Janelle Elise Archives - Infinity Hospitality

Wedding Party 101: Pre-wedding & Day of Duties

Infinity Hospitality — Tue, 30 Jul 2019 03:00:24 +0000

WEDDING PARTY 101

YOUR OFFICIAL JOB DESCRIPTION

OMG, it happened. Your bestie just said yes! Now what?

There to support the couple and boost morale, bridesmaids (or bromaids for guy besties) and groomsmen (or groomswomen for gal pals) fill an essential role in every wedding.

Now that you've said yes too, let's get down to bestie business. Not sure where to start or what your job entails? We can help with our Wedding Party 101 cheat sheet. Do's and don'ts used to be pretty rigid, but they're much more flexible today. Luckily nowadays, they're tailor-made to fit each and every wedding due to unique circumstances and needs.

Scroll on for a general list of duties for both sides of the squad that'll have you winning your own statue for Best Supporting Role in no time! No ugly ruffles or pocket squares required.

Photo by Janelle Elise

1. SHOP FOR YOUR ATTIRE

BRIDESMAIDS & BROMAIDS

Searching for the perfect bridesmaids dress can sometimes be the trickiest part of the whole wedding.

If puffy sleeves and giant bows are flashing in your head right now, fear not! Things have changed.

Depending on the bride's preferences, you may be invited to shop for your outfit with the rest of the group. If so, be on time, supportive, and sensitive to other opinions and ideas.

Ultimately, you're all there to support your girl, so pop the champagne and make a day out of it to keep things stress-free and fun for everyone.

If your bride is super chill and gives you free reign to choose your own getup, swap before you swipe! Start a group chat with the rest of the squad to establish a few ground-rules to keep things cohesive and clash-free.

GROOMSMEN & GROOMSWOMEN

Similar rules apply to the guys.

First and foremost, ask the groom if he has a preference for what you should wear.

If the Best Man is handling the ordering, send over your measurements as quickly as possible to allow time for any alterations you may need before the wedding. Because nobody likes a baggy pant!

If you're a groomswoman, we suggest stating your side by color coordinating the color of your dress with the groomsmen's suits. For a less obvious and more fashion forward option, match it with their ties or pocket squares instead.

Pro tip: When selecting colors and styles, keep the season in mind! July wedding? A three-piece wool suit isn't gonna fly.

Photos by Stephanie Sorenson

2. HOST OR ATTEND PRE-WEDDING EVENTS

BRIDESMAIDS & BROMAIDS

The Maid or Man of Honor is usually the head honcho when it comes to planning the pre-wedding events, but with busy schedules and besties in different cities, someone else might be a better fit to host. Pow-wow with the squad to get a clear idea of who's in charge of which event.

Whether it's the bridal shower or the bachelorette party, try to attend and lend a hand whenever possible. Because let's be honest, FOMO is real and the MOH could probably use a drink.

GROOMSMEN & GROOMSWOMEN

We all know that for the guys, the word "wedding" is immediately followed by the two magic words: bachelor party. But there are a few other responsibilties besides getting the crew home from Vegas in one piece.

Even if the Best Man is doing a majority of the planning, offer to help whenever possible anyway to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

For all other events including the engagement party and the rehearsal dinner, be sure to attend to show your support for not just the groom but the bride as well.

Photos by Details Nashville

3. GIVE A THOUGHTFUL GIFT

BRIDESMAIDS & BROMAIDS

Between countless emails from the MOH and ~~therapy sessions~~ wine nights with the bride, a wedding gift might just slip your mind.

While we all like to think of our presence as being enough of a gift, it's still good form and a thoughtful gesture to give the couple something to commemorate such a momentous occasion.

We suggest going in on a gift with the rest of the gang to make it extra special and get the couple a big-ticket item that they really want.

GROOMSMEN & GROOMSWOMEN

Unless you've traveled far and wide to stand alongside the couple on their big day, the same rules apply to the guys.

Forgoing a group gift and stuck on what to get? Check the registry! Since some couples opt for a gift-free wedding or prefer donations to their Honeyfund, make sure you check their invitation and/or wedding website for the specifics.

And no, a stack of ones for the bachelor party doesn't count.

Photos by Janelle Elise

4. CRUSH THE CEREMONY

BRIDESMAIDS & BROMAIDS

With last minute tasks almost always guaranteed, be on high alert to put out mini fires as best you can.

Help the bride get ready by steaming her dress and making sure she has a snack before the mimosas arrive. Refrain from raising any points of contention or concern between the group to keep spirits high.

It's worth noting that although you wedding planner should be fully equipped with their day-of kit, it doesn't hurt to bring backups.

Bobby pins, deodorant, mints, and Tide pens are just a few of our must-haves to ensure everyone gets down the aisle looking their best.

When it comes to the main event, it's all hands on deck. Make sure your best gal is runway ready with her veil on and bouquet in hand.

GROOMSMEN & GROOMSWOMEN

PSA: The bride isn't the only one that needs a little encouragement before the big moment!

Support the groom by being there for whatever he might need. Whether it's straightening his tie, fastening cufflinks, or pouring a little liquid courage before showtime.

If the couple doesn't have designated ushers, you may be asked to help lead guests to their seats. So make sure you're aware of any specific ceremony seating requirements. Be on the lookout for lost guests, wandering family members, and anything else that may go awry.

Pro tip: Have a lint roller on hand to ensure that all outfits are picture perfect before taking your positions at the altar. And don't forget that you're being photographed, so save the funny faces for the reception.

