Congratulations - you're engaged and starting on planning your wedding!  You may quickly find that some wedding pros seems to be speaking a separate language.  What is a First Look? Why are there so many questions about seating charts? And what is the deal with this heart shaped table they keep talking about?
Good news - we've got you covered with explanations of some of the most frequent terms so you know you are all on the same page!

Photos
There are a lot of specialties that go into wedding photos to fully capture the memories.  You want to make sure you work with an experienced wedding photographer so they know the flow of the day and will take care of all the photos.

First Look - This is an option to see your fiance before the wedding.  Many couples choose this options because it lets them see each other in a private moment which often helps calm your nerves.  It also lets the photographer get pictures of just the two of you with minimal distractions.  This is not mandatory!  Plenty of couples still wait until the bride is walking down the aisle for the first glimpse.

First Touch - An option to the First Look is to stand around a corner, on either side of a door or back to back so you don't see each other but can still talk and hold hands.  Couples use this as an opportunity to pray together, share love notes or just talk for a few moments.

Detail Photos - These are all the pictures of the details that make up the day.  Wedding shoes, bouquets, the wedding dress, invitations, rings and so much more.  Your photographer usually gets these when they first arrive.  It's helpful to have as many of these items as possible in a bag together so you don't have to hunt them down.

Getting Ready Photos - The name for these are a bit misleading.  Most photographers are not there hours early to take pictures as you are getting all your hair and makeup done.  These are focused on the final details such as putting on jewelry or shoes, Final shots of buttoning your dress or makeup touch up.  This is also the time for pictures with you and your close family or friends in the moments before the ceremony.

Immediate Family Photos - So, who exactly is your immediate family? The answer is up to you.  Typically, immediate family includes parents, siblings and grandparents.  You can also include Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.  Just make sure to communicate to your family who needs to stick around after the ceremony to be in the pictures.  Your officiant can also ask for all parents and grandparents to remain for photos.

Flowers
There are many specialty names for florals, but we will just cover some of the most common.  Your florist can walk you through the names for everything.  Always share pictures with them and ask them for pictures if you can't clearly picture what they are describing.

Wrist Corsage - Most of us may be familiar with a traditional corsage that is a small flower arrangement pinned on the front of a dress for female family members.  A wrist corsage is a great option to avoid the pins and make sure there is no damage to dresses.  There are many elegant options such as gold wrist cuffs with flowers attached or simple plastic pieces that disappear under the flowers.

Posey - This is another option for mothers or grandmothers.  It's a petite bouquet that they carry instead of a corsage.

Boutonniere - This is the small flower arrangement for the guys.  It typically is pinned on the front of a suit jacket or shirt.  It is often used for the groom, groomsmen, fathers, grandfather and, optionally, the officiant.  It lets guests know who the special people in your life are.

Table Garland - This is a popular table decoration that lines greenery down the center of the table like a runner.  It can also include flowers.

Table Options and Decor
There are lots of options to make your reception setting unique.  And they can often be overwhelming!  Here are a few terms to help you decide how you want your reception set.
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Votives - These are the small candles and their holders used to decorate tables and other areas.

Chargers - These are the large, decorative plates that go under your dinner plate.  They add additional color, elegance and sparkle to the table.  They are completely optional!

Sweetheart Table - That's the heart shaped table they keep talking about!!  It's really not a heart shaped table (well, it could really be any shape you want).  It's basically a table just for you and your new spouse!  It is typically set at the front of the reception space as a place of honor.

Head Table - If you aren't crazy about the idea of everyone looking at you during dinner, than a Head Table option may work for you.  This includes your wedding party (with or without their dates).  This takes some of the direct attention off you and gives you more time with them.

Seating Chart Options
A seating chart is not mandatory, but it's most likely something you will get asked about.  There are a few different ways to manage a seating chart.  Seating charts do make it easier for your guests to find their seat and know there is space for them with anyone in their family or group.

