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Category: Tips

Published: 02 October 2023

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For many couples, picking out their Reception Venue is the keystone to getting a real jumpstart on their wedding plans. After all, you must make sure of the place and time in order to begin filling in all those other vital details, such as how many guests can be invited... what type of theme, colors or decor fit in just right... whether or not you'll have in-house catering or hire elsewhere... And something about making that final selection about your Venue helps many of the other planning decisions just start to domino in to place.

Read on for helpful insights and tips about what considerations are best to keep in mind as you make this all-important decision: How to Choose Your Ideal Reception Venue!

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Prioritize what you really want in a Venue.

This is a conversation to have with your partner, as well as your wedding planner and perhaps anyone else who is integral to helping put together the details of Your Special Day. Take time to review and update this list several times throughout the early planning stages!

*Budget
*Indoor / Outdoor Facilities
*Does their Fee include All Amenities, or will you have to rent tables, linens, decor etc...
*In-House Caterer? Does their food suit your tastes and preferences?
*In-House Baker?
*In-House Planner?
*Robust List of Preferred Vendors?  Are they screened to be LGBTQ+ friendly?
*Worked with LGBTQ+ Couples Before?
*What is their Deposit amount? Is it refundable (partially or in full) in case of date changes? What is the payment schedule, and when is the full amount due?
*What specifics do they outline with regard to Decor Options; are there limitations?
*What insurance do they require from you / from participating vendors?

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In the beginning... Keep things casual!

Try not to get your hearts set on one particular Venue, especially in the early days of planning. Instead, have some less formal conversations with each other and with friends and family about the celebration you envision... Let the FUN be the focus as you begin preliminary research into Venue options. Browse online not just for specifics, but look at imagery and think about what qualities are important to you with regard to the backdrop for your reception. Is your celebration rustic, or high-tech? Where will the two of you sit during the celebration, and what does that look like? -Will you be at a Head Table, at one of many large rounds, or alongside your guests at a long communal dinner table? Will your party include dancing and how large a dance floor will that be? Will there be separate areas for interactive food stations or interactive party activities (such as a more private kids' area, or an artsy table dedicated to creating keepsakes?...)

Create a few brainstorming pages in your planning notebook, simply about the QUALITIES you are most drawn to in a venue... The details about location, rates, etc will be something to consider a little later on!

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Preliminary Research & NETWORKING

Ask other vendors and wedding professionals what venues they LOVE working with... Even if you haven't booked a vendor yet, as you interview with them or meet them out in passing, go ahead and inquire about their input and referrals! They are usually happy to share their experience and insights. Be sure to also ask other couples, family and friends, especially those recently married, or those who have attended or helped organize either corporate or large social events.

Pay attention to the details they offer: which venue's staff is super-welcoming and accommodating... Which are the best communicators... Any hiccups with scheduling? Be bold and ask which venues they would NOT recommend as well. That's important information!

Browse Online Resources: It's great (and really helpful!) to check out LGBTQ+ friendly listings of wedding professionals (such as ours, online at www.RainbowWeddingNetwork.com) However... as you begin researching options, consider expanding how you find the Venues in the first place. Search for community events, and check out which facility hosted. For instance, where was the recent Pride After-Party? What venue has ongoing tea dances for the community? Do you see that one brand name keeps coming up in your searches as particularly supportive of the community? Which venues have LGBTQ+ welcoming badges, language and graphics on their websites and promo materials?

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Quick Tips from the Pros...

*Choose the venue that speaks to YOU. Don't select a venue because someone else wants you to. And if selecting an outdoor venue, be sure they have a "plan B" that you like as much as the outdoor venue. Also, remember that price isn't everything....you have to connect with your venue contact, otherwise the process will not be a fun one!"

Sandi Franklin, Director of Catering
Hilton Atlanta Northeast / 5993 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. / Ptree Corners, GA 30092-3416
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/atlhphf-hilton-atlanta-northeast/

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Online Directories

Remember, there are several online resources nowadays that offer listings of vendors that are actively supportive of the LGBTQ+ community. Why not use these, instead of more generic websites? That way you and your fiancee can rest assured that the vendors you're considering are known to uphold a policy of non-discrimination... and that they are eager to welcome you and your event with joyfulness, respect and professionalism.

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Yep, lean on those REVIEWS...

-Learning from others' experiences is so very convenient & informative! Scour for reviews... don't just rely on the ones that are easy to find. Dig deep, and read many so that you can make discerning inferences. Take time to read into the less obvious details for insghtful clues about what it will really be like to work with a particular venue's staff.

Are there any notes about ways this particular venue's team made an event seamless? Look for the good stuff, not just the criticisms... and if those successes match up with priorities you also have, that goes a long way to telling you this venue might just be a perfect fit!

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Important QUESTIONS to ASK...

When you meet face-to-face with the staff at a Venue, be prepared with several questions. You want to treat this like an interview and make sure it is, in fact, a good fit for your celebration!

**Basic Facts:
How many people can the venue accommodate? How many hours does your rental package include? How far out should I book if I want a particular date? What is your fee schedule and what is your refund policy? How many weddings take place at your venue on any given day? Are there any restrictions, including decor restrictions? Do you have liability insurance, or do we purchase our own? Can we hire any outside wedding vendors, or are there limitations? Can you tell me what vendor set-up, load-in and load-out is like at your venue? Are certain features and furniture items that we can rearrange for our celebration?

*In-house wedding planning team, coordinator or other key players?
Be sure you meet with them also, and that you're assured the ones you actually meet are the point-people who will stay with you through the entire process leading up to your wedding date. You want to minimize staff changes, simply so you feel comfortable that your needs and requests are not being overlooked... and so that you can remain at ease knowing that whomever you are working with is LGBTQ+ friendly.

