Spooktacular Wedding

From the moment I met Nicole, I knew it was going to a unique experience and a lot of fun.  See Nicole’s favorite holiday and time of year is Halloween.  One of Nicole’s first questions were: “will your staff get into character and dress up in costumes too?”  Which was ironic because that was going to be my first question also.  I wanted to know how much “Halloween” was going to be a at her wedding because the last October 31^st wedding I did several years ago didn’t allow children, costumes and colors were pale blue and gold (which were pretty but not Halloween).   We quickly began planning for fun centerpieces and ways to incorporate the Halloween theme without going cheesy. 

 *Our staff as the "Blacked Eyed Peas"

All year long we planned for a night reception at a wedding venue with full wedding flare…but the wedding part started to take over the plans and Nicole really wanted her day to be about the two of them and celebrating their love for one another.  We put the brakes on all wedding planning for a few months, took some time to regroup and focus on the items that were important to them…and that’s really when everything fell into place.  I received an email saying…Jenn, have you ever done a wedding at a bar and would you?  We are considering changing venues, times and the overall feel of our event are you in? 

Without any hesitation…my response was ABSOLUTELY!  I named my company Knot Your Average Events for a reason…and this is one of them.  While I LOVE tradition; I REALLY LOVE out of the box. 

So a few months out from their date, we pretty much had to cancel all of the fabulous vendors (unfortunately due to the new venue) to give them the vision of a true celebration. We choose Jake’s Billiards because it was one of the coupe’s favorite places to hang out with friends, grab lunch and it felt like home because of the staff.  Jake’s Billiards had hosted one wedding reception once before but never the full ceremony and reception, but they were up for the challenge. 

Since Jake’s is a full restaurant (AMAZING FOOD), they handled all of our food, beverage and bar needs including the couple’s 2 signature drinks.  Which they ordered black vodka just for Nicole’s Black Magic signature drink. We created a limited menu for guest to order during the cocktail hour.   

Their staff was amazing to work with and super helpful when it came to set-up and catering.   The best part and huge money saver was décor.  Since Jake’s had planned for a Halloween Bash later that evening, they had already decorated the entire restaurant in spider webs, goblins, and other Halloween spirits. Nicole created the centerpieces on her own and our staff placed them out while she got dressed.

The ceremony took place out on their front patio and we roped off half of the restaurant for a private function during the lunch hours.  Since Jake’s has a state of the art Juke Box, we were able to program all of their preferred Halloween music and set special dances when needed.  Once again their staff wore several hats throughout the event but went with the flow and created an experience the guests are still talking about. 

Seeing Nicole’s face light up because her day truly became about them and her vision had played out smoothly made my day!  I know she was stressed going into her event because of all of the last minute changes but I kept reminding her that it all would happen the way it was supposed to and that she just had to trust us in getting it all taken care of… Honestly it did.  Maybe even better than we had even planned. 

Guests arrived in full costume, they even had a “witch” perform the ceremony and guests kicked off the Halloween day surrounded by love, friends and family. They still had a first touch, cocktail hour with photos, introductions into first dances, an awesome lunch followed by anniversary dance, toast and cake cutting…Plus no HALLOWEEN WEDDING would be complete without me and a few of the ushers breaking out “THRILLER.”  (Only wish we would have gotten that on video…it was awesome!)  I couldn’t have asked for a brunch wedding to go smoother.  Seeing Steve look at Nicole knowing they had created their magical day will be one of those moments I’ll never forget.  We are blessed to get to work with amazing couples like Steve & Nicole.  We wish them a lifetime of happiness and one D*** GOOD MARRIAGE (sorry for the language but it’s inside joke between Nicole and I; we truly become family on this day).  We look forward to the next out of the box event...

Home is Where the Heart Is

Some people dream of getting married in their backyard whether because it’s their

childhood home or their forever home.  However hosting a backyard wedding is a lot more intense than your normal backyard BBQ or family get together. No matter if you are planning an event for 50 people or 200 in your home, I highly recommend bringing in a planner/coordinator to “host” your event so that you can be a guest.   Most homes can’t host over 100 of your closest family and friends around your personal dining room table so that means you’ve gotta bring in the tables, chairs, linens along with a tent to host them from any potential weather contingency plans.  I’ve got over 13 years in tented wedding experience and bringing a full production to your backyard is almost on the scale of a destination wedding because everything had to be brought in for that one weekend. 

