Private Moments to Add in Your Wedding Timeline

You’re going to wish you learned these sooner when you find out how awesome these PRIVATE moments are and you’ll want to add in your wedding timeline right away!

In conversations with some of my couples, they ask me how to enjoy one another on the actual day of the wedding, and my secret is incorporating private moments into your timeline. And I’m not just talking about first looks, but there’s even more specific events you can add!

1. A Private Dinner

What is a private dinner? Not many couples do this, but I have seen this private moment included in celebrity/influencer couple weddings like Bailey and Asa Howard (from influencers, Brooklyn & Bailey). Essentially, you just eat in another room alone together at the beginning of the reception so guests aren’t bugging you!

Photo Cred: @brooklynandbailey

2. A First Touch/Prayer/Look

You already know about first looks, but have you thought of maybe doing a first touch or prayer? If you want to save that special moment for walking down the aisle, maybe a first touch/prayer is for you! This moment will help steal you away from the wedding party who are not allowed in the area for this moment.

Photo Cred: Judy and Gavin Photography

3. Five Minute Alone Time (typically right before the Grand Entrance or right after the Ceremony)

If your wedding planner is Jamison Events, we always schedule a private 5 minute time for the Couple with absolutely no one there! It’s usually a make out session, but is super important to ensure the day doesn't go by so fast (slows the day down) and that they remember the day is about them. Read your personal vows to each other prior to the Ceremony, after the first look

Photo Cred: Melbourne Wedding Photographer

4. Sneak off for sunset photos

Imagine just the two of you wrapped up in the colors of that last bit of sun on your wedding day. That’s just a moment you can’t miss. ONLY take your photographer (and videographer if you have one), with you so that you can take romantic photos and have some time to process the excitement of being married!!!

Photo Cred: Max Tepper Photography

5. Give each other gifts

This gift doesn’t have to be expensive, per say, just a little something. Even if it’s just a card or sweet message to your significant other, they will appreciate it. Plan it out too so that not just one person awkwardly gets something and put this on your wedding timeline prior to the Ceremony. And if you add a personal note, it’s more intimate that you don’t read out loud.

Photo Cred: Wedding Nature Photography

6. Take a few photos of your new spouse during the Reception

Although brides and grooms often forget about their phones on their wedding day, it’s totally acceptable (and fun!) to pull them out during the reception or on your way to the reception. Snap a quick photo of your spouse, a selfie together, and a picture of your rings for the first time. Then, text them to your spouse at that time. POV of your new spouse! - include a personal text to make them smile (or blush)!

Photo Cred: The KNOT

Don’t forget to share this blog with your engaged friends or soon-to-be engaged friends so that they can steal these tips too!

+ follow us on instagram @jamisonevents for continued wedding fun & advice there!

Wedding Trends for 2022

What should you expect for 2022 weddings? If you’re someone who loves all the latest trends OR wants to be completely unique from anything mainstream, this blog is for you to check out!

+ pin all of these photos from our 2022 Wedding Trends Board!

Baby’s breath literally everywhere

2 piece bridesmaid dresses and wedding dresses

Simple, modern gowns

 Smaller, extravagant parties

Flash photography & 35mm film photos

Bright + bold colors

Champagne towers

More destinations

Pearls, Pearls, Pearls

Whimsical vibes

Sunset Ceremonies (with pictures taken prior to Ceremony

Sub Zero Ice Cream

What is liquid nitrogen ice cream? Rapidly rising back into popularity, SubZero Nitrogen Ice Cream Catering creates the best ice cream made with LN2 (liquid nitrogen).

It’s an easy 4-step process that is fun to watch, but also mess-free ice cream experience at any event. And you can get SubZero to cater YOUR event too. If you want a simple and delicious way for your event to be the star of the show, you can’t go wrong with the Subzero Nitrogen Ice Cream Bar!

When you cater SubZero at your event, here’s what you get:

• Creamy, Fresh, Decadent Ice Cream

• 5 yummy flavors and toppings of ice cream, made fresh on site for any upcoming event

• And a fun ice cream bar show with custom created flavors to choose from!

Check out the Menu!