*Difference between PLANNING for and EXECUTION of your event.
Succesfully seing your wedding celebration through from the preliminary stages of planning, all the way to the wonderful Special Day, involves a lot of elements. And it's true that some wedding pros are really great at planning, and some are really great at pulling together all those details and making everything happen the day-of. Quiz your Venue staff in ways that help you gather information about the particulars they provide both during the early stages of planning, mid-stages, just prior to your event, and the day-of. Try to get specific about how much time they are willing to be available for you, especially the two weeks prior to your ceremony date: you want to be sure they are going to make you and your celebration a priority!

*Do you offer an all-inclusive Fee Package?
When working with a Venue, depending on the various amenities, you might find yourself responsible for gratuities, bartenders' fees, additional charges for access to the couples' suite, plus there will be service fees and taxes. Ask about all this, and request to see an itemized sample bill so you are as informed as possible. You want to be sure your choice in Venues fits in your budget - this will alleviate undue stress and ensure that the rest of your planning details can be handled without cutting corners.

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Quick Tips from the Pros...

One thing I tell my clients when they visit our venue is "prepare to go out to a meal afterward (breakfast, lunch, dinner doesn't matter)." This gives time to immediately talk over what you did and did not like about the venue as well as if the banquet manager drove you crazy, you may need a glass of wine, beer or even a shot lol. -Taking time to sit down and talk things through, make notes, etc will ensure that you recall all the important pros and cons of the particular location as you consider and move forward with your plans.
LisaLynn Mauriello, general manager
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Renaissance Event Hall
27-34 21st Street / Long Island City, NY 11102
www.renaissanceeventhall.com

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COMMUNICATION STYLES

When meeting with the staff at the Venues you're considering, listen to what they're sharing with you... Are they keeping details sparse, or boring...? Are they asking the two of you questions, so they can really get a sense of your plans? Are they inviting and eliciting ideas from you, to help expand and build on your vision; helping to build the excitement? All of these point to how your relationship with this Venue will unfold... Keep these important communication styles in mind as you consider booking: you definitely want to feel at ease dialoguing with your on-site Venue team!

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Wedding Expos

Keep in mind that many of the traditional bridal fairs won't be as welcoming to LGBTQ+ couples, but keep an eye out for events in your area that seem promising. Attend a few: you never know what great connections you might make! And when you do find a wedding professional you resonate with, be sure to ask them a few questions about referrals to Venues as well as other types of wedding providers. Their experience can really help point you in helpful directions!

Remember, RainbowWeddingNetwork.com has been producing an ongoing National Tour of LGBTQ+ Wedding Expos since 2003! Our team has visited 37 states and produced well over 300 events since that time. Each and every vendor who participates is actively supportive of Equal Rights and is eager to support you in planning the wedding of your dreams. We pride ourselves on creating an atmosphere that is uplifting, productive, relaxed and fun: Our events provide a wonderful backdrop for meeting vendors, touring amazing venues, and meeting other couples in the area who are also planning their own celebrations. Events like ours are convenient ways to network, find and share inspiration, and forward your wedding plans by leaps and bounds!
www.RainbowWeddingNetwork.com/expos

Also, if you cannot attend one of our signature events, certainly check out our trusted Online Directory... but always feel free to email us with further questions. We are happy to share our experience in the wedding industry this past 24 years, and to share further referrals to wedding vendors from our unpublished database.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Quick Tips from the Pros...

I always use the analogy about choosing your wedding apparel (there are so many styles, types and colors) ...When you finally put on that very special suit, gown or tux and tears flow -when that reflection in the mirror is exactly the person you want to be- then you know without a doubt that you are done. The feeling needs to be the same with a venue. -When you get the fuzzy feeling about the venue and the wedding staff at that venue, who are excited to assist in the planning process with you, then you know that is your venue of choice.

Catherine Geer / Celebrations Distinctive Wedding Venue
Wedding and Marketing Specialist for over 32 years of planning and executing Weddings!
https://www.celebrationsweddings.com

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As you move ahead with your ceremony plans, and consider which Venue will be chosen as the ultimate backdrop for your celebration, we wish you ease, giddy anticipation, and a sense of adventure. Have fun with your planning process: it's a special chapter that will culminate in one of the most amazing and important days of your lives. Make the most of the entire journey!

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Category: Tips

Published: 31 May 2023

Hits: 5599

Love knows no boundaries, and neither should your celebration of Love!  Expressing your unique identities, and the special romance that the two of you share are naturally important aspects you’ll want to include in your ceremony.  An LGBTQ+-themed wedding offers an extraordinary opportunity to celebrate love, diversity, and unity in a visually memorable way. By embracing the colors of the rainbow, symbols, literature or memorable moments pertaining to LGBTQ+ history, couples can create an inclusive and joyful atmosphere that resonates with the spirit of their love story. From colorful decorations and attire to symbolic rituals and delectable treats, a themed wedding opens the door to endless creative possibilities and reflects the beauty of Love in all its colors.

Here are some ideas for fun & thoughtful ways to ‘marry’ your own distinctive style & vision for Your Special Day with LGBTQ+ themes, and how to incorporate them in to your festivities.

Colorful Decor & Design:

From invitations and wedding stationery to floral arrangements, table settings, and even the wedding attire, each element can be adorned with the colors of the rainbow or with LGBTQ+ related elements. Consider a multicolored bouquet, vibrant table linens, or a colorful ombre wedding cake that represents the full spectrum of hues. Add the varied LGBTQ+ flags in to your floral centerpieces, or drape a different flag across each reception table.  Balloons, backlights, ribbons, colored fabrics or fairy lights in rainbow colors can be used to create a magical ambiance, ensuring that every corner of your venue is a visual delight.