We typically like meeting with our backyard clients the first time away from their home to really look into their vision and needs.  Once we’ve confirmed the in-home event we will set up a site visit with our rental companies to start getting quotes for restroom trailers, generators, lighting,  tents, tables, chairs, linens, place settings, and dance floor.  You may consider getting some rentals from different companies to get the best deals on your needed items, however I recommend getting your “big ticket” items from one (tents, restrooms, tables & chairs) and the smaller items from another.  This will allow one company to deliver and set up a few days prior and then your smaller rentals can arrive the day of or before the event. 

Don’t forget you will need to bring in a lighting team to light the tents, parking and pathways.  Planning a wedding on the family farm?  You definitely want to light the

field where family and friends will be parking so they are safe walking in the dark.  Planning an event in the late evening hours and don’t think you need lighting?  Don’t’ forget about the clean-up, although your event is ending at sunset; you need to give your vendors light to make sure everything is properly cleaned and secured for overnight.  This means you will most likely need to bring in a generator to guarantee enough power for lighting, restrooms, heaters if chilly outside,  also for entertainment and catering needs. 

We always HIGHLY recommend home weddings with backyard events to bring in restroom trailers.  These are not your traditional “porta-johns,” they are usually air conditioned or heated and most have sinks and private stalls for both men and women.  Most homes can’t take 50-100 flushes per hour or their septic tanks take that much waste in that short period.  Nothing’s worse than a stopped up toilet or calling an emergency plumber during or after your event.  Just ask one of our past clients that didn’t adhere to our advice and we were scrambling to find towels to stop the toilet water from doing down the hallway. 

Are you a germaphob?  Do you like using public restrooms? What do you think your personal restroom is going to look like after 150 guests use your personal toilet for 4 hours straight?  Plus what do your cabinets, draws and closets look like?  Yep…people are going to open every door and cabinet just to be nosey. 

That brings me to my next issue with in home weddings and events…how much do you like your personal belongings and irreplaceable breakables?  If we have in home events we recommend a few things:

·         Organize and Clean your house from top to bottom

·         Simplify your layout (is there any furniture you can remove during the event to give more space for walkways and safety)

·         Lock up all valuables and breakables in one room

·         We also recommend keeping your house locked during the event.  Bring in restroom trailers and add a small 15x15 tent for vendors (catering & decorators) to work from

While this event will give you a reason to “spruce” up your landscape, some projects will need to planned a year out to give time for the vegetation to come in and look healthy.  Don’t forget to purchase new cushions and patio furniture for cocktail hour or for guests to use while waiting for ceremony to begin.   All landscape and painting projects should be completed at least 2 weeks prior to the event date. This allows time to cut grass and finish weeding flowerbeds the week prior to the event.  Note, if you are having a tent delivered and set up on Thursday, grass should be cut and weedeeted by Wednesday afternoon. 

Here’s a few other tips for planning an in-home event:

·         Provide more trashcans and know what you are doing to do with access trash and recyclables

·         Have you spoken with your neighbors?  Do they know about your upcoming event; were they even invited?

·         Know your city & state (and home owner association) rules and regulations in regards to parking, noise, tent location, etc

·         Speaking of parking, where will you put all of the cars?  Will you provide a shuttle service from an offsite location (hotel, church, shopping area, or recreation center)?

·         Look over your guest counts and  make sure you are handicap accessible to all of your guests that may need a little extra TLC

While you won’t need an ABC permit to serve a full bar we do highly encourage hiring

professional bartenders and have a last call thirty minutes prior to the end of the event to let all vendors and guests know the end time and allow them to clean up.  Although you have homeowner’s insurance, we still recommend taking out a one day event insurance.  This just protects you on another level.  You can never be too protected.  By having a team of professionals come in, set-up, host and tear down…you’ll get to be a guest that can sit back and relax or cut a rug on the dance floor.