Email for event inquiries subzeroicecreamcatering@gmail.com

Advice on Your Christmas Themed Wedding

Cred: KeLi Photography

Hey Christmas lovers and fanatics ! If you met your significant other during the holidays, have special traditions, or have family members who love Christmas, then there may be a Christmas themed wedding in your future!

A holiday wedding date is a big deal!

Lucky for you, if you choose this wedding theme, your wedding will be in the off season! That’s normally December-February for wedding vendors. Hot tip: Most venues and vendors can get booked up during the holiday season due to holiday parties. Make sure to book early to ensure their availability. 

Speaking of availability…

Ask your family. Anytime you plan a wedding around a holiday, make sure to check with family and closest friends to you about the dates to ensure they are available and/or in town.

As you think of your guests, accommodate all. Remember some guests may or may not celebrate the holidays, so by incorporating a menorah or sticking to the theme of winter, will help ensure no one is left out.

Cred: Pawel Bebenca Photography

When Looking for Venues…

Pick an indoor or tented (with heaters) space. Whether you're getting married in SoCal or in New York, it can often get cold during Christmas. Make sure you pick a venue that will be comfortable for everyone.

Ask your venue if they decorate. Some venues already have decor that they put up, such as garland and xmas trees. This will save you money!

When Planning your Timeline...

Remember sunset is early in December. So, account for the earlier sundown time with an earlier ceremony start time. The goal is always that cocktail hour is ending when sunset is happening to ensure that perfect golden hour time for your photos. 

Cred: Megan Morales Photography

When Finding Your Vendors…

With winter being an off-season for weddings, there aren’t as many, but remember that vendors tend to be difficult to get a hold of during the holiday season. Most vendors take time off, during the holidays so plan and prepare early to ensure you don’t have last minute issues or questions. 

When Designing Your Wedding…

Pick one main color. Christmas tends to get really loud on the color schemes; ensure your aesthetic speaks of a wedding and not a Christmas party. Make sure to choose one color and build on that color subtly opposed to making it look like Christmas threw up. 

When guests arrive there’s a good chance they have on big jackets. Having a coat check with an attendant is a nice touch! And greet guests with a warm cup of spiked cider or champagne with cranberries for cocktail hour and add a coat check at the door.

We recommend that you really play into the cozy theme with a hot cocoa bar, eggnog, and fluffy blankets around a fire. Add upbeat or classical Christmas music to be played during cocktail hour and dinner. For a unique touch, have your florist use fragrant cinnamon or pine in your centerpieces to fill the room up with yummy Christmas smells. 

One fun entertainment idea I love for any winter wedding is adding an igloo photo booth. It’s not really an igloo but looks like it!

Cred: Madalynn Young Photography

How to Plan a Small or Intimate Wedding

Let’s face it, these past couple of years have been crazy, and although intimate and micro weddings have always been popular, they have become increasingly popular during and after the pandemic.

We want to help all couples out there who are planning their big day, no matter how big or small the event because your wedding should be the MOST magical and special day ever! So, if you know someone who needs help planning their micro wedding or intimate event send them this blog for advice.

First

Start with a budget: Even with a smaller wedding, there’s still a budget to consider. List all of your wants and needs on paper to ensure you’re considering each important detail into your budget.

Second

Make a guest list: An intimate wedding typically consists of your immediate/closest friends and family. Don’t talk about your wedding with those who aren't invited. The same goes for those who are invited.

Third

Focus on the venue: The world is literally your oyster when it comes to planning a smaller wedding. From a Tuscan Elopement in Italy, to saying “I do” on top of a cliff in the Grand Canyon, there’s endless venues to host your intimate wedding!

**Side tip about venues: Be open with your dates because most venues have a food and beverage minimum on Saturdays and Sundays. A smaller wedding is more affordable on a weekday!

Don’t rush the planning!

Oftentimes, many couples who are interested in a smaller affair opt for a smaller planning window too, but I would advise against this. We highly recommend allowing yourself several months. Slowing down the wedding planning process will ensure you’re able to focus on the day without feeling like you jumped right into it.

Customize your day!

With a smaller wedding, you most likely can spurge a little more on the custom aspects of your day. From elaborate plated dinners to featuring farm table dishes, a band who plays your favorite music or  custom created desserts, think about how you can make this special day focused on the two of you.