Assign reception tables with signage that reflects LGBTQ+ landmarks: ‘The Castro District,’ ‘Brokeback Mountain,’ ‘Ptown,’ ‘Stonewall Inn…’  Imagine the conversation starters!

Ice Sculptures are so beautiful, especially for nighttime receptions!  Ask your sculptor to include interlocked rainbow hearts, an LGBTQ+ flag or multiple symbols as part of the decorative elements within the carving.  An amazing centerpiece!

Multicolored Smoke Blasts - Currently, all the rage... and why not??  Photo opp's while you and your beloved are surrounded by the billowing blasts of vibrant color are AMAZING!  …But if that’s not your style, consider rainbow-hued sparklers instead… or multicolored flower petals for the toss as you make your grand exit!

Quick-Glance Rainbow Ideas:

• Red - Roses, Ruby or Fire Garnet Jewelry, Baskets of Apples, Cherry Garnishes, Red Velvet Cake
• Orange - Monarch Butterfly Release, Orange Macarons, Peach Cobbler, Pumpkin Soup, Mimosas
• Yellow - Sunflowers, Daylilies, Yellow Table Decor & Signage, Corn on the Cob, Lemon Garnishes
• Green - Lime Margaritas, Mint Juleps, Cascading Ivy in Doorways, Key Lime Pie
• Blue - Blue Shoes or Socks, Blue Garter, Delphinium or Blue Hydrangea, Peacock Feathers, Water Displays
• Indigo / Violet - The Indigo Girls Reception Music, Purple Hydrangea, Amethyst Jewelry, Purple Bow Ties/Socks/Accessories, Berry Garnishes, Purple Hair Highlights
  
  

Formal Wear:

Some couples incorporate a rainbow theme using varied colored ties for each of their attendants, or vests, suspenders or dresses.  Some wear rainbow-colored sneakers.  -Makes for an eye-catching palette for Your Day, with all your attendants bedecked in a diverse array, and for lively, one-of-a-kind photographs!

Consider inviting your guests to join in your theme by dressing in rainbow-inspired outfits, or attire inspired by each person’s individuality, allowing everyone to contribute to the vibrant atmosphere and fostering a sense of both unity and freedom of self-expression.

Something Borrowed:

Leaning in to the well-known tradition, it’s easy to find things old, new, borrowed and blue…  Getting creative with the basic concept, consider borrowing an LGBTQ+ related emblem from the past or from the broader community, such as a pink triangle, the lambda, or perhaps a gender inclusive symbol.  These can be worn as jewelry, lapel pins, handcrafted yourself, or added as an adornment piece to tie around your bouquet or as an accent in your boutonniere.

For further information on lesser-known symbols:
https://www.wearepride.com/blogs/news/top-common-lgbtq-symbols

Ceremony Rituals:

Incorporate LGBTQ+-specific rituals in to your ceremony to honor the journey of LGBTQ+ individuals toward broader equality. This could involve lighting a unity candle with rainbow-colored flames, a sand ceremony with spectral hues, or by including a ribbon with LGBTQ+ symbols or flags printed along its length as part of your handfasting ceremony.

Choose readings or poems that celebrate love in all its forms, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. This can be done during the ceremony as readings by your officiant or by guests, or incorporated in to the couple’s vows.  The idea can also be added in to the reception as part of speeches or toasts. Including literature from LGBTQ+ authors or incorporating their stories can add depth, inspiration and authenticity to your celebration.

Some couples include the jumping of the broom as an exclamatory ending moment after they are pronounced officially married:  this African tradition historically has been used to symbolize a respectful nod to one's enslaved ancestors, who were unable to have a legally sanctioned union.  The tradition also symbolizes a new beginning and a 'sweeping away' of the past:  obvious fits for the LGBTQ+ community as well.

Getting Interactive with Your Guests:

Consider an interactive ice-breaker game for your family & friends!  Here's an easy one: On the back of each guest's seating card, write one half of a famous duo (such as "Ellen / Portia... Mitchell / Cameron... Poison Ivy / Harley Quinn..." Or, if you don't have seating cards, just add a colorful, eye-catching basket or vase at your entry table - in it dump the collection of cards with the half-names of famous duos.  -If you have a feeling that many of your guests might not recognize the selected duos, provide color coding as a secondary clue for matching.  Post a quick note with directions for all to see: "Pick a Name! During the evening, please take a moment to find your "Other Half", and introduce yourself! Tell them where you're from, and how you know the Happy Couple. Please take a selfie together and post it using our Wedding Hashtag! We appreciate you taking time to bring all our Guests together in friendship and fun!" -By the end of the party, you'll have a room full of chatting friends, not strangers... and your Wedding Photo Album will be full of outrageously silly selfies!

Tempting Tastebuds:

Extend the theme of the rainbow to your wedding menu and refreshments. Vibrant fruit platters, colorful cocktails, and multi-hued macarons or frosted cupcakes are just a few ideas to infuse the rainbow theme into your culinary offerings. A cascading rainbow candy bar can serve as a show-stopping centerpiece as well as a delightful way to offer a take-away candy bag for your guests’ favors.  Multi-layered signature beverages are also a fun addition, and many couples opt for champagne or wine from a vineyard known to be LGBTQ+ owned or actively supportive of the community.

Consider a variety of colorful mixed cocktails such as The HoneyMoon (Cointreau and tequila) garnished with pink rose petals, or a refreshing Raspberry Limoncello Prosecco garnished with a mint leaf and a handful of red ripe berries, or an Aperol Spritz flaming with orange color and garnished with a fruit wheel.  Non-alcholic layered lemonades or fruit punches are also always an option:  The liquid rainbow!