Assigned by Table - With this option you simply let guests know which table to sit at.  They can choose how they arrange themselves at the table.  For this option, you will need a list of names broken up by table number and displayed in an easy to find place.  It's also a good idea to have your DJ let guests know where to find it or have the coordinator team direct guests to the chart.

Place Cards - This often goes along with a seating chart and provides a specific seat for each person.  The place cards with their name will be placed at their seat for them to find.

Escort Cards - These are displayed away from the table, usually where guests enter the reception or cocktail space.  It provides their name and the number of the table they will be sitting at.  These can be creative options beyond just cards - small succulent favors, champagne glasses, etc.

Ceremony
The ceremony offers many options to be personal and meaningful.  Again, you have lots of options, but you only need to choose what works for you.

Processional - This is at the beginning of the ceremony when the bridal party, parents and grandparents walk down to their places.  You can choose to have your grandparents be escorted down or seated before based on their needs and preferences.  There are many options for the bridal party.  The groom and groomsmen can walk down first.  The groom can walk down first and then the bridesmaids and groomsmen can walk down in pairs.  Share your vision with your coordinator and they will walk you through the steps.

Recessional - This is at the end and the opposite of the Processional.  You and your new spouse will walk back down the aisle first, followed by the bridal party (individually or in pairs) and then parents and grandparents (if you choose).  You will choose special songs for both the Processional and Recessional.

Unity Ceremony - This is a small ceremony within the larger ceremony that physically symbolizes your unity.  A unity candle is one of the most common, but there are many options such as a braided cord, planting a tree, sand ceremony, etc.  Feel free to do some research on Unity Ceremony ideas to choose one that may work for you.  This is also optional and not a required part of the ceremony!

We hope some of these terms will help you as you plan a wedding to reflect your style and personality.  Let us know if there are other terms you learned in wedding planning that we didn't cover!
- Becky

If you are from the South (or have been around any of us Southerners for long) you know we love our traditions, and weddings are no exception! We've rounded up some of our favorites for you to look through.  Whether you choose to include some of them in your wedding or not, we promise to show you some true Southern Hospitality.

Southern Florals
We are fortunate in the South to have a long growing period which provides us with plenty of beautiful flowers.  You will often find some of our southern favorites such as peonies, hydrangea, gardenia, magnolia and more.  These flowers are often have large, fluffy blooms and amazing scents.
Double up on southern florals by choosing a garden setting for your ceremony!

Groom's Cake
Groom's Cake aren't specific to the South, but we do use it as an opportunity to tell a little bit about the groom.  Whether it's a map of the Applachian Trail which the Groom hiked or a cake honoring his Alma Mater, Groom Cakes are a fun addition.  These can be served at the rehearsal dinner or wedding reception.

College Football
This may not seem like a wedding item, but we take our college football seriously in the South!  We have seen wedding colors honoring college teams, pompoms for send off and it's common to see groups gathered around a smartphone getting score updates during the fall!  We've even had one wedding bring in a tail gate company with large TVs to show the game.

Southern Food
One of the best parts of a southern wedding is the food!  Chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, biscuits, cornbread, bbq - you have tons of options to show off your favorite southern cuisine.  Our preferred caterers know Southern Food and will treat you right!

Signature Cocktails
Signature Cocktails are a great way to expand on your bar offerings without getting into the expense and complications of a full bar.  Show off some southern spirits or use a fun name for your cocktail to tell guests a fun fact about you as a couple (or use it as a way to include your pups in the event!)  We love to see Signature Cocktails featuring our farm grown blueberries such as a spiked Blueberry Lemonade, Blueberry Mojito or Blueberry Belini.

Outdoor Ceremonies
Last, but not least, is the Southern tradition of outdoor ceremonies.  Southerners are willing to brave the heat for beautiful scenery and blue skies overhead.  Our ceremony space is surrounded by gardens with views to the blueberry fields.  We also have a large covered porch (another Southern tradition) that allows you to keep your outdoor ceremony even during a little rain.

We can't wait to see which traditions you include in your wedding!
​- Becky

Are you stuck on deciding what your wedding style might be for your farm wedding in Georgia? Maybe you think a farm wedding in Georgia is stuck in one style. (Completely not true!) Or are you not sure what the different style names mean - classic, modern, garden, boho?  We've got you covered!