Have a very personal Ceremony

All wedding ceremonies are meaningful, but I mean REALLY make it deep and personal. From personal vows to getting those who have attended involved, an intimate wedding really puts the Couple in the center of the spotlight. Make it a personal Ceremony that everyone will truly remember and cherish.

Plan more than one day events!

It doesnt have to be one day… plan fun, extra outings. For example, if you’re having a wedding in the Grand Tetons, why not plan a mountain horseback ride the day prior for your attending guests. Or float down a lazy river in Tahoe. Get the most from the memories made on during your stay.

From the bottom of our hearts, we hope you have the BEST wedding day ever! And if you haven’t fallen in love with us yet, check out our Instagram + Pinterest @jamisonevents.

5 Ways to Warm Up Your Fall or Winter Wedding

If you’re D R E A M I N G of a magical winter wonderland wedding or a woodsy, fall inspired wedding; what do you do about the cold weather? When you’re planning a wedding in the off season (November - March), those unpermitted weather conditions are a bigger challenge to your wedding planning.

And if you’re like most brides, of course want your big day to be PERFECT, so we compiled a list of 5 ways to keep your guests, but more importantly YOU and your groom warm on your big day!

1. Set Expectations

Make extra sure to set expectations with your guests, which means to ensure they will dress correctly for the event. An easy, no pressure way to do this is through your wedding website! For example, let your guests know if there will be a lot of outdoor time and what the expected average temperature will be at the location of your event when it’s happening.

Photo by JuneBugWeddings

2. Hot drinks and warm food options

Hot Coffee/Cocoa/Cider Station -

• Offer a fun drink station with a barista who can custom create coffees for your guests. 

  • **very often coffee runs out on cooler days. Make sure your venue is prepared if they have a coffee station

  • **spice it up with a spiked liquor addition

Hot Plate Options -

• Meals include anything: baked, roasted, grilled. etc. such as meats, pastas, soups, rice dishes, warm vegetables, etc.

3. Outdoor heaters or a fireplace

A warm fireplace or multiple outdoor heaters for guests are sure to keep your wedding warm! Remember, these will be in your photos so we highly recommend renting options that are in good condition and pretty to look at. 

Also, don't skimp on the heaters if you want guests to stay all night. Use 1 heater per table and add a few for the cocktail area and at the bar for super colder nights. 

4. Cozy fashion!

Options:

• Robes

• Coats

• Anything fluffy faux fur

• Leggings under long dress

• Wraps & shawls

• Blankets

Offer your guests a warm option for them to take home as a favor. Place on a table in a large basket or place one at each seat. 

For yourself, have a cozy jacket or shawl that you wear as an accent piece to stay warm. We always love monogrammed jackets (like in the first photo we showed!)

5.  Tenting or Indoor spaces/venues

Party tents can often be used as summertime items because they allow us to stay cool in the shade and protect us from harmful UV rays, however they are great for cold weather too!

Heating a party tent is as simple as using tent heaters—specialized space heaters designed for safely keeping your party tent warm—and tent sidewalls, which keep the warmth in. A party tent heater can be used inside the tent, or just outside the tent with the addition of a diffuser.

Photo by Love & Lavender

Wedding Budgeting 101 - with Jamison Events

Does saving money and creating your wedding budget get you stressed out? If you’re engaged, newly engaged, or expecting to be engaged soon, this wedding budgeting 101 advice will surely put you at ease.

One of the first steps in wedding planning will be creating your budget, and this will be an ongoing process as you find each of the vendors for your wedding, kind of like slowly  placing puzzle pieces that will eventually create a beautiful picture. 

When you work with Jamison Events- Step one is to draw up your guest list. Step two is to establish your budget. 

• Start going over your savings and figure out what you can realistically contribute to the wedding fund without breaking the bank!

• You’ll want to find a detailed way to keep track of what you’re spending for each vendor.

If spreadsheets are your thing, you’ll want to make one for three stages; your estimated cost of vendors (research stage), an inquiry of costs from vendors (proposal stage), and then the final amount (total cost stage). 

• Leave a bubble for possible surprise costs; such as a set-up/clean up fee, vendor transportation/travel, etc.

• Use your credit card responsibly! Don’t put anything on credit that you can’t pay off in 30 days, or know you have the money to pay off. 

