride to and from your wedding/reception.

4. Be prepared for extra expenses: This day is considered a holiday to some, so that means that prices may be a little higher for things. Being prepared for this is a smart idea.

5. Confirm your vendors’ holiday plans: Your vendors are people and they have families that they want to be with for the holidays as well. Make sure you are aware of when they are working and when they are not, so that you don’t get upset if you cannot reach them on a certain day.

6. Time your wedding and reception so that you are still partying when the clock strikes midnight: Most people opt to have evening ceremonies when getting married on New Year’s Eve, so that they can start their reception around 9 and still be energized for a New Year’s Eve toast at midnight. Providing late night snacks in addition to your food is a great way to keep people energized the entire time.

7. Make midnight a memorable moment: Drop confetti, pass out champagne, do a big countdown, have a big screen where everyone can watch the ball drop in NYC, etc!

All in all, choosing to have a wedding on this day will be special no matter what! Just keep these tips in mind and really go all out to make this day memorable for you and your guests. If you want to read more check out Brides.com.

Happy Wedding Planning! And Happy New Year everyone!

Sincerely,

Devoted to Your Event LLC.

Written by Amber Bentley

Selecting your wedding menu can take a little time. Do you go with your favorite foods? Three course meal or five course? What about food allergies and special diets? All of these things, and more, should be considered during your selection process. However, to make things even more fun, we are going to share 9 wedding menu treats that can be created in addition to your main course!

Popsicle cocktails: Pair two things together that everyone loves, cocktails and popsicles, for a nice fruity treat. All you have to do is pour a half glass of your favorite champagne and stick a popsicle in the glass.

Cookies and milk: Serving cookies and milk during your cocktail hour is something that is not often done, but when it is, it’s a hit! Select your favorite cookie dough, whether it be chocolate milk, oatmeal raisin, sugar, etc., and sit it on the rim of a small shot glass filled with milk.  

Mini grilled cheese and tomato soup: This is another great idea for a snack with substance. Take your grilled cheese sandwich and cut it into 4-6 pieces and put each on top of a shooter glass filled with tomato soup.

Personal pizzas: You cannot go wrong serving pizza at any occasion. Having little bite sized versions will definitely be a snack that goes away quickly, especially if you have children at your wedding.

Mini chicken and waffles:  Serve mini fried chicken bites on top of a mini waffle and for added bonus you can pre-drizzle some syrup on some of them. These definitely work best with toothpicks or stick in them for easier serving.

Fried mac and cheese pops: Just reading this makes our mouths water! For this snack you will need breadcrumbs, the usual mac and cheese ingredients, and an ice cream scooper for easier serving.

Shrimp and grits: Most shrimp meals are a hit at events. Creating a mini shrimp and grits snack, in a bowl, fillo shell, or another edible item will be a hit.

Mini Tacos: You can really get creative with this whether you have beef, chicken, shrimp, etc! Add some lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, or the sauce of your choice

Strawberry shortcake in a jar:  Perfect dessert on the go! You can grab one of these and enjoy on the dance floor, or even take one on your way out.

The selection above is just some of DTYE’s favorites, but there are so many more options for you to choose from! Check out these links from TheKnot.com and Huffington Post:

https://www.theknot.com/content/creative-new-catering-trends

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/07/07/awesome-yummy-wedding-food-ideas_n_7740200.html

Amber Bentley
Social Media Manager/Event Assistant,
Devoted to Your Event

As you may already know, there are many different types of weddings and receptions that one can have. It is no longer all about having your ceremony at the church and your reception at a nice hotel or venue. The standard ideas are few and far between and many more casual, unique and fun traditions are becoming more like the norm. One trend in particular is swiftly growing, and that is the Cocktail Wedding Reception. This type of receptions is a lot more affordable and simple. Does this sound like something you are interested in? If so, then keep reading as we bring you the top tips you need to consider before planning your very own!

1. First up, it is important that you inform your guests. Letting them know in advance is very helpful because most people come to wedding receptions expecting a full course meal.

2. Incorporate appetizer stations. Since you wont be having full meals for your guests, you definitely want to make sure you have some food to snack on…especially if drinks are involved.

3. Presentation is key. To really embrace the “cocktail party” vibe, you should incorporate high top tables for standing, in addition to regular tables and chairs. Also with this type of party, having comfy lounge areas in the room is a good idea, especially for the elders.

4. Don’t have your reception during lunch or dinner time. If you have your reception in between those times, it will allow for your guests to eat before they come and also leave them time to still have dinner before calling it a night.

5. Make sure that YOU get to eat as well. If all you are serving is finger foods and appetizers, you have to be prepared for them to go quickly. Make sure your wedding planner or a family member is assigned to put aside two plates for you an your spouse.