Naming beverages, based on historical moments or LGBTQ+ personalities is another fun and easy way to add to your overall theme:  ‘The Pride Martini,’ ‘Ode to Obergefell & Arthur...' Let your imagination run wild and create a feast that tantalizes both the taste buds and the eyes.

Multiple selections of gelato,  frozen ice pops, or a colorful smoothie station are a wonderful way to include another dessert option, especially if you're planning a summertime celebration or if you have many children in attendance, or those with GF considerations.

Supporting Others & Giving Back:

Consider making a donation to an LGBTQ+ organization as a wedding favor in your guests' honor. This gesture not only supports a cause close to your heart but also raises awareness and encourages others to contribute to LGBTQ+ rights and advocacy.  Many couples request contributions from guests in lieu of wedding gifts, providing the names of two or three organizations for guests to choose from.

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Incorporating LGBTQ+ themes into your wedding is a meaningful way to celebrate love, embrace diversity, and honor our community's journey toward greater Equality. By doing so, you create a memorable event that reflects your identity, inspires others, and contributes to the progress of the rights of our greater LGBTQ+ family. Whether it's through decor, conversation starters, rituals, or supporting LGBTQ+ causes, there are numerous creative ways to include meaningful themes in to your wedding. Remember, Love is Love, transcending beyond all boundaries, and Your Special Day should be a reflection of that beautiful truth.

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Category: Tips

Published: 15 May 2023

Hits: 3908

Wedding florals play a significant role in setting the tone, enhancing the ambiance, and adding beauty to a wedding ceremony and reception. Different types of flowers and floral arrangements can convey various meanings and evoke different emotions, and provide varied elements to enhance your decor.  Take time to explore the limitless diversity of florals and floral designs, as you plan ahead for your own Special Day!

Roses: Roses are classic and timeless flowers often used in weddings, symbolizing love, romance, and beauty. Different colors of roses can also have specific meanings. For example, red roses represent passionate love, while white roses symbolize purity and innocence, pink roses symbolize admiration and gratitude..  And of course you can easily request a bouquet of roses in all colors of the rainbow - perfect if your wedding includes a Pride theme!

Peonies: Peonies are popular for their large, lush blooms and represent prosperity, happiness, and a happy marriage. They are often used in bouquets and centerpieces, particularly in spring weddings, and symbolize a luxurious, ambitious and prosperous life together. Blooming in a variety of colors:  pink, red, orange, yellow or white... adding peonies to your reception decor will also bring a sweet, natural fragrance to your festivities.

Lilies: Lilies are elegant and sophisticated flowers that symbolize purity, devotion and majesty. White lilies are associated with purity and virtue, pink lilies convey admiration and prosperity, while white are associated with virtue, and also represent the purity of the couple's love for each other.

Tulips: Tulips are graceful flowers that come in a wide array of colors, each carrying its own symbolism. Generally, tulips represent perfect love and are associated with springtime and new beginnings. Throughout history, this flower has also represented power and wealth, and at one time the bulbs became the most sought-after commodity in the Netherlands. Today, many floral designers make use of the height of tulips to create offset designs and eye-catching settings with these unique and well-loved blooms. The range of their color variations runs the spectrum, and these versatile flowers pair well with both modern and classic wedding themes.

Sunflowers: Sunflowers are a recurring favorite, popular in rustic, outdoor and seasonal weddings. They symbolize happiness, joy and positivity, as well as loyalty and longevity. Their large blooms greet with an almost friendly cheerfulness, adding an immediate sense of familliarity. Sunflowers also tend to evoke a feeling of the organic, adding a strong connection to Nature.

Calla lilies: Calla lilies are sleek and elegant flowers, with a distinctive trumpet shape, that symbolize magnificent beauty, sophistication, purity as well as rebirth. They are commonly used in contemporary and minimalist wedding arrangements.

Peacock feathers: Although not a floral element, peacock feathers are often used in wedding arrangements to add a unique touch. They symbolize elegance, prosperity, and good luck.

Baby's Breath: Baby's Breath, with its delicate white flowers, is commonly used as a filler in bouquets and floral arrangements. It represents innocence and everlasting love. Also commonly used in boutonnieres.

Orchids: Orchids are exotic and luxurious flowers that symbolize love, beauty, and strength. They are often used in tropical, Asian or modern-themed weddings and can add an air of elegance and sophistication to any arrangement.

Lavender: Lavender is a fragrant, long-stemmed flower that symbolizes devotion, serenity and tranquility. It is often used in rustic or bohemian weddings and can create a calming atmosphere. Its distinctive light purple color paired with its subdued green leaves provides a favorite base for building many color palettes. The unique textured look of lavender adds to its functionality and versatility with decor elements and creative designs.

Hydrangeas: Hydrangeas are voluminous flowers that come in a lush variety of colors: blue, violet, white, pink, green. The round, snowball-like blooms are sometimes multi-colored and certainly multi-hued. Hydrangeas symbolize gratitude, grace, heartfelt emotions and sometimes abundance as well. They can create a soft and romantic ambiance to your celebration.

Daisies: Daisies are simple and cheerful flowers that symbolize loyalty, innocence and new beginnings. They can create a whimsical and youthful vibe in wedding decorations. Like sunflowers, they immediately evoke a sense of familiarity and a rustic connection to Nature.

Other blooms... such as gardenias or jasmine, may also be used in your floral displays for not just their appearance but also their fragrance. Adding a hint of natural aromatics to your celebration is a lovely, simple way to enhance your guests' experience and build another layer of enjoyment to your festivities. Our sense of smell is one that carries memories for us: enhancing the joy of Your Special Day with deliberately chosen scents is a pleasurable way to intensify the intentions you wish to create and remember!

