Choosing the perfect Richmond wedding venue can be a little overwhelming. Here’s some ways to make it easier.

Posted on October 17, 2011 by admin

Finding the perfect Richmond wedding venue can be a very time consuming and exhaustive process. With so many options for ceremonies and receptions, a bride and groom may begin to feel overwhelmed. You can get married on a golf course, where you say your vows on the putting green and have an elegant reception in a country club. A water front wedding gives couples the option of saying I do at sunset while the waves lap against the shore. A traditional bride might want a more intimate ceremony inside a beautiful chapel. A garden wedding provides lush trees and flowers giving a charming setting that doesn’t need a lot of work. Backyard weddings offer a blank canvas, perfect for artistic brides to create the wedding of their dreams. These are just some of the many different types of venues available to couples.  When beginning the search for the perfect romantic spot to tie the knot there are a few things to keep in mind to help narrow down the many choices.

Decide on the style and theme of your wedding

You want to pick a venue that will display the type of style and or theme you want for your wedding. If you are wanting a tropical or beach ambiance, picking a venue with water will complete your tropical theme. A classic winter wedding could be done in a resort up in the mountains surrounded by bare tree branches, snowflakes and crystal accents. If a religious wedding is what you want, a church is a great setting to portray that style. Wooden pews and gorgeous stained glass windows complete the traditional chapel look.

Geographic location

 If you have your heart set on a destination wedding, picking the country or city will help narrow down the choices. You already know the style of your wedding, now select a place that will help show that style. If you know you want to get married in the city or town that you live in picking a venue might be easier since you are already familiar with the area. Selecting places that will show off your already chosen style will make the decision that much easier.

Look at Your Guest List

 You also want to consider how many people you are expecting at your wedding. If you know your guest list is going to be quite large, you will need a venue that will support that many people. There is no point in looking at a venue that will not hold as many guests as you want. If you are having a smaller wedding you won’t need as much space, so looking at smaller venues will be helpful in narrowing down the options.

Budget

 When looking at Richmond wedding venues, the final thing to think about is budget. Couples should talk about how much they want to spend on the location. The amount of money you want to spend on your wedding will determine where you will be getting married. Brides that are working within a smaller budget might love the idea of a backyard wedding where a lot of the details can be “Do It Yourself.” Brides with a larger budget might enjoy an extravagant wedding at a country club or resort. Regardless of how much or how little you want to spend there is a wide range of wedding sites that can fit any budget.

As you begin your search for the perfect Richmond wedding venue, remember that this is meant to be a special time for the bride and groom. Knowing what you want will make the quest for the perfect spot even more enjoyable.  Congratulations on your engagement and best of luck to you.

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Something New, Something Blue: Wear Colorful Bridal Shoes to your Richmond Wedding

Posted on September 9, 2011 by admin

Richmond brides, let’s get a little bit adventurous with our wedding attire. Whether you’re a woman who appreciates sophistication, elegance and tradition, or you’re a modern lady who likes to live on the edge, this is one wedding trend that fits any bridal style. For your Richmond wedding, choose to liven your look with a pair of colorful shoes.

Bride Ally in white wedding dress and red shoes

I love my red wedding shoes, a symbol of romance, passion, and fun-filled energy.

During the ceremony, your shoes will stay secretly hidden beneath your wedding gown. This gives you the full aura of being an elegant bride for your solemn vows and all ceremony photographs. But once you bustle your dress and the reception party begins, let your shoes elicit smiles from your guests while their bright nature energizes your steps on the dance floor.

Bold ‘n’ Blue:  Go with electric with deep blue shoes. Especially sleek in a high heel and soft in a ballet flat, this color provides brides with “something blue” while also making a statement. Choose a shade that fits your personality, be it deep midnight or soft periwinkle.

Classy Champagne:  For traditional brides who want to stay sophisticated, select champagne shoes. Just a few degrees cool of ivory, this color gives depth and dimension to a bride’s feet while also staying within the shades of cream for traditional bridal attire. Plus, you’ll actually be able to wear these suave shoes again to formal events!

