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. 

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. 

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.

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!

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.

- 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

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!

Photos by White Orchid Photography
Ring Box The Mrs Ring Box
Sign Designed by

GET MORE INFO ON OUR VENUE BY CONTACTING OUR TEAM

Member that bridal show we did a couple weeks ago? 
We teamed up with the Denton's Original Half-Pint and sponsored some cool drinks for all the couples who attended! So fun -- sparkling water & "something blue" spritzers were a huge hit. 

If you haven't checked it out - talk about a fun way to entertain your guests during a cocktail hour, for your engagement party or even just as an outdoor bar set up! 

What would you put on tap? 
I think our vote is for wine or champagne! But on a hot summer day, sparkling water and lemonade make a perfect set up to keep guests cool for an outdoor ceremony.

Be sure to give our friends a shout & add a unique touch to your event that will be sure to make it an experience you won't forget!

Email them for more info

Get ready ladies - this one is full of some of the biggest trends of the year!

​Weddings are a gorgeous occasion for everyone to enjoy, filled with romance and each unique to the couple being celebrated. These colors are just as deep and romantic and the styling - as dreamy as it gets! Perfect for brides planning a fall or winter wedding these bold colors will keep every guest warm.

A perfect blend of cranberry and wine the photographers {The Lockharts} created a polished look by incorporating touches of dusty blue. Resonated in every detail from vintage chairs and beautiful place setting the design by Sydnee Events is delicate and beautiful. 

Which bring us to the last big trend of this post: place settings. Gorgeous plates and colored drink-ware are a huge hit this year and surely you can see why! The added customization wraps up the entire scene to create a sophisticated & romantic setting for a beautiful wedding.

Vendors Involved
Photography: The Lockharts
Planner: Sydnee Events
Stationary: Hands of Hollis
Rentals: Borrowed Inspirations
Hair & Makeup: Gracieella Artistry
Venue: Hawthorn Hills Ranch
​

Whoever said, “do what you love and love what you do,” must have had Kelly in mind, the owner and head florist of A Time to Shine Floral Design. Her love for flowers began at age 16 when she volunteered to fill in a short-staffed floral department at her job in the local grocery store, and then requested to be permanently moved to that team. Soon, she began dreaming of starting her own floral business and giving clients a completely customized experience. One day after work, Kelly shared some ideas with her husband and he said, “Go for it!” The rest is history.

​Floral arrangements very quickly tie together a reception from the colors to the welcoming appearance and are a fantastic addition to your table top decor. Arrangements can vary in hundreds of ways, making each one personalized and special for your big day. Choosing a florist is much more than looking at the cost of a package - it's about their art work, the style(s) the design and your trust in them to complete your vision.

A Time to Shine Floral Design
940-367-0494
atimetoshinefloraldesign@yahoo.com