If you thought having a wedding at a professional venue was difficult, try bringing one home. 

In home weddings typically end up costing more because you have you import all of the rentals and decorations whereas professional venues may already include those items. 

 

We personally LOVE in-home weddings but we want to make sure you know what you are getting yourself into if you are planning one.  Remember we offer FREE consultations to discuss these options.  Contact us today to learn more about what we can offer you and your family so you can be a guest during your home wedding.

Be Our Guest…

There’s a reason why we’re called Knot Your Average Events…we want you to be a guest at your event.  After seeing events from several different perspectives over the past 15 years, I’ve seen a lot.  I want to share a few stories why we’ve started this year to add as many assistants as we do because it goes way beyond planning and coordinating when you hire us.   We want to create an experience your guests will speak about for years to come. 

I started out in my career as a site manager for a venue and the things I saw during those years still amazes me to today.  I am all for saving money but when your family and friends can’t enjoy the day; that kind of defeats the purpose.  I can't count the number of times I would over hear the mother of the bride calling to cancel her hair and make-up because there was too much left to do at the ceremony or reception area. Then as guests start arriving they would slip away to the restroom trailer to change and freshen up.  Between the stresses of not getting everything completed, lack of food or exhausted from running nonstop that week and day of that the family and friends are never 100% present during the event.  If they are not tired for setting up, they are already thinking of the tear down and what needs to be done next. 

Our staff loves helping couples and families enjoy their day by arriving early, and if you bring in a few more of us; we’ll even set up all of the tables and chairs then place out linens and place settings along with folding napkins.  Not to mention setting out menu cards, place cards and party favors. You never estimate the amount of time it takes to add each level of detail to each table.  Are you thinking about having chair covers?  Add another 1-2 hours depending on the team you assemble to place each cover on them and then tie the sashes.  It’s those details that get overwhelming to families and create a shortness of time and if you attempted to save money by renting a venue for 8 hours that means you have about an hour and half do everything.  We bring in a small army with those venues because you want everything set up before your first guest arrives.

Once we have everything set up, our team kind of plays superman…we go from “Superman back to Clark Kent” to blend in with the wedding guests.  Our team will traditionally dress in the event colors and “radio up.”  (All of our staff wears radios with headsets so that we can communicate with one another from across the, between parking and greeters and to let vendors know guests are onsite and prepare for their arrival.)  If our clients hires our full team for an event we will do everything from greet guests in the parking lot, welcome them and open doors upon their arrival, informed the of location of restrooms, watch over gift tables and let guests know where the ceremony areas are for a wedding.  We know you may have family and friends as greeters but sometimes they will run late or get lost in a conversation with a family member they haven’t seen in a while.   We still recommend to have ushers seat guests and hostesses to hand out programs and bottled water if the setting allows.  But by us being there, we can insure the ceremony starts on time with guests in their seats waiting on your arrival.

If there is a ceremony involved at the event, we are busy behind the scene lighting candles, making sure the catering company has appetizers displayed or ready to be passed.  We check in with the bar staff to make sure they are ready for a wave of guests at the beginning of the cocktail hour.  We also try and prepare to meet the wedding party and family with cocktails and bottled water following the ceremony.  And if there is a separate DJ or Band for Cocktail Hour we try and make sure they are all ready for once the ceremony is completed.  We try to create a flow without any dead air.

Still questioning why you should bring in a full service guest experience to your event…let’s talk about the reception.  That’s where we really shine and sparkle!  From assisting guests to find their seats, pumping up the wedding party before introductions, to opening

doors for the grand entrance, we even take the wedding party’s flowers to place them back into water.  Since usually no one remembers how to bustle the dress, we also help with the bustling of the wedding dress.  We personally like to serve our couple once they return from a restroom break.   We think it’s really important for them to eat their first meal together as a married couple.  Then we make sure any elderly or disabled guests are served at their seats by our staff while our lead coordinator handles tables to go through food lines or food stations to prevent long snake lines and running out of food while in line.  This allows the professional catering companies to focus on presenting great hot food, full buffets and/or food stations, and walk around with beverage services for tea and water.  Remember you are creating a guest experience and you want your guests to feel like they are guests.  Be thoughtful of what they also sacrificed to attend your event.  An average wedding guest spends over $500 to attend your special day and an average budget in our area of Alamance County is $154 per person.  If they are taking off from work, got a babysitter, traveling, booking a hotel, purchase a new outfit and bring a gift; that all adds up quickly.  You should return the favor and treat them to a great meal and night of fun and entertainment. 

