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One thing about the wedding industry is that trends and popular styles change quickly and frequently. From our experience, it's always a constant collaboration of what has been happening in home décor, personality, and custom touches. It is those last two that make it special - but the big question is where do you even start with finding inspiration?
Wedding Planning and Hashtags
Instagram: Wedding Inspiration and Trends
Let's be honest, there are always two sides to everything, right? With wedding planning, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and lost. So before you get lost scrolling for hours seeing the same thing, or nothing close to what you want to see here are a few tips for you.
Pros: Instagram trends tend to be more up-to-date, relevant, and unique. You're able to search by keywords, and specific areas or follow your favorite professionals to inspiration. You can also follow hashtags so that they will start to show up on your feed and over time change your discovery feed to more "on style". Another big plus is something we mentioned in the last episode - following local event design and rental companies so you not only get inspired but you have a local place who carries it already. Cons: Instagram is not a chronological platform (right now - they keep trying), 8-9 hour life, things tend to get buried and you feel as if you’re scrolling for ever if you don’t catch it as soon as it’s posted. That makes the whole stumbling upon awesome inspiration a little more difficult and means you need to take the step listed in the pros to find all the great ideas.
Pros: TikTok is bringing unfiltered, authentic personalities and inspirations to your phone feed and we love it! Couples can both show and tell you exactly what they did, where they found it and what not to do all in under 7 seconds. Professionals are giving you inspiration from set-ups and decor while also providing a sneak peek to behind the scenes. Clearly, from our podcast name we are big fans of that already! Just like instagram it’s easy to save ideas to different areas to keep organized.
Cons: While they still make updates and changes the platform can be really tricky to navigate and find content. Hashtags are less likely to help you find inspiration and sounds are so random with videos that you can’t always count on it being a helpful tool either. Most small businesses are just getting on the platform so it is more difficult to find and follow that type of profile. Pinterest: Boards and More
Pros: Almost everyone has a Pinterest board - especially when it comes to wedding details. That means you have countless options to search through with lots of twists and unique spins. All it takes is simply popping in those right words and your screen is full of beautiful images! One thing we talked about in the episode is a under utilized way to use this to your advantage. Typically when you find an image you like you pin it to your wedding board and scroll down to see similar options. We have two quick tips for you though next time you find something you love.
Camp Themed Wedding for Mr. and Mrs. KampEvery little detail of this day was unique, beautifully executed and oh so perfect for this sweet couple! Wedding Colors: Rust, Terracotta, Navy with Gold and Wooden Accents Vendor Team: Photographer - Karina Danielle Photography DJ/band - Matt Brooks Caterer- Back Forty Smoke House Videographer- Bouquet of Fireworks Rentals - Honey Do Event Rentals Gown - Sundays Bridal Florals - Lilies and Co Florals Hair and Makeup -Get Pretty Gals The wedding details - from rings, invitation suites to the bar signage and small décor.First looks are not only for the couple - this first look with the bridal party was such a sweet moment!There is nothing sweeter than watching our couples, their family and friends enjoy an amazing day - and we are so honored to have been a part of this day!Hidden Costs from Venues: Everyone's Worry
Trust us - we completely understand but here's the thing... Our team, our owners and our hearts are to keep all our cards on the table. What it really comes down to most of the time is not that the venues you are looking at are "hiding" costs but that you just don't know what to ask to get all the information. How would you know though? This planning world is a whole new ball game, so we're here and prepped both this blog post and our podcast episode (you can listen in over here) to help you navigate this new world of planning and skip those pesky little surprises from the start.
Because of all of this, we have had countless tours with couples saying that they are canceling their contract with another venue because of the additional fees, misunderstandings, and tricky wording… That's not fair to anyone ESPECIALLY a couple starting their life together. So we are swooping in like super(wo)man to save the day.
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Now, again it's our experience that venues are not trying to be malicious or sneaky. Some of these additional fees or charges are actually really common or, in some cases, required by law. So there is no need to get upset about these additional charges, it is just very helpful to know all of these additional prices before signing a contract and getting surprised by it later on. The best thing to do is always refer to your contract, because odds are - all the info you need is in there!
Some of the most common upcharges or hidden fees with wedding venues are:
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What to look for in the wedding venue contract
- List of items included in your contract: Tables, chairs, linens, rooms/spaces, etc.
- List of services included in your contract: Meetings, table/chair set up, day of staff, security, bartender etc.
