Tuesday Tip | Volume 22 | Your Vermont Wedding Planner

Greetings! Vermont truly feels like a winter wonderland this week. The trees are still covered in snow and thankfully the roads are once again clear from all that snow. We were hit with quite a few inches, or feet, last week. Our girls and the other kids in the neighborhood are back out sledding after school and sports each day too. I’ve been so thankful for the blue sky and sunshine these last few days. It just brings Vermont to life. And honestly, it brings me to life too. There is something about the winter sun that feels so good. Thinking of all of this sunshine has brought my thoughts right back to summer and wedding season. A lot of clients are getting ready to send out their save the dates and invitations. Let’s break it down to a single tip about invitations today.

How To Choose Your RSVP Date

Design and Image from Christa Alexandra Designs

Design and Image from Christa Alexandra Designs

My full planning brides don’t usually have to ask when to schedule their RSVP date because it’s always added into their planning checklist but it is something we often discuss. Often you’ll be told, or read, that the date should be four weeks from your wedding day but that just doesn’t work for me and here is why… the dreaded “non-replier’s'“ you know, the stragglers. It kills me. The reason others suggest the four week mark is because most of your vendors need your guest count right about that time. As I mentioned though, it’s hard to get that number if you have a dozen or more guests that have not replied. This happens all the time. I would go so far as to say we have never had a wedding where everyone has replied on time. My best tip to you on picking an RSVP date is to make sure you give yourself enough time to contact all of the guests who do not reply on time. Sometimes it’s as easy as a quick text or email but we have seen it take weeks to get those responses. It’s important to have an accurate number for your vendors. More importantly, just imagine how it feels when that guest who forgot to reply shows up on your wedding day and there is no seat for them. Often it’s not a single guest but a couple so now we need to make room at tables that are already full for two guests. Obviously, we would handle this dilemma, and have, on a moments notice but it’s definitely an uncomfortable situation for the guest at that time. Now let’s get back to the date. My suggestion is to have an RSVP date that is at least 6 weeks before your wedding. You will not regret it!

Let’s start planning your wedding today! Reach out to me through the button below.


Tuesday Tips | Volume 21 | Your Vermont Wedding Planner

Happy 2019! Greeting from a snow covered Vermont. I can not believe another year has come and gone. So much is changing for us as our business continues to evolve into all it’s meant to be. You’ll see some of those changes coming later this year. We’ve been on this journey since 2003 and I can’t image doing anything else. Currently, we are focused on planning with our current 2019 brides and even have 2020 inquiries coming in… 2020! Since it is January we are still working on the big details like securing vendors and working through some of the bigger decisions but soon we move into the really fun stuff like small details that personalize each wedding AND all the timelines and spreadsheets for budgets and replies. Eeeeek! I love the spreadsheet as much as I love helping you design your day. Let’s move on to the very first Tuesday Tip from me, Randi Nonni, for 2019. WooHoo!

Things Will Go Wrong On Your Wedding Day

Did you read that title wrong? No. I’m telling you things will go wrong on your wedding day. Last night I was talking to a groom who said those exact words to me “I’ve been to enough weddings to know that things will go wrong on my wedding day.” He’s right. Then he added, “We just don’t want to know about any of it” Ahhh, that’s it! That’s the key to a great day… not knowing what might be going wrong behind the scenes. That is exactly where we come in. This is our strong suit. Peter, my husband and business partner, are at all of your weddings together. We are the foundation of a solid team of planners. We solve issues that come up or make decisions that need to be made in the moment when it’s happening. We take care of it for you. See that sweet photo above of our bride and her Dad taken at Trapp Family Lodge? Right before this was taken, the brides flowers ended up locked in a room with no key. Thanks to our quick thinking assistant, Lucy, the crisis was diverted and all went off without a hitch but maybe 5 minutes behind schedule… which we made up later. It just happens. We are there to take care of it. Besides us, your vendors are there too. Together we hire the best vendors possible to work for you and with them we smooth over any issue that comes up. At the end of the day we there for you, your best interests and your vision. Those three things are always at the forefront of our mind. The comfort of your guests and their needs is a very close second. We always have your back so you can sit back on your wedding day and know that everything is taken care of. Your needs and creating a seamless experience on your wedding day are our top priorities.