*If you do use a credit card, I suggest using one that gives you a generous cashback program. I’m always big on using cash to pay up front, since credit cards are expensive to use, but with the same rules applied from above, a % reward program on your credit card is common for Couples. 

• Remember to ask vendors how they take payments. Some only take checks or venmo, some only take credit. So, plan to have a few ways to pay! 

Let’s Talk About Wedding Budget Myths:

“Vendors charge more for a wedding than they would for a birthday party, so don’t mention “wedding” in the inquiry.”

Ok, this always makes my blood boil. For vendors, weddings have higher expectations and work. You may be the most easy going Couple on the planet, but that does not diminish the standard of work the vendor needs to accomplish. So, while weddings do tend to cost more than another type of event, the degree of work is higher too. 

“Service fees are gratuity.”

In fact, this is typically not the case. Service fees are often charged by the venue or caterer and typically go directly to the company. Gratuity is often not a part of the service fee or final bill. 

“You don’t need to add a gratuity if the vendor owns their business.” 

I always tell my Couples that gratuity is not expected but always appreciated. Whether the vendor is the owner or not, offering them a nice gift, cash or gift card truly shows appreciation for the hard work they did.

“Having a food truck will save you money.” 

While this is mostly true in regards to the overall food bill, there are many factors to consider when hiring a food truck. Who will buss tables, remove trash, set up coffee, cut the cake? Typically, when you hire a food truck you’ll also need to hire staff and bartenders to ensure the important things like trash removal is done. 

Five Thoughtful Ways to Save Money:

1. Don’t get stuck on a venue until you shop options: I always recommend looking into different types of venues. Make sure to shop different styles of venues, from country club to DIY. Really crunch the number prior to booking to ensure you understand all of the venue fees. It's not always true that bringing in your catering/staff/bar means a lower cost! 

2. Host the ceremony + reception in the same place: This will cut down on your need for a shuttle, extra vendor fees for multiple locations and longer booking fees from vendors. Typically multiple locations means you have to book your vendors for longer periods of time. 

3. Choose an off-time for your wedding (different season or a Friday/Sunday): Be open to a weekday wedding and/or an off season date because there’s a good chance most vendors will offer discounted rates. Remember- higher costs are always associated with holiday and peak seasons. 

4. Forgo an expensive live band, but don’t forgo the professionals!: It’s important to hire professionals to ensure your entire day is literally a dream. To do that, you do need to hire experienced professionals. In my experience, when Couples try to hire friends/family or newbie vendors, it ends up costing them sanity and peace. So, make sure to hire those who will ensure a smooth day and feel free to comparison shop to give yourself vendor options. 

5. DIY any paper products yourself: Address your own invitations AND to save on extra postage, have your guests RSVP on your website. 

Remember, more guests = more money! If budget is a concern I always recommend going for a smaller, more intimate event with your closest friends and family. 

Pro tip: Never assume any contributions from your loved ones, but it doesn’t hurt to ask them. Remember, that if you accept contributions a gift or thank you card is highly recommended! 

Have you seen the special Marriage or Mortgage on Netflix? 

I always watch this show in awe, because it's so interesting to see what is most important to Couples. The fact is, your budget will change and mold as you plan your big day. There may be certain areas that you end up spending less in or more. It’s most important that you have your dream wedding without throwing yourself into debt. You don’t need to forgo the home in lieu of Wedding, if you’re truly smart about your budget when you start planning. By setting a budget early and keeping an eye on it often, you’re preparing both of your futures for success! 

Have a Wonderful Day,

Jamison

How to do a Grand Entrance Dance: Brittany + Ned

If you find yourself learning all the new dance routines on Tiktok, then a grand entrance dance just might be for you! And we’re not just talking about striking a pose or twirling your partner around for your reception entrance, but we’re talking something GRAND!!

What is a grand entrance dance? Most couples have a grand entrance to introduce themselves as the newly-wed couple, introduce their wedding party, and start the party with their guests.

One of our couples at Jamison Events had a full, choreographed dance to The Greatest Showman soundtrack. And if you follow us on instagram, then you would’ve seen our most popular reel was a video of Brittany and Ned’s Grand Wedding Entrance dance. If you want us to share the full video on IGTV, we’d love it if you checked out all of our socials and sent us messages/dms!