- Rules: bar rules, decor rules, vendor and general venue rules
Looking for your dream venue team?
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Weddings are personal, and so should be the decorations and small touches!
If you’ve been following along with us then you know we are on the final part of our tea on trends. We could not wrap it up without talking about some unique and untraditional touches couples do.
 | We are all about incorporating something that is special and not what most would think of as traditional wedding touches. I get it though - planning a wedding takes a lot of creativity, a bunch of time, and a bit of thinking outside of the box. Simply put, it’s exhausting to even try to think of unique and fun touches after you’ve planned and covered all the basics. |
Here’s the thing though. Maybe, just a thought… you’re just overthinking it?
Hear me out - this is all new, overwhelming and at times the excitement turns into a constant to-do list that seems like everyone has an opinion on. For those of us who are in the industry and know the “basics” of planning already, it’s exciting, and an amazing opportunity to express you and your partner’s relationship. You get to share it with the world - well, your world and that’s all that matters right?
So since we are here to help - we are going to give you examples of what others have done that were a huge hit and then a few tips to skip the stress and easily come up with those unique aspects your celebration deserves.
Real quick - if you’re still working on those basic aspects let me point you to a quick and easy resource. The first one is our amazon list - shop away friends! We've pulled together the basics - where to start in a manner of speaking. Look, add it to the cart, and check it off your list HERE.
Hear me out - this is all new, overwhelming and at times the excitement turns into a constant to-do list that seems like everyone has an opinion on. For those of us who are in the industry and know the “basics” of planning already, it’s exciting, and an amazing opportunity to express you and your partner’s relationship. You get to share it with the world - well, your world and that’s all that matters right?
So since we are here to help - we are going to give you examples of what others have done that were a huge hit and then a few tips to skip the stress and easily come up with those unique aspects your celebration deserves.
Real quick - if you’re still working on those basic aspects let me point you to a quick and easy resource. The first one is our amazon list - shop away friends! We've pulled together the basics - where to start in a manner of speaking. Look, add it to the cart, and check it off your list HERE.
Now to the wedding trends
Untraditional trends in 2022 have got to be some of my personal favorites! It seems like couples, and events in general (not just weddings) are really saying “forget the boring stuff we really aren’t interested in, let’s keep it personalized and true to us!” It really changes the atmosphere during celebrations in the best way possible. Event budgets are being used more for details and decor that provide an experience, and the creativity behind it is incredible
Here are a few examples of what we mean by that
Wedding Florals -
Rather than keeping these beautiful arrangements in a vessel on a table, or sitting on the floor at the bottom of a staircase they are more and more becoming a piece of art or even interactive - as they absolutely deserve to be! Greenery walls (faux) are being paired with real floral accents and used for photo backdrops but also for seating arrangement displays or behind a couples table or a lounge setting. Another of my personal favorites is hanging floral installs. Picture this, you enter the reception following a beautiful ceremony and as you take each step you are surrounded by beautiful, fragrant colorful flowers hanging above you forming a tunnel. We’ve seen this trend slowly emerging and growing in creativity for the past couple of years and let me tell you EEK I am ready for it. If you’re more into trees and greenery then a simple twist on this would do the trick. I once attended an event hosted by The Knot where the entry had faux trees, with staff on step ladders there to “pick” chocolates and treats from the tree to hand you for a sweet treat.
Childhood dream unlocked - treats growing on a tree.
Childhood dream unlocked - treats growing on a tree.
Lounge areas during cocktail hour -
| Another great example of turning normal décor into a unique experience is the trend with lounge settings. Every style of event, from outdoor garden vibes to elegant and even industrial modern are putting its own twist on this. It’s allowing guests to enjoy something so expected (seating) in a new and above-and-beyond way to connect, fellowship, and create memories with others in attendance. Picture a reception with assigned seating - how much networking or visiting with family do you think is expected? Versus an outdoor area complete with couches, chairs, and tables coordinated to the style and colors perhaps paired with an outdoor bar and passed hors d'oeuvres. |  |
Wedding and event food trends in North Texas
Speaking of food (yum) - we get spoiled here in North Texas with so many options. During weddings particularly, we see many cultures coming together with the marriage of two amazing people! Guests jump at the opportunity to try some of the couples’ favorites. If you want to include a few dishes without making the whole meal specific try serving them as small bites or hors d'oeuvres before the reception begins.