Other little things we’ve been known to do during receptions are set up candy buffets, set out cupcake and dessert displays, and prepare for cake cutting...What? Someone has to cut and serve the wedding cake?  Yes there is correct way to cut the cake to get the most slices out of it...have no fear... we do that to so you don't have to add the cake cutting fee to your catering bill. 

We really love the next part of what we do. Want a full dance floor but don’t know how to get that? Hire us!  We’ve got all kinds of tricks to fill the dance floor.  Don’t know the

fun participation dances that your guests are waiting to jump on the dance floor to do?  WE DO! And we love teaching couples, family and friends…Grandmas are our favorite still to this day. Some just want to learn so they can be a part of the party.  Once they are all a part of the party, which is all they will talk about around the water cooler on Monday at work.  Trust us, there are so many weddings we wish there was a video camera present to catch how much fun the guests had. 

We encourage more fun with photo booths and props. With the right group of guests, parties could go on all night although most around here last between 3-5 hours max (depending on time of day, music and alcohol).  However, not every guest stays from start to finish and most of the time they may not get to tell the couple goodbye, have no fear our staff are strategically placed to be spread out in order to tell guests goodbye, thank you for coming and safe travels home.  Our goal is to welcome each guests as if they were our own family coming, make sure each one has a great experience and that someone thanks them from coming before they leave.

While the party is whining down, we’re usually blowing out candles (so that the wax doesn’t spill on the tablecloths when we are breaking down), and prepping for your exit. 

You usually don’t want to set out your exit items until it’s time to go.  However, we encourage signs letting guests know what’s going on and where everything is located.   So you have to think about who is going to unwrap sparklers, set out sand buckets,  who’s going to hand out those exit items (bubbles, sparklers, ribbon wands, glow sticks, etc.), and the biggest part….who’s going to explain the exit to your guests to insure your receive your security deposit afterwards. 

As the smoke from the sparklers settle and your parents hug the final guests as they

depart, my team of “magic elves” (as they’ve been called) break down and pack up centerpieces, check out vendors as they leave, and help pack family and friends’ cars of gifts and décor items.  We typically treat each venue as if it was our own by going room to room checking for anything left, pick up trash, sweep floors and make sure our clients get all of their security deposit if possible. 

I bet you thought that is where we ended our relationship…we hope not!  We hope it’s just the beginning.  We’ve been specializing in Caribbean Honeymoons with Sandals Resorts and Beaches Family vacations.  We hope you allow up to plan the celebration of your “I DO’s” too!  Allow us to help plan you Caribbean honeymoon, anniversary trip and when the kids come…allow us to plan your first of many amazing Sesame Street characters meet and greet family vacations too~

Love at First Sight

 

                 When it comes to your wedding day, the biggest request we hear over and over again is: “we would like to spend as much time with our family and friends as possible and not feel rushed throughout the day.”  Our number one response is: “have you heard about first look photo sessions?”  For those of you that may not have ever heard of these…we think they are amazing.  Usually we will set our couple up to see one another prior to the ceremony.  This allows to take a huge portion of photos prior to the ceremony and more time with the majority of your guests after the wedding ceremony.  Plus, you are marrying your best friend right?  That probably means you definitely want to spend more time with them.  Why wait all day to see them? 

Are you worried you want have the same feeling seeing one another for the first time at opposite ends of the aisle?  Don’t worry, you will!  There is something magical that happens at that moment.  Plus by doing the first look prior to the ceremony in a private area only involving the couple, photographers and videographers.  I truly believe this is a moment just for the couple.  I typically set it up, fluff the dress (if necessary) and walk away.  Once I’m out of the frame, they can share a few minutes taking the day in.  I personally think this is one of the biggest stress relievers because you already know the other person is there, the excitement of the day can be settled and you can spend a few moments alone together.  Because it may one of the few minutes you two get to do that, once the day is in full motion everyone is going to be demanding your attention. 

