“We are still getting married, but rescheduling.” How many of you can relate?  More than we would like to count, if we are being honest.

We all look forward to big celebrations and planning for life within our industry, however in recent, we have been faced with a sudden an immediate halt to everything around us.  Clients postponing, vendors shutting doors, our once go to person now not working and it seems to continue on that trend.  After this, though, we need to continue to exist.  We need to continue on with life and create those same celebrations that we all once enjoyed pre-March 9, 2020. 

While the beginning of this blog sounds very familiar to everything else out there in the news and press, at BTS we want to make sure that if you are one of those going through the back and forth of compartmentalizing all of what is happening to your very own wedding day, it is important for us to help you in this process.  That said, let’s get right to it and make sure you all know what the steps and procedures are that you need to do to make this a seamless process for everyone.

Reschedule First, Do Not Cancel!

First and foremost, talk to your partner about what you should be doing and take into consideration the health and well being of the two of you, your families and your guests.  If any of this seems a little weird and uncertain, it may be best to come up with an alternative.   Change your date, and postpone.  You shouldn’t cancel.  There is no need to do that.  Your wedding day is still super important and it needs to be celebrated.  Your friends and family members will definitely agree.

Contact Your Vendors

Inform your wedding planner if you have one.  You may feel it necessary to do some things on your own,  keep in mind that we are hired for coordination.  That means coordination of all things related to the wedding; cancelling, postponing, etc.  You are likely not the first one to be doing this so let us help you by making this a super simple and easy transition.

If you do not have a wedding planner, contact your venue to understand the policies and procedures for what is happening.   Remember, we are in a national emergency (super scary couple of words to be saying out loud – we know) so everyone is understanding.  Next is to consider a new date/dates.  Keep in mind, LOTS of dates are changing right now so you want to make sure you reach out as soon as possible.  Once you have established this, it is time to move on to your other vendors.  If they are all available, great!  If not, keep track of the conflicting vendors to see if there is anything that can be done to ensure you are able to keep them on the roster.  Ask your wedding planner for tips on what to do if not everyone is able to make the switch.

Contracts

It is important to ask your vendors for revised contracts that reflect the new dates.  This should be done so that there is documentation of all of the changes.  Do not be worried.  Be cautious in making sure that with all of the moving pieces going on within the event industry, you are protecting yourself.  Another contract to consider updating is your event insurance if you have this.

Communicate To Your Guests

After all is settled and you have landed on a new date, it is time to inform your guests.  Do not forget about them.  Though there is a lot going on, they are still wondering about your wedding.  Send out a postponement announcement via email/text/paperless post as soon as you know your new date so guests know exactly what is going on and can plan accordingly. This is similar to a save the date.  Short and to the point.  It allows guests the chance to understand what is going, make travel adjustments and inform the necessary accommodation people of the changes.

Don’t forget, keep your wedding website up to date and as current as possible.  You may need to resubscribe to the server that you have been using so that it does not expire.  Sometimes there is a timestamp on how long the sites stay active for.

After this, you will want to plan to send out another invitation closer to the wedding for rsvp’s.  Keep this simple and to the point – probably just one card including the new date and food options available for selection.  You need these rsvp’s to be as current as the first round of them.

Personal Adjustments

You are likely in the home stretch of everything, so appointments are made and booked.  Don’t forget about them.  Things such as dress fittings, facials, manicures/pedicures, tans and more have to be rescheduled.  Make sure to pick up your dress from your seamstress so that it is in your possession and no one else’s. The honeymoon is likely a standstill as well so make any necessary adjustments to these travel plans as well.

Breathe

We know, this was a lot and unfortunately, not fun at all.  Wedding planning is supposed to always be fun though, right?  Well, it will be again.  Spin it whichever way you want as long as you find the silver lining.   Find the fun in the process and the uniqueness of the situation.  At the end of the day, you were planning this day as a celebration of two lives coming together as one – we need to make sure that happens still.  We also need to make sure that the celebration continues with the people you care most about.

