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One of the BEST things we get to do with our couples is help draft a floor plan. It’s sort of like one of our favorite things when it comes to details and prepping… is that weird? Well, if you didn’t know we are wedding nerds now you do! Floorplans should get way more hype and credit than they do when it comes to planning. It is the BIGGEST way to bring your vision to life and will outline your entire reception. A lot of times what we see though are couples who are burnt out by the time they need to sit down and draft a floor plan. It’s not the most exciting thing, and it doesn’t always look the best - compared to floral arrangements or that cute custom sign you had made that is. It can also be very overwhelming once you start thinking of all the little details and things that go into a floor plan. Which brings us to this blog post - 5 steps to setting up your perfect floorplan. As always - resources, links and more at the bottom!
We suggest planning for a safe number - the upper range with some flexibility. If you choose a layout with 10 tables you can seat 80 by placing 8 chairs at each, or 100 by placing 10 at each. What that really means for you is if your RSVPs come in at 90 you’re not stressing to build/order another centerpiece to make it work. If your count comes in lower? That’s easy! Seat less per table or bonus remove a table meaning you have the decor you would have set on it to use at the bar, the entry, etc. When thinking about your guests you should also consider the VIPs in the room. These typically include your wedding party, their significant others, and your immediate family members. We can’t recommend reserved tables enough - with their names at their place setting. Each weekend we see parents come in from taking post-ceremony photos with the gorgeous couple to be stopped by many friends who are saying hello. What couples don’t think about though are all their other guests - you know, the ones not in those family photos who made their way into the reception hall half an hour ago to claim their seat. Your VIPs should not be left looking for a chair in the back corner of the room - a simple “reserved” sign helps. Place cards with their names ensure that your second cousin once removed doesn’t self proclaim to be VIP, and it also enables your pros to help direct guests to a fantastic seat while leaving those seats reserved alone. 
The room itself is not the only thing you will want to know the shape and size for though if your venue has tables, chairs or other furniture provided for you as them the sizes so you can space accordingly. There is a big difference between 6-foot long banquet tables and 60 inch rounds. Your venue should also have basic details and information about the furniture for you. For example, our 60 inch round tables seat 8 - 10 with our chiavari chairs. If someone were to bring in folding garden chairs which are wider we would suggest 9 tops, and ideally only 8 chairs per table.
Every venue is different - one thing you don’t want to forget about when planning your perfect floorplan are the permanent features in the room. It may be large furniture or decor items that cannot be moved, or it could be something more structural such as a door or counter. For our venue that includes our bar - a long granite counter located in the southwest corner of the reception hall. Keeping these permanent features in mind will help you use the space to your advantage and really let the floorplan work for you rather than being stuck with what you have. Electrical outlets are another feature couples sometimes forget about. For example that band you’re planning on having? Or that amazing photo booth your guests will be lined up at all night long? They need power - and enough of it too. For our couples we keep it simple, we have multiple outlets on every wall, outlets at the ceiling for those who hang decor and have larger installations such as lights, and we even have outlets on the floor. It keeps creating their floorplan a little simpler with one less headache to have to worry about.  4. Know the details before you dive inIt’s kind of hard to plan your space when you don’t have a clear vision of everything you need there. Are you serving a buffet line or will meals be plated? Do you have a DJ or an 8 piece rock band? All these things make a huge difference in what you have space for and where you need to start to tackle your floor plan. If you jump the gun and start drafting your floor plan without knowing these details you may find yourself erasing…. A whole lot. Or you might finally reach the end and then realize you forgot to put your head table in the room - YIKES. This checklist is just a glimpse of the questionnaire we send our clients and items that are in the majority of the floorplans we’ve built. 
 Talk about saving the best for last! This is the one area that can be hard to visualize - so please talk to your vendors and have them look over your floorplan with you. The flow of your guests is very important. Often we hear during tours how couples don’t want lines - lines at the buffet line, the guest book, and especially not at the bar. Now keep in mind that there will be busy times when lines are unavoidable. Even our intimate weddings with less than 40 will have a line at the guest book to sign in and leave a note - that’s expected. What you do not want though is a traffic jam. Could you imagine if the line for your bar crossed paths with your buffet line? What about if in addition to that your caterers and bar staff had to walk across the lines to get to ice and their utensils. PLEASE don’t do that to your pros, your guests, or your sanity! Break apart the hotspots of the evening - even photo booths can be so fun near the bar but if they are in the same corner is a crowd waiting to happen. Our venue was designed with the kitchen and the bar on opposite ends of the venue for a reason. The kitchen has multiple doors so that caterers can move freely and not through crowds. Use it to your advantage - keep the buffet line near the kitchen and spread out the flow or your event to utilize all areas of the venue.  See a photo you love?
