Date the Wedding

For the sake of this story I'm going to assume that you've never heard of Date the Wedding and will need the whole thing explained first. Date the Wedding is, at it's core, a fake wedding put on for couples to see what all goes into a wedding. Vendors from all sectors come together to put on this wedding that walks soon-to-be-married couples through the step-by-step process of a wedding from ceremony to cocktail hour to dinner to reception. It's an amazing concept that really helps a lot of people who would otherwise be in the dark about the day's process. 


The guests signed in at the Blandwood Mansion and Carriage House and were immediately welcomed into the Rose Garden for appetizers and champagne served by Rosa Mae's Catering staff which showed the appropriate way to hold a cocktail hour. During this time they were welcome to simply enjoy the provisions and company or speak with the vendors set up to show off their trades nearby. From attire and make up to officiants and photography, every aspect of a wedding was represented - with our team there to talk about the benefits of hiring a wedding planner/day-of coordinator, of course!

Our team set up a beautiful display that showcased some of the awards Knot Your Average Events has won in the past as well as lots of planning tools that are always at the disposal of our clients. We were able to talk to the couples about how important it is that they and their families are guests at their wedding rather than staff. You never know how important it is to have a day-of coordinator until your mom misses your first dance or the cake cutting, or someone's out of the bridal party photos because they're making sure the food is set out for cocktail hour. 

There was a ceremony coordinated by yours truly (Jennifer) and officiated by All Faiths Wedding Officiants of the Triad. After the ceremony the guests were shown a demonstration of the way the photos of the bridal party work (when your guests would usually be at cocktail hour) by Magnolia Ridge Photography. When that was finished, the guests were taken inside to see the way introductions work with the help of DJ Paul Cordts and then were brought down to enjoy a delicious dinner.

Food and beverages were provided by Rosa Mae's Catering and it was all delicious and beautifully displayed. Their staff goes above and beyond for an affordable price.  After dinner came the cake cutting and first dance for the bride and groom (who were an actual couple celebrating their anniversary that very day!) Then the reception began! Paul kept the party going while guests could enjoy the bar/coffee bar from Rosa Mae's, a beautiful candy bar from the Candy Ladies or the photo booth with Mike in the Night DJ Services. All of the vendors put together a great party and at the end of it, donated prizes to the couples in attendance. Whether is was discounted services or tangible gifts, almost everyone went home with something! 

We had a great time at Date the Wedding and heard so many couples saying they learned a lot while having a great time! Here's a list of the other vendors who participated in the event:
Valentia Ifuerza
Ashley Watts Makeup
Happy Rentz
Mechanical Eye Films
Hot Rod Getaway
KWB Marketing
Songbirds Consignment
The Lofts at Union Square
Julie Miller Money Harp
Keepsake Bouquets
Oh Betty Boudoir
Black Tie Formal Wear