Cheers from afar!

Personalization? Yes! Please!! Something trendy, fun and functional? Yes, again! Groomsmen gifts AND bridesmaid gifts – always. We are constantly being asked from our clients if we have any cool and unique gift ideas for their wedding party and while we’re at it, do we know how to customize it? Well yes, in fact, we do and we have partnered with Groovy Guys Gifts on this blog to show you that there are so many gift options out there. Like – So many! From customized duffle bags to pocket knives to cigar cutters and old fashioned ice rocks, their options are endless and to be honest, while I scroll through Groovy Guy’s website, I can confidently say that my husband would find use in A LOT of these products so we know that your groomsmen would love them too.

 

 

Let’s be honest, shopping for guys can be a little tough and rough because you never know if they are going to use what anything that is bought but when you put a little extra touch of sentiment to it and add in something that is relatable to them, they cherish items forever. So Grooms – be the best one out there and get them something that your guys can use forever. Whatever that may be, cuff links or a travel bag – they will cherish for as long as they have it. Check out Groovy Guys Gifts for all your wedding related, one stop shop, gifts for all. It just makes sense!!

5 Steps to Completely Slaying Your Wedding Vows

 

You outsource things for your wedding like your makeup and floral design—would you ever outsource your vow writing to someone? Find out how we learned how to write the perfect wedding vows from a complete stranger!

We sat down to talk with Katelyn Stanis, a wedding vow and speech writing expert. She gave us the down low on all things custom vow writing.

Katelyn started her vow writing business, Wedding Words, in 2017 and has been penning couples vows from all over the world ever since. She also works with the maid of honor to write a speech that the bride will absolutely adore.

Here are her five tips to write the perfect wedding vows, personalized and all. Be sure to check out our recent episode with her to listen to all her juicy advice.

 

Step 1: Gathering material for your vows

Have a brainstorm by spending 20 minutes jotting down any memory or emotion that comes to mind. Then circle the concepts that you want to expand on for your vows.

You can also interview yourself by asking questions and recording your answers. Transcribe the audio and use this as the basis for your wedding vows.

 

Step 2: Identify themes

Once you’ve compiled some vow writing ideas and notes, start to identify themes.

What themes stand out in your notes? Do you talk a lot about your partner’s sense of humor or their thoughtfulness? Use these themes to anchor your vows and to move the vows forward from one story to the next.

 

Step 3: Write the first draft

Now that you have an idea of what you want to include in your vows, you can write the first draft. Be sure to start by addressing your fiancé.

Then communicate details about what you love about your partner and your relationship.

Next, detail out specific promises you want to make. Lastly, close with a love-filled sentence.

 

Step 4: Edit your vows

It’s time to edit your first draft. Start by removing any unnecessary words. If you can read a sentence and it has the same meaning with some of the words removed, go ahead and remove those words. You don’t want to include anything that doesn’t add meaning and impact to your vows.

Be sure to align with your fiancé on the sentiment and tone of your vows too. The last thing you want is for your vows to be full of sweet and sentimental thoughts and for your partner to focus on just having funny wedding vows.

 

Step 5: Practice reciting your vows

The final step is to practice reciting your wedding vows out loud. Video record yourself so you can watch yourself and make improvements or recite your vows in front of your maid of honor.

Be sure to also print your vows or use a vow booklet. Whatever you do—don’t read your vows from your phone!

 

Follow these five vow writing steps and you’ll be on your way to creating personalized and perfect wedding vows.

Written By: Katelyn Stanis

katelyn@weddingwords.us

www.weddingwords.us

IG: @weddingwords.us

Remember how Mary (Jennifer Lopez) in The Wedding Planner crosses the street and gets her high heel stuck in a manhole? Working through an entire wedding in heels is painful & totally not how real-life wedding planners dress!

