Northern California Wedding Show | Top 3 Wedding Registries

Traditions have changed over the years so we have noticed that couples aren’t always needing a toaster or a new set of dish towels after saying I Do - so how does this shift impact wedding registries? While registries may look a little different for the modern couple, couples are just shifting towards alternative options such as honey funds, travel funds and even cash.

If you are a data nerd like us, you can check out the 2020 WeddingWire Wedding report for all sorts of stats https://go.weddingwire.com/newlywed-report and then read on for our top three wedding registry recommendations!

Photo by TreCreative

Here are the top 3 registries that we recommend:

1. Zola “Everything you need in one place”
   We agree - Zola has great features to a handy & free wedding website, wedding invitations, RSVP options and of course the registry options that allow to connect with virtually every retailer. For more information visit https://www.zola.com/

2. VEBO “A Registry for Experiences”
   You don’t have to go far to plan an experience and VEBO lists ideas like Hot Air Balloon Rides to Wine Tasting to traveling within the U.S and Internationally. Couples can also select charities or link their registry with Bed Bath & Beyond for more traditional household items.
   For more information visit: https://vebolife.com/

3. Honeyfund “We make Honeymoons Happen”

   Take it from us - don’t put off your Honeymoon this is an amazing time to enjoy and relax after all of the months of detailed planning. A honeyfund option is great for couples who would like to allow their guests to contribute towards their travel plans. Everything from upgrading your room, sending a bottle of champagne or chipping in for an island adventure.. guests are a part of the memories. For more information visit https://www.honeyfund.com/

We want to hear all about your dream Honeymoon and hope you’ll find the perfect plan for you! Be sure to check out our Facebook Group - Northern California Wedding Show where we’ll be bringing all of the local pro’s together virtually to share in the excitement for your day!

Northern California Wedding Show | Wedding Stationery Tips

With all of you family members hitting you up for details, you'll want to be sure to include all of the pertinent information within your wedding invitation suite.  What's included in a wedding suite? That depends on formality and the budget you have set for the invitations.

First decide on the formality of your invitation

We won't reinvent the wheel, there are many resources for finding the appropriate wording for your specific family dynamic and formality (are parents hosting, do you have a blended family..) each wedding invitation is different. You can read all about etiquette over on Emily Post's website

Then set a budget for your stationery

Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash

Avoid scrolling on Pinterest or Etsy until you have set a realistic budget for your invitations.  Why? Well it isn't fun to fall in love with an invitation design that is $6 per invite when your budget allocates for $1.50 per invite (when you have 150+ guests that is a huge difference!) 

Decide on a wedding website or consider adding a details card

Photo by Joanna Kosinska on Unsplash

Wedding websites are typically free unless you upgrade to a custom domain and this is a great way to share hotel accommodations, things to do, information about the venue, more details about the wedding party, gift registry or even just to share some more of those epic engagement photos! You can create a free wedding website over on sites like WeddingWire, or Minted to name a couple.

Printing & postage 

Photo by Gemma Evans on Unsplash

If you found a digital download suite make sure to consider how much the printing will be, where you will print and if the printer isn't local - factor in shipping.  In addition, you will need postage for the outer envelope and if you are doing a physical rsvp card you will want to have a stamp for that envelope with your return address ready to go. 

All of this invitation talk making you dizzy? Speak with your wedding planner about where to start, or mark your calendars for our first virtual bridal show in April where you can meet with local wedding pro's!

Northern California Wedding Show | Fall Wedding Planning Tips

Fall is just incredible in Northern California and aside from watching all of the leaves change colors - we’ve been swooning over all of the incredible fall weddings! Engagement season is already around the corner so if you are hoping to book a wedding venue in for your upcoming fall wedding check out our top tips!

Photo by kindred weddings

Sunset First - Before choosing your ceremony timeline look up the sunset on your date and discuss the optimal timeline with your wedding photographer & wedding planner. From there your wedding team will create a timeline to make the most of your photography coverage, access at your venue and of course time with your friends & family to celebrate!

Tis the season - Seasonal menu that is! Work with your caterer to look for ways to bring in fresh seasonal vegetables and fruits to accentuate the abundance of the fall harvest. If you are having a destination wedding, this is a perfect way to blend your theme with your setting and really set the tone for your guests.

Weather Contingencies - Rest assured that your plan b is rock solid so that you don’t have to sweat any changes in the forecast. Your wedding team will have resources and suggestions for creating a back up plan for heat, or even chilly weather from ground fans, evaporative coolers, shade umbrella’s and more.

Scope it out - Check out some wedding galleries from weddings that have taken place around the same time of year at your wedding venue. This gives you a good idea of what will be in bloom, what areas stay shady and best photo areas to plan around. Your wedding planner or venue coordinator can walk you through ideas and focal points to give you some options for decor placement and how to maximize your budget while complimenting the setting.

We hope to see you in our virtual wedding show so hop over to our Facebook Group and send us a request to join - This will be your place to share your excitement for your wedding and connect with local wedding pro’s. No sales pitches only great folks sharing their passion for weddings & events!