• 15
      Aug

    The Perfect Venue!

    Lilly Pulitzer Inspired Wedding Ceremony | The Majestic Vision Wedding Planning | The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach, FL | www.themajesticvision.com | Krystal Zaskey Photography
    So I’ve been engaged for over 4 months now…wow…that’s crazy to write down! It’s been a whirlwind of emotions and planning. First we decided on the date to get married. The date has sentimental meaning to us since it happens to be both of our parents’ wedding anniversaries. The next very important step was having the budget talk. After that was squared away, we moved on to find our perfect wedding venue.
     
    There are a lot of factors to consider when looking at wedding venues – budget, style of the space, time of year, inclusions, etc. Here’s how we tackled this very crucial step in the planning process.
     
    Rustic Barn Wedding | The Majestic Vision Wedding Planning | Rustic Manor in Milwaukee, WI | www.themajesticvision.com | Elizabeth Haase Photography
    Type of Venue:
     
    You will quickly realize that there are a plethora of venues to choose from. Dominating the market are the traditional venues such as hotels and country clubs. They are great because of their pre-set packages and experience in executing weddings. However, there are just as many non-traditional venues to check out if the hotel/country club isn’t your thing. Some great examples are museums, gardens, theatres, restaurants, boats, art galleries and (my personal favorite) zoos. These quirkier venues can often be a hidden gem and allow for more flexibility. Also, consider locations that have sentimental value to you as a couple and research if they have the space to host events. Use Google to help you create a list of potential venues based on location and appeal to you as a couple.
     
    Questions to Ask:
     
    After your list is complete, you need to create a list of priorities you require from the venue space. Do you need a venue that holds 300? That’s definitely a top priority. Excel is a great tool of keeping track of these requirements and if the various fulfill them. To begin narrowing down the search, contact each venue and ask these types of questions:
     
    What is the guest capacity?
    Can both the ceremony and reception take place there?
    What are the rental fees?
    What do those fees include? Tables? Chairs? Linens? Bar? Stage?
    What are the time limits? Are there fees for going overtime?
    What is the fee for having a rehearsal?
    Will there be simultaneous events happening?
    What is the cancellation policy?
    Is the catering in-house? If so, what does the china look like?
    Are there package deals? What is the break down of inclusions in the package?
    Must we use specific vendors (caterers, florists, etc)?
    What is your alcohol policy? Can you supply your own? Is there a corkage fee?
    What do guests do for parking? Self vs valet and what are the associated costs?
    Is the space handicap accessible?
    How many restrooms are on site?
    Is there an indoor option in case of rain or bad weather?
    Will there be a staff member present during the event?
    Are children welcome?
    Do you have on-site accommodations or hotel affiliates?
    Are there any required permits to use the space?
    How’s the lighting? Are lights able to be dimmed?
    When can load-in begin?
    Are there restrictions on décor, such as candles, confetti, sparklers?

     
    The answers should help you narrow down that long list of venues to a nice short-list of top 5 contenders. Anything longer and you will go crazy visiting venues.
     
    Kate Spade Inspired Wedding Ceremony | The Majestic Vision Wedding Planning | Breakers West in Palm Beach, FL | www.themajesticvision.com | Krystal Zaskey Photography
    Site Visits:
     
    With the list of top venues in hand, it’s time to start scheduling venue visits. When visiting venues make sure to pay attention to the little details, like how the guests will get from point a to point b, what the bathrooms look like and how well the AC is working. Also, talk to the venue manager about how they structure wedding days. Are they flexible with load-in times or is there a rigid schedule from which they will not deviate? Lastly, it’s about how you feel in the space and if you can envision having your day there!
     
    Saying Yes to the Venue:
     
    It’s a crucial piece of the wedding puzzle. Once you’ve analyzed the costs, researched vendors you can work with, examined what’s included with the associated fees, you have to make a decision. Be certain that you have done your due diligence, but allow your heart into the mix.
     
    For us, the decision was easy. One of our first dates was at the zoo and every time we visit a new city, we stop by the local zoo. The Palm Beach Zoo fulfilled all our priorities. Plus, we get to have animals roaming around our cocktail hour. Who doesn’t love that?!?
     
    Good luck on your search! If you need help finding your dream venue, please feel free to contact us! We’d love to help!
     
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    • 01
      Aug

    Romantic Engagement Session at Fairchild Tropical Garden

    Romantic Engagement Session | The Majestic Vision Wedding Planning | Fairchild Tropical Garden in Coral Gables, FL | www.themajesticvision.com | Robert Madrid Photography
    When planning a wedding there are a lot of elements to think about – venue, food, entertainment, dress. After all is said and done what’s left are the photos. Your photographer will be with you throughout the day, constantly pointing a camera at you to capture those memorable moments. For most people, this isn’t an every day occurrence and can be overwhelming. This is where the importance of engagement photos come into play. In participating in an engagement session, not only will start to feel more comfortable in front of the camera but you get into a rhythm with your photographer.
     
