Start Planning Your 2024 Wedding

October 4, 2023 Lori Losee

You’re a new bride and the big question is, should you get married in 2023 or 2024? We’re just about to embark on the fall 2023 wedding season. So, we get that planning a wedding for what’s left in 2023 may cause a little bit of panic. Maybe you want a longer timeline and are thinking of planning your nuptials for 2024. Whether you want to plan your wedding for 2023 or 2024, Elegant Affairs is here for you. Choosing your date is ultimately up to you – and we’re here for it. But, today we’re going to talk about embarking on your planning journey. So, if you’re a potential 2024 bride or groom – this one's for you. (And hey, don’t think we’ve forgotten about our 2023 brides – whether you’ve set the date or want to set a date – chat with a member of our Elegant Affairs team.)

STEP 1: SAY YES TO A PLANNER AND VENUE

Alright, so if you’re a 2024 bride, you’ve got some time to work with. If you’re newly engaged, our first step to planning your wedding is to book your wedding planner. Okay - yes, we know - we work in the industry but we cannot stress enough the importance of hiring a wedding planner. If you’re on the fence, set up a consultation to discuss your goals for your wedding day and how a wedding planner can help you. Planners are your right hand gal(s) or guy(s). They are with you every step of the planning and right by your side on your wedding day. Once you’ve booked, or atleast met with a planner it’s time to book your venue. Narrow down a few dates that fit within your calendar. It’s vital to book your venue first, because your venue will speak towards your future design decisions. So, create that budget, find a venue that fits within your budget. As you select your venue, be sure you find one that fits your potential guest list. Your venue size will determine how many people can celebrate your wedding day.

STEP 2: FIND & BOOK YOUR CATERER & PHOTOGRAPHER

After you’ve selected and booked your planner and venue, it’s vital to start looking for your caterer. Talk to your wedding planner, as they have a network of preferred vendors that you can choose. You also want to discuss with your venue if they have required or preferred caterers. Don’t be afraid to set up tastings, ask for seasonal menus, and research all the prices. You want to make sure that you’ve selected a caterer that not only fits your tastes, but your budget too. You will spend a large chunk of your wedding budget on your caterer, so take you time with selecting the right one. After you’ve selected your caterer, the last large piece of your budget is your photographer. We cannot stress this enough – hire a professional and look at their portfolio. Stay off of facebook groups, don’t ask a family friend. One of the biggest regrets couples have is not spending their money on the right photographer. Decide what vision you have for your photos and any aesthetic you may have. Read reviews, stalk their socials and find a photographer that fits your vision and your aesthetic before you book. The last thing we want to see is clients who are unhappy with their photos.

STEP 3: BOOK YOUR ENTERTAINMENT

Whether you want a live band or a DJ you need some sort of entertainment. Your wedding is truly a celebration. Think carefully about your guest list and what kind of entertainment you’ll want at your ceremony and reception. Meet with various entertainers or DJs and discuss your wants and needs. Don’t forget to ask about uplighting, what is included, and confirm that they are available for your wedding date. Read their reviews and ensure that the quality of their service fits within your budget and your needs.

STEP 4: FINALLY, YOU CAN SAY YES TO YOUR DRESS

You’ve selected your venue, which will set your vision for your nuptials. It’s now time to say yes, to your dress. Our biggest advice is stay within your budget, and start searching 6-8 months out from your wedding day. A Lot of boutiques or designers can take a few months to get your wedding dress in your hands. And don’t forget about alterations. You’ll need to allot yourself plenty of time to alter your dress, once, twice, maybe even three times. Don’t forget to find the right undergarments prior to your alterations. And hold off on buying any accessories until after you find your dress. Unless there is a piece of jewelry, wait until you find your dress.

STEP 5: MAKE YOUR VISION COME TO LIFE

It’s time to get your hands dirty with making your wedding vision come to life. Now, you can book all of the additional vendors you may need. This includes rentals, florists, baker for your wedding cake, videographers, invitation companies etc. Choosing the right wedding vendors are essential to bringing your wedding day to life. But, don’t go crazy and stay within your budget. Focus on the necessities first, such as chair and linen rentals. Find a florist that can bring your wedding florals to life and don’t over commit yourself if you’re a DIY bride.

STEP 6: BOOK SMALLER VENDORS

Once all the essential vendors are booked for your wedding day and contracts have been signed, it’s time to see if there is any wiggle room in your budget for extra vendor add ons. This includes make-up artists, bridal hair stylists, accommodations and transportation. We like to save this for last, because it makes up a small portion of your budget and you don’t have to book months out to secure it.

If you’re a 2024 bride, now is a great time to set up a consultation and get the planning timeline started. We’re here to help you with each step of the way. If you follow our simple guidelines and stick to the process, it will decrease stress and make the process enjoyable. We’re so excited for your wedding planning process and hope we can help you along the way. And if you’re doing it solo, follow our six steps and we can ensure you that your wedding planning timeline will be off to a smooth start.

Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Seattle Wedding Planner with over 18 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.

Tying Fall to your Autumn Nuptials

September 26, 2023 Lori Losee

Fall represents so many things. It is vibrant and the changes of seasons can also represent changes of seasons in your life, such as tying the knot to your loved one. Many couples are quickly leaning towards autumn and we can’t blame them. Fall not only offers a unique and colorful backdrop, but cooler temperatures offer a relief for guests and the wedding party. There are simple ways to tie the season into your wedding day, without having to go all out with the fall crafts and DIY. Let’s talk about some simple, but bold ways to tie the season of fall into your wedding design plans.

One of the most important details you will plan for your wedding day is your venue. Choosing your venue can be one of the largest parts of your budget and we recommend you select your venue first. Selecting your venue first will set your wedding design and vision. This is one of the easiest ways to incorporate fall into your autumn wedding. As you choose your venue, keep in mind location, how the venue will photograph, and what the temperatures will be like (especially if you’re opting for an outdoor ceremony and reception.)

A Rustic Feel: If you’re looking to dive into the rustic fall theme, take a peek at your local venues that are on farms or ranch lands. Many of these venues offer barns or rustic decor or scenery that can tie fall into your overall design. And, if your venue has a barn, you can often host the ceremony outside and reception inside as the temperatures drop.

Wine & Dine: We all love ourselves a glass of wine. Wineries are the perfect venues for fall weddings. The scenery is breathtaking and the landscape will offer guests lots of options to explore. Wines and grapes could adorn your ceremony or wedding reception. Creating a menu that takes your guests on a journey with carefully paired wine would be the perfect cocktail hour.

Let’s Explore: If you’re a Pacific Northwest bride, take a chance and look for an intimate venue in the forest near the mountains. The beautiful forestry backdrop is the perfect scenery for any adventurous bride or groom. You are also able to use nature’s beauty in almost all aspects of your design decor. Foliage from the forest and greenery that ties into the natural atmosphere is the perfect backdrop for a fall wedding. And, let us tell you – the photographs will be absolutely stunning.

We’ve talked about our favorite mood boards for fall weddings, but tying in a fall color scheme is one of the best parts of an autumn wedding. These colors are stunning and are sure to compliment your wedding party. Some of our favorites from this season are burnt and fiery oranges, jewel tone greens, burgandys and bright reds, as well as earth tunes. If you want more of a shimmer this fall, leaning towards rose gold and yellow gold can also help your wedding party shine. These colors are not only trendy, but they photograph beautifully in golden hour and with the picturesque fall backdrop.

Now, let’s talk about design. There is a fine line with any sort of seasonally based design. You don’t want to step too far into the craft aisle. Instead you want to add simple and creative touches of fall decor that is elegant and purposeful. Here are some of our favorite ways to tie in fall decor:

Setting the Table: You can choose linens that reflect fall scenery and color schemes. This is an easy way to pop in some fall color tones. You can also choose seasonal flowers and tie in various natural foliage such as moss, pinecones, and even adorn some tables with gourds and pumpkins. Having natural warm lighting, such as pillar or taper candles, will really tie in the cozy autumn feel. But, before you opt for real flame, be sure to check with your venue and read your contract carefully.

Guest Favors: We love a purposeful guest favor. You can tie your venue into party favors, too! For instance, if you’re having your wedding at a winery, see if you can get some wine bottles wholesale for the table. Or if you’re at a local apple orchard, send home some apple cider as a favor. You can head the natural route with some seasonal spices such as sage, or even send home a s’mores kit – who doesn’t love a s’more.

A Fall Altar: One of our favorite ways to incorporate fall, is to use nature’s gifts as a part of the design. For your ceremony altar, you can use different fall branches, such as birch, and adorn it with moss, fall foliage, or even wheat. You can tie in some seasonal flowers, such as dahlias, wild flowers, earthy greenery and sunflowers, too. This is a simple way to add pops of color and tie autumn into your ceremony decor.

Next stop is the menu. The menu is an excellent way to tie in all of the flavors of fall. You can create a cozy and savory menu that features seasonal items. If you’re looking to tie fall into your cocktail hour, talk to your bartender about creating fall seasonal drinks or mocktails. You can even tie in some of your favorite fall brews, by adding in some fall themed ales. As for the food, talk to your caterer about tying in some fall favorites and spices. Warm, savory meals will leave your guests wanting more. So, be sure to ask your caterer if they have a seasonal menu or options that can fit your autumn theme.

