Indoor vs Outdoor Weddings: Let’s Hear the PROS & CONS!

So, you’re trying to decide if you want to have an indoor or outdoor wedding or maybe you haven’t considered ALL the factors yet. How do you choose? This is actually one of the biggest decisions you have to make when deciding on a wedding venue.

For continued support on finding your wedding venue, here is Top 10 Things to Consider BEFORE booking your Wedding Venue.

Whether you see yourselves getting married in a lush backyard garden or exquisite ballroom, when it comes down to making hard decision like this…it’s time to pull out a good, old fashioned PROS + CONS list!

Indoor

Pro: Weather worries, no problem!

No matter what season your wedding is, indoor weddings will put your mind at ease about undesirable weather. From a little light breeze to a rainy forecast, indoor venues ensure your festivities will go on and your guests will be comfortable.

Con: Extra Costs

Indoor weddings tend to have a higher price tag than other outdoor locations. This is because there is more space to fill with décor and additional luxuries such as bridal & groom suites, restrooms, and lounge areas — these accommodable features will cost you some extra cash.

Pro: Design Opportunities

Your event design options are seemingly endless as long as you follow your venue's regulations. Indoor venues have lots of blank walls and ceilings tp create the perfect backdrops with cute decorations, and you’ll find some some already furnished! And you definitely don't need to worry about the wind knocking over your centerpieces or blowing our your reception candles.

Con: Photo/Video Lighting

If you choose an indoor wedding venue, then make sure your photographer AND videographer know how to capture an indoor event. Indoor photos generally aren’t bright & airy, like outdoor venues unless your venue has indoor + outdoor selections, so ensure your photographer/videographer has some specialty shooting indoors.

Pro: Intimate & Cozy

Indoor weddings gather all of your guests into one room for a more enclosed, cozy feel. There will be much less external distractions such as overhead airplanes, car horns, etc. to interrupt your ceremony & toasts.

Now that you’ve read our PROS & CONS list for indoor venues, for our more adventurous couples — take a look at the outdoor venue list!

Outdoor

Pro: Gorgeous views & scenery.

You want that bright & airy, open space look for your wedding? Choose an outdoor venue where there’s plenty of natural lighting for photos, cost effective natural beauty, and a pretty backdrop for all your events.

Con: Unpredictable Nature

Remember, an outdoor wedding has beautiful sights, but you can’t control nature. Bugs will inevitably crash your outdoor wedding and although you can’t fully prepare for undesirable weather or nature conditions, you can make preparations in advance! This includes purchasing a tent, heaters, using heavier materials (less paper), LED candles, and any backups you can think of.

Pro: No Space Constraints

More space can prove to be very family friendly to couples who want to invite a larger number of guests. You also have more space to design creatively and create an epic event.

Con: Rental Costs

Generally, outdoor wedding venues come as a clean slate. Yes, there is plenty of natural beauty, but because you want to PREPARE and protect against the natural elements, this can set you back thousands of dollars (tents generally being the costly item). And depending on your venue, you may need to spend extra cash on items such as portable restrooms, a dance floor, tables, chairs, and lighting.

Pro: Family Friendly Atmosphere

While some couples may not choose to invite children, an outdoor setting welcomes these little ones. Children will have plenty of space to run around, which will hopefully maintain their wild energy and keep tantrums to a minimum. And lawn games can be a fun purchase to keep the little ones (and adults!) occupied.

Still unsure?

Ultimately, your decision between an indoor vs. outdoor wedding venue will be control. Scroll back over the two lists. The type A bride who might be reading this will lean towards an indoor venue, because it allows you to hold the reigns on your big day with ease. However, if nature is your second home — an outdoor venue would serve your desires best.

And who knows — after doing a bit of venue searching you may find one you love that has a hybrid (indoor + outdoor spaces for use)!

Hosting a Wedding Weekend

Sometimes one day wedding isn't enough! If you have a lot of out-of-town guests OR just want to make your wedding a really fun memory, consider hosting a wedding weekend.

Now you may be wondering — what IS a wedding weekend & how much is this going to cost me? Everyone’s wedding budget looks a bit different, but for suggestions on all inclusive resorts/venues here in California, check out these package options:

• Twenty Mile House (one of our couples got married HERE!)

• Gardener Ranch

• Kennolyn Stone Creek Village

• Harvey House

• Sacred Mountain Julian

• Silverado Resort in Napa

Inviting Guests to Your Wedding Weekend

On the invitations, if not everyone is involved to a particular event, do not include it on your website or invitations. Offer personal invites to events that certain guests are invited to and make sure they know it’s not an open event. This will cut opportunities for any hurt feelings.