Let’s start planning your wedding. Shoot me an email through the link below and we can start today!

Tuesday Tips | Volume 12 | Your Vermont Wedding Planner

Good Morning!  My name is Randi Nonni and I am addicted to talking about Vermont weather.  Just ask my husband.  If you think it's bad in the winter, well, you have no idea how obsessive I become during wedding season.  There is not a weather app or weather man who is safe from me.  I look at my phone easily every 10 minutes leading up to a ceremony just in case trouble is on the horizon...   But today has nothing to do with weather.  Although, since I know you're probably dying to hear... it's warmish, OK warm may be a stretch, it's not freezing, and the sun is out and the sky is a glorious shade of blue.  I saw a few robins in my front yard too!  We all know what the return of the robin means;  it's means wedding season is fast approaching!  Alright, so back to the topic at hand; who can marry you and what will we do with that license that we talked about last week in How to Make Your Marriage Legal in Vermont

How To Make Your Marriage Legal In Vermont, Continued

There are many people that can legally marry you in the state of Vermont.  You can be married by a justice of the peace or an ordained or licensed member of the clergy, a supreme court justice, a superior court judge, a district judge or an assistant judge.  The ordained clergy member must reside in Vermont or in an a adjoining state if the church, temple mosque or other religious organization lies wholly or partly in Vermont.  In addition to all that we have listed, any person who is at least 18 years of age may register with the Vermont Secretary of State to become a temporary officiant for the day.  There is a fee of $100 associated with becoming a temporary officiant in Vermont.  You will send your fee in along with the necessary application.  Vermont law does not require you have a 'witness' but some religions may so let's talk more about this later.

After the ceremony is over, what do you we do with the license?  Well, for starters, give the license to your officiant before the ceremony.  They must have the license before the ceremony can be performed.  After the ceremony your officiant will fill in all of the needed information and sign the license.  At this point your license becomes a marriage certificate. Your officiant will return the certificate to the town clerk's office where it was issued within 10 days after the wedding.  The town clerk will officially register the marriage.  If your officiant had to register with the Secretary of State as a temporary officiant, a copy of the certificate of authority issued by that office, should be attached to the signed license and returned to the clerk's office.  The certificate is not a legal document until it has been officially recorded by the town clerk's office where it was purchased.  

Does this sound like a lot of detail to keep straight?  Just reach out to me today and I will walk you through it.  Also, it helps to have an experienced, well versed and knowledgable officiant from the state of Vermont to help, such as Annie Alexander-Kramer. She's been performing ceremonies for over 18 years and is a wealth of information.  She's seen it all and I'm positive she would be an asset to your day. 

Let's talk more about your ceremony soon.  Click below to chat with me.

Tuesday Tips | Volume 10 | Your Vermont Wedding Planner

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day!  It's like the holy grail of holidays in my world... well, other than Christmas because we all know how important that is to me but I digress.  I hope your Valentine's is full of love no matter where you are or who you spend it with.  I was thinking about that last sentence over the weekend... 'who you spend it with' and it brought me to our very simple but important tip for this week.

Take It All In 

                                                                      &nbs…

                                                                                                             Image by Birke Weddings

One of the best pieces of advice I can give you for your wedding day is something that seems so small.  Take a moment with your spouse during the reception, once everyone is seated, to look around and really take in everyone in the room.  Feel the love.  These are your people.  This may be the only time you ever have every single one of these people in a room, or tent, together again.  And once you're done taking it all in... well, it might be a nice time to grab the microphone and truly thank each and everyone of your guests for their love and support and most importantly, for being part of your day.  There's always time to share a little love even if it means we stray off track, for a few minutes, from the official timeline. :)

Click the button below to talk more about all the special people in your life and how we can honor them on your wedding day.  Happy Valentine's Day!  

Tuesday Tips | Volume 7 | Your Vermont Wedding Planner

Happy Tuesday!  I can feel the 2018 wedding season getting closer and closer.  It's very similar to that feeling I get post-wedding season as we inch closer and closer to Christmas.  It's pure joy!  Todays tip is something that can easily be overlooked and I don't ever want that to happen.  So, let's get right to it...