Check out these awesome photographers: 1st, 2nd and 3rd photo by April Sapp Photography 4th and 5th by Blackall Photography 6th by Brooks Captured Moments / Lovesick Photos Looking for hands on help? Contact our team for help with your floorplan, and to set up a time to tour! CLICK HERE TO CONTACT US info@hawthornhillsranch.com Wedding Planning! So exciting, fun, and..... Stressful? No matter how much you love the planning process most couples have never fully planned a wedding before. Even if you have, odds are it hasn’t been many and as we all know every wedding is as unique and as amazing as each individual couple. SO where to start?
Well.... Everyone’s budget is unique and what is reasonable or expensive to you could be completely different to those brides in your Facebook group that are giving you suggestions of photographers that are “reasonable”. In addition, having a budget can help you stay on target and in control of your wedding spending. The two problems we hear from couples in the beginning of planning is that 1) “We have no idea how much a [planner] should cost! Is this a deal? Is it expensive?” 2) “How much of our budget should we spend on [floral]?
Questions and Answers!So, we can give you our tips all day long, but we thought hearing directly from a planner who helps consult and set budgets would be way more helpful. Cindy is a local planner we love working with and is always so professional with couples. We’ve asked her for her two sense on budgets - take a peak. Q: I can’t afford to pay an arm and a leg for floral that’s just crazy! I am looking for an affordable DJ - who can help?” “We as vendors see this question all the time, I need a planner who doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, I need a low budget DJ, can’t spend an arm and a leg. Wedding budgets will look different for each couple but just to set the record straight. The price of a new prosthetic leg can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000 and an arm that is fully functioning and can bend at several locations can range from $20,000 to $100,00. Is anyone’s budget here $150K? OK perfect so none of you will spend an arm and a leg.” - Cindy, CM Promotions Know your ideal budget and ask or look for it! Vendors cannot help or have any idea what is “reasonable” to you if you don’t give a range or max amount. We do recommend that you look at vendors that are slightly above that range to compare what is provided at that price level. Our venue for example includes some services like tablecloths where others do not. That service saves you $200+ easily from your budget so may first look like we are above your ideal venue budget when in reality we save you more in the long run. Q: How should I start figuring out where to spend my budget? “Make a list of your wedding priorities: Start with the top three things that are most important to you on your wedding day. For example Food, Live Band and Photo are mine, and yours may be different and that is ok. Whatever is most important put it at the top and book those vendors first. Anything leftover you distribute to everything else you need but at least you’ll have your main priorities taken care of.” - Cindy, CM Promotions Q: Are there ways I can stretch my budget or make the most of it? “Be resourceful! There are a lot of items/decor for weddings that can be used for both the ceremony and reception. Example: Bridesmaid bouquets can double as centerpieces for the reception, lanterns used to decorate the aisle can be brought inside and put on tables/stairs for extra decor. Adding a colored napkin to a white or ivory table cloth can add so much to the room for only a little expense.” - Cindy, CM Promotions Q: Should I go for the best deal I can find? “Do your research: As important as budget is to your wedding day, you can’t get a redo - if you think your vendor has a deal that is too good to be true, dive in a little deeper, read the reviews, post to one of the Facebook groups and see what other brides have said. Having an experienced and knowledgeable vendor team is crucial to the success of your day, the planner, DJ, and Photographer all have to work hand in hand to ensure your day is a success.” - Cindy, CM Promotions Q: How much of my budget should go to each area? “I feel like the wedding budget is different for everyone so this Budget 101 breakdown is like a middle ground and it works for those who have a budget of $20,000 or $60,000.” - Cindy, CM Promotions FREE RESOURCES
 CLICK HERE cmpromotions.co/to set up that free consult call with CM Promotions. CM Promotions https://cmpromotions.co/ (972) 677-8841 Like what you see?
Photos on this page (top to bottom) by: Brandon Jones Photography (photos 1 and 2) Enchanted Luna Photography (photos 3, 4 and 5) Part 2 - Reception |
 | SEATING - Keep tables 6 feet or more apart - No more than 6 people per table - Seating Charts will keep things easy on your guests - Consider changing things up and not serving a seated meal - Place settings should be empty |
Seating charts sound scary and like a pain to many brides or grooms planning - but at the end of the day it makes things very easy on your family and guests. As things slowly begin to open and grow towards normal tables should be limited to seat no more than 6 people and of course families will be seated together. That being said - seating charts? Should be a piece of cake! It also will let you make sure you have enough tables set. We recommend only seating families (living under the same roof) together if possible.
