Tuesday Tip | Volume 23 | Your Vermont Wedding Planner

Our whole family seems to have settled into 2019 nicely. The girls are busy with volleyball, basketball, tennis and piano, as usual. Mid-terms are over for our highschooler :) And thank God for that because she had 5 days off in a row due to exam scheduling. The new year boom for our business is slowing down and we are on-boarding 3 new couples. So excited about that! Personally, I am working on eating healthier by cutting out sugar and processed food. Why do I ever let those items creep back in? I feel so focused and on top of everything without them. Now, if the snow would just melt a little I would be out walking each day too. Thankfully my bike fits on a trainer in my office. I can feel Spring coming. I know it will be here by, oh May, I hope. As we close in on spring and wedding season it’s also a time when a lot of our clients are working on invitation design and with that the question always comes up….

When Should I Send Out My Wedding Invitations

Invitation design by Christa Alexandra Designs

I’m going to start with a similar first line to the one I used in last weeks blog when we discussed your RSVP date. Our full planning brides do not have to ask when they need to send their invitations because it’s always added into their planning checklist but it is something we often discuss. I was just chatting with one of my brides about this topic the other day. I picked the send date for her that seems appropriate for me and her invitation designer had a slightly different one. This happens all the time and that is OK. It gives us the chance to chat about the pros and cons and which date works best. One of the first things I try to avoid when suggesting a send date are holidays and big vacation weeks such as the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas or the week of July 4th. Most invitation designers suggest that you send your invites out about 8 weeks before the wedding. This would be considered proper etiquette in many circles. I like to suggest 10-12 weeks before the wedding. The reason for my send date suggestion is that we like you to have an earlier RSVP date than your invitation designer suggests. And it all comes back around to when your vendors need their numbers by and how many guests you might have to track down when they forget to respond. Also, don’t forget that a lot of your hotel blocks pull the discounted rooms about 60 days before your wedding so if you send them 8 weeks out and your guests haven’t booked a room yet, they may lose their discount. While there is no perfect answer I always suggest that we compromise and fall somewhere in the middle of 8-12 weeks period before your wedding day. The earlier your invitations go out, the earlier you have your RSVP’s and the less stress on you as we get closer to the big day.

Let’s start planning your wedding today! Reach out to me through the button below or feel free to email me directly at randi@silvertoad.com

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

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

flowers by Jasper and Prudence Floral and Events

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 20 | Your Vermont Wedding Planner

Spring is here!  Really, really here!  I won't even tell you that it snowed last week...  we need to put that behind us and move on to sunny blue skies and lilacs.  Is that too much to ask for in May? :)  Our last entry was on bar service and what the laws are for a private home wedding in Vermont. As promised this week we will chat about the reasons I truly think you should hire a professional bar service even if you don't technically have to.  

Reasons To Hire A Professional Bar Service For Your Wedding

Photo by Daria Bishop Photography

Like we mentioned above, in our last tip we learned about some of the reasons why you may not need to have a professional bar service at your wedding.  I'm sure this might like seem a great place to save money but before you get really excited I would love to chat more about the reasons why I strongly suggest you do hire a bar service for your big day and it has more to do with the amount of ice you will need to make it happen.... ice!  You have no idea how much ice you will need.  We are talking hundreds of pounds.  And where will you store it all?  OK, back to the list below....

1. A professional bar service will be able to guide you through the process of what is needed to fully stock the bar.  They understand what to buy and how much is needed.  They will come with everything it takes to make the day work and flow smoothly from the best local craft beers to your favorite wine, maybe your Dad's favorite scotch right down to the lemons, limes, cucumbers and mint.  

2. A professional bar services will set up and clean up for you. They will keep the bar area looking clean and organized.  They will haul away all the bottles at the end of the night too.  Take it from someone who hauled over a dozen very heavy barrels of bottle to the street after one wedding... this is huge! Not to mention, they are fast and efficient at what they do and keep your guests happy while moving them along so they can wait on the next guest.

3. Your professional bar service comes with an added bonus too which is a liability insurance policy.  They are licensed by the state and properly insured.  This comes back around to the homeowner too... last week we talked about the reasons why you wouldn't need to have this service but this might be the biggest reason why I would chose to use them.

4.  These bar services serve responsibly.  All of the bartenders and bar backs have been trained by the state.  They are able to detect when a guest may have had enough and when it's time to shut someone off.  They have no feelings involved, which is what you need.  It's a matter of keeping your guests safe and obeying the laws.

I know, some of you are still like, but Randi it might save us some money!  How hard could it be?

Let's also hear from Lindsey Leichthammer, the Director of Catering for The Farmhouse Group, who offers superb catering and bartending services throughout Vermont... she has a way of explaining it too.