Farm weddings offer a variety of types of venues and scenery. Your floral choices often make the biggest impact on your style for your farm wedding in Georgia.  After that, the color palette and decor options add to the style.  Browse through the examples and descriptions below to find your style.

Garden
This style is a little whimsical, free flowing, soft, and romantic. We love to see this style at our Georgia farm wedding venue.  Lots of soft lighting, flowing fabrics and flowers.  Often garden style focuses on local, seasonal flowers because they provide options such as cosmos, dahlias and garden roses that are fragile and not always available to ship.
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A huge bonus at our farm wedding venue is we grow many of these flowers on the farm! North Georgia is a great area for growing Dahlias -which are a favorite fall flower.  We also grow many other gorgeous blooms like cosmos, peonies, zinnias and more on our Georgia farm wedding venue.
Talk with your florist about airy and flowing arrangements - nothing too tight and formal. And ask them about using flowers grown on our farm!

Classic
Classic style is timeless.  This style is more formal, often with lots of white and soft color palettes. It offers a beautiful contrast to the rustic barn venue at our farm wedding venue in Georgia. 
Your farm wedding in Georgia doesn't have to be fully rustic or casual.  We love when couples ask for formal attire from their guests and add beautiful, classic touches.  The floral arrangements are more structured.  Think gold chargers, cloth napkins and formal dress code for guests.  You may find lots of sparkle in glassware, glass containers with candles and more.
Elegant table linens can create a more formal environment inside and outside the venue. Choose a caterer that offers passed appetizers for cocktail hour with staff wearing a more formal uniform.  Simple color palettes fit perfectly into a Classic style wedding.

Photos by Kelly Breann Photography

Modern
Modern style is streamlined often with geometric shapes, simple color palettes and lots of straight lines.  This style is often seen in industrial settings, but is a great fit for other venue types also - like our Georgia farm wedding venue. Our large modern black doors are a great blend of the rustic and modern style for your farm wedding in Georgia.
Geometric lanterns and simple pillar candles fit well in this style.  White and greenery is a popular color palette, but you can definitely add in more color.  Succulents fit well in this style, also!
Keep your cake simple and structured.  Cake toppers are a great way to add modern style.  Keep in mind your selection of cake stand, cutting knife and server to add to the modern feel.
Choose sleek styles for your bridesmaid dresses - nothing too flowy or loose. Let your bridal salon know you are aiming for a modern style and they can help you choose some great options.
Don't forget about signage!  Whether it's a Welcome sign, guest book directions, Choose a Seat, etc. - the type of material and letter font you use can add a ton of modern style!

Boho
Boho style is wild and free form with lots of color and it's a great fit for your farm wedding in Georgia!  Layers add to this style through rugs, ribbons, macrame and more.
If you like to "break the rules" (or maybe just bend them a little), this style make be perfect for you. It's easy to mix different styles and elements to find the perfect Boho fit for your farm wedding in Georgia.  Flower crowns work in place of a veil and boho style wedding dresses are often loose and flowing. Continue the boho style through your bridesmaids' dresses with flowing details and long hem lines.  This is a great style to mix colors and styles with your bridesmaids' dresses. Forget about high heels and think sandals or converse for your wedding shoes.
Add texture to your wedding cake through icing styles, flowers (real or sugar flowers) and fun additions like macrame, wood toppers and more.
The woods and gardens surrounding our Georgia farm wedding venue are a gorgeous, natural backdrop that are perfect for a Boho style.

The best part about your wedding style, is you can combine these and make it anything you want!  Make sure your style reflects you as a couple, and you will love the end result!
​-Becky

Before you started planning a wedding, there were probably tons of things you never needed to know about.  What should a great caterer provide? What does a DJ really do? How is wedding cake different than other cake?  It's a lot to try and become an "expert" in very quickly.
Today, we are going to talk some about Wedding Florists. This one probably intimidates me the most to talk to you about because we get to work with so many AMAZING florists, and they know way more than me.  But, hey, florist friends feel free to add in the comments!!