Photos by Rebecca Renee

5. ROCK THE RECEPTION

BRIDESMAIDS & BROMAIDS

Details and duties aside, the main reason you're here is because one of your favorite people just couldn't get married without you. That said, don't forget to let loose and enjoy yourself!

Check in periodically with the MOH to offer assistance and ease her nerves before the big speech. And keep tabs on the bride's personal belongings to ensure a timely, stress-free send-off later on.

Although the wedding planner should have it covered, double-check to make sure the bride has first dibs on dinner and her drink of choice throughout the evening.

Once the formalities are out of the way, hit the bar and seize the night! It's up to the wedding party to keep the energy high all night long, so get out on the dance floor!

GROOMSMEN & GROOMSWOMEN

Who doesn't have at least one hilariously memorable wedding story involving a groomsman?

As well as being the life of the party (or ten), be prepared to double as the information desk.

Be on the lookout for elderly guests that may need escorting, guests without dates that may need a little encouragement on the dance floor, or any wedding gifts that need to be transported to the designated gift drop zone.

After the send-off, stick around with the 'maids to make sure that everything is squared away before the afterparty, wherever that may be!

Photo by Jordyn Smalling

Photo by That Wedding Ninja

The post Wedding Party 101: Pre-wedding & Day of Duties appeared first on Infinity Hospitality.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE BELL TOWER

Infinity Hospitality — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 17:06:01 +0000

THE BELL TOWER

A SLICE OF HISTORICAL HEAVEN

Amidst bustling downtown Nashville, The Bell Tower sits pretty and proudly on the corner of 4th Avenue South and Korean Veterans Boulevard.

Built in 1874, The Bell Tower was one of the first churches built by freed slaves after the Civil War.

Following the abolition of slavery, many Americans reveled in newfound freedom; and this resulted in a massive missionary effort in the south.

Consequently, this effort financed new churches and schools, and new denominations were created. Including the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E).

In what is now SoBro and the home of The Bell Tower, was once called Black Bottom. The 5-block radius got its name from the black mud and flooding of filthy water caused in part by the Cumberland River and in part by Wilson Spring Branch, a creek that was later bricked over as a sewer.

Most of the surrounding neighborhood was destroyed after World War II, and we're proud to say that The Bell Tower is one of the last original structures of Black Bottom still standing in downtown Nashville.

On June 17, 1874, construction began on a brand new Saint Paul A.M.E. Church at the corner of what was then Cherry Street and Franklin Street.

At 3 p.m., around 1500 people gathered to witness the laying of the cornerstone. Many traveled from Murfreesboro and Shelbyville just to partake in the celebration.

A marching band joyfully marched from Cedar Street through Summer to Demonbreun and back again.

Hymns could be heard coming from the ceremonial service, and a prayer was held in the adjoining building where the church was to be built.

A few decades and more than a few new faces later, here we are!

The Bell Tower has since been transformed into a breathtaking, contemporary event venue for just about any kind of social gathering or celebration.

Formerly home to EOA Architects, the space is now full of natural southern light with a spacious open floor plan allowing for a multitude of possibilities.

The original exposed beams and downstairs stonework still remain, thus keeping the character and historic charm of the venue still intact. We even kept the original sub-flooring, which contains salvaged wood from homes destroyed during the war.

Meanwhile, a towering staircase leads to a spacious mezzanine. This bonus space is perfect for another bar or extra seating with a perfect bird's eye view of the happenings below.

Our awesome production squad is ready and able to set the tone of any event with all the latest gadgets and completely customizable lighting options. Some of our favorites include paper lanterns, string lights, a custom floral ring and our stunning collection of chandeliers.

So, envisioning cocktail hour on an air-conditioned patio in the middle of July? Done, and done. Maybe a personalized gobo to represent your brand? No sweat, we can project any monogram, logo or design onto the walls or even the floor! And the options don't stop there.

Pro tip: The mezzanine is the best spot in the house for photographers to perfectly capture first dances, speeches and other memorable moments from above!

And for bonus points? The Tasting Room is located within the actual bell tower and is available for hourly rental.

Impeccably designed, bottles line the walls and striking modern chandeliers hang from above. Guests are invited to sample local favorites and lesser-known distillery spirits from a selection of over 100 hand-picked bourbons, whiskey and scotch. Because when in Nashville, do as the Honky Tonkers do! That's the saying, right?

Above all, we love seeing our innovative clients and talented staff work together to create unforgettable experiences and endless memories at The Bell Tower.

From intimate rehearsal dinners to romantic weddings, to music showcases and not-so-average corporate events, no event is left behind. And we can't wait to see more of what the future holds!

Scroll on to see the transformation of The Bell Tower over the years, and what we've been up to since.

HERE'S THE SKINNY

✓ Original Beams & Historic Sub-flooring
✓ Prime Downtown Location
✓ Seated Capacity of 400
✓ Standing Capacity of 700
✓ Two Lounges
✓ State-of-the-art Light & Sound
✓ Full Commercial Kitchen
✓ In-house Catering
✓ Covered Side Patio
✓ Upper-level Mezzanine
✓ Specialty Tasting Room
✓ 250 Mahogany Chiavari Chairs
✓ 25 60" Round Tables
✓ China, Silverware, & Glassware
✓ Handicap Accessible

Photography Credits: Sarah Sidwell, Rachel Moore, Details Nashville, Chelsea Somohano, 30MilesWest, Nyk + Cali, Janelle Elise, Teale Photography, Katelyn Nicole, Molly Peach, Mary Rosenbaum, and Laura K. Allen.

Want to see more? Take a virtual tour with us:

Videography: Frozen Exposure Photo & Cinema

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