Check out this photo above - it has seating for 6 and still looks amazing! Just because the layout may change a bit does not mean that your vision has to so don't lose hope - get excited about the unique twists you can put on your day!
Check out this photo above - it has seating for 6 and still looks amazing! Just because the layout may change a bit does not mean that your vision has to so don't lose hope - get excited about the unique twists you can put on your day!
| CATERING - Buffet lines must be served by catering staff - Condiments: served by staff or in individual packets - Flatware, plates and napkins should be at the buffet supervised during the day/event - Use disposables if possible and do not reuse for refills - Cake should be served by catering staff and sitting in the reception area |  |
The cake may sound tricky - BUT we'll talk more about this in Part 3 so check it out!
Now, as for the seated meal we mention earlier.... Food stations are a HUGE trend right now and all you need are options that are easy to eat but maybe a little more elegant than "finger foods". Guests may not be able to scoop their own food (that's not very fun anyways right?), but you can turn it into an experience. Carving stations for meat, Chicken & Waffles station with a waffle iron, or even a stir fry station where guests name their toppings/vegetables and tossed right in front of them.
Dessert stations are a FUN way to do just what we're suggesting - locally we have Beth Marie's who always wows guests with a fun, unique service that will be sure to let everyone forget the distancing they are doing.
By keeping the meal option versatile you can provide more cocktail tables and guests can easily spread out at a safe distance. At our venue, we often have couples utilize the outdoor areas on a regular basis with food and for photos.
Now, as for the seated meal we mention earlier.... Food stations are a HUGE trend right now and all you need are options that are easy to eat but maybe a little more elegant than "finger foods". Guests may not be able to scoop their own food (that's not very fun anyways right?), but you can turn it into an experience. Carving stations for meat, Chicken & Waffles station with a waffle iron, or even a stir fry station where guests name their toppings/vegetables and tossed right in front of them.
Dessert stations are a FUN way to do just what we're suggesting - locally we have Beth Marie's who always wows guests with a fun, unique service that will be sure to let everyone forget the distancing they are doing.
By keeping the meal option versatile you can provide more cocktail tables and guests can easily spread out at a safe distance. At our venue, we often have couples utilize the outdoor areas on a regular basis with food and for photos.
| FLOOR PLAN - Skip the dance floor - or create personal dance spaces - Take things outside and enjoy the Texas air! - Set up multiple buffet lines and bar service areas - Mark 6 foot lines at the bar, buffet and restroom to keep it easy on guests - Remove the cake and any dessert tables |  |
As guest counts are limited it gives more versatility in your floor pan! Consider adding a second bar - indoors or out to provide a second area for guests. Same goes for your buffet line, if your catering team can staff it then create two separate lines to decrease the wait time. For those bar and buffet lines - make sure you use appropriate materials but think of a way to easily mark where guests should stand and space from each other to keep the 6 foot distance.
Now we know skipping the dance floor can be a big bummer, but trust us- keeping people 6 feet away when the right song comes on is not easy. Especially if you get to work with amazing DJs like we do. Think of it this way though - everyone can get their own dance bubble thanks to that awesome table spacing you created, so when that song comes on they won't be able to get in a giant group huddle but they can still bust a move from a safe distance.
PS - ask your professional DJ about the other activity options they have up their sleeve, there are some FUN options that can bring smiles to you and your wedding guests that you'll remember always.
Now we know skipping the dance floor can be a big bummer, but trust us- keeping people 6 feet away when the right song comes on is not easy. Especially if you get to work with amazing DJs like we do. Think of it this way though - everyone can get their own dance bubble thanks to that awesome table spacing you created, so when that song comes on they won't be able to get in a giant group huddle but they can still bust a move from a safe distance.
PS - ask your professional DJ about the other activity options they have up their sleeve, there are some FUN options that can bring smiles to you and your wedding guests that you'll remember always.
 | GENERAL HEALTH & SAFETY - Have hand-sanitizer stations at every entrance, at the bar & at the buffet lines - Post signs: "to have & to hold, from 6 feet apart" - Provide masks for guests and members of your wedding party that you may be within 6 feet of - Event staff should wear masks and gloves - Encourage all guests who have been ill, with a temperature over 100 degrees and are experiencing any of the symptoms listed here to stay home. |
As the couple you two will want to make sure you have plenty of PPE including hand sanitizer for all your guests. Posting signs about keeping distances, hand washing, etc. and put your own spin on them to keep them light hearted and as a way to look back and laugh at this time.