There are a couple categories of florists that I'll focus on.  Floral Shops and Studio Florists

Floral Shops
These are the storefronts you can walk into to order flowers for all kinds of occasions - birthday flowers, funeral arrangements, valentines bouquets, get well flowers and wedding flowers.  Some of the perks of working with a floral shop is they can handle smaller orders more easily.  They have large amounts of flowers coming in that they use for all the types of orders mentioned above.  So, if you want to just do a bouquet or two, they can usually work with you at a good price point.  Some floral shops have a large wedding team and they can do multiple weddings in a day - that way you have a better chance of booking your dream floral team.

Studio Florists
These florists often focus on weddings.  They do not have a storefront, but rather work in rented studio space or have studio space at their home.  Since they specialize in weddings, you can get more unique designs.  They also order the flowers specifically for your wedding, which means you have more control over what goes into your overall floral package.  They often keep smaller design teams to ensure high quality, so book them quickly!

What about DIY?
My first question to you would be, what is your goal in choosing DIY?  Save money? You love the idea of creating the flowers yourself?
If it's saving money, I would recommend you really look into what the total cost will be.  There are websites that advertise wholesale flowers to the public - but their pricing is not wholesale.  You are spending just as much on the flowers (if not more) than you would pay a florist for their materials. So then it comes down to design cost and time.  Flowers need to be put together no earlier than a day before the wedding and then kept in a cooler (with no fruit in it!).  Otherwise, you need to put them together on the day of the wedding. (When you also need to have hair and makeup done, photos and so much more).  There is also the issue of transporting them to the venue (spilled flowers in your car are not an added stress you want on your wedding day) and the time to set them out on the tables.
If you really love the idea of creating the flowers yourself and you  know what you can handle, then look carefully into where you can get flowers.  As I mentioned the "wholesale websites" are not really a great deal.  Instead, look into local flower farms or Farmers Markets for locally grown flowers.  Keep your plan simple on what you are creating, when you are putting the flowers together and who is placing them for you on your wedding day.
To be completely transparent, I did a lot of my own wedding flowers along with the help of family.  I am extremely laid back on a lot of things.  I didn't have a professional do my hair and makeup, we were hanging out in shorts and t-shirts that morning putting together flowers and I kept it simple.  We had a connection to a real wholesale flower shop so the flowers were affordable.  And, one of my family members had worked as a florist for a while and she put together the bouquets for me.
DIY can work, just make sure you are honest with yourself on what you can handle.

Where do the flowers come from?
This is another question that a lot of couples don't even know to ask (or why it matters).  Flowers are grown all over the world in different climates, seasons and methods.  The great thing about that is it gives you access to flowers that might be out of season locally - like peonies that grown in Alaska for a large portion of the year.  However, those come with a higher cost due to shipping.  Flowers that are shipped in also have a shorter life span (they've already spent some time in shipping since they were fresh cut).
Locally grown and US grown flowers is another great option.  Locally grown flowers can give you blooms that aren't able to ship - they are just too fragile.  They also tend to have more scent to them than ones that are shipped.
US grown can be shipped, but at a much shorter distance so they tend to last a little longer.

And, if you choose our farm for your wedding venue, you may even have some flowers that are grown at our farm!  You can't get much more local than that!

​- Becky

You're planning your wedding - yay!  And now you need to hire a Dj - or do you?  Can't you just play a Spotify list on your phone?

More than just Music
A good wedding DJ does more than just play music.  They provide a sound system fit for the venue, microphones as needed for the ceremony and act as MC to keep the events flowing smoothly.  They work closely with the coordinator to let guests know when it's time to be seated for dinner, they announce when it's time for cake cutting, bouquet toss and other items that guests don't want to miss. And they can read the crowd to know when a little extra help is needed to get the guests out on the dance floor (we've seen our favorite DJ's out leading the crowd in dancing!)