6. Be generous with the alcohol. Make sure that you have a nice variety available for your guests, i.e. liquor, wine and beers. Don’t forget about your mixers as well.

7. Don’t forget your schedule. Whether you are having a traditional reception or a cocktail wedding reception, you still want to have a schedule made to ensure that you partake in all of the special moments, i.e. the first dance, cake cutting, tossing the bouquet, and more.

A cocktail wedding is no less than a normal wedding; it is all about preference! If a cocktail wedding is more your style, then take these tips with you as you plan your very own. And if you need a little more assistance, feel free to contact Devoted to Your Event,  where we assist you to “Host without the Hassle!”

Amber Bentley
Social Media Manager/Event Assistant,
Devoted to Your Event

Your wedding day is arguably one of the happiest days that one can go through. With so many working parts, it is easy for things to get overwhelming so Devoted To Your Event is bringing you 7 tips today that you should keep in mind that will help you have a stress free wedding day!

1. First and foremost hire a wedding planner. A lot of couples think that they can do everything on their own, which is possible…however having a professional on board will make it much more easier!

2. Create a checklist. This is a simple task that you can begin creating well in advance and by the time your big day is here you will have a list that includes everything you need.

3. Keep your schedule clear. This is a biggie! On your big day you don’t want to schedule any big brunches, manis and pedis, etc. Handle all errands before hand and only stick to the necessities such as hair and makeup on your wedding day.

4. On your wedding day you need to be focused on YOU. So, instead of worrying about how your venue and reception hall will turn out, designate someone close to you to be your eyes and ears…along with the wedding planner.

5. Have along time with your spouse…DURING the reception. With all that is going on on your big day, you will probably feel like you are being pulled from left to right. However, it is crucial to take time to actually spend time with your spouse, i.e. be lovey dovey at the table, go off to another area and talk about the ceremony, share several dances together, etc!

6. Arrange for you and your spouses meal to be prepared. There is nothing worse than having a buffet area for the food and the couple not getting any. Ensure that there are special plates made first, OR saved in the back for the couple to eat once they are finished greeting everyone.

7. Our last tip is to remember what is important. On your wedding day it will be easy to get overwhelmed, stressed out, etc. but you must remember that YOU are the one who drives the mood. If you are stressed, everyone else will be too. Keep in mind that it is okay for things to go wrong, just don’t loose sight in what the purpose is…the uniting of you and your spouse on this very special day! If what you are stressing over won’t matter in 1 day, then it is not worth stressing over!

Amber Bentley
Social Media Manager/Event Assistant,
Devoted to Your Event

So, we all know that there is an endless list to work off of when planning for a wedding. When it comes wedding purchases, there are some things that you can and SHOULD splurge on, and there are other things that you should save on. There is no right or wrong decisions, however we have some great insight for you that will help you decide what is worth it!

Splurge:

1. Wedding Dress: Of course this is number one! As a bride, you need to feel AMAZING on your wedding dress so splurging a little to achieve that is perfectly acceptable.

2. Entrees and Appetizers: These two are definitely things you should splurge on! You definitely want your guests to be eating, especially if there is alcohol is involved. Take the time to plan out your menu and ensure that you have enough food for all of your guests.

3. Cake Flavor(s): There is nothing worse than a wedding cake that tastes like a cake from the grocery store. Spend the time cake tasting to ensure that you find the perfect cake and the perfect decorator to make your vision come to life!

4. Wedding/Reception Music: This can make or break your big day! It is imperative that you select the best band, DJ, songs etc. because the music dictates everyone, and I mean EVERYONE’s mood!

5. Lighting:  A chandelier can make a room go from basic to extravagant, up lighting can make a room go from classic to chic, spotlights can really center in on the dance floor and have everyone feeling important, and there are so many other types of lights that one can have. Selecting your lighting should come after you have set a theme, but this is definitely something you may want to put some extra money on.

6. Photography/videography: What is a wedding day without photos and video footage? The answer to that is a mere memory that will loose its vivid details as the years go on. Splurging on an individual or a company is wise because they will provide you with the lasting memories from this special day that will have you feeling just as magical as you felt in person whenever you watch it.

Save:

1. Veil: No need to splurge on a veil when you just did for your dress. Simplicity is key when it comes to veils, so you can stick with a classic or less embellished one and still look just as fabulous. DIY veils are popular as well.

2.  Wedding Flowers: While a hit at a wedding, your flowers do not have to be expensive at all. Look up some sites online and you will fine some awesome ways to have inexpensive flowers for the bride, bridal party, flower girl, centerpieces, and much more.