Rockin’ Red:  There may be no place like home, but your upcoming wedding is the perfect place to adorn your feet with red heels. Leave the glitter to Dorothy, and choose a smooth sheen. Depending on your style, you can keep it sweet with 1940s-style red wedges or rock the aisle like a runway in daring red-hot heels that display fiery passion.

Sage Green:  Declare your identity as a modern bride without taking it to an extreme by wearing sage green shoes. Soft to the eyes, this subtle shade lets a bride show a little color while still appreciating the wedding as her time to be a bride, not simply make a statement. Down-to-earth and perfect for coordination with a green wedding color scheme, these shoes can be found in almost any style and texture as an accent to your bridal beauty.

Chic Metallic:  Inspire your inner diva with chic metallic shoes.  From glitzy gold to burnished copper to subtle silver, these shades will give your feet an alluring charm while maintaining a refined appearance. For more elegant looks, choose matte hues rather than shine. And, of course, don’t be afraid to add a jewel or two for added glamor.

By the bride:  For my wedding day, I enjoyed the benefits of being a modern bride with “something new” for my wedding attire. Now as a recently married woman, I’m enjoying the opportunity to wear my sassy red shoes whenever I please! From dinner dates to dancing with my husband, my colorful heels give me the opportunity to experience my wedding shoes again and again. But best of all, my shoes gave me a sense of ownership, individuality, and subtle sexiness for my wedding day attire.

What wedding shoes would you like to wear, Richmond brides?  To find traditional wedding shoes, modern wedding styles, or even shoes to be professionally dyed to fit your favorite shade, visit a Richmond wedding apparel and accessories store near you. Find your perfect fit, brides, and enjoy your wedding day to its fullest!

 

Written by Allyson Siwajian  © 2011

Photograph by Jamison Frady of Quiet Art Photography  © 2010

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It’s Almost Autumn! Richmond Brides, Discover How You Can Plan a Memorable Fall Wedding

Posted on September 2, 2011 by admin

With Virginia’s rich history and plenty of foliage, what better place to plan the perfect fall wedding? Richmond brides, as we enter the month of September, let’s take a look at how you can plan a fall wedding to fit the season and your style for your special day. By combining classic traditions with modern variations, you’ll find the wedding planning tips you need to create an original autumn atmosphere.

Autumn weddings bring vibrancy with modern decor.

#1  Color Scheme: When Moss Isn’t Your Thing

Gather inspiration from this fall’s natural tones. Embrace amber, deep saffron, brick red, mocha, topaz, and moss green. If you’d like to branch beyond traditional palettes, incorporate a rich, vibrant tone for your accent color. Think plum, blush, slate gray, lavender, cream, navy, and fuchsia.

#2  Marrying Outdoors: Managing Falling Leaves in Autumn

Just because you’re hosting a fall wedding doesn’t mean you must marry indoors. While an indoor reception can create an intimate, warm environment, also consider an outdoor ceremony if weather permits. Speak to the venue’s coordinator about outdoor options, indoor back-up plans, and set-up for each situation. Remember to schedule someone to rake any leaves from the ceremony area on the wedding day to make room for chairs, an arch, and an easily accessible aisle.

#3  Floral Décor: More than the Usual Themes

Be inspired by seasonal décor for your wedding theme. While you may like to incorporate pumpkins and cornucopias, also feel free to take some liberties for floral décor. Consider tall arrangements with Manzanita branches near the buffet and cake tables. For reception table centerpieces, add short vases with wide bases, filled with colorful fresh flowers, a dash of hypericum berries, and full leaves for greenery. For a breathtaking bridal bouquet, add your favorite bloom to any combination of these autumn blossoms: rose, sunflower, orchid, dahlia, spider mum, or gerbera daisy.

Be calm and classic with casual, comfortable wedding styles.