Don’t think you can pull off an amazing Grand Entrance dance? Brittney and Ned proved that you can even do it over Zoom! A lot of their wedding party was long distanced so everything was coordinated via video call. Kind of like Dancing with the Stars’ dress rehearsal, when Brittany and Ned’s wedding party was able to get together the day before the wedding, everyone was able to practice in person.

Everyone, including the couple's parents, were surprised by the dance! The choreography was under 10 minutes, but it really kick-started all of their guests to be in the mood to get on the dance floor. Overall, this was a super genuine happy dance from the couple and their closest friends, and a memorable time that they will never forget!

Wedding Tasting Cheat Sheet

It’s time for your Wedding Tasting! Each venue plans their tasting differently: some do one-on-one tastings with full detailing’s and others do large group tastings with buffets. This quick, cheat sheet will help you determine the best direction to go with your menu choices!

Your tasting should include a couple salad choices to try (with dressings), a few entrée choices (with sauces) and a few side choices. Please offer upfront all of your overall Wedding ideas and themes. 

Cred: Kelsey Chance on Unsplash

Tip #1- Who to bring- 

Bring only a small group. While it sounds fun to have a large group of people there, multiple opinions can get overwhelming. We suggest sticking to a core group that will help you narrow down your choices. 

Tip #2- What to bring?

• Notepad & pen 

• Currently Hired Vendors’ info (company, name, email & phone number)

• Any particular questions you might have for the venue. 

• Answers for your Decor- such as napkin and linen color, chair choices, etc. The more details you can decide on at the tasting, the easier the planning process will be. 

• Ideas on your general timeline (Ceremony start time, Cocktail Hour Time, End of Night time) 

Cred: Austin Distel on Unsplash

Tip #3- Take Notes!

Take notes on everything you decided on (even if the person conducting the tasting is taking notes). Remember to jot down your choice of salad (and dressings), choice of entrees with the sauces, etc. 

Tip #4- Ask Questions- 

This is your time to ask questions- here are a few questions we recommend. 

General Questions:

• If you have any questions on their packages- this is the time to ask. 

• When is the final count due? How do last minute guest additions work? What if someone cancels and can’t make the wedding last minute? 

• When is the final payment due? 

Cocktail Hour- **Most often caterers and venues do not offer tastings of the Hors d’Oeuvres. However, this is still a good time to ask questions about it.

• How many pieces (per person) will be served during cocktail hour? 

• Do you ever run out of food or have suggestions on how to ensure there's enough for everyone? 

We suggest 2 Hot Hors d’Oeuvres and 1-2 Cold. 

Ex. Hot- Beef Slider, Coconut Shrimp, Cold- Bruschetta, Cheese & Crackers  

Photo by Lefteris kallergis on Unsplash

Dinner- Make sure the caterer knows of any preferences and/or allergies you might have, right away. 

• What type of service (plated, synchronized or buffet) do you feel your venue (or caterer) does best? 

• If we want to customize an item, is there an additional cost? 

• How are your wait staff dressed? How many will be working that evening? 

For Plated- 

• Do you require individual seating cards with meal choices or can we group by couple? 

• For seating cards: do you have a preference of look and style for the best service possible? 

• Do you offer Vegan or Vegetarian (specialty meals) and how do we tell you who they are and where they are sitting? 

For Buffet- 

• Do you ever run out of food? 

• How long will the process take for guests to go through the buffet? Are the items served or do guests serve themselves? 

• What if we have a vegan or vegetarian request? 

• How are kids' meals served? 

Tip #5- Bar Suggestions

If allowed with your venue, we suggest a hosted bar (middle shelf) for the first 3 hours of your reception. Then go to a bar on “consumption” for the last couple hours.  

A way to take “pressure” off of the bar when cocktail hour first begins is to tray pass a signature drink. Ask the venue if they offer this at no additional cost and if they suggest a type of beverage to be tray passed.

• What are my bar choices for liquor? Beer? Wine?  *If we want somethingspecific can we request it? 

• Do you offer shots if my guests want to order one? 

• How many bartenders & barbacks will be working the wedding?

• If we want to add special straws or garnish to drinks, can we provide it? 

Cred: Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash

Tip #6- Setup 

We will work with you on the particular setup but please make sure you know- 

• What linens (color and are they floor length) are offered? 