Music is an art
There is a BIG difference in what a qualified wedding DJ provides vs. running a Spotify list. Let's start with the ceremony.  A DJ has the ability to start and stop songs at certain points so you have your favorite part of the song playing as you walk down the aisle.  They can also smoothly transition between songs with no downtime.  Waiting to walk down the aisle is often one of the most nerve wracking parts of wedding day and waiting for your cousin's boyfriend to get the right song to play just adds to the nerves.
It's not just music for ceremony and dancing, you don't realize how important background music during dinner is until it's absolutely silent.  Background music adds to the overall atmosphere and keeps conversation flowing.
Ok, raise your hand if you've ever been busting moves to your favorite music on the radio or Pandora only to have your groove interrupted by commercials? (it's ok, no one's looking, you can admit it) You want the music to keep flowing and blend smoothly during dancing.  It keeps guests on the dancefloor and having a good time.

What will it cost?
A qualified wedding DJ (you want to make sure they have experience with weddings so they understand the flow of the day) can range from $650 to $1200+ in the Atlanta area. If you get quotes from someone who is lower, make sure you ask plenty of questions on the equipment they provide, how many weddings they have done, do they have all the music downloaded or do they require a wifi connection to download as they go.
You can find some of our favorite DJ's listed on our Vendors page.

​- Becky

Cake is perhaps one of my favorite wedding foods - especially GOOD wedding cake! (And, yes, I said perhaps - blame it on my love of Jane Austen books)
We'll start with some info on the traditional wedding cake and then talk about other options (because, yes, you can do something besides the traditional cake!)

The Top Tier
Traditionally, the top tier is saved for the couple's 1 year anniversary.  You do need to wrap it really well to freeze it and enjoy it at your one year anniversary.  Your baker should be able to give you instructions on this or Google is always your friend.
If you go this route, make sure you have enough servings on the other tiers to serve your guests.  Also let the caterer or whoever is cutting your cake know to save the top.
Some bakers are switching to provide a separate anniversary cake so there is no chance of the top tier accidentally being served. You can also ask your baker for a "credit" to come back in a year and get a fresh cake from them

What about cake flavor?
Well, the best news is wedding cake no longer is just one flavor - there are tons of options! The flavors available will depend on the cake baker/artist you hire.  We've had some amazing flavors and it's hard to pick a favorite. Lemon and blueberry, Marble with maple frosting, chocolate with peanut butter frosting, cookie butter cake (think Biscotti in cake form) - so many delicious flavors! 
Some cake artists will allow you to do a different flavor on each tier - you'll just need to check with your chosen baker.

Pretty Cake
You want your cake to be delicious AND pretty - that's not too much to ask, right?  Nope - not at all.  There are lots of amazing bakers that make delicious and beautiful cakes.  Each baker will have their own style, so make sure you look at their work. But great cake artists love a challenge, too - so don't be afraid to send them inspiration that you don't see on their website.
Current trends lean toward buttercream icing instead of fondant.  If you have ever had fondant, you are probably thrilled with that trend!  Fondant can make an extremely smooth cake and is used to create figures but buttercream icing has it beat in taste!
Cake decorations can range from fresh flowers, edible sugar flowers, buttercream "painted" designs and so much more.  If you are planning on fresh flowers, those typically come from your florist so make sure you connect the two vendors.

Cake Cutting
This piece can be tricky depending on your venue or caterer.  Your cake baker will deliver the cake to your venue, but they do not stay to cut it.  You need to make sure your caterer, coordinator or venue staff are lined up for that job.  Check to see if there is a separate fee for cake cutting or if it's included.  You do need someone who knows how to cut a wedding cake correctly to get the right amount of servings out of it.  (See, who knew there was a special way to cut cake?)

It doesn't have to be Cake!
If you aren't a cake fan - that's ok.  Your wedding should reflect you as a couple, so go for something else!  We've seen donuts, pie, cobbler, cookies, mini dessert assortments - so many options.
There is no rule that you have a wedding cake.  As long as it's sweet and delicious, your guests will enjoy it.