#4  Reception Meal: Scrumptious Soup and Spice Cake

In autumn’s chilly weather, feel free to match your meal to the season. Exchange a cool, crisp salad for a warm red soup. Serve harvest vegetables, like carrots and onions. Present your meats in a similar fashion. Steaks may include rich, brown sauces, and chicken (or even a festive Cornish game hen) may involve succulent spices. Of course, don’t forget a rich cake and autumnal cocktails to complete the meal.

#5  Book Early: Thinking Beyond 11/11/11

Since the autumn months include many holidays (like Labor Day, Halloween, Veteran’s Day, and Thanksgiving), be prepared to book early. You may be competing for venue space with not only fellow weddings, but also corporations wishing to celebrate the spirit of the season. Also, with a date booked far in advance, you’ll give your guests plenty of time to make travel arrangements despite the busy months.

If you like the fall season, then celebrate your marriage in autumn. Just as the earth is experiencing a change of season, so are you and your groom as you both take the plunge into this next phase of your lives. Embrace it together with your autumn Richmond wedding. Surrounded by the beauty of nature and the admiration of your guests, you’ll soon enjoy a special day unlike any other!

 

Written by Allyson Siwajian © 2011

Photographs by Allyson Siwajian © 2011  (Featured floral arrangements by Enchanted Florist and Suncoast LV.)

Posted in Ceremony and Reception Decor, Just Engaged, Wedding Inspiration Gallery | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

How to Trim the Guest List: A Richmond Bride’s Guide to Making the Cut

Posted on August 28, 2011 by admin

At your Richmond wedding, you’ll want to celebrate with as many people as possible. Unfortunately, due to constraints on a bride’s budget or venue space, it’s often impossible to invite everyone who comes to mind. If you’re having difficulty deciding who deserves an invitation to your wedding, consider these seven helpful bridal tips to trim your guest list.

1). Take three: Once you know an overall number for your ideal guest list, divide that total by three. Assign one-third of the guest list to the bride’s parents and one-third to the groom’s parents. Then feel free to collaborate with your groom to complete the final third with guests you’d love to have in attendance.

While not all guests invited can attend, be prepared for a fully positive response from the guest list as you plan venue space and catering.

2). Family matters: If someone is family, they’ll likely need to be on your guest list. Have one aunt you’d rather avoid? Invite her along with the rest of the crew to keep the peace, avoid drama, and dodge hurt feelings within your extended family.

3). Focus on close friends: You can’t invite your whole Facebook friend list or phone book. If you couldn’t call someone up today and have a great conversation, then she probably isn’t a close enough friend to merit a wedding invitation.

4). Put the glass slipper on the other foot: Would you be insulted if you weren’t invited to this person’s wedding? If not, then don’t worry about adding him to your guest list.

5). Don’t be the bridal babysitter: Host an evening ceremony to set the tone for a more formal occasion. The time of the event as well as specific indications on the invitation will let your guests know that kids should be left at home.

6). Leave work at work: Unless a coworker is part of your close circle of friends, don’t extend the invitation. Simply inform your coworkers that you’d love their attendance, but your seating limit only allows for close friends and family.

7). Stay in the present: Only invite those who have been important in the past and continue to stay connected today. Continue to narrow your guest list to only include people to whom you’ll still be close with even one year of your wedding.

Trimming the guest list can be tough. When you discuss wedding invitees with your groom and families, keep in mind each other’s feelings and wishes. Stay calm, don’t fight, and be respectful. Soon, Richmond brides, you’ll have a fulfilling guest list of special people with whom to share your most special day!

Written by Allyson Siwajian © 2011

Photograph by Allyson Siwajian  © 2011

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Learn marriage essentials through a choreographed “First Dance” for your Richmond wedding

Posted on August 20, 2011 by admin

For my groom and me, learning choreography for our “first dance” wasn’t only about our hope to spare wedding guests from boredom. We also wanted to learn something new together, and a choreographed swing dance to an upbeat song was just our style. Now that’s saying something, Richmond brides. I hadn’t seen my groom dance prior to his selfless commitment to join me in our first dance pursuit. But he put his best foot forward for our special day, much to my delight. While I was expecting to learn a dance we could always cherish as ours, it was what I didn’t expect that most impacted our relationship. You see, brides, our first dance also taught us essentials for our marriage.