Specialty desserts are a huge hit as well from wedding cookies, to replacing the cake with a favorite sweet treat the options are endless. Not sure where to start? Find that local baker you were thinking of hiring for a cake anyways and see what else they offer - from cinnamon rolls to hand pies or even macaroons there is no need to settle for something you don’t like just because you think you have to do it.
Specialty desserts are a huge hit as well from wedding cookies, to replacing the cake with a favorite sweet treat the options are endless. Not sure where to start? Find that local baker you were thinking of hiring for a cake anyways and see what else they offer - from cinnamon rolls to hand pies or even macaroons there is no need to settle for something you don’t like just because you think you have to do it.
In the podcast episode, we’ve covered quite a few more examples and ideas that made even us seasoned wedding pros excited so be sure to listen in if you need more ideas with decor, exits, signs, and more.
Use your style and add these personalized touches to your celebration.
In the last blog post we talked about 5 questions to go over with your partner to find your perfect wedding style. If you missed it be sure to go back after this and listen in - they’re a great start before you get to these more specific/ personalized details.
These two questions below are a great way to dive a little deeper to ensure your event and where you spend both your time and money are true to the two of you and what you are celebrating.
These two questions below are a great way to dive a little deeper to ensure your event and where you spend both your time and money are true to the two of you and what you are celebrating.
 | So take some paper and pens on your next date night together and take 5 minutes to each write your own answers to the questions below:
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Now compare your lists and highlight any of the same stuff - time to incorporate those for sure!
The other items? Those are a perfect way to each bring your own side to the reception. Don’t forget that the celebration is about both of you starting one life together.
The other items? Those are a perfect way to each bring your own side to the reception. Don’t forget that the celebration is about both of you starting one life together.
| RESOURCES This post written by AMANDA Shop wedding basics from our Amazon wishlist HERE Podcast Episode: LISTEN HERE |
What is a Wedding Theme or Wedding Style?
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  | As I was doing research for Episode #09 on Behind the Party Podcast I did a quick google search for “Wedding Themes” and to my surprise, I saw countless articles using the terms “Wedding Themes” and “Wedding Styles” interchangeably. In my opinion, and based on how my brain has started to categorize wedding terminology after 5 years in the industry, I view Themes as an overarching aspect of your event. Wedding Theme Examples: Halloween, Disney, Garden, Day of the Dead Whereas style is more about the visual aspect of your event. The personality of a wedding, and almost like picking a style for your home. Style Examples: Modern versus vintage, elegant and black tie versus a casual evening From our team discussion, we determined that we all believe that not all couples need a wedding theme. However, a wedding STYLE will always help with your vision of the day, so we definitely recommend always having a style in mind. A style will also help you and your significant other's vision and personality not get lost or left behind in the chaos of planning! |
2022 Common Wedding Styles/Themes:
For this discussion, I started with Amanda who owns an Event Rental Company. So she sees a wide variety of trends apart from just the style of our venue. She said that she has noticed Victorian themes (thanks to the Netflix Original, Bridgerton), garden vibes, a lot of gorgeous florals, bold design choices, charges that aren’t solid, and unique glassware. On the other hand, she has also noticed more relaxed touches. It seems like couples are wanting to be their authentic selves, creative, and whatever brings them JOY to the design aspects. I LOVE that being yourself is a trend on the up & up because I LOVE seeing a couple's personality incorporated in a wedding!
Want to know more about our team's favorite wedding styles?
From textures to natural settings our team love the versatility - head over to this episode and listen in (or read the show notes) to learn more about our personal preferences.
Are you having difficulty coming up with your personal wedding style?
| If so, Amanda has made a list of questions to ask yourself to help you determine the perfect style for you and your partner! Grab your partner, ask these questions, and discuss and answer them!
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All in all, we love getting to see unique and personalized themes/styles. It allows your guests to take a step into your personality and life! And we promise - the wedding will mean so much to you and your partner for years to come.
Tune in to Behind the Party Podcast Episode #09 for more goodies!
Tune in to Behind the Party Podcast Episode #09 for more goodies!
This post written by JENNA with Behind The Party Podcast
Get the FREE date night download HERE
Episode: LISTEN HERE
Learn more about our series sponsors + freebie download co-creator:
HONEY DO EVENT RENTALS
Get the FREE date night download HERE
Episode: LISTEN HERE
Learn more about our series sponsors + freebie download co-creator:
HONEY DO EVENT RENTALS
Hawthorn Hills
Location10340 Jackson Rd. Krum, TX 76249
940-600-7838 info@hawthornhillsranch.com |
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