After handling all your invites— what does a wedding weekend timeline look like & what kind of events do you add? If you REALLY want to make your wedding weekend EPIC, pay attention to these tips:

Your Wedding Weekend Timeline

Photo: from BRIDES

1.Host a Welcome Party

This could be elaborate (catered with decor) or small (park and BBQ) but will kick off your weekend and welcome guests. A rule of thumb - the welcome party is typically separate from your rehearsal dinner/lunch, but it can be any time the day-before your wedding. Just don’t cram all these events together.

Another helpful tip: if the Welcome Party is the night before, don’t go TOO late! This ensures your guests are not too tired/hungover for the Wedding Day. 

Photo: by Pigeon Forge

2. Plan an activity or excursion

From hanging by the resort pool to axe throwing to river rafting — we have seen our Couples plan amazing activities that create memories!

Tip: Do this at least 2-3 days before your wedding to ensure everyone has recovered from the day for your wedding day. 

Photo: by Composing Reality Photography

3. Wedding Afterparty!

If you are at a resort or need to end before 10pm on your wedding day, you might consider an after- party. First, take a good look at your guest list to determine if this is something your crowd would be into. Secondly, choose a location that isn’t too far away from your venue (such as a nearby bar, house, etc.)

Photo: from Restaurant Clicks

4. Day-After Brunch

The day after your wedding, if you are wanting to spend extra time with your guests (especially those out of town people you don’t see very often), a day-after brunch is a great way to “thank” your guests for a great weekend. You’re going to want to plan brunch for after around 9:30am (no one wants to jump out of bed the day after a wedding).

Photo: from iStock

Tip: Plan to head off to your honeymoon/night away after your brunch.

Lastly, make sure to do all wedding activities prior to your wedding day and plan for one-on-one moments during & after your wedding day. This will make it feel like a genuine celebration. 

Fun Ways to Include Your Pets in Your Wedding

Ever wondered how you will include your pets into your wedding? Our furry friends are a special part of our lives, so why not include them in our wedding! And while there are countless Pinterest photos out there to give you ideas, we already found all the steps, so you don’t have to.

Now let’s make it a REALITY! + plus, see the real Jamison Events couples who include their pets too.

Ring Bearers

For people willing to put in the work to train your dog (or if it’s your style, haha, maybe your cat) to walk down the aisle this IDEA is for you! We also included a dog training video example just for you —

Step 1: Confirm that your pet is allowed at the wedding venue

Step 2: Train your pet to walk down the aisle (at least 3 months prior)

Step 3: Designate a pet sitter for your big day

Step 4: Practice at the wedding rehearsal (works best if it’s the actual venue)

Step 5: Time for the most important walk of the day!

Video: How to train & prep your dog to be a RING BEARER

First Look with your Pet

Including your pet in your wedding photos is the sweetest! So long as they don’t jump on your wedding attire, haha, but if that isn’t a dealbreaker for you this idea is your pick:

Step 1: Might be a good idea to train your dog not to jump when they see you for the first time if you’re worried they may jump on your dress/suit.

Step 2: Ask the venue if your pet is allowed on the premise or even a designated spot outside the venue.

Step 3: Add the pet first-look into your wedding timeline

Step 4: Designate someone attending the wedding to watch your pet OR hire a wedding pet-sitter like FairyTail Pet Care.

Step 5: Have the first look & enjoy the sweetest pet photos! (see examples below)

On Your Cake + Edible Photos

When your venue doesn’t allow pets, but they are as sweet as can be— add them to your wedding dessert. This can be as a cake topper, edible photos, or a doggie treat bag, see here:

~ Photo Cred: Cakes (Anokiart Photography), doggie bag (Bethany Joy Photo)

Suggestion 1: Order custom cake toppers (we love Etsy!) or custom doggie treat bags, etc. After receiving the order, pack in your wedding reception decor box for easy set-up.

Suggestion 2: Find (in advance) a cake company that does edible photos, decide to use them on cake or cute cupcakes, then plan for delivery at the venue on wedding day.

Suggestion 3: If you’re a pro at DIY, we found a video of someone who DIY’s her edible cake photos:

Pet Decor & Attire

This idea will honor your pet in a meaningful way (most likely if your venue doesn’t allow pets or if your pet too rowdy with crowds). See inspiration photos below:

~all photos from Pinterest, except beer koozie by Christianne Taylor Photo & suit cufflinks by The OA Photo:

Step 1: Order your custom decor products from small businesses (we suggest browsing on Instagram or Etsy)

Step 2: Receive your pet decor & pack in a box with label, for easy wedding set-up.