Discover new levels of communication and entertainment through your first dance.

When my groom and I began working on our first dance, we functioned as two individuals with different ways of operating. We had to learn to communicate constantly and in a language we both understood. As we progressed, I learned to rely on my groom and he learned to lead. Soon, I learned to have the courage to support his decision and follow. Likewise, he had to learn to take risks to try steps he knew would thrill me and romance me, without my needing to ask for them. Throughout the process, I had to respect my groom, have patience, and allow myself to trust him with no inhibitions.

By our wedding reception, we worked together with an unspoken understanding. So much so that we left the structure of our rehearsed routine behind and performed our steps on-the-fly. We had a blast! Together, we functioned as one unit, moving across the floor in sync and hand-in-hand. From this first dance, our first moments as husband and wife, we were connected.

Brides, while you have that connection to cultivate, you may find it helpful to start at the foundations of a first dance. If you’d like to try a choreographed dance, visit Richmond Bridal Showcase’s website. There you’ll find a list of professional dance instructors in Richmond, Virginia, and nearby areas. Make a consultation, view a performance, and decide which teacher best fits your learning styles.

Once you’ve chosen a dance studio, provide your instructor with your selected song and let them help you find which dance style best matches your groom’s and your personalities. With a professional to guide the process, you and your fiancé will soon discover your own method of communicating through dance. Then at the end of this journey, you’ll have essential skills to carry into your marriage as well as know steps to the perfect dance to share your love and entertain your wedding guests!

Brides, check back next week on Richmond Bridal Showcase’s blog for more wedding planning tips, created to help you become the best bride you can be for your most special day!

Written by Allyson Siwajian © 2011

Photograph by Jamison Frady of Quiet Art Photography © 2010  (Image used by permission.)

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I Said “YES!”: How to Start your Richmond Wedding Planning

Posted on August 12, 2011 by admin

Congratulations, brides and grooms! You’re engaged and ready to begin your Richmond wedding planning. But where do you start? If you’re recently engaged, take a look at these tips to start the planning process and skip the stress.

Richmond Bridal Showcase

Congratulations, Richmond brides!

  • Celebrate! Before you begin planning for the big day, take time to soak in this special moment that started it all. You said, “Yes!” Alert your friends and family of the big news. Make phone calls, send text messages, host an engagement party, and change that Facebook status. Whatever your style, share the joy with your groom and the people closest to you.
  • Choose your wedding date. Set aside time to seriously discuss dates with your groom. Take into consideration: work schedules, school semesters, major holidays (which may discourage out-of-town guests from traveling), seasonal weather, and special dates. Remember: If you choose a wedding date less than nine months in advance, you may to need be flexible due to wedding venues’ booked schedules.
  • Select your color scheme. Since finding the perfect date can be difficult, next take a break with this amusing activity. Choose two to three complementary colors to use in your wedding’s theme. While it’s best to choose one to two neutral tones and one accent color, you can select whatever colors pique your interest.
  • Attend a bridal show. With an ideal date in mind and chosen colors, you can begin to hire wedding professionals. In this phase, save yourself time, money, and stress by attending a bridal show. As you walk a bridal show’s aisles of wedding vendors all assembled in one location for one day, you can quickly narrow your options, speak with specialists in each field, and further obtain information. In addition, you’ll even gain bridal inspiration for reception décor and wedding party fashions for all styles and personalities. Accomplish more planning than you ever imagined possible in one day!

To learn more details or to buy tickets to Richmond’s premiere bridal show, please visit our website for Richmond Bridal Showcase. Choose a date and location that best fits you. Then save the date, grab your groom, and later enjoy a full day of successful wedding planning!

