He finally worked up the nerve and popped the question.
Whether he cleverly hid the rock amongst the stockings or got down on one knee at the stroke of midnight and brought in the New Year with bang. It’s official—you’re now a fiancee.
You’re surely in one of two camps—the dreamer who has envisioned your wedding day since being in pig tails, or the person that we have often sat across the planning table from who proclaims, "I’m not one of those girls that have thought about my wedding day since I was little, just tell me when and where to be there."
It’s go time…’Tis engagement season and the fact is, there are more of you than there are reception sites.
The good news? There is something for everybody in Richmond. Whether your vision includes fine dining in the grand ballroom with a dramatic entrance down the grand staircase of the renowned Jefferson Hotel, or a vintage Richmond themed affair at the Virginia Center for Architecture, or perhaps an ultra modern soiree in the newly opened atrium of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
We always suggest to clients that they fall in love with the location first and if at all possible work with the dates that they have available. If you are dead set on a date, the search for that perfect site can become quite the chore.
Rick Butts, Director of Sales and Catering at the Jefferson Hotel, suggests that "being flexible with the wedding date is key. We can make your wedding dreams come true 365 days a year; why lock yourself into just one potential day?"
If the invitation sets the tone for the big day, the reception site seals the deal. Once you have the who and where set, the what can fall into place. Will it be a formal affair or casual garden setting with views of "the Rivah"? All of which will dictate food chosen, style of dress, and even the number of guests invited.
Before you cross the final t and dot that last i on that venue agreement, we always suggest that our planning clients make sure they understand the true cost of the venue. If you’re locked in to their caterer make sure you get an estimate and make double sure it fits the budget.
Last but not least, understand the fee structures—from cake cutting to linens and gratuity fees. If the facility offers room nights, find out if you’re responsible for picking up remaining rooms if they are not booked. If we know what the rules are from the start we can play by them, nobody likes surprises—especially financial ones.
So grab that calendar, make those calls and start finding your wedding a home.
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Jennifer (left) is the owner of McBride Events (www.mcbrideevents.com), a Richmond based design and event planning company. She has been crafting splendid weddings and celebrations of all sizes since 2001. Meghan is the CEO and owner of OFD Consulting (www.ofdconsulting.com), a marketing/pr firm for wedding professionals. They love great ideas fueled by caffeine, and a good floor length linen. Visit www.wedology101.com to learn more about our upcoming seminars.
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