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These are just a few examples of the meanings associated with popular wedding florals... But the choice of flowers ultimately depends on personal preferences, cultural significance, budget, the overall wedding theme and color choices, and the desired ambiance you wish to create for Your Special Day.

And remember to include florals in to your celebration simply because they are actually your favorite blooms... or because these particular blossoms were present at the front doorstep of your first apartment together... or in your favorite grandmother's garden... or because the particular flower represents a quality that you highly value, or wish to infuse in to your marriage. Enjoy exploring the diversity of options, and natural connections that florals implicitly offer!

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Category: Tips

Published: 27 February 2023

Hits: 4007

When it comes to planning an LGBTQ+ engagement party, there are many lively and inclusive options to consider. For some couples, having a joint party is the right fit... And for others, it makes sense to celebrate independently of one another. Here are a few ideas to help get you started!

• • Host a cocktail party: A cocktail party is a great option for a relaxed and casual celebration. You can keep it simple, or add to the festivities as you like:
    
    *Choose a specific theme (Casino... Masquerade Ball... Marvel Comics... Seasonal... Travel... Drag...)
    *Hire a Private Chef, Caterer and/or Beverage Company (Food trucks are also a unique option!)
    *Decorate simply or hire a decor professional (add to your theme with florals, balloons, lighting, etc)
    *Add party games, board games or a couple's trivia game
    *Hire a guitarist for live background music

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  • Plan a group experience: Consider organizing a group outing, such as a wine tasting tour, day at the art museum, a hike in the mountains, spa day, attend a concert, get silly at the bowling alley or roller rink, go camping together, an at-home makeover party, paint & sip celebration, or a trip to a local amusement park or casino. This can be a great way to bond with your friends and create some unforgettable memories.

• • Traditional Bachelor/ette Party Parties: Celebrate together or separately... And PARTY til dawn!
    
    
  • Rent a private facility:  Bar, Restaurant, Small Event Space, Rooftop Garden... If you prefer a more formal celebration, gathering at a private venue provides endless options. The vibe can be a pre-cursor to that of your wedding reception, or completely different!
    
    
  • Have a picnic in the park or backyard BBQ: If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, a picnic or BBQ either in the park or in your own backyard (or a friend's backyard) can be a great way to celebrate your engagement with your tribe. And if you want to stretch your budget even further, ask guests to pack their own picnic and bring a dish to share:  They'll be happy to help you save some cash for the wedding!  And don't forget the lawn games!

• • Include virtually everyone! If some of your loved ones are unable to attend in person, consider holding a virtual celebration via video chat. You can still share your excitement with your friends and family, no matter where they are in the world.
    
    
  • Party Bus: Arrive at your chosen destination in style... and already jazzed up on FUN!  Don't forget, you can customize your Party Bus experience...
    
    *Let guests know it's a Theme Party: plan apparel, games and music based on this central theme
    *Solve a Mystery Game: It doesn't have to be a Murder Mystery... Keep it romantic, such as a "Someone Stole the Wedding Ring" WhoDunnit!
    *Dance-Off Competition! And karaoke!
    *Decorate your Party Bus
    *License plate scavenger hunt
    *Coloring, Board Games, Couple's Trivia or Charades
    
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Remember, the most important thing is to celebrate your love and excitement with the people you care about most. Choose an option that feels authentic and meaningful to you as a couple.... and then RELAX & ENJOY!

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Category: Tips

Published: 05 January 2023

Hits: 6036

Interactive Reception Decor and Festive Activities are definitely continuing to trend in to 2023. -Now that we're all gathering together more comfortably after the long quarantines of covid, just about everyone on your guest list will be eager to get social and celebrate your fabulous occasion with playfulness & heart. Have fun planning unique ways to incorporate a little whimsy and creative flair in to Your Day!

• Vintage Musical Selections - In honoring your heritage, or the combined style you and your partner are creating with your new life together... remember to chat with your DJ or Emcee about how to incorporate unique and classic melodies into the evening's playlist.
  
  
• Hire a Caricature Artist so guests take home a truly unique keepsake -Check out our friend Krandel's work at https://www.buttsketch.com/ - he's exhibited many times at RWN's signature LGBTQ+ Wedding Expos!
  
  
• Consider setting aside an hour for Karaoke - depending on the crowd you're inviting to the reception... this one can be a big hit!
  
  
• Interactive Food & Beverage Stations are not new... but quiz your caterer and bartender about trending options. They'll likely have exciting ideas that may tempt you!
  
  
• The Happy Couple's Trivia or Bingo Game: Provide your Emcee with lively questions about the Newlyweds... Add a unique way to keep track of which table comes up with the correct answers (Bingo cards / decorative tally board up on the stage / A/V screen to post ongoing results / decorative chalkboards as part of each table's centerpiece ...) There are endless variations to this idea but it's an upbeat, casual way to get all your guests involved, and to let them in on some of the lesser known details about you and your partner and your relationship: "Where did we meet for the first time?..." "What are our middle names? What will our last name be now that we're married?..." "Where did we go on our first date?..." "Who proposed?..." Games like this are often thought of for Engagement Parties, but they're a fit for many couples' Receptions as well!
  
  
• Flash Mob? If you have a group of friends who are cool enough to pull it off... Ask them to coordinate a flash mob idea and incorporate it in to your reception, especially toward the early hours to really help the other guests' get inspired and up off their feet to join in the fun of dancing the night away!
  
  
• Legos at each reception table... Just to give everyone a chance to get creative and playful. Great ice breaker! (see if you can find lego sets with rainbow colors!)
  