​- Becky
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Catering is typically the biggest wedding expense after the venue. It makes sense - you are serving dinner (usually) to 100+ of your closest friends and family.  Even if you took them all to Chick-fil-a, you would have a big bill!
Let's talk about the different options for catering.
Appetizers
After the ceremony, you, your new spouse and family are wrapped up in pictures.  This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on the number of pictures, how large your family is (and how well everyone follows directions!)  Your guests are mingling at this time, waiting for dinner and sometimes wondering what they are supposed to be doing.
The bar usually opens up at this time, so it's a great time to offer them so food also. It can be as simple as cheese and crackers or an elaborately curated appetizer.  Whatever you choose, it's a good idea to have something to keep your guests happy until dinner time.

Late Night Snacks
Some trends are totally worth it - like late night snacks!  After your guests have been dancing and drinking for a while, loading them up on some snacks before you send them off is a great idea!  We've seen fried apple pies, cookies, donuts, bbq sliders - so many options.  Your caterer is a valuable resource with this as they can estimate how many guests may still be there at the end and want a late night snack - you don't usually need to plan for your full guest count on this one.

Catering is more than just the menu options.  You want a caterer that has done weddings before so they understand the flow.  They should have all the equipment and staff needed to get the food there and keep it hot, keep buffet filled or serve plated meals, clean tables and more.
When you are comparing costs, make sure you understand if tax and service fee is included in the initial price.  If not, that adds 20% - 30%.  Most of our preferred caterers fall in the $30 - $55/person price range.  That includes non-alcoholic drinks, tax and service fee.  It adds up quickly when you have 100 - 200 guests, but it matches up with what you would pay at a good restaurant.  And you want good food for your wedding!
Check out our Vendors page for some of our preferred caterers!
-Becky

The first time Ashley and Nick planned to tour the venue, they were stopped by a snow storm! A few days later, the snow had melted and they made the tour to book their date. Winter weather is an interesting part of searching for wedding venues in Georgia! Thankfully, there was no snow at their September wedding! 

Ashley knew she wanted lots of flowers and Stems Atlanta delivered! A stunning bouquet, ceremony under an arbor of flowers, and gorgeous tall floral arrangements filled her request. You can find Stems Atlanta's work in many wedding venues in Georgia, but we think her gorgeous work filled with locally grown flowers is the most beautiful here.

Capture Thirteen worked with them on their gorgeous photos.  Late September is a beautiful time at the venue with tons of greenery, blooming gardens and views of the blueberry rows. The bridal suite provided a gorgeous, light filled space for bridal portraits.  They captured all the details that made their wedding unique - flowers, the rings, shoes and more.

After dinner, the guests enjoyed dancing on the large covered porch.  With views of the farm and string lights surrounding the dance floor, it's the perfect way to enjoy Fall nights.  When you are looking for wedding venues in Georgia with indoor and outdoor space, come take a look at the farm.  With the rustic indoor space, large sliding doors that open to the outside space, gardens, lawn, and porch there are plenty of space options to enjoy.

The couple was relaxed throughout the day and we love that Nick pulled out his favorite ball cap for the reception. Be yourself at your wedding!

From Ashley:
"From the wedding planning process to the day of I could not have asked for a better venue! Becky was so sweet and helpful throughout the entire process and was very easy to work with even with all of the current uncertainties brought on by COVID. She kept me updated throughout the whole process and checked in often to see if there was anything she could do to help me with the planning. On my wedding day she was there bright and early setting up and helped ease my anxiety all day long with her calm, friendly demeanor. The venue itself is absolutely beautiful and they even have a fire pit and outside area for dancing which was a big hit! I looked into dozens of venues and this was one of the best priced by far for what you get, I couldn’t recommend this venue enough!"

We are excited to share this guest post from Stems Atlanta!
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Getting married is an exciting time.There is so much to plan and so many fun thing to do. From dress shopping to popping the question to your bridesmaids to picking a wedding date, the list goes on and on. Undoubtedly, you have waited for this moment a long time and are ready to dive in to this thing called marriage. But first, let’s get prepared for the biggest party of your life! It’s so important that you not only have an amazing celebration, but that you also understand how to plan an amazing celebration. Today, I will be sharing 5 tips and tricks to having a successful floral consultation from start to finish.