Step 3: Give to your wedding planner or set-up person the day before your wedding!

Step 4: Enjoy your cute pet elements at your wedding.

Best Man/Flower Girl

When your pet is your best friend, it just makes sense to include them in your bridal party! See cute photos & instructions below:

~all photos used from Pinterest

Step 1: Train your pet (at least 6 mos. prior)

Step 2: Order your pet a cute vest, flower crown, lei, etc.

Step 3: Practice walking down the aisle and sitting at the altar at your rehearsal dinner practice (preferably at venue).

Step 4: Designate a pet sitter for the day of your wedding OR hire a wedding pet-sitter like FairyTail Pet Care.

Step 5: Enjoy your pet’s presence at your wedding.

Cardboard Cutouts

A goofy, unique idea so your pet can be there, without really BEING there. See below:

Step 1: Find a business that creates custom cardboard cutouts (the more life-size, the better)— Example

Step 2: Place your order so that it arrives before your big day.

Step 3: Receive order & pack for your wedding planner/set-up team.

Step 4: Take cute & silly photos with your pet cardboard cutout!

Signature Cocktails

Last, but not least, a cute signature cocktail that fits your pet’s personality is the cutest detail & so fun for all of your guests! See steps & photos below:

~ all photos used from Pinterest

Step 1: Your significant other & you pick out a cocktail mixture that fits your pet(s) personality!

Step 2: Check with your bartending team that they can make this drink.

Step 3: Order a sign, like this.

Step 4: Receive the order & pack in your wedding items.

Step 5: Give to your wedding planner to set-up & enjoy a pet-inspired cocktail.

4th of July, America Themed Wedding

While I hope you all enjoyed your Fourth of July celebrations yesterday, this holiday inspired us to create a wedding theme out of it! We were thinking of all of the patriotic, USA loving folk who want a wedding so UNIQUE, without being too “trendy” or “cheesy.”

And you don’t just have to have your wedding on 4th of July to use this idea, we feel this Independence Day theme could compliment ANY wedding in July, so we hope you get a kick out of this:

Follow our Instagram @jamisonevents to see weekly wedding inspiration from our REAL weddings + fun reels + moodboard themes! And sign up for our newsletter to get notified of our NEW blogs.

Taking a Tour of Hummingbird Nest Ranch!

With FOUR incredible main venues on the Hummingbird Nest Ranch property, the Jamison Events team couldn’t pass up the chance to tour this wedding venue site! With Ariel, from Magnolia West Photography, able to capture the incredible tour moments — here’s what we discovered, so you don’t have to.

Hummingbird Nest Ranch is one of Simi Valley’s best kept secrets AND a spectacular site for special events including weddings, private parties, movie/tv and photo shoots…

This extraordinary property has “an exquisite main villa with regal Spanish architecture and décor, a gorgeous array of outdoor spaces perfect for ceremonies, receptions and private events, giving guests a feeling of unsurpassed warmth and luxury.”

We had a full touring day ahead of us, so we took a golf cart around the venue with the welcoming representatives from Hummingbird Nest Ranch. As we visited each of the 4 wedding venue locations, the sales rep was able to show us incredible inspiration photos of how to use each space. Scroll down below to see each of the four sites!

1. The Villas

This venue site is located in front of the main house, with a gorgeous courtyard and rippling fountain in the center. Lush plants fill the empty space and bring life to this location. If you love this location, you can find inspiration photos HERE. This wedding spot is also right by where the couple and guests can book villas for the entire weekend!

2. The Sitting Bull

From the Villas, we took a golf cart to this beautiful Italian courtyard space with olive trees and brick walls. This space reminded me of an Italian piazza, which can perfectly fit a luxurious cocktail hour. You will find lush green bushes and trees as well, with a lovely blue pool for admiring OR a post-wedding dip! Find wedding inspiration photos for the Sitting Bull HERE.

3. The Main Barn

The main barn is a breathtaking, high ceiling space that is perfect for a romantic or country style. We were so impressed by how large the indoor space was; 300 horses could have fit! You can fill this space with a laid-back vibe or elevate the space with drapery and and pops of greenery. While the indoor space is lovely, you can also host a wedding on the outdoor space on the lake & lawn area. Find wedding inspiration photos HERE.

4. Q Vineyards by Hummingbird

Q Vineyards is the all inclusive venue, in conjunction with Command Performance catering. This location has a helicopter pad, and a barn with twinkle lights inside. Keep an eye out in August for a styled shoot COMING SOON, with all wedding inspiration on how to use this event space!