Traditionally here is the list of photos (short list)

·         Bride alone, then bride with bridal party (for same sex couples one usually goes before the other) if they don’t see one another prior to ceremony…then with parents & siblings

·         Groom alone, then with groomsmen, then with bridal party, following his parents and siblings and ushers

·         Following ceremony the couple and their parents & grandparents, with parents then add siblings, don’t forget the extended family and  other important guests (greeters, program attendants, readers, soloists etc.)

·         After all of those photos then it’s the full wedding party, followed by bride and groomsmen

·         Then finally you may have 5-20 minutes of time for photos for the two of you before introductions (remember most cocktail hours should only be 45 minutes to an hour max)

What if I told you could take all of those photos but spend more time with your loved ones?  It’s okay to break some traditions and see one another before you say I do!  Take thirty minutes of photos with one another, then add your wedding party.  You can take a ton of fun and formal photos all over your venue prior to guests arriving.  Then go ahead and take photos with your parents and siblings if you can.  Once that’s done plan to have a fruit and cheese tray with crackers for everyone to take a break together and snack on before the ceremony.  This gives you even more time with your family and friends while all of your guests arrive.  This is another reason why I encourage both ushers and groomsmen.   Once the ceremony is complete you can snap a few quick group photos with extend family members and grandparents.  Then you can take 10 more minutes and take a few photos of your wedding glow while guests find their seats back at the reception.  At the end of the day you’ll have even more photos than you ever thought you would have and you would have spent most of your day with your loved ones.  And at the end of the day, isn’t that really what it’s all about?  We think so.  
(Photo credit: Michelle Robinson Photography)

At Last...

Each wedding we have the privilege of taking part in has a special place in our hearts. Jason and Beth's wedding on Saturday October 17th 2015 was one that was close to our hearts and very emotional. There was a time in the planning process when we weren't sure whether or not the wedding would get to take place when the groom, Jason, was diagnosed with leukemia early in the process. We were told there was a chance we might not make it to October. The couple kept their spirits up and never stopped fighting and on October 17, 2015 they had a beautiful ceremony on one of the most beautiful days I've seen since I moved up here. 

You really couldn't have ordered up a more beautiful day. It was chilly once the sun went down but the warmth from Jason and Beth's family and friends was always present. The two were married at the Burke Manor Inn which is a simply gorgeous venue with an outstanding staff. They provided the food and beverages and there was not one unsatisfied guest from what I could tell. The food was delicious, the venue was kept up beautifully, and the staff were helpful and always available. 

Not, a lot people know but Jennifer's mother has been battling with cancer since she was a little girl and this hit really close to home for her.  Jennifer told me she made a big care package for Jason while he was in the hospital for a while that had all kinds of things to cheer him up which, I think, really speaks to the heart of Knot Your Average Events. Jennifer and the rest of the staff are more than happy to go above and beyond for our clients -- they don't even think about it before doing it! I wasn't able to get to know Jason and Beth during much of the planning process but from the time I've known them I can easily picture the smiles on their faces in that moment because the two of them were all smiles on Saturday. 



There was so much love present on that day and it was truly moving to witness the ceremony. I won't pretend my eyes didn't water when Beth walked down the aisle with her dad or when the two recited their vows. I couldn't stop grinning that night simply because of the love story behind them and the even bigger one they get to write together now.






Here are a few pictures of the decor for the ceremony. If you'd like to see more check out their album on our Facebook Page or the posts on our Instagram from that Saturday!

Simple Elegance

We were lucky enough to be a part of two weddings this past weened again! From the pictures and stories I heard of the first, which was a brunch wedding, it was an absolutely beautiful ceremony and a great time. I was able to attend that rehearsal the day before and I could tell it was going to be an emotional day that was so full of love just by that rehearsal so I can only imagine what the actual day was like. Lachelle, who coordinated the day of, said 
it was wonderful.

The wedding I got to take part in was for Brooke and David at The Light Horse Plantation. You really couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day or a more enjoyable group of people.