    This past weekend, one of my amazing couples took their engagement photos at Fairchild Tropical Garden. They spent the day exploring the gardens for fun and unique locations all while getting comfortable with their photographer. It helps that they will have a Fairchild Tropical Garden Wedding in December! Now they now what locations they want to return to on the big day. The highlight was the Chihuly exhibit on display throughout the gardens. All in all, it was a fun day!
     
    Click here to see full slideshow from their wedding.
     
    Important Info:
    Venue: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens
    Photographer: Robert Madrid Photography
     
    If you need help creating your dream wedding, please feel free to contact us! I’d love to be a part of it!
     
    Signature
    Stunning Portrait in Front of Chihuly Sculpture | The Majestic Vision Wedding Planning | Fairchild Tropical Garden in Coral Gables, FL | www.themajesticvision.com | Robert Madrid Photography

    Romantic Engagement Session | The Majestic Vision Wedding Planning | Fairchild Tropical Garden in Coral Gables, FL | www.themajesticvision.com | Robert Madrid Photography

    Romantic Engagement Session | The Majestic Vision Wedding Planning | Fairchild Tropical Garden in Coral Gables, FL | www.themajesticvision.com | Robert Madrid Photography

    Romantic Engagement Session | The Majestic Vision Wedding Planning | Fairchild Tropical Garden in Coral Gables, FL | www.themajesticvision.com | Robert Madrid Photography

    Romantic Engagement Session | The Majestic Vision Wedding Planning | Fairchild Tropical Garden in Coral Gables, FL | www.themajesticvision.com | Robert Madrid Photography

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    • 18
      Jul

    Another Proposal

    A wedding is more than just the bride and groom…it’s about all the important people in their lives coming together to celebrate the love they share. These are the people that will give their time and energy to help bring your dream day to life. From bridesmaids to ushers to readings, you want to each person to feel special for being a part of the day!
     
    After choosing all those special people that I wanted involved with in my wedding, I scoured Pinterest and the Internet to find a fun way to ask my friends to be a part of the day. I had 3 requirements: 1) it had to be adorable; 2) it had to be easy to make; and 3) it had to be customizable to all the positions within the wedding.
     
    Luckily, I found the perfect “Will You Be My Bridesmaid” craft on Smitten on Paper! And “proposed” to each of them. So far, no one has said no!
     
    If you need help with wedding planning, please feel free to contact us! I’d love to help you make your dream wedding a reality. Happy crafting!
     
    Signature
    Will You Be My Bridesmaid Craft | The Majestic Vision Wedding Planning | Palm Beach, FL and Milwaukee, WI | www.themajesticvision.com

    Will You Be My Bridesmaid Craft | The Majestic Vision Wedding Planning | Palm Beach, FL and Milwaukee, WI | www.themajesticvision.com

    Will You Be My Bridesmaid Craft | The Majestic Vision Wedding Planning | Palm Beach, FL and Milwaukee, WI | www.themajesticvision.com

    Will You Be My Bridesmaid Craft | The Majestic Vision Wedding Planning | Palm Beach, FL and Milwaukee, WI | www.themajesticvision.com

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    • 04
      Jul

    Where to Start

    Wedding Planning Documents | The Majestic Vision Wedding Planning | Palm Beach, FL and Milwaukee, WI | www.themajesticvision.com | Shay Cochrane Photography
    Like many of you, I have just entered the whirlwind of engagement bliss after the love of my life asked me to marry him (Read about it here!). This one of the most exciting times in my life! Family and friends are sending well wishes while images of my big day are swirling in my head.
     
    However, before I jump into planning I need to get organized. For me that starts with a few Excel spreadsheets. The first and most important sheet is my “Budget Tool.” This is where all the expenses for the wedding and associated events are tracked. Anything from stamps to catering fees – nothing is too small to track because those little expenses can add up. Using this tool will keep you in line to stay within your allotted budget. Categories include Food & Beverage, Flowers & Décor, Venue Rentals, Entertainment, Lighting & Sound, Photo & Video, Cake, Gifts & Favors, Wedding Attire, Accessories, Hair & Make-Up, Printed Materials, Transportation, Gratuities and Other.
     
    The second sheet is my “Guest List.” This isn’t just a place for names and addresses. I track how many guests I’ve invited, how many have RSVPed, guest meal choice, gifts received and sent thank you notes. It’s so convenient to have all the information in one place!
     
    The last sheet is my “To-Do List.” Being able to see everything I have to do from start to finish makes tackling each item in a timely manner more manageable. Plus, it shows me the areas where I can delegate responsibilities to a wedding planner and/or trusted friend. And in case you were wondering, yes…the wedding planner will be hiring a planner to help!
     
    If you need help creating documents like this for yourself or with your wedding planning, please feel free to contact us! I’d love to help you make your dream wedding a reality. Happy planning!
     
    Signature

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