After touring each STUNNING location, here are few things to know if you book the Hummingbird Nest Ranch for your wedding:

Wedding Planning Tips & Things to Know

1. There are some wonderful accommodations such as: 24-hour rental of the event space, bridal party dressing suite, dumpsters on site for vendor trash disposal, restrooms & restroom attendants.

2. You will find the most beautiful onsite villas to rent for guests and/or the bride & groom! You can rent them for the entire weekend, plus, they are affordable! (Q Vineyard does not include overnight stay)

3. Hummingbird Nest offers a list of exclusive catering companies from which events are required to select their catering vendor. They offer many diverse caterers, with many ethnic and Kosher options.

4. If you need wedding transportation, their vendor Performance Limo LA by Scott Rouge (transportation is required at Q Vineyards).

5. This venue requires security and valet (which is always a great addition to your wedding), through exclusive companies, to be contracted separately at an additional cost.

6. Lastly, the cost of this venue is determined specific to each wedding. Everyone has different budgets, but expect to spend a minimum of $70,000 for most Villa or Sitting Bull weddings. For Q Vineyard weddings, expect to spend a minimum of $40,000.

Check out the Hummingbird Nest Ranch website for more info! And follow on insta: @hummingbirdnestevents

Ariel Nuñez

AND This entire blog wouldn’t have been possible without the help of Ariel, at Magnolia West Photography’s stunning photos of the Hummingbird Nest Ranch! She will be joining Jamison Events on quite a few more venue tours adventures this year so look out for that too! You can find her socials, website, and more HERE to learn more about her.

10 Ways to Relieve Stress For Your Wedding Day!

Let’s be real, wedding planning is stressful. There are some really fun aspects to it, especially when you’re looking forward to marrying the LOVE of your life! But whether it’s the finances, seeing the design come together cohesively, making a seating chart, or dealing with a difficult bridesmaid or groomsmen, there’s going to be some stress.

Which is why it is great to have a wedding planner! Whether you’re planning your wedding with Jamison Events, another planner, or yourself— we want to see you take care of yourself. Remember to prioritize you! Which is why we came up with 10 ways to pamper yourself:

Top 10 Ways to Relieve Stress For Your Wedding Day:

1. Get your nails done! Not just your wedding nails, but throughout the process of being a bride, make sure to celebrate the steps in your wedding process. Pedicures or manicures: Trust me, the men will love it too :)

2. Turn off your phone or only use your phone for an hour if you are having a particularly stressful day of wedding planning. Sometimes silencing the noise and practicing mindfulness can settle you.

3. Take some time to journal how you are feeling. Don’t do this if writing or thinking about what you are stressed about makes it worse. BUT, sometimes venting & leaving all of the stress IN the journal can feel really good or more refreshing.

4. Go to a yoga class and get yourself a healthy smoothie afterwards. Taking care of your body is so important, not just to “lose weight” before your wedding. But yoga and exercise can actually clear your head and provide positive endorphins for you!

5. Go to brunch with your friends. Sometimes, nothing is better than having chit-chat with your besties over a mid-morning mimosa!

6. Try golfing! The slowness of this sport can be really soothing, even if you’re absolutely terrible at it. Go with your soon-to-be husband or wife and you guys can laugh about it together!

7. Get massages with your most calm and chill friends. This may seem like a splurge, but they are great at melting the stress away. They are generally cheaper if you book a couples massage, find discount coupons, or go to a newer spa!

8. Bath and candles and wine! A warm soothing bath with also help melt away the stress. Use bubbles (use a product that is safe for your body), essential oils, Epsom salt, a bath pillow, etc. to make your bath a safe and cozy space to unwind.

9. Go to a coffee shop with comfy seats and read a book. Take yourself on a solo date! Because nothing is better than (insert your favorite drink here) and curling up in a cozy coffee shop with a book or a magazine.

10. Have a zoom meeting with your Wedding Planner. If you’re stressing about wedding details, call your wedding planner and go over the details/little things that have you worried to ensure they are on the same page as you. 

Ways to Show Your Fiancé Lots of Love Before the Wedding Day !

Did you know there are FIVE love languages that you can show your fiancé during your engagement and leading up to your big day?

It’s easy to forget with wedding planning stress, or a busy schedule that our significant other has needs too! For a healthy relationship, it is SO important to continue to DATE our fiance’s.

Therefore, we hope you can utilize these examples of love to sustain a healthy relationship with your soon-to-be husband or wife —

BUT WAIT - It’s important to recognize that everyone has DIFFERENT love languages! If you don’t know what yours or your partner’s are, take this love languages quiz…

And if you already know your love languages; Here are the 5 Love Languages and a few ways to show your fiancé LOVE!