 

The 5 Commandments of Wedding Planners:

  • Go for comfortable but cute and trendy
  • Always invest in stylish flats
  • All black always
  • Pants & crops are key and look amazing with flats but there are some cute professional dresses that’ll fit the job too!
  • Ditch the denim. You want to aim for a stylish & professional look.

So if you’re wondering how to follow these guidelines so you look & feel like the boss babe you are, get your weekly dose of inspo below.

The Liam Pant

You don’t have to hide your figure when opting for pants. These are a go-to for wedding planners who want to elegantly embrace their feminine silhouette without stealing the show. Plus that flattering high-rise fit makes for a modern & sophisticated look.

Crepe Long Sleeve Jumpsuit

Hate the stress that comes with searching for a matching top and bottom? Neither do we. If you want to make your decision as simple yet stylish as possible, opt for this long sleeve jumpsuit. It’s elasticized waist and flowy fabric will keep you comfy and looking amazing as you’re running around, working your magic, and making wedding dreams come true.

 

Limited Edition Buttoned Pants

For the more classic ladies who appreciate a little touch of retro, these high-waisted pants are a must! The front pockets will make sure you have everything you need at reach and the inner side vents will keep you fresh during the hustle & bustle of a wedding day.

 

Limited edition Blouse With Balloon Sleeves

Perfect for wedding planner going for a retro chic look while also looking for some extra coverage to stay warm & cozy.  The high collar, wide cuffs, and shoulder detail take this blouse from basic to ultra-sophisticated. Pair it with the fitted limited edition pants for a super stylish look.

 

Halogen Sabrina Collapsible Back Flat

These minimalist slippers are perfect when you’re running around. Plus, the collapsible back makes it so versatile and comfy. The last thing any wedding planner wants are sore feet! This pair of shoes feels like a dream and matches beautifully with any black outfit.

 

Which of these would you wear or mix and match? Tell us in the comments below!

 

“God, I love being a turtle!”  Michaelangelo – you couldn’t have said it any better!  You’ve heard it right, the wait is over!  This weekend was finally the debut of the gnarliest Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle birthday party that we put together for one of our favorite four year olds!  From the four tiered layered cake, to the life sized piñata even down to our Michelangelo character, this party was totally tubular, dude!

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Hello there!  In August, we participated in Phoenix NACE’s Tantalizing Table event where we were able to create a table design that was both fun and exciting!  This was such a blast for us and we couldn’t have been more thrilled about how it turned out to be.  Inspired by a piece of fabric from a local Hobby Lobby, we were really able to bring out an exciting tablescape.

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Before we get hot and heavy into the wedding season, I wanted to mix things up a bit a share an awesome party that we recently did. Over the summer we were so lucky to be able to throw a 40th birthday party for one of our elite clients.  Inspired by Miami’s night life, we were really able to put our creative party side to good use.

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AlexHappy Monday! To kick start this week off, I am going to do a quick intro into BTS’s newest team member, me! Yes, you heard it right, today is my very first blog for BTS and I couldn’t be more thrilled!!

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BTS Event Management had the opportunity to coordinate a fabulous Sip & See Shower for a very precious newborn baby girl last Saturday. The Chanel perfume bottle was the main inspiration for this black and white themed party and since the little one is Mommy’s third blessing, it was only fitting to go with No. 3 on all the décor. We teamed up with Paper Eskimo for all the paper party products and SN Consulting for all the artwork design and it turned out amazing. Here are some pictures of the wonderful afternoon.    ImageImage

 

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It’s that time of the year again. April showers bring May… weddings! You’re calendar is most likely filled with a handful of bridal showers, especially with wedding season around the corner.

Bridal showers can be delightful- a time dedicated to shower the lovely bride with gifts, love, and support. We understand that, occasionally, things don’t go as planned. Here are a few helpful tips for throwing the perfect bridal shower for a modern bride-to-be:

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