Ready? Let’s dive in…
#1 The first thing you need to do is your homework.
​Research florists in the area of your venue or ones that would be willing to travel to your destination. Pick a few that not only service your area, but also fit within your budget. Many wedding websites and florist websites will give you a good guideline to florist minimums and package pricing

#2 Decide on your budget
​Before you determine your floral budget, it’s a good idea to figure out your overall wedding budget. You can best do this by asking newly married friends.  Find a friend or two who just got married and who had a similar style wedding to yours (ballroom, reception hall, wedding barn, etc.) Ask they what their overall budget was and you can expect yours to probably fall within $2-3,000 of that. Your floral budget will comprise about 10% of your overall budget and if you are adding in draping, lighting, furniture rentals, etc., it may be closer to 12%

#3 Pinterest it up!
​Designers need to get inside your head. When I meet with clients my number one goal is to get to know them and their wedding vision. We talk about their partner, about how they met and what kind of wedding they foresee themselves having. Have you heard the saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words”? Well, nothing is more true in design. If you are able to show images of what you like and designs that fit your aesthetic, a designer can quickly interpret that to fit the needs of your budget.
#4 Determine your areas of impact
​Areas of impact are where you focus you decor budget for drama. Some clients have an amazing ceremony installation that they choose to spend a good bit of their floral budget on. For others, it is the estate table at the reception or the lush and full bridal bouquet. Pick 1-2 areas of impact and tell your designer that those are where you want to focus your budget.

#5 Don’t wait.
​If you know you love the designer and they agree to the price-point you want to stay within, put down a deposit for your wedding day. I can’t tell you how many times I have done a consultation and the client does not respond to the proposal within the allotted time, thus opening up my calendar for that day. When they call to book weeks down the road, their date has been reserved by someone else. While many florists can accommodate multiple events in one day, the larger events require more staff and may cause that date to become blocked off and unavailable.
I hope these tips have been helpful to you in your planning journey and I hope to walk this journey with you, too!
~Heather
www.stemsatlanta.com 

Wedding invitations - where do you even start?  In general, we don't send paper invitations or even mail to people much anymore.  So now that you are faced with sending paper invitations to a huge list of guests for your wedding, it can be overwhelming.  We've pulled together a few tips to hopefully take some of the stress off of you!

Save the Dates are Great
These allow guests to start planning in advance to be at your wedding.  Save the Dates go out three to four months before your wedding.  Include the names of the couple and wedding date.  If you have a website for more information, feel free to add that on!  This is just to put a placeholder on their calendar, so you don't need all the details listed.
Invitation Timing
Invitations should go out six to eight weeks before the wedding.  This gives guests plenty of time to plan for travel, accommodations, etc.  Ask for RSVPs about a month before the wedding so you can give final counts to the venue, caterer, cake, etc.  And be prepared that not everyone will RSVP, so you will have to follow up.

Who is Invited
The names on the invitation let guests know exactly who is invited.  Mr. & Mrs. Smith is just the adults, not the three children.  Mr. & Mrs. Smith and Family includes everyone.  Miss Jane Doe is just Jane - no date.  Miss Jane Doe and Guest means she can bring a plus one.

Dress Code
Dress code details can be included in the lower right-hand corner of the invitation or on the RSVP card.  Stick to standard types such as "Black Tie", "Cocktail Attire" or "Casual Attire".  Your guests will always appreciate knowing the dress code!
Spell It Out
Make sure you spell out everything on the address - Road, Street, etc.  Abbreviations are fine for Mr. and Mrs. but they shouldn't be used in the address.

That's the quick and easy version of wedding invitation etiquette!  If you work with a custom designer, they can help you with wording. Larger companies like Minted make it easy also with standard wording you can customize with your details.
One additional tip, consider a calligrapher or other professional to address all the invitations - your hands will thank you!
​- Becky