We should all have a good idea by now that the goal is to stay 6 foot away and if it is not possible, individuals should use a face covering, hand hygiene, cough etiquette, cleanliness, and sanitation should be rigorously practiced. Providing masks for your wedding party or guests can be thoughtful and also make for a fun photo-opp. Since you'll need to stay 6 feet away from each other without one, why not have some custom made or pick a fun design.
We should all have a good idea by now that the goal is to stay 6 foot away and if it is not possible, individuals should use a face covering, hand hygiene, cough etiquette, cleanliness, and sanitation should be rigorously practiced. Providing masks for your wedding party or guests can be thoughtful and also make for a fun photo-opp. Since you'll need to stay 6 feet away from each other without one, why not have some custom made or pick a fun design.
Part 1 - Wedding Ceremony Tips During Social Distancing
Part 3 - Coming Soon!
Photos by
- Haley Katherine Photography (First Photo)
- Lauren Bloom Photography (Second and Fourth Photo)
- Blackall Photography (Third Photo)
- Haley Katherine Photography (First Photo)
- Lauren Bloom Photography (Second and Fourth Photo)
- Blackall Photography (Third Photo)
Part 1 - Wedding Ceremony
Tips and Ideas to Keep People Healthy
and Share an Amazing Moment
Okay so things have changed and rocked our worlds, but at the end of the day we all just want to CELEBRATE and share special moments with our families and friends. The key is knowing how to do that without putting anyone at risk, and of course to follow any policies and guidelines in place. Does anyone else agree that wedding planning is stressful enough as it is though? Now there are even more details to pour over to create a safe environment to welcome your guests into. The good news? This is new territory for all of us! Okay, so maybe that sounds a bit overwhelming to you but trust us - creating and thinking outside the box is what event industry pros DO. We are creatives - we may not be able to pick up a brush and paint a stunning scene but we can and do problem solve and find ways to make each event unique every single day.
That being said I know you want the tips and ideas - so we've put them together here for you to check out. Every state has their own policies so be sure to check in with your area and apply those as well - but these tips are a great way to practice healthy habits as we start to see wedding ceremonies begin again and love stories begin.
That being said I know you want the tips and ideas - so we've put them together here for you to check out. Every state has their own policies so be sure to check in with your area and apply those as well - but these tips are a great way to practice healthy habits as we start to see wedding ceremonies begin again and love stories begin.
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SEATING
Not that your guests were squeezing together to begin with BUT if you're here in Texas like us you will want to be sure: - Keep an empty row in between seated guests - Families who live together can sit together up to 6 people - Keep 6 feet in between guests/families |
Easy way to do this & NOT stress out your guests? Have an usher or 2! They can welcome guests (from a safe distance), and show them where to sit.
In Texas we do expect these to loosen up a bit as we reach different phases, so keep up with the newest policies and give your ushers the job of directing your guests. Odds are, most of them may be a little too tired of the news to keep up with seating at ceremonies.
In Texas we do expect these to loosen up a bit as we reach different phases, so keep up with the newest policies and give your ushers the job of directing your guests. Odds are, most of them may be a little too tired of the news to keep up with seating at ceremonies.
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WEDDING PARTY So if you haven't already thought through your ceremony details this will make decisions a lot easier! - Have bridesmaids / groomsmen walk in and out separately and you guessed it! 6 feet apart - Have your officiant already in place - Space your wedding party members 6 feet apart as well |
OR our personal favorite: keep it intimate and have only your Maid of Honor or Best Man by your sides and the rest of the party seated. If you have not hired a wedding planner this is a FANTASTIC reason to do so! They will cue everyone professionally and safely, open doors (gloved) and make sure you know where to stand.
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WEDDING RINGS AND MORE... So the goal is to keep contact and germs to a minimum, but you want to have rings (of course!) and other items in your ceremony. - Ring bearer: carry an empty box, sign or empty ring pillow instead - Only the couple should touch and handle the rings - Unity ceremony? Skip it or have your wedding coordinator set it up. They should be gloved up and can make sure your unity items are safe and germ free for you! |
For your rings we suggest keeping them in one of your pockets for safe keeping. When your officiant asks for them hand one directly to your almost (you're so close at that point!) spouse. If they are performing a blessing they can do so without holding them. This will eliminate the rings bring touched by.... planner > ring bearer > ring bearer's parent as they make sure they don't get lost > best man > officiant > the couple YIKES.
Simple is easy, best and healthiest!
Simple is easy, best and healthiest!
