Discuss: Blank Canvas Venue

Before I get into today's topic of discussion I have to talk about the 14 Day Love Challenge that I did. I actually miss posting a challenge everyday because it made me have to think about a way to show love to my husband. I'm really wanting to focus this year on goals to be a better wife, cook, homemaker, and pug mommy. I'm going to have a heart to heart with myself and put together a game plan to make those these happen!

I'm thinking of adding a weekly challenge to the blog. What do you think? It will be similar to the Love challenge but will focus on loving your man, along with loving God, others and yourself. After all, being a better person living in Christ makes you a better wife thus making a better marriage. Maybe start it up in March? I'd love to know your feedback on this idea if it is something you'd like for challenging yourself as well!

Now on to discussion. I was watching a show I never heard of on Bravo called The Ring Leader. I didn't know they had a wedding planning show, but the one re-run episode I did see was of a modern wedding in a large industrial space that was an absolutely blank canvas to work with. The wedding ended up being a spectacular event.

I had me thinking of how much effort it takes to completely transform such a space. Other venues lend themselves to a wedding's decor just in its architectural style and/or decor. Often times this works perfectly for themed weddings and often don't need much in additional decor to set the tone or theme of the wedding. But then you run into the issue of finding that perfect venue to fit your style. A blank canvas venue solves that problem but costs much more in decor. Of course you have to also weigh in the cost of renting the space of the venue of your choice.

Source: tanjalippertphotography.blogspot.com via Kelli on Pinterest

I love the idea of transforming a blank canvas but I also love using the venue itself as a part of the look for a wedding. So let's discuss! What is your preference for your wedding? Have you booked your venue and is it a blank canvas? Are the costs of decor eating you alive? Do you have a venue that doesn't need much in decor but makes you feel slightly restricted? Which venue type do you prefer and why?

Feel free to comment below or take the convo over to the Wedding Pickle Facebook page!

Ceremony/Reception at Different Venues

I was so excited when I walked into a Starbucks and found out that the Gingerbread Latte was back. But I was even happier that I was still able to buy a Pumpkin Spice Latte. I'm not sure how much longer those will be in but I'm going to enjoy those while I can!

If you have already booked your venues for your ceremony and reception, I'm betting that some of you have them booked at different locations. It might be a short walk down the road or a 20 minute drive. There are a few things to take into consideration to make sure things run smoothly for your guests from ceremony to reception site.

Source: thebridescafe.com via Katie on Pinterest Photography by Brent Van Auken

The Gift Table - If your guests brought a gift and know that the reception site is a drive away after the ceremony, they should leave the gift in the car, however, if the reception is a short walk away, your guests might bring their gifts out of the car with them. They might not want to walk back to their car, but it can be annoying to have to hold the gift during the ceremony. Have a spot at the ceremony site if this is the case and just designate an usher or a friend to bring the gifts to the reception after the ceremony is over.

The Sign-In Table - If you are having your ceremony site at a church, sometimes the church has it's own guest book (mine did) Guests might think they sign that and you will miss out on who came and what messages they might have left you! Have the church guest book moved so that guests end up signing yours instead.

Transportation - Including a map and/or directions in the invitation is always nice since GPS can lose someone if the location is remote or confusing to get to. Also, if the reception site is pretty far and/or doesn't have much parking available, consider having a shuttle to take guests to the reception site while you are away taking your pictures!

Time - Depending on the distance, the reception commute takes time out of your day's itinerary. Think about this when you make plans on how long to book the venue, and how long to have the photographer or videographer stay to record the day's events.

Are you having your ceremony and reception at the same or different locations? How are you handling the transition from one to the other?

Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. - Psalm 103:1

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Pickle: Gotta Go Right Now!

Chances are you are looking for your venue and you are making sure to ask the right questions, but don't leave one important issue out.

The Pickle: After a couple glasses of wine, Aunt Sue many need to make a trip to the ladies room. Problem is, there is a line and she is about to burst!

Photo By Terry Johnston via flickr

The Solution: Make sure your venue has enough bathrooms available. Or, make sure you can provide enough for your your guests. According to theknot.com, the general number is to have one bathroom for every 35 guests.

Love one another deeply, from the heart. - 1 Peter 1:22