Acts of Service- 

Photo by Tyler Nix on Unsplash

1. If you haven't moved in together yet— make room in your closet and place small touches around your home that will make him or her feel special when they move in. 

2. Small acts like getting them their favorite coffee in the morning, writing them a love letter or note, and making their favorite dish. 

3. Completing a task or chore for your significant other such as returning an item for them, cleaning their car, or doing the dishes.

Quality Time

Photo: Composing Reality Photography

1. Take a pre-wedding weekend together to make memories. Don’t talk about the wedding, instead focus on your future together. 

2. Carve out time for a special lunch date at their favorite sandwich shop, then go get massages together for a little R&R. 

3. Go to a comedy club or watch a funny movie and laugh together.

Physical Touch

Photo: Elizabeth Victoria Photography

1. Take a private gondola ride and turn it into a make-out session.

2. Go to the zoo and hold hands.

3. Cook & dance in the kitchen together.

Gifts

Photo: By Max Tepper Photography

1. Make a printed photo album of your years leading up to the wedding together. 

2. If your significant other likes shopping, take them on a mini shopping spree.

3. Buy them a plant that will bloom near your wedding date. 

Words of Affirmation

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

1. Send your fiancé a random text throughout the day letting them know you’ve been thinking about them.

2. Write a love note and hide it so they find it a few days before your big day. 

3. Say “I love you because…” and really list a few reasons why you love your further husband or wife.

Inspiration for a Love Themed Wedding for February/Valentine's Day

Are you feeling the love in the air? Plan a LOVE themed wedding? I promise you, these ideas are not that tacky and I think you’ll adore them. And if you love the photos we share, go ahead and pin them right to your wedding board!

Now the difficult part, how does one design a love themed wedding? Here are our suggestions!

Romantic Water Features

Taken at Los Robles Greens Venue

Read a Love Poem before or during the Ceremony

This can be any love poem! Or a song lyric!

Heart Shaped Wedding Arch

Photo by Bryson G Visuals

Love Themed Menus

It can be hearts, roses, or the colors of love!

“Lover” by Taylor Swift as your Processional Song

“Can I go, where you go? Can we always, be this close? Forever, and ever…”

Ethereal Sculptures or Statues

Made of stone or even an ice sculpture!

Tiny/Mini Heart Decor

Aren’t they so dang cute?!

Go Pink for your Wedding Dress!

This one is from DELANA Formals called “The Arista”

Heart Shaped Wedding Cake or Cake Topper

Heart shaped cake not pictured, but there’s some more lovely photos on Pinterest!

Romantic Date Night Jar/Cards

At the welcome table, have your guests offer date night suggestions!

Valentine’s Day Photobooth

Have your guests get silly!

Exchange Valentine’s Day Cards

Do this with your soon to be Husband or Wife before the Ceremony!

Signature Drinks of the Theme!

Ex. Love Potion #9 or Cupid’s Sangria, etc.

Go with Roses and Pink or Dyed Babies Breath

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Give a Rose as your Guest Favor

And the final rose goes to…(bachelor reference anyone?)

20 First Dance Songs You'll LOVE (from a Wedding Planner)

Continuing in theme of our LOVE blogs in February, today I’d like to share 20 of my favorite ‘first song’ picks that I’ve heard (and adore!) as a long time wedding planner…

Play each song below!

*give them a little time to load*

What are you waiting for? Save these 20 first DANCE songs to your Pinterest BOARD !

Top 10 Things I Love About Being a Wedding Planner

Are YOU the same as me? If you love wedding planning, or felt a desire/call to this industry, let me tell you a quick few things I LOVE💓 about it!

1. I get to know amazing Couples and their love story. We start out as strangers and become forever friends! 

2. I get to be creative on a daily basis. Working to not only bring my Couples vision to life but continue to create new styles and innovate for my business too.

3. I get to see my actual ideas come together. 

4. I love that I get to make my own hours (although I probably work way more than I’d like to admit).

5. I get to work from home during the week! (including making fun reels with myself & my social media team)

Check out these fun wedding advice reels I make from home!

6. I work in an upbeat and celebration industry. 

7. I get to work with amazing vendors and venues. People who inspire, support and encourage me. 

8. I get work with an amazing team.

9. I love to organize ideas and plans. I spend hours on a timeline and watching it come together the day of is really fulfilling.

10. Lastly, I genuinely love weddings. All different types of weddings and I love attending, being apart of and have fun at every one!

Check out these Behind-the-Scenes vs. How it Actually Ended Up!

MORE RESOURCES:

If you’re more interested in my wedding planning story, here’s my about page!

Or if you’re looking for1v1 advice, send me an email or social media DM.