Brooke and David were such a pleasure to work with and they had such great ideas about everything from the decor to their bridesmaids and groomsmen gifts. Brooke's bridesmaids got these adorable monogrammed swag bags when they showed up on wedding day.

David went above and beyond for his groomsmen as well. The guys walked in to see these:

Each box is genuine, from the Army Surplus and each of the groomsmen had their name on the box as well as their "position" either best man or groomsman.  




After a gorgeous ceremony, Chris May with Big Boy Productions really got the party started. He was one of the most energetic and enjoyable DJs that I've ever experienced at an event. He had us all laughing from the moment he picked up the microphone and we didn't stop until the grand exit. 

Johnny from Western Steakhouse catered the event and I am so glad he did. I've heard all about Johnny's food since the first meeting I attended back in August and I finally got to experience it. It was definitely worth the wait. He definitely gives you the most bang for your buck as far as the weddings I've seen. It's more food than you could imagine for one of the most affordable prices and the staff is such a pleasure to work with. 

The cake was beautifully crafted by April from Main Street Cake Shoppe. It was moist and delicious and a huge hit with the guests.







The rentals all came from TCS and Alamance Party Rentals and it all came together to create a beautiful, elegant decor for the perfect evening. 

 

It was such a pleasure to work with Brooke, David, their families, and the staff that worked this event. It was a beautiful night and a gorgeous wedding.

Let's Talk Bridal Shows

Since I've been here, I've had the opportunity to work at quite a few bridal shows. I just participated in my final one of this internship two weeks ago at Burke Manor Inn and I feel like I have a lot to say about them at this point. 

First, a little PSA to vendors: make your booth unique! The typical bridal/trade show set ups come very generic:

There may be pipe and drape to cut you off from other vendors or it could just be one big open room. When we went to the PWG Show at WinMock there were separate rooms that housed vendors inside. They're never the same but the materials you're given by the venue seem to be pretty consistent: a table, a linen, a space. 

Working these shows with Jenn I've realized that whatever you can do to set your space apart from others is a good thing. We rarely (if ever) use the table we're given by the venue and our set ups typically build vertically and, therefore, catch the eye of those walking around attending the show.

These are just two of the set ups that I've been a part of and as you can see, there are a lot of elements that are the same but neither is exactly alike. We like to do something a little different every time. With the one on the left we wanted something serene and welcoming and added comfortable seats because we knew people would be tired after walking and talking so much -- we wanted to give them the opportunity to relax if they wanted to. The one on the right was for a somewhat smaller event and we wanted to go simple with what you see there and really focus on connecting with people verbally rather than letting them look at our materials and decide whether or not they wanted to talk to us. 

Don't forget to network! I think my favorite thing about working bridal shows is the opportunity to meet and talk with other vendors. I am still in the position of wanting to learn constantly about all aspects of weddings. I think it's valuable no matter what part you play as a vendor to be somewhat knowledgable about the other parts as well. Plus, if you nurture your relationships with other vendors you'll be much more likely to help each other out when you need it down the line (and I think we all know a day will come when you really need that help). 

As far as future brides and grooms (or families of brides and grooms), when you attend bridal shows make sure you know what you're getting into! There are typically a lot of vendors who will have something for you to fill out with your information. After ten information forms you're likely not going to want to write your name, address, phone number, email address, etc. for the next ten or more vendors! Make label stickers with that information so you don't miss out on a vendor you really need because you didn't feel like writing anymore!

Don't be afraid to say no when you don't need something! I know it probably seems rude, but if you already have a photographer locked in for your big day you don't need to fill out that form for the photographer at the bridal show. After you fill that sheet out, the vendor will likely be contacting you because they think you need their services and they want to be there for you when you need them. It's better not to waste their time or yours by giving your information just to not seem rude in the moment. 

Enjoy the freebies! Most bridal shows will have a caterer or baker involved and they want to show off their skills to you! Even if you already have a caterer for your day, try the food and take a business card if you like it! You can always suggest them to a friend later.

Bridal shows can be overwhelming at times whether you're a vendor presenting at one or someone attending one. There is a lot that goes into both sides. If you go into it prepared for what you'll be doing you can really make the most of them.