Now, even though our list stops here, don’t let your imagination stop. Incorporating fall into your wedding day is more than doable and there are hundreds of creative ways to build it into your design. Our biggest tips to incorporate fall into your wedding day is to choose a venue that sets the backdrop for autumn, think carefully about decor that would enhance the venue and overall feel, and choose drinks and food wisely. Even these small decisions can make a big impact on the overall feel of your day. So, happy planning and don’t be afraid to tie the season into your wedding day!

The Bridesmaid Breakdown: A Guide to Bridesmaid’s Duties After Saying “Yes”

September 21, 2023 Lori Losee

You’ve just asked your besties to be a part of your big day. They’ve said yes excitedly. Reality may sink in for both of you, that the verbal agreement means you’re agreeing to various wedding duty responsibilities. Oftentimes, bridesmaids may feel overwhelmed by what is being asked of them. We have been bridesmaids our fair share of times and sometimes the responsibilities may feel fiscally impossible or you don’t have enough time to manage all the requests. Our advice to you, is it’s best to develop a list of responsibilities to discuss first with your bridesmaids before they commit to the big day. We’ve come up with our recommendations for a breakdown of bridesmaid’s duties. Here’s our guide to a bridesmaid’s duties!

01: What to Wear

Alright, as a bride, it is vital to determine who is paying for your bridesmaid’s attire. Some couples may put this in the budget, but let’s get real, that can get expensive. Discuss budgets with your bridesmaids and determine a set limit and expectations for spending. This includes the bridesmaid attire including dress, shoes, and jewelry. Oftentimes you can save your bride tribe some money by purchasing their jewelry for them. Many brides opt to give their party jewelry as a part of their bridesmaid gift for the day of. If you’ve been chosen as a bridesmaid be sure to give your bride feedback on what you can financially afford. If you’re the bride, be sensitive to budgets and work together to collaborate. There are a lot of options for affordable dresses etc., on the internet. And brides – be upfront about the cost. You don’t want any surprises to throw your bridesmaids in a tight spot.

02: Bridal Shower

The bridal shower is a traditional event to occur before the wedding. Many times, this duty can fall on the maid of honor or matron of honor. If you’re the bride, discuss the plan and expectations with your mother, mother of the bride, and bridesmaids. Decide what is the best option for you and your friends and family. Determine what the budget is and stick to the budget. Bridesmaids, if they can, attend the bridal shower and may be expected to help support with the budgeting, finances, and execution of the day.

03: Bachelorette Party

Typically the bridesmaids will host and pay for the bachelorette party. There are a lot of ways to execute the planning of the bachelorette party. Sometimes, bridesmaids will separate and split the pay in the middle, or they may choose to sign up for a different event or decor for the big night or weekend. Companies like AirBnB are a great, affordable way to host and split the bill. But, if you’re in the bridal party, know that being a part of hosting the bachelorette party is expected. You want to make sure that your bride is able to enjoy the wedding day, so work together to ensure that expenses are covered.

04: Attend Pre-Wedding Activities

This includes the wedding rehearsal and dinner. It is anticipated that you will attend all of the pre-wedding festivities, including the bridal shower, bachelorette party, wedding rehearsal, and wedding rehearsal dinner. Be prepared to block the days prior to the wedding out in your calendar so you are available for all wedding related activities.

05: Travel Expenses and Accommodations

Yes, even as a guest you are required to pay for travel and accommodations. This doesn’t leave out our wedding party and bridesmaids. As a bridesmaid, you will need to travel in advance, to assure you are available for all of the pre-wedding activities. You will also need to make sure you are staying near the venue and sites where the wedding party will be getting ready. Plan on having transportation to get to and from each activity and location.

07: Helping with Wedding Tasks

If you’re a bridesmaid that is local, be prepared to help with wedding tasks. This can include visiting venues and vendors, helping the bride with any DIY projects they may have in mind, or attending trials. If you’re a bridesmaid from afar, you can still participate in helping with wedding tasks. Maybe you have out of this world handwriting, or can create a wedding website. Ask the bride how you can support her during this time.

08: Attend the Wedding, with a Gift

This one can be a little controversial at times. Sometimes, you may feel so fully financially drained that buying a gift for the couple may seem far fetched. If you can, bring a gift to the wedding. This can be something small from their registry, or a card with a sentimental gift in it. Rule of thumb is if you attend a wedding, please bring a gift. This doesn’t exclude the wedding party. Another option is to ask if everyone wants to chip in to purchase one gift together.

After reading this, you may be thinking “man – I don’t want to be a bridesmaid”. But, let me tell you this – being a bridesmaid is a once in a lifetime opportunity. You are a part of one of the most important days in this couple's lives and it will create lasting memories. Brides, please be upfront with your bridesmaids, and bridesmaids it’s okay to be upfront, too. Be sensitive to everyone’s feelings and collaborate with one another. The more in sync the wedding party is with this planning process, the less emotional of a process it will be.

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