  
• Don't forget the Mega-sized Board Games, such as Giant Connect Four (with circular pieces customized with the wedding colors and first names/letters of the newlyweds... Even for an indoor reception, a game board can fill an empty corner and provide an easy way for guests to interact and enjoy themselves... It might just make your introverted guests feel more at ease :)
  
  
• I Spy Game: Print up table signs with scavenger-hunt style scenes you'd like guests to take a picture of... Make each table sign a little different so that you end up with an incredible variety of pictures at the end of your celebration! Be sure to provide a hashtag and specific directions about how pictures should be uploaded or shared (or, if you have a vintage wedding theme, of course go with disposable cameras) Starter Ideas: "A person laughing..." "A favorite decoration..." "Photo of the Newlyweds..." "Photo of guests who are not in the wedding party..." "A silly moment..." "An unforgettable dance move!"
  
  
• Nostalgic Reception Table Placecards: Table Markers may not be necessary... but they add a little extra polish and FUN to your fesitivities! If you're having a Theme Wedding, table names will be a cinch to come up with... but if not, take a moment to consider making nostalgic Table Markers: Brainstorm in advance with your fiancee about places (cities, streets, locations) that hold fond memories for each of you, or are an important part of your story as a couple. For instance: "Pine Street Bridge - we walked across this special bridge on our trip to New England, and it was in that moment Ben was sure that Eric was "The One!"" Each Table Marker will spotlight a fond memory, serving as a conversation starter and simply a joyful little addition for all the guests who join your celebration. To make the Table Markers, search online for ideas using cardstock pre-cuts, or mini chalkboard signs. These can be an extremely cost-effective way to add one more accent to Your Day!
  
  
• LOTS OF WEDDING GUESTS who are not famliar with each other?? Plan an interactive Wedding Game! Here's an easy one: On the back of each guest's seating card, write one half of a famous duo (such as "Peanut Butter / Jelly... Salt / Pepper...." Or, more LGBTQ+ specific duos such as "Ellen / Portia... Mitchell / Cameron... Poison Ivy / Harley Quinn..." Or, if you don't have seating cards, just add a colorful, eye-catching basket or vase at your entry table - in it dump the collection of cards with the half-names of famous duos. Post a quick note with directions for all to see: "Pick a Name! During the evening, please take a moment to find your "Other Half", and introduce yourself! Tell them where you're from, and how you know the Happy Couple. Please take a selfie together and post it using our Wedding Hashtag! We appreciate you taking time to bring all our Guests together in friendship and fun!" -By the end of the party, you'll have a room full of chatting friends, not strangers... and your Wedding Photo Album will be full of outrageously silly selfies!
  
  
• Sacred Stones - the heartbeat of Mother Earth, stone decor also brings in grounding energy and adds a rustic touch. Consider making this an interactive piece: With a vase full of permanent markers, arrange various rocks in a basket or on a table and ask guests to write a short saying or prayer on a stone of their choice, as a beautiful and heartfelt message for your future together. Then you'll have a collection of stones to take with you - for home decor, garden decor, or to set about the corners of your home: foundational keepsakes for your new life together!
  
  
• Conversation Starter Centerpieces! -Consider varied centerpieces to spotlight your diverse interests or goals as a couple - Love Travel, Cooking and Classic Movies? Take time throughout the months leading up to your wedding to go thrifting, and make it a fun scavenger hunt! Seek out various items that match your hobbies and build unique centerpieces to make each table at your reception different and interesting. Travel books, a small globe, a map, faux passports, decoratives such as the Eiffel Tower or a flag of your favorite country, a mini-basket filled with little beach balls and sunny colored "towels..." Cooking books,a canister set as vases (filled of course with florals mixed with kitchen utensils), doilies or stacked kitchen towels, a crystal bowl of sugar cubes... Film reels, a tower of DVDs, mini movie posters on easels or in a frame, an autograph book set for all guests to sign in their most flamboyant style... With each of your hobbies you can easily find fun ways to incorporate trinkets or keepsake items for your guests to take home with them... but before they do these unique little trinkets will inspire whimsical conversations all around the reception tables! (Don't forget to check out dollhouse accessories for some unique options, if you need a few extras - everything from tiny kitchenware to seasonal accents)
  
  
• Keeping the Send-Off Interactive & Eco-friendly - Sure, sparklers and rainbow-colored smoke bombs are all the rage for your final appearance as you leave your reception festivities... but if you're striving to include natural elements you might consider a more traditional approach. Instead of a rice toss, however, provide your guests with dried lavender, rose petals, or other botanicals. These can easily be presented in several baskets for guests to take freely as they await your grand exit. Happy Honeymooning!

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Category: Tips

Published: 10 October 2022

Hits: 5307

Here at RainbowWeddingNetwork, we hear from a lot of couples during the course of our day. And one of the most pressing questions, lately, has been: "What are some ideas for our First Dance song??"

The RWN team came up with a few top picks of our own:

"She" - Jen Foster

"I Do" - Colbie Caillat

"Bless the Broken Road" - Rascal Flatts

"You Got It" - Roy Orbison

"Pennies from Heaven" - Louis Prima

"Better Place" - Rachel Platten

"When You Say Nothing at All" - Ronan Keating

"Better Together" - Jack Johnson

"All My Life" - K-Ci & JoJo

"Ever Lasting Love" - Natalie Cole

"L-O-V-E" - Nat "King" Cole

"When I Fall In Love" - Nat "King" Cole

"You Make My Dreams (Come True)" - Daryl Hall & John Oates

We also asked a couple of our FAVORITE DJ's and here's what they suggest!