        "There are a few reasons why it's best practice to hire a bar service for a wedding on your home and/or property. The first of which is safety. Bartenders aren't just there to pour your Moscow Mules, they provide trained supervision of your guests and monitor consumption for the safety of you and your guests.. Leaving your wedding guests open to judge their own consumption in such a festive environment can lead to many issues: from Uncle Billy asserting his dance moves with his tie securely around his forehead to more serious accidents or drunk driving. Second - stemming from possible accidents - is liability. Bar services are equipped with liability insurance to protect those involved. Otherwise the homeowner is subject to liability for anything that should occur where liquor is being served. Lastly, time is money. A big motivator for the DIY bar is "I can go to New Hampshire, skip the taxes and avoid the markup" However, that also requires transport, storage, chilling of product at east 24 hours in advance (and the ice to do that) ice on the day of (4-600lbs!) the cleanup, recycling removal, etc. Throwing a backyard BBQ for 30 guests and supplying the bar is one thing, but a formal or semi formal affair with 200 of your closest pals is worlds away. Remember that time is money - Don't underestimate how long it takes to secure, set up, break down and clean up any alcohol related items. Having a bar service move everything IN and OUT, as well as provide service to your guests throughout the event, may relive numerous headaches and stress. The week of your wedding, you want to be focused on hosting all of your friends and family, not becoming frantic about foamy kegs with party taps."

And there you have it.  Words of wisdom, not only from me, but also the legendary Lindsay Leichthammer who besides running the catering division over at Farmhouse Group is also the President of Vermont Association of Wedding Professionals.  See!  She's a Vermont Wedding Industry Superstar!  I wouldn't quote anyone less.  Take it from us, hiring a professional bar service on your wedding day might just be the best thing you could do!  You'll thank us later.

Come back next week for a fresh new tip.  ~Randi

Tuesday Tips | Volume 17 | Your Vermont Wedding Planner

The Best Way To Stretch Your Wedding Day Budget

Photo by Orchard Cove Photography

Let's face it, weddings are expensive.  We often have couples ask us for ways to save money on their day so that they stay within their budget.  They've often been told by a well meaning friend or family member to ask for local, 'in season' flowers... this does not save you money in Vermont, that is for sure.  It's been suggested that they just purchase a 'cutting sheet cake' but really, it's your wedding day.  Do you want to serve a sheet cake?  I've heard that you can cut back on food... just no, to this suggestion.  You do not want hungry guests who spend the night drinking more to fill themselves up.   

Most of our clients have a vision, "the vision", the one that they have been planning and dreaming about.  Expectations are high on your wedding day.  You want it as close to perfect as possible.  This is probably the most expensive celebration you will ever have.  So how do you save on your wedding day without drastically compromising on your vision?  You cut the guest list. It's as simple as that, you cut back the number of guests you plan to invite.

Let me give you an example of how this breaks down.  If you have a budget of $75,000, which is pretty average; and let's say you have and estimated 150 guests.  That's a budget of about $500 per person.  As you are talking to vendors you realize that in order to have the day you want you are going to need at least $80,000. So where do you cut to get the budget back into the 75,000 range?  Do you cut out the stationary appetizer table?  No, that's definitely not going to make for happy wedding guests.  Do you cut the photographer?  Obviously not.  Do you go with a cash bar?  Guests will probably not appreciate that either, after traveling all the way to Vermont.  So the easiest thing to do is to cut your guest list back by a few.  If you cut 10 guests you would have approximately $4,000, maybe a little more.  You wouldn't have $5000 extra because some of your pricing is fixed like your venue, attire or photography costs.  But you would save on food, bar, flowers, linens, tables, place settings and transportation not to mention favors and invitations. Every little bit counts.  And you wouldn't compromise your vision. So remember...  when looking to save on your wedding day consider cutting the number of guests before you consider anything else.

I'll be back next week with another tip for your Vermont wedding.  ~Randi

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 

                                                                                                             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 9 | Your Vermont Wedding Planner

Happy Tuesday!  It's officially February here in Vermont... well, I'm assuming it's February everywhere else too but for us this particular month is extra special!  February is a month of birthdays for the ladies in my life.  Both of our daughters, Madelyn and Mirabelle, are February babies and my Mom, Trish, is too.  It's a month of celebrations!  When I think about partying all night long, I think about wedding nights and that always brings me to one thought...  What am I going to wear on my feet?  So here we go with today's Tuesday Tip...

Wear Comfy Shoes On Your Wedding Day

                                                                                                             Image by Grazier Photography

Wedding days are long.  There is no way around it.  You'll definitely be on your feet all day and well into the night.  If your feet are uncomfortable on your wedding day you will not be happy.  So what to do....  Well, let's start with heels.  If you have your heart set on heels for your wedding day make sure you break them in early.  I would suggest you start a few months ahead of the wedding. Also, consider ordering them slightly larger than needed as your feet may swell a bit on that night.  Another good tip for you heel loving brides is a bit of deodorant is a good buffer between the straps on your shoes and your feet.  I've had a lot of brides use that trick over the years.  You also might want to consider getting two or even three pairs of shoes for the day.  Strappy heels are great for photos and the ceremony but then maybe you switch into a cute flat or wedge to dance the night away.  If you say no way to heels in general, don't do it on wedding day.  This is definitely not the day to try something new.  If you prefer a little height or you have an outdoor wedding perhaps a pair of wedges would work perfectly just like they did for our bride Katelyn, whose adorable Lily Pulitzer's are featured above.  Perhaps you've already decided on flats, all day, but nothing too casual.  This Christian Louboutin Follies Strass Flat might be a perfect fit for you.  BHLDN also has a line of super cute reasonably priced bridal shoes, everything from flats to heels and oxfords to wedges. Kate Spade has these Just Married Ballet Flats in mint green or blush if you really want something for late night that is incredibly adorable and comfortable.

