Tuesday Tips | Volume 15 | Your Vermont Wedding Planner

Greeting from a STILL cold and snowy Vermont.  Are you wondering if I wrote this a few months ago?  Nope, it's March 20th.  But don't you worry, Spring will be here, soon, maybe, I hope.   Sometimes winter likes to hold on here for the skiers but I do hope the daffodils are popping up very soon.  Last week we chatted about the Groom's attire.  Without a doubt, I feel like this subject is just as important as what our bride is wearing.  So let's continue on the topic of Groom's attire.

Wearing A Tuxedo On Your Wedding Day

Photo by Jennifer Mardus Photography

Last week we chatted about wearing a suit to your wedding.  This week we will focus on the tuxedo. The tuxedo is the formal brother of the suit. When deciding to wear a tuxedo on your wedding day you should consider the location of the wedding and what the bride is wearing.  Typically the only difference between a suit and a tuxedo is the presence of silk satin lapels and stripe down the side of the trousers.  So, should you wear a tuxedo? There are no hard fast rules anymore but usually tuxedos are worn on very special days.  Your wedding day is that very special day.  There is nothing quite as sharp as a custom made tuxedo like the ones you see on Alexander and his brothers, in the above image.  Once you decide to have a tuxedo custom made, you will need to work with a designer on the stye that you like best.  But don't worry, they will walk you right through the process and the fittings. You will also need a few accessories to complete the look. You will need to decide on the type of jacket lining you like best to really personalize the look along with a formal collared shirt; the most common options being the the wing tip or spread collar. You'll also need to decide on the cuff style, sock and tie options.  For cuffs, I personally think the french look very sharp.  As for ties, while there is no rule you must wear a bow tie with a tux, you should.  A bow tie just looks great. It's a statement piece to pull the tux together.  Traditionally you would go black or white but these days patterns are very popular too.  And from here you can talk to your tuxedo designer about suspenders, shoe options and pocket square among other things.  Consider the tuxedo an investment, just like a wedding dress but with a big perk.  With a tux there is a good chance you will wear it again, like at your next black tie affair, where as wedding dresses are often cleaned and tucked away for safe keeping and future generations.  Of course, renting a tuxedo is always an option.  If you decide to rent, reach out to a local tuxedo rental shop in your area for help with the process.  

That last statement brings me to our topic for next week...  Dress Code.  

One of our recent grooms highly recommended 9Tailors in Boston for custom tuxedos.

A Sparkler Send Off in Barnard, Vermont

A sparkler send off never goes out of style.  And we know the best way to make it happen!  Would you like one at your wedding too?

It's always a fun way to end the night with your friends and family.  Special thanks to Katelyn & Jamey for this fun video from their wedding night and to their beautiful venue, the Barnard Inn in Barnard, Vermont.  Reach out today to start planning your VT wedding.  

Your Vermont Wedding Planner,

Randi

Always have a Rain Plan for your Vermont Wedding

Randi's number one rule for your Vermont Wedding

Always have a backup plan or two in case of rain

Can you even imagine if this was your wedding day?  Storms seem to sweep over the lake or through the mountains very quickly here in Vermont. While the majority of our wedding days are suuny, you never know if a storm will hit during your outside wedding ceremony. Thank God for Weather Bug!  I know that I make my staff crazy by checking the app about every 10 minutes on of our wedding days.  Some might say I'm a little obsessed.  I like to say that I am 'always prepared.'

So, what will I do if it rains on your wedding day?  Well, I will jump into the predetermined Rain Plan.  We will have this plan in place weeks ahead of your big day. 

But what will you do? 

First, just give yourself a minute to be disappointed if you had been praying for sun, then remember what the day is truly about. I will be there to remind you to take a deep breath and focus on the positive.  This will be OK.  It will be better than OK, it's your wedding day!

Next, we want you to get back to that place of calm and happy, (maybe not calm but I aim of I do aim for happy) enjoying your closest friends and family as we change the plans from outside to inside or on to the porch and prep for the impending storm.  We need you to trust your vendors.  They've done events in the rain hundreds of times.  They will be prepared to shift plans on a moments notice.  This is why we encourage you to hire the best seasoned professionals available.

Here's a ceremony that had to be brought up onto the porch at the Grand Isle Lake House captured by North Photography.

Just for a moment let's look at all of the great things that come out of a rainy day wedding.

First, good luck, this is what my grandmother always said.  Who can argue with her or a future full of good luck?

Adorable rain boots...  we know you want to get a pair anyways, now you have a reason to do so.  And of course, a cute umbrella.  If you don't pick one up ahead of time we can always rent them for you. And finally, gorgeous images in the rain like one captured below by Jennifer Mardus Photography.

This next shot is one of my all time favorite rainy day wedding images captured by Stina Booth Photography at Vermont National Country Club.  The misty rain was the perfect backdrop for soft romantic images.  The rain meant we moved the ceremony up onto the porch over looking the gold course.  It really brought everyone together.  The whole day had such a warm and intimate feel.  The rain does not have to ruin your day.

If it does rain on your day, let us help you through it.  We will talk and think about how this scenario might play out ahead of time so that you are mentally prepared.  We will be there with you to walk you through each step.  And all of your vendors will be ready to dig in and help on that day.  Like I mentioned above.  This will be OK.  It will be better than OK, it's your wedding day!

And sometimes you get a few moments when the rain slows and you end with a moment like this.

                                                                                                               Stina Booth Photography

Let's talk soon about your wedding day Rain Plan.  And remember, even on the rainiest wedding day the bride still shines bright.

Your Vermont Wedding Planner,
Randi

The Perfect Color for a Vermont Wedding

Pantone named Greenery as their 2017 Color of the Year and it could not be more perfect for a Vermont wedding!

Pantone Color of the Year 2017

Hello Greenery, my old friend! 

Seems that some people are excited and see you in this whole new light. I, on the other hand, feel like we go all they way back, all the way back, you've always been the true, constant hue in my life.  Oh sure, we all know I love purple but without you, purple can be average.  You Greenery, are that special color that helps all others come to life.  You are life, the beginning.  You are the best friend, the best supporting actress, the Robin to Batman...  You are Greenery!  We can't live without your vibrant shades that pop in Spring and that continue with us year round.  Even in the dead of winter here in Vermont you bring me both sides of cedar and that lights up my world like no other. You've always been there for us and this year we celebrate your greatness. 

Brides around the world love you for all you do.  A wedding, especially a Vermont wedding, is nothing without you!

Photography by Orchard Cove Photography

Enjoy your year of greatness but know that even when this year is over you will still have my heart.  Congratulations to you Greenery!  xo

Your Vermont Wedding Planner,

Randi