Suggested by Michelle Lee (aka DeeJay Shelly)
Sounds By Shelly & Michelle Lee Entertainment
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
https://michelleleeentertainment.com/
Call/Text: 888.776.7616
@SoundsByShelly
YouTube/TikTok/Facebook/Instagram/LinkedIn

“From the Ground Up” Dan & Shay

“A Thousand Years” Christina Perri

“The Luckiest” Ben Folds Five

“Crystal” by Stevie Nicks

“Happy Together” by King Princess & Mark Ronson

“Dance With Me” by Phillip Phillips

“I Choose You” Sara Bareilles

“If Only For one Night” Brenda Russel

“I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” Aerosmith

“Still Falling For You” Ellie Goulding

“Say You Won't Let Go” James Arthur

“Thinking Out Loud” Ed Sheeran

________

Suggested by Carson Parmenter
HeadTrauma Entertainment, Ohio and PA
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
https://www.headtraumaentertainment.com/

"I Get to Love You" - Ruelle

"All Of Me" - John Legend

"I Won’t Give Up" - Jason Mraz

“Lucky" - Colbie Caillat and Jason Mraz

"Marry Me" - Train

"Can't Help Falling In Love" - Elvis Presley

“Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran  (Yep, this one made the list twice!  Worth noting!)

“At Last” by Etta James

"She Keeps Me Warm” - Mary Lambert

"I Choose You” - Sara Bareilles  (Yep, this one also made the list twice!  Again, worth noting!)

"Make You Feel My Love" – Adele

__________

All right, there you have it!  What are you waiting for?  Get out there and start dancing!  (and enjoy the practicing...  that's almost as much fun as presenting your First Dance at the reception.)  -CONGRATS :) 

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Category: Tips

Published: 16 September 2022

Hits: 4982

Planning a wedding is never easy, but wedding planning can be particularly stressful for LGBTQ+ couples. You’re trying to find vendors who support your right to marry your partner, and you might be navigating complex family dynamics regarding relatives who do not fully accept you as you are. RainbowWeddingNetwork can help you tackle all of these challenges! But if you feel like wedding-related stress is starting to impact your health, it’s time to focus on self-care. Here’s how to get more physical activity into your routine, eat a more nutritious diet, and practice mindfulness when you’re feeling stressed.

Make Time for Exercise

When you’re in the midst of wedding planning, you might feel like you have no time for exercise. It’s tough to fit workouts into your schedule when you’re shopping for wedding attire, booking vendors, and gathering addresses for all of your guests. But by making active choices in your daily life, you can move your body without heading to the gym. For example, you can take the stairs instead of using an elevator or take short walks during your lunch breaks.

Eat a Healthy Diet

It’s important to reach for healthy snacks and cook nutritious meals when you’re in the thick of wedding planning. When you’re busy with planning, you might be tempted to simply heat up frozen meals and order takeout, but you’ll feel more energized if you eat healthy, home-cooked meals. If you’re stressed out, Canyon Ranch recommends filling your plate with lean proteins, whole carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Try to avoid refined carbohydrates and incorporate lots of vegetables and leafy greens into your diet.

Practice Mindfulness

Each day, you think about another wedding-planning task you need to complete. You’re constantly focused on a date that is months or even a year away - and you’re planning so intensely for the future that you can barely concentrate on the present. But mindfulness can help you shift your attention back to the here and now. Practicing yoga, meditating, or writing in a journal can all encourage you to be more mindful. You might also want to plan “screen-free” times with your partner when you can put down your devices and just focus on each other.

Go to Bed Earlier

Do you ever catch yourself tossing and turning at night while thinking about your wedding? Maybe you’ve even had dreams about everything going wrong on the big day! If you’re anxious about your wedding, and your worrying is affecting your sleep schedule, it’s time to make some changes to your evening routine. Health recommends ditching caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, reading before bed, and creating a more comfortable bedroom environment.

Work With a Therapist

What if lifestyle changes just aren’t enough to address your wedding stress? Consider looking for an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist who can help you process your fears, implement healthy coping strategies in your daily life, and tune out people with unwanted opinions throughout your wedding planning process. You may want to work with a therapist on your own, or you might be interested in finding a therapist who serves LGTBQ+ couples so that your partner can join you for sessions.

__________________

Wedding planning can be exhausting, especially if you are facing prejudice and discrimination in the industry as an LGBTQ+ couple. But you don’t have to sacrifice your health in order to plan the perfect event. By living a more active lifestyle, getting a little more sleep, and even working with a therapist, you can feel your best throughout the ups and downs of the planning process.

Are you one-half of an LGBTQ+ couple? When you’re ready to walk down the aisle, turn to the RainbowWeddingNetwork! Browse our content today for fresh and inspirational wedding planning tips.  BEST WISHES!!

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Category: Tips

Published: 07 September 2022

Hits: 21204

Looking for a few last-minute add's for your FABULOUS AUTUMN CELEBRATION??  As the days start to turn chillier and the leaves begin to change...  a new season is on its way - we've drawn on the inspiration of Fall to bring you a few fresh Tips & Decor Ideas!

• Sure, pumpkins, sunflowers and fall foliage are always a beautiful complement to your wedding designs, but also consider APPLES and TREE-RELATED DECOR (such as bark, nuts, leaves, branches) as an easy way to bring in the rustic feel!  Branches are great for displaying seating cards, hanging decor, keepsakes, candies or even small necessaries...  Bark is a textured way to add depth and grounding energy to your centerpieces and other decoratives...  Leaves (faux usually works best) can be used as a hanging ornamentation over your dinner table/s or in doorways or to adorn your ceremony arch or gazebo.  Apples can serve as a frame to heighten your cake, polish table decor, or can be arranged in baskets or bowls as eye-catching stand-alone designs (and serve as a fun snack for your guests!)"
  