• What napkins (color options?) are offered? 

• What the chairs look like and are offered? 

• What does the overall table setup look like? 

After the tasting-

Send a full email to your planner with your meal choices, decisions and left over questions. We will follow up with the venue for a copy of the Banquet Order and Layout. Please let us know if there are any outstanding questions or decisions that are needed. 

Have a Wonderful Day,

Jamison

Create the PERFECT Wedding Website

YOU need a Wedding Website! Ditch the formal cards and have guests RSVP through the website instead. While this does break tradition a bit, it does offer an easier process for my Couples as they collect the RSVP information. 

As a Wedding Planner, I’m often asked what information and details should be included on your Wedding Website. Typically, I break the website into 2 parts depending on the timeframe of their big day. 

Cred: Judy & Gavin Photography

First version of the site: Save The Date- 

When your “save the date” goes out, you want to ensure you have your website up and running (minimal information is ok!) 

• Both your first and last name

• A Photo of both of you from your engagement session

• Your Wedding Date

• Your Venue

• Hotel Block information or local hotels **this is to ensure they can book a room early at a reasonable rate. 

Remember to add the website and a password for extra exclusivity onto your “Save The Date” cards! 

Photo by Fabian Irsara on Unsplash

Second version: The Formal Invite-

When sending out your formal invitations, have everything completed on your website. The more information you can offer your guests, the less questions you’ll receive! Along with the above (First Version), I’d be sure to include- 

1. Your Love Story + additional photos of you two throughout your relationship. Maybe include your favorite trip, favorite meal to cook together, how you met… any fun, light hearted details that make the two of you better together!

2. Brief Wedding Day Timeline: Offer a 30 minute buffer from the Invitation time to the Wedding Ceremony start time. Example: (Start time on the invite & website will say 4:00pm, even though the actual start time would be 4:30pm

3. Wedding Party Introductions: Have fun with this! Post past-pictures of your wedding party and brief stories of how you got to know each other. Share who’s side they will be standing on and any additional details that will make those in your party feel extra special.

4. Travel and Hotel Accommodations: Depending on how much travel will be needed, provide as much detail as possible. (include transportation, parking, hotel block options, airport info, etc.) Again, the more details, the better!

5. FAQ Section (all the basic questions that might pop up):

   • Can they include a plus-one?

   • Are kids invited?

   • Attire requirements **YES, always have this listed for those who might ask! Black Tie, Formal, Wedding Casual, etc. Remember to remind guests if they should not wear heels (due to sand or walkways and if they should bring a jacket for cooler weather).

   • Any mask or safety requirements?

6. Ability to RSVP and chose their meal: Most venues require a “meal choice” for each person (not by Couple).

   Remember some guests may not want/or are unable to RSVP online, so we always suggest another RSVP option. 

   • Tip: If you’re not sure what the meal option will be, go with a basic description (ex. Beef, Chicken, Fish or Vegetarian), instead of describing the overall dish. Also, make sure you list dietary restrictions or allergies! 

7. Registry: We recommend selecting two physical stores (where guests can purchase items) and one monetary registry such as Honeyfund or Joy. 

   • Most website creators like JOY offer a registry you can create directly with them. A small fee is taken from every digital gift.

Cred WithJoy Wedding Website Examples

Don’t

Include exclusive events in your wedding website- unless it’s viewable ONLY by those who are invited. (Joy is currently working on this option)

For example: For the rehearsal dinner, invite the specific people to exclusive events (events not everyone is invited to) in person or with an additional invitation card, not through the website.

Do

Capture email and phone numbers! 

After COVID one thing we have learned that it is important to make sure you’re able to contact your guests easily. By capturing everyone’s email addresses and phone number, you’re able to send them a quick email and/or text, should that ever be needed.

Cred WithJoy Wedding Website Examples

Overall, have fun with your website! We always recommend tying the aesthetic + style of your website in with the overall look and feel of your wedding day! But feel free to add a little sense of humor and fun into your site! 

Here are my top 3 favorite website creators- 

Joy- https://withjoy.com/ 

The Knot- https://www.theknot.com/content/creative-wedding-websites

Zola- https://www.zola.com/wedding/onboard/wedding-website?question=NAME 

Best of luck to all you engaged couples!

Have a Wonderful Day,

Jamison