Engagement Party Archives - Infinity Hospitality

New Engagement Checklist

Infinity Hospitality — Wed, 09 Dec 2020 09:00:31 +0000

HOW TO START PLANNING YOUR WEDDING

Congratulations: You're engaged!

After you call your parents, spread the news in your group texts, and post that sparkly ring selfie, the engagement finally starts to feel real. But what are your next steps, and where should you start with the planning process?

The years of daydreaming, making wedding Pinterest boards, and all of the rom-com movie marathons you've sat through can’t prepare you for the number of things you will need to arrange. But don't stress, this will be one of the most amazing times in your life!

To make things easier, we’ve created a simple checklist to help you tackle a few of the big to-dos. While there's no strict order, they’re all key steps to help you avoid headaches and make sure your wedding planning goes smoothly.

1. Set a time frame

You don't have to know your wedding date right off the bat; however, you should think about your ideal time of year and how long you want to soak in the bliss of being engaged. Once you've established that, it will be easier to book a venue and plan all the festivities.

2. Determine your budget

This isn’t the most fun step, but it’s definitely one of the most important. You must find time to sit down with your future spouse and anyone else who might be contributing financially to discuss the ideal budget.

To find your ideal number, think about which details will be most important on the big day, like the venue, decor, or food. The more research you do, the better idea you'll have of the price range you’re looking at.

3. Compile your guest list

After you hammer out your budget, think about who you want to invite. The size of your guest list is what will ultimately determine the cost of your wedding. We recommend making three separate lists:

Your absolute must-haves
Additional friends and extended family
Those who you’d like to come if your budget allows

4. Go venue shopping

Let’s face it: one of the most important things when planning a wedding is location, location, location. So after you've determined a ballpark guest count, your venue is the first vendor you'll want to book.

The first step is to decide whether or not you want the ceremony and reception to be in the same location. This will narrow down your options depending on your guest count.

Venues have different requirements and amenities, so picking one can be overwhelming. We've put together this list of questions to ask while looking for a venue to help you get all the information you need to choose the best venue for you and your partner.

5. Choose your wedding party

Your guest list will play an important role in some of the planning, but don't forget about your VIP list (if you choose to have one!).

The important thing is not to stress about having a completely equal number of people in your respective wedding parties! Your photos will look beautiful no matter what, so make decisions based on who you want to be spending quality time with on your big day.

Another tip? Modernize it. You can have honor attendants of any gender and have fun with naming conventions. Maybe you’d like to have a groomslady, man of honor, or bromaids by your side! Once you’ve made your picks, send them over to our Wedding Party 101 blog.

6. Create a wedding website

A wedding website is a must these days. Your guests will be able to easily find your registry and wedding day information, submit RSVPs, make dietary requests, get directions to the venue, and find answers to common questions.

7. Establish a vision

Build a Pinterest board, Google doc, photo album, Leslie Knope-style binder, or whatever fits your organizational needs, to save all of the wedding inspiration you love to create your dream ceremony and reception.

If you plan on hiring a coordinator, this is a great way to help them truly envision your ideal day.

8. Take a break

Most importantly, remember to schedule some quality time with your future spouse before the wedding planning and preparations kick into high gear. We've said it before, and we'll say it again, this is a time in your life that you’ll want to cherish, so make sure you have time to actually relax and enjoy it!

At the end of the day, there’s nothing more important than the simple celebration of the love between you and your partner.

Photos by Paige Ramage Photography.

Already started planning and feel stuck in a rut? Head over to our ideas and advice posts to find advice on everything from handling stress to planning your perfect catering menu.

The post New Engagement Checklist appeared first on Infinity Hospitality.

Alternatives to Pre-Wedding Parties

Infinity Hospitality — Tue, 01 Sep 2020 02:00:56 +0000

THE PARTY WILL GO ON

OUR BEST ALTERNATIVE PARTY IDEAS

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, many couples have had to postpone or minimize their wedding day, but what about all of the celebrations that come before like bridal showers, engagement parties, bachelor, and bachelorette parties? The list goes on.