Document the Small Details 

Some of my favorite shots from a wedding are the very small details, your accessories.  I love images of your rings, your necklace, your shoes, your ties or cuff links or maybe it's your veil and sash.  There's just something about a gorgeously lit image of the smallest details from your day that takes my breath away each and every time.  Jennifer Mardus Photography has a unique and beautiful way of capturing these images.  All the images above were shot by Jen this past summer.  No matter who your photographer is let's make sure these images are not missed.  I will gather all your accessories and put them in a special place on wedding day so the photographer can swoop in while you're busy and capture amazing shots like these.  Vermont is blessed with some of the most amazing photographers, they all have unique and special qualities.  Let's talk about who would be a good fit for your wedding.  I can't wait to see all of the images from your wedding day and know that I'll be on the look out for those gorgeous small detail shots.   

A Summer Wedding in Barnard, Vermont | Vermont Wedding Planner

Working with these two beautiful families on this particular wedding was the best!  It's weddings like this that remind me how lucky I am to be a wedding planner here in Vermont.  This video will give you a little glimpse into the heart of the wedding of Laurel and Alexander.

 

Our weekend started off and ended at the Woodstock Inn and Resort where the families hosted a welcome party and a brunch but in between those events was the wedding day.  Laurel and Alexander were married at her parents home in Barnard, Vermont.  The weather was perfect; we had blue skies and warm temps during the day, with no chance of rain. That evening the temperature dropped into the 40's which is highly unusual for summertime in Vermont but we were prepared with heaters to keep the tent toasty.  Laurel and Zandy's day was spent with family and friends who came in from all over the world to celebrate them.  The guests started the day with drinks on the back lawn listening to music from our string quartet.  The ceremony followed with some of the most heartfelt words I have ever heard by the Honorable Judge Rigsby.  You could literally feel the love during the ceremony.  After enjoying cocktails and hor d'oeuvres the guests were escorted down past the pond to the tented reception where the band was in full swing.  Dinner soon followed with sweet toasts made to the couple and then it was back onto the dance floor for the night.  The band kept everyone on the dance floor for hours.  There were so many sweet personal touches at this wedding from the beautiful robes, lavender toss post ceremony, signature drinks, specialty appetizers, sweet signs designed by the brides mother, that huge lobster, the sweet candy bar and R2D2 cake that surprised our groom, to him surprising her right back by getting up on the stage and playing with the band.  Laurel and Zandy ran through a sea of sparklers at the end of the reception to their golf cart that whisked them away into the night... or back up to the main house for an after party where they enjoyed drinks, grilled cheese and cigars.  It truly was one of those days that will stay with you for a life time.

 

I loved being their planner and working along side this team of amazing vendors:

Cinematography: 822 Weddings || Floral Design: Ellen Snyder Floral Design

Catering: Heart Rock Kitchen || Lodging, Brunch and Welcome Party:  Woodstock Inn and Resort  

Photography: Jennifer Mardus Photography || Rentals: Rain or Shine Tents & Events

Dessert:  Irene's Cake by Design  ||  Bar Service:  Solo Service and Libations

Linens:  The Linen Shop ||  Beauty:  Simplicity Salon  || Entertainment: DC Project

Musicians: Sterling String Quartet  ||  Transportation:  Ethan Allen Coach Works

Restrooms: Luxury Event Rentals || Invitations:  KatBlu Studios || Lodging: The Shire

Day of Stationery: Christa Alexandra Designs  ||  Signage:  Michele Frye of Design Du Jour

And a very special shout out to my partner in planning, Judy LaMontagne!  You're the best!

Tuesday Tips | Volume 6 | Your Vermont Wedding Planner

It's Wednesday sssssh!  don't tell anyone I am a day late.  Winter is still in full swing here in Vermont, although the days do seem to be getting a bit longer... it's so nice to see the sun until 4:30 PM now.  As the days are getting longer I find myself dreaming about our upcoming summer weddings. I was chatting with one of my grooms just the other day who was a little bit, OK, a lot, nervous about writing his own vows for his upcoming wedding. That conversation was the inspiration behind this weeks tip.    