3. Cake Tiers: Now a days, the trend is to get fake cake tiers to save money. Couples will have a 5-layer cake with only the top layer being real cake! How cool is that? One can save so much money with this and simply have a sheet cake in the back for serving.

4. Wedding Invitations: The process of purchasing your invites, personalizing them and mailing out can easily add up when it comes to costs. Consider DIY invites; consider sending out an electronic version, etc. All of these are great alternatives to creating a grand elaborate wedding invite. At the end of the day, all you really want is your guests to have all of the central information needed for the big day!

5. Wedding Favors: When it comes to thanking your guests for attending your wedding, this is important yet easily taken out of hand. It is not necessary to splurge on wedding favors as these are meant to be little keepsakes of the special day.

Up for Debate:

1. Shoes: Now, this topic is up for debate because if you are a die-hard shoe lover then we definitely say that you can drop a few extra bucks on your shoes for this special day! However, if your shoes wont be showing during the night, then you may benefit from a cute cheaper pair to save you

2. Jewelry: This is a tricky one because it depends on your dress. If you are wearing a classic and simple dress, they we say yes to splurging a tad to make your look pops. However, if your dress is already very detailed and busy, then we say do not splurge on your jewelry.

3. Centerpieces: These are the focal points of your reception room so you have to put some time into the design of these! Deciding on whether you want to spend more or less money on these depends entirely on the rest of your reception décor. Some couples like to have extravagant centerpieces with simple décor and others like to have extravagant décor with more classic centerpieces.

4. The Bar: This depends completely on the couple. Some want an open bar and others opt to choose for only a select amount of wine, beer, or cocktails.

All in all, the items that you decide to splurge on should be the things that will make this big day unforgettable TO YOU. Weigh your options and be sure that it all falls within budget, and you will be just fine! Remember this is your big day so you deserve to go all out in some aspects, just keep in mind that you don’t HAVE to do so for all of it!

If you need further help finding deals on the items you want to save on, you are in the right place! Contact Devoted to Your Event today and let us take care of you. We can get you the best deals and not to mention help create some amazing DIY projects for you that will save you tons!

Source: https://www.theknot.com/content/how-to-save-and-splurge-on-the-wedding

Amber Bentley
Social Media Manager/Event Assistant,
Devoted to Your Event

Planning for your wedding involves a countless number of tasks. Often times a bride can get caught up in her to-do list and completely forget about her own personal wedding preparation. Between her hair, her body, her face, etc., there are many different guidelines created that explain how you can plan to look your best on your wedding day. Keep reading if you want to find out what the standard wedding beauty timeline is so you can add these things to your to-do lists. We hope that this post will serve as a great reference for all future brides!

  1 Year Before: This timeframe gives you enough time to develop new routines and have plenty of time to achieve any longtime goals.

• Begin any new skin care regimens that you have wanted to try; you can afford to spend a few months figuring out what works and what doesn’t.

• If you want to drop a few pounds or if you want to gain some curves, this is the time to develop and begin your workout/diet routines.

6 Months Before: Here is where you begin to look into specific things that you know you want for your wedding. Doing these things this far in advance gives you the time to experiment and if for some reason you are not happy with something that you try, you have plenty of time for it to be fixed.

• Find the perfect place/person to do your eyebrows and lashes, if you already have somewhere or someone that you trust and love then you are good to go! Determine if you want your brows waxed or threaded, and also decide if you want to try strip lashes or individual lashes.

• Give facial waxing or threading a try if you are considering having airbrushed makeup. Some brides go the extra mile to get their face, upper lip, etc. waxed so they can appear super smooth on their big day.

• Experiment with hair color or a haircut if you have wanted it. If you don’t like the color, 6 months is a good amount of time for it to be fixed, and if you cut your hair and don’t like the cut, you will also have plenty of time for it to grow out some before the wedding.

• Exercise proper caution in the sun and be sure that you apply proper sunscreen to avoid any burns/unwanted tan lines.

3 Months Before: Now, you are getting closer to your big day and it is time to get serious and prepared.

• Schedule your hair and makeup trials. Go in with photos and be very clear about what you want. And once you decide on what you want, schedule your appointment for your wedding.

• If you are into tanning then you should begin trying out airbrush and spray tanning at least 3 months before your wedding.

1 Month Before: The real countdown has begun. Time to get beautiful!

• Don’t change your skin care routine at this point, you don’t want to do anything new this close to your big day.
• Now that you have already went in for trial beauty appointments, this is the time to schedule everything else that needs to get done, like your lashes, eyebrows, tans (if needed), manicure and pedicure, etc.

Use this wedding beauty timeline as a template for your own wedding; add to it and swap things out as you please!

Source: Nancy Caroline Bridal Styling

Amber Bentley
Social Media Manager/Event Assistant,
Devoted to Your Event