Be Happy...

As I am preparing to close out an entire year of Insider's Tips, I am trying to think of some things that I really feel are necessary.  And the biggest thing that stands out in my mind is to enjoy your day and be happy.  Hire great vendors that you don't have to worry about - check references if you have to - and sit back and really enjoy the moment.  It will go by too fast.

Our couple in one of their engagement photos by Allison Lewis Photography

Please remember that we live in one of the hottest states in the summer!  Outdoor summer weddings are beautiful, but they are HOT!  A couple of cute wash bins full of ice and water bottles is a nice thing to do for your guests.  

Put them by the guest book, by the ceremony location, wherever you can.  If a guest arrives 20 minutes before to get a good seat and the ceremony is about 30 minutes long, they will be sitting out in the hot heat for almost an hour before the reception starts.  So buy a lot - you won't waste it!  The alternative could be guests passing out due to the extreme heat.   

An alternative to water it a cute lemonade stand or even lemonade favors! It is a great way to put your unique spin on the favors while replenishing your guests' thirst!

Photo courtesy of Allison Lewis Photography

Party on the Moon | Photo courtesy of Allison Lewis Photography

Quick and easy tip of the week:  The later in the wedding reception that you cut your cake, the less will be eaten.  A lot of the older crowd will leave once the cake is cut, so your crowd will thin out just a bit, but do you really want 5 layers of cake in your mom's freezer?  So why not have your introduction, go straight into the first dances (bride and groom, daddy and daughter, mom and son) and then go cut your cake.  Then you can party with the band and do what you want to do!