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LIVE STREAMING Okay technology is AWESOME you guys. We know that many of your grandparents and immuno compromised family members won't be able to make it. That doesn't mean they need to mis out though! - Set up a Zoom Meeting - Set up a Private Facebook Group - Live steam during your ceremony! |
If you haven't considered whether to have a videographer, now is the perfect time to think it over! The video can last a lifetime, and even better - you can share it on your social media for those who could not make it.
Grandparents are not going to want to miss out, but we know that you don't want them risking their wellbeing to do so. Keep it easy on them, and let everyone live in the moment! Ask your videographer if they can also record with a cellphone livestreaming for you or assign the task to someone - a tripod set up is a great idea to but PLEASE ask your photographer team where a good place would be.
Grandparents are not going to want to miss out, but we know that you don't want them risking their wellbeing to do so. Keep it easy on them, and let everyone live in the moment! Ask your videographer if they can also record with a cellphone livestreaming for you or assign the task to someone - a tripod set up is a great idea to but PLEASE ask your photographer team where a good place would be.
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HELP YOUR GUESTS Ultimately the goal is to celebrate and enjoy. That can't happen if everyone is worried about what to do, when to do it and where to be. - Event team can welcome and direct your guests, opening doors answering questions, etc - Officiant should make an announcement before the ceremony and after so that guests know to exit appropriately and head to the reception |
- Signs are a great way to make announcements look pretty
- Communicate before (explaining if they are feeling xyz to please stay home), request no hugs or handshakes but that their presence alone let's you know they care!
- DJ should make professional, helpful reminders to ease them into enjoying the day while keeping distance
- Communicate before (explaining if they are feeling xyz to please stay home), request no hugs or handshakes but that their presence alone let's you know they care!
- DJ should make professional, helpful reminders to ease them into enjoying the day while keeping distance
It sounds like a bummer, but if we're being honest a lot of these are already very common to a certain stage and are simple, easy transitions to keep your guests comfortable and focused on what truly matters - you two beginning a life together!
Part 2 coming soon so be sure to check back with us!
Part 2 coming soon so be sure to check back with us!
Photos by White Orchid Photography
Ring Box The Mrs Ring Box
Sign Designed by
GET MORE INFO ON OUR VENUE BY CONTACTING OUR TEAM
Ring Box The Mrs Ring Box
Sign Designed by
GET MORE INFO ON OUR VENUE BY CONTACTING OUR TEAM
Last week of giveaways already?
We've got just as many giveaways.... and who knows maybe an extra surprise or two up our sleeves. This month was definitely more fun getting to do these weekly giveaways with you guys! We don't normally get to do things like this and we're SO grateful for your participation and joining us.
| This week we've got a little something for everyone. - Rehearsal Guide & Workbook - For our couples planning and needing a little extra help - Mr // Mrs Decor - Married or engaged they'll be a perfect touch - Starbucks? Enough said... - Seriously though guys, who else may need a coffee shop run when we get back out & about? Maybe your coffee skills are better than mine, but hopefully it's a good treat for you either way - Groom's Cake // Dessert - Pies, cupcakes, desserts, we've seen it all it's really up to you! |  |
 | Interested in touring? (it's by video call & a virtual tour don't worry!) Contact our team and be sure to tell them you're participating in the GIVEAWAY FUN! |
If you've missed the first couple weeks we've had here's a little recap of what to do...
- we'll be posting throughout the week with how to win
- follow the directions & you'll be entered
- you have to follow us & let us follow you back (so we can see your posts)
- for entries with photos: sending any photos/videos to us via DM also works!
- each prize has it's own way to win: best photo, random winner, etc
Anyone can win: wedding pro, couple, neighbor, even if you just randomly stumbled on our page!
Prizes are delivered via email (giftcards) or mail.
*Bonus is only open to any couple who has not booked our venue, tours within the window of time and books before the end of the month.*
If you have any other questions you can contact our team HERE.
- we'll be posting throughout the week with how to win
- follow the directions & you'll be entered
- you have to follow us & let us follow you back (so we can see your posts)
- for entries with photos: sending any photos/videos to us via DM also works!
- each prize has it's own way to win: best photo, random winner, etc
Anyone can win: wedding pro, couple, neighbor, even if you just randomly stumbled on our page!
Prizes are delivered via email (giftcards) or mail.
*Bonus is only open to any couple who has not booked our venue, tours within the window of time and books before the end of the month.*
If you have any other questions you can contact our team HERE.
Hawthorn Hills
Location10340 Jackson Rd. Krum, TX 76249
940-600-7838 info@hawthornhillsranch.com |
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