Another way to go that is super popular right now is a cute sneaker.  I know my girl, Lizzy, will be rocking some custom ones at her wedding this year.  If custom seems out of reach for you I would definitely recommend the new line of wedding days sneakers that's a collaboration between Kate Spade and Keds.  They're pretty darn cute, check them out here:  Keds X Kate Spade New York.  Lastly, I would recommend that if your wedding is outside, look around for the cutes pair of rain boots you've ever seen and make sure we can have them overnighted, just in case.  That last tip goes right along with our blog post 'Always have a Rain Plan for your Vermont Wedding'.   Have you noticed that we refer back to that one often? :)

At the end of the day it's all about your style and what shoes you are most comfortable in.  I really do think that changing your shoes throughout the night works well. I would be more than happy to hold on to that extra pair of shoes for you to change into late night.  If your feet are happy on wedding night, I'm happy!   Get in touch today so we can talk more about all of the details for your wedding day.

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 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 5 | Your Vermont Wedding Planner

Greeting from Vermont! We are FINALLY out of the deep freeze. Today the sky is blue and it kind of feels like Spring, if you close your eyes and ignore the snow. Ahhh, life in Vermont! Last week we started a conversation about prioritizing your budget so it seems to me the logical next step to take is to talk about your guest list. Your list opens up a whole new can of worms so let's break it down. Today I will address the age old question...

Should We Invite Children To Our Wedding?

                                                        Photography by Kelsey Regan Photography at Topnotch Resort

Your guest list is always a delicate matter but whether or not to invite kids might be the hardest decision of all.  I have had couples agonize over this decision.  This decision is yours and yours alone.  I can't make it for you but I can give some advice around the decision.  Make the decision early and stick with it... no wavering.  If the answer is "Yes, we love children and want them to attend".  Great!  Let's talk about a kids table and maybe an activity or two to help when they get bored.  If the answer is "No way".  Again, Great.  That was easy.  If the answer is "We obviously want our flower and ring bearer who are 2 and 5 but no one else under the age of 12" well, this is where is gets a bit tricky.  Having perimeters around age and who is allowed to bring their children is a decision, it's just one that comes with some explaining. We can talk about how to work that conversation in early before there are any hard feelings. It might be best to just pick up the phone and speak directly with anyone who you feel might take issue with your decision.  I think feelings get hurt when guests 'hear it through the grapevine'.  Invitations are a great way to help clarify the guest list too.  When addressing the invitations we need to make sure it is crystal clear who is invited for the wedding festivities. We can also add a message on your save the dates and your wedding website. If your wedding is a destination wedding and you feel that your friends and family may not want to leave their children for an extended period of time you can consider offering a Nanny Service.  We have some great ones here in Vermont. 

At the end of the day, this is a decision for the couple. Talk it over early; stick with your decision; make everyone aware of the choice you make and the reasons behind it.  And lastly, be happy that this decision is behind you and you are officially one step closer to your wedding day.  If you want to chat more about your guest list and all of your wedding planning reach out by clicking the button below.

Tuesday Tips | Volume 4 | Your Vermont Wedding Planner

Happy New Year!  We are still right in the middle of engagement season.  Congratulations to all the couple who have decided that getting married is that perfect next step.  We are often asked the same question by our couples... How can we save money while still having the wedding of our dreams.  The answer to this loaded question is the subject of this weeks tip.

Prioritize Your Budget

                                                                                                                                         Photo by Grazier Photography at the Woodstock Inn & Resort

I'll start by saying if you have an unlimited budget, where the sky truly is the limit, then this tip is probably not for you.  If you are have a budget that you want or need to work within than prioritizing where you want to spend your money is one of the most important decisions you will make.  To start, first set the budget, then it's as easy as making a list of everything you want and deciding which items are the most important to you.  I suggest you start with 3 items that you don't want to compromise on then go from there.  But wait, there is one more item to consider when making this list... if someone else is helping to pay for your wedding day then they may want a say in what tops the list too.  Just keep the lines of communication open and work on that list together.

Here are some of the items that we often see topping our couples list... A VT farm to table menu; that stunning dress; local beer and wine; spectacular flowers and decor executed in a way that makes your shed a tear when you walk into the room; the perfect photographer who really 'gets' you; transportation (yes, often safety is top on our couples list); that perfect dance DJ or band (or both) who will keep your guests on the floor all night long; the makeup artist you have to have; letterpress invitations of the highest quality or that perfect venue right here in the heart of Vermont you've been dreaming about for years.  What's topping your list?

In the coming weeks we will give some tips on ways to save in each category too.

Let us help you narrow down what's most important for your wedding day.