Some of these pre-wedding events may be just as important to those as the big day itself! So what changes, if any, need to be made for these celebrations?

We’ve gathered a few of our favorite alternatives to pre-wedding parties so you won’t have to miss out on all the champagne-worthy moments. Read on to find out more.

1. Drive-by Shower

We know, this may not seem like the most fun, but hear us out.

For starters, you'll still want to send out invitations once you make the decision. The norm for any shower is to get those in the mail six weeks prior, but trust us— we’re all waiting for that opportunity to escape our couch, so no need to rush!

Also, you will need to organize a route, a lead driver, and a set time for guests to meet before your parade. You can include this information in your invitation or set up signs marking each location.

Now let’s get to decorating! We’ve all seen the massive balloon arches and the proudly placed yard signs, but how else can you make it unique to you? Create a theme. Whether that's modern, chic, or boho it should be something custom to you. Next, add a tent or a DIY throne for the bride. She deserves one!

And lastly, create a station where you can place your gifts and exchange them with a sweet treat or simple party favor.

Honk if you’re starting to love this idea!

2. Virtual Engagement Party

Say hello to the new normal with this alternative!

If we can have company meetings, school lectures, family reunions, all that, and more, then why not a Zoom party for the newly-engaged couple? This is the most reliable way to social distance with your loved ones while sharing all of the excitement.

Once the announcement is out, an honorary host will secretly email a link to family and friends, including a set date and time to join the video chat. So when you return home with that shiny new rock on your hand, you can open your computer to a screen full of teary-eyed loved ones.

If you want to take this one step further, have some decorations set up for your background and encourage others in the chat to grab a glass of champagne. Nothing like a virtual toast to ring in the future Mr. and Mrs!

3. Fling After The Ring

No need to miss out on that dream getaway weekend. Instead, just push it back until the next year. Your wedding party will always be ready to celebrate you in any way, so don’t stress about losing their interest just because you’ve already walked down the aisle.

How might you approach this? We got you!

If you're planning to reschedule, then inform your wedding party of the changes once they are final. Select a new date that is far in the future and communicate with all individuals involved, such as the Airbnb host or hotel manager, airline concierge, and any reserved entertainment.

And keep the fun! Who says a married lady can't run around in feathers and matching "bride tribe" tees? Besides, there's nothing like the wife of a party.

4. Staycation Celebration

If you don’t want to postpone any pre-wedding activities, then there is a safe way to keep them in place.

Try hosting a small gathering at your home or through an Airbnb rental near you to have a VIP experience.

First and foremost, we recommend discussing this option with your guests to make sure that everyone is healthy and has recently tested negative for COVID. This precaution is necessary and of the utmost importance.

Once you’re in the clear, try to create a mood for the room. If you dreamed of a day in Miami, then find palm trees and beach balls with a neon twist. Maybe it was a trip to Mexico. In that case, throw a fiesta and provide plenty of tacos and margaritas.

For your entertainment, get a couple of cards or board games that are sure to make you laugh, rent a rom-com movie, or hire some local entertainment.

This may not be your dream vacay, but it is a safe way to still celebrate!

Photos by Walker Leigh Photography.

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A Show-Stopping Engagement Party

Haven Brown — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 17:50:51 +0000

Chris and Chelsea's amazing cocktail reception to celebrate their engagement was complete with whiskey barrel bars and loads of custom lighting.

Lighting included a custom built chandelier, custom built lights over the main stairs, and antler chandeliers in the bar area. The covered patio was illuminated by a custom tree with lights and miniature chandeliers.

Later this year, Chris and Chelsea are having a small and intimate summer destination wedding.

EVENT DETAILS

Date: February 11, 2017
Newly Engaged: Chris and Chelsea
Location: The Bell Tower
Guest Count: 254
Colors: Titanium Blue, Natural Taupe, Natural Woods & Mixed Metals - Copper, Silver, & Gunmetal
Photographer: Sara Bill Photography
Dessert: Graeter's Ice Cream Sundae Bar
Florist: PS Designs
DJ/Band: DJ Rich & The Shadowboxers
Catering: The Bell Tower
Planning: Haven | IH

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