  
• Earthy-colored scarves or quilts as keepsake items...  Brown / Green / Orange / Deep Red / Yellow scarves are wonderful accents for bouquets, tablescapes, arches or doorways.  They are also lovely keepsake items to offer to your guests, attendants or special wedding vendors!  Quilts too can be offered as keepsakes, or simply placed strategically throughout your reception area, as a fun way to help build the nostalgic atmosphere you are creating with your seasonally themed wedding.  (Budgeting Tip:  Lightly used quilts can often be found at your local thrift shop!)
  
  
• Dried Florals - not only are these a simple way to add a finishing touch to your wedding decorations, they are also easy to take home and set on the mantle as a keepsake treasure from Your Special Day!
  
  
• Stones - the heartbeat of Mother Earth, stone decor also brings in grounding energy and adds a rustic touch.  Consider making this an interactive piece:  With a vase full of permanent markers, arrange various rocks in a basket or on a table and ask guests to write a short saying or prayer on a stone of their choice, as a beautiful and heartfelt message for your future together.  Then you'll have a collection of stones to take with you - for home decor, garden decor, or to set about the corners of your home:  foundational keepsakes for your new life together!
  
  
• Candles and mood lighting - large lanterns, vases and other containers for candles, as well as string lighting and other unique options are usually available through your venue, wedding planner or rental company.  Just ask!
  
  
• Amazing Delectables to set your Wedding Fare apart!  Remember to brainstorm with your caterer or chef to get creative with the gifts of the season!  Sweet potatoes, leeks, pumpkins, cranberries...  Consider soup shooters, appetizing sweet potato slices topped with feta, herbs and chives...  Filo tarts filled with warm veggies, nuts and cheeses...  Savory pies as well as sweet dessert pies...  Remember to use pumpkins as serving 'bowls.'  Delightful!
   

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Category: Tips

Published: 28 July 2022

Hits: 6350

Where to have the wedding. What to wear. Who to invite. What to eat.  There’s so much to think about when getting married that some couples forget one of the most fun elements of all: their wedding dance.

The wedding dance is your first step forward as a married couple. It is your opportunity to show everyone how beautifully you move together. "My fiancée and I started taking swing dance classes,” reports Hudson Valley resident Emma Stokes. “We had no idea what we were getting into and had no previous experience dancing together. Wednesday nights quickly became our favorite night of the week. The instructors created a comfortable atmosphere for learning. We spent most of our time laughing, and we ended up being pretty good! We never thought we would swing dance at our wedding, but by the time we were done with the group classes, we had so much fun that we signed up for private lessons. The instructors designed a series of swing moves for our song, and we swing danced as our grand entrance! Dancing was a wonderful way for us to take the time to connect as a couple during the stressful planning periods, and we will certainly be back for more!”

There is nothing more beautiful than watching a couple in love dancing together.  “My sister watched us practice our dance a few nights before the wedding,” adds Emma. “She was moved to tears and rewrote her speech to say how touched she was by the obvious connection we had, and the joy and pride we had in each other while dancing.”

Any skilled instructor should be able to work with you and your song, or help you select a song and appropriate dance style. The earlier you can begin lessons the better since you’ll be able to feel completely comfortable by the time you get to the wedding, if you’ve had sufficient time to gain skills and confidence. But even if you can only squeeze in one or two lessons, they will help you look more at ease and not succumb to the stand-and-sway of most couples.

Learning to dance together is not only a great way to look fantastic on your wedding day, but also a great way to bring a new hobby into your married lives. And don’t forget lessons for the father/s or mother/s dances with their newly married daughter/s or son/s.  Lessons for the entire wedding party can also be a real showstopper!

_________________

Linda and Chester Freeman of Got2Lindy Dance Studios have taught all over the world and on cruises since 2004.  They specialize in providing private dance lessons to wedding couples, and have helped hundreds of couples like Emma make their dance dreams come true.  They also teach group swing dance classes and run monthly social dances in Kingston NY (Hudson Valley.)  Private lessons and group classes also available via Zoom.  Named the Best Dance Studio on The Knot 2022.

Got2Lindy Dance Studios
https://www.rainbowweddingnetwork.com/dance-instruction/got2lindy-dance-studios
www.bestweddingdancelessons.com
http://www.got2lindy.com

Details

Category: Tips

Published: 25 May 2022

Hits: 16482

Any general planning tips you can suggest, as a seasoned wedding professional?

Don’t sweat every single detail. Focus on what’s most important.


What do you find most exciting about working in the wedding industry?

I love learning couples’ stories; how they met, length of time together, and funny adventures.


What are some specific ideas you have for our readers, from your point of view as a wedding pro?

As a photographer, I’d suggest photos that represent the couple. If they can add props it makes it more personal.


What should a couple look for when hiring your type of business?

When hiring a photographer, look for someone who is flexible, and who will listen to your ideas. Look for someone who welcomes your specific preferences, as far as poses. Candid shots are also nice. Obviously, you want someone with the right gear also.


How can a couple be sure a business is LGBTQ+ friendly?

Ask a lot of questions to feel them out.


Any tips for couples about unique ways to include attendants and family in their Special Day?

Have breakfast together, shop together for dresses, suits, flowers, etc.  Ask someone to pin on flowers for you. Is someone good at hair or makeup? Someone could hand out programs or designate someone to call out names of people who need to be in group photos.


Budgeting tips?

Don’t over spend just to impress someone. Flowers can be done by a crafty friend, and invitations can be printed at home.


Lasting Quote you'd like to mention to any couple who is currently planning their wedding?

The day goes by very quickly. Be sure to take a few moments for just the two of you. Take a short walk outside your venue and just enjoy each other.

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Jean Ann Photography is based in Wisconsin.

CHECK OUT MY ONLINE STOREFRONT HERE ON RainbowWeddingNetwork.com!

https://www.facebook.com/jeanannphoto