Writing Your Vows

                                                             Photo by Birke Weddings at The In…

                                                             Photo by Birke Weddings at The Inn at Mountain View Farm

Will you be writing your own vows for your Vermont wedding?  Does writing and expressing your feelings come easy to you?   Or are you nervous and unsure where to start?  Let's walk through a few tips to get you started.  The most important part of this tip is to write your vows ahead of time.  Do not wait until the last minute. Let me rephrase that, do not wait until the last month, if at all possible. You do not need that added pressure the month of your wedding.  Two months prior or even earlier is a great place to add this task when looking at your wedding to-do list.

To start the process, have a conversation with your fiancé about the tone of the vows.  Will they be short and sweet; funny; or heartfelt and sentimental.  I think a mix of all of the above is a great way to go. Next, get some inspiration.  The internet, your favorite book, song or movie may help.  While you're gathering inspiration start to make a list of all the things you love about your significant other.  I bet this one is the easy part.  Think of how much they mean to you and what the future will hold.  Write down your hopes and dreams and maybe that funny story about how you don't want to talk to her in the morning before her coffee... oh wait that last part is about me.  After your list is complete, and it certainly can be a working list that you keep adding too, start to put it together in sentences, it's that easy.  Don't forget to use the internet for inspiration if you need it.  Once the vows are complete I suggest you put them away for a while then pull them back out and edit as needed and as you get closer to your wedding day.  Once you've decided on the final script I suggest you do your best to memorize it and the only way to do that is to practice, practice, practice.  I want you to read those vows out loud too.  Do it in the car on your way to work, in the bathroom in front of the mirror, when you're out for a jog, anywhere at all works, just make sure you practice out loud so the emotions and nerves don't completely overtake you on wedding day.  Lastly, have a two nice clean copies of your vows on wedding day.  One for your pocket and one for mine.  I will be sure to hold on to the vows just in case we need that extra copy.  

Get in touch today so we can start to plan your wedding day.  There is so much to do.   I will be right by your side to keep you on track as we move through the planning process.  

Tuesday Tips | Volume 2 | from Your Vermont Wedding Planner

Happy Holidays from Vermont!  I'm still playing around with my title for Tuesday Tips and hope to land on something that feels right really soon. Feel free to drop me any suggestions you might have. So, I've been thinking a lot about the generosity of others this time of year but also during the wedding process which brings me to today's tip.

Let your bridal party help with some tasks and decisions.

Makeup for both of these stunning brides by Flawless Cosmetic Design. Photos on the left by Ember Photography and on the right by Grazier Photography.

Makeup for both of these stunning brides by Flawless Cosmetic Design.

Photos on the left by Ember Photography and on the right by Grazier Photography.

I know!  I feel you dying a little bit inside at the thought of giving up some control but I promise, it's OK and it even might help to ease a bit of that stress. Let's look at bridesmaids as our example today...

Who are your bridesmaids?  They're family, life long friends, and maybe newer friends who you know will be there forever.  These are your people! They are a huge part of your life.  They want to be part of your wedding day.  They want to jump in and be supportive but maybe they don't know how to or what is needed.  You should let them help.  Let them make some decisions, easy ones to start... let them pick their shoes.  You want them in comfortable shoes that day.  Boom, one decision you don't need to make.  Next, depending on your wedding style, let them pick their dresses... with some guidelines. We have to have a few dress guidelines!  Then, actually give them control to plan your bridal shower or bachelorette party, like really give them the control. Enjoy the surprises that they come up with for you.  Or maybe you can let them help with that one DIY project that you decide you really want to do. (Notice I said 'one' because I'm not going to let you take on more than one DIY... more on that in another tip)  And let them go further, maybe lean on them to make suggestions on vendors.  Often they know someone great too.  Imagine getting a recommendation from your planner and one of your girls about the same vendor.  Now that is a match made in heaven! A perfect example is in the image above when these two dear friends shared the same makeup artist, the sweet and talented Marieanne from Flawless Cosmetic Design, for their wedding days. 

Now take this idea and run with it.  I bet you'll be surprised at how much your attendants are willing to do for you... not only willing, but how much they really want to help.