Want more wedding planning tips? Continue to visit Richmond Bridal Showcase’s Blog for more up-to-date planning tips and professional advice. As a premiere bridal show, we’ll consistently bring you what you need to create the wedding day of your dreams. This is where weddings begin, and we want you to enjoy every moment of your experience!

Written by Allyson Siwajian © 2011

Photograph provided by Richmond Bridal Showcase

Posted in Just Engaged, Richmond Bridal Showcase, Richmond Wedding Planning Tips | Leave a comment

Find Richmond Bridal Showcase on BRIDES.com

Posted on August 1, 2011 by admin
Brides magazine, Brides.com, Richmond Bridal Showcase

Hi, Richmond brides! Did you know you can find information about our bridal showcase through one of the nation’s best wedding planning resources, BRIDES magazine? Check out our latest update on BRIDES.com to find information about Richmond Bridal Showcase’s upcoming bridal show for all Virginia brides in the nearby area!

View Richmond Bridal Showcase on BRIDES.com here.

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Red, White, and Blue: Incorporate Fourth-of-July Inspiration into your Summer Wedding

Posted on July 13, 2011 by admin

In honor of the beautiful summer season and this month’s July 4th celebrations, let’s take a look at how you, Richmond brides, can tout your patriotism in a polished way for your wedding day. Gleaning inspiration from traditional Fourth of July trends, create a summer wedding that proudly displays the American spirit and stays classy!

RED, WHITE, and BLUE: Use this classic American theme for your wedding color scheme. For formal occasions, invite the groomsmen to don dark navy tuxedos with rich red ties and crisp white shirts. For informal events, consider dressing the guys in taupe suits, flashy red ties, and faintly blue shirts. Coordinate the bridesmaids in short, red-hot summer dresses for casual care or in luxurious, red-carpet gowns for elegant affairs.

HISTORY in the MAKING: Host your wedding in an area filled with history. Whether you choose an actual historical site or a venue that simply has the right look, your ceremony and reception sites will set the tone and provide memorable backdrops as you and your groom create your own history through your wedding day.

PICNIC BASKETS: As a Fourth of July celebration staple, include picnic baskets subtly throughout your wedding décor. Let flower girls carry wicker baskets with wide ribbon, and invite guests to take their programs from a white wicker basket in a centrally placed location. For casual receptions, consider using small picnic baskets to host a colorful assortment of flowers for table centerpieces.

CHECKERED CLOTH: While picnics and parties use checkered tablecloths, you’ll want to be a little more discreet if you use this pattern for your wedding. Include the checkered cloth as an accent. Intertwine thin, checkered ribbon and soft bows into centerpiece arrangements, wedding programs, and napkin rings.

TASTY BBQ FOOD: Indulge in American dishes fresh from the barbeque. For casual weddings, you may want to feature chicken strips, sliders, corn on the cob, and potato salad. But as your wedding’s formality level increases, elevate the style of food to fit the mood. For formal occasions, serve grilled steak, garlic mashed potatoes, balsamic asparagus, and fresh fruit.

BERRY CAKE: Pay tribute to the American-flag-shaped berry cake, but be treated to a traditional wedding cake as well. Ask a local bakery to design a traditional layered wedding cake with white buttercream frosting. Gently grace the top of each tier with fresh raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries.

Showcase the American spirit through your patriotic wedding day. Get creative with your party favors, wedding décor, and invitations while also maintaining the formality of your event. Have ideas? Post a comment to this blog or to Richmond Bridal Showcase’ Facebook Fan Page.

Want more ideas? Visit Richmond Bridal Showcase’s official website to find wedding professionals in every field. As you plan your Virginia weddings, celebrate your freedom to make each of your wedding decisions in the U.S. of A.!

Written by Allyson Siwajian © 2011

Photograph by PW Photography, as featured on Richmond Bridal Showcase’s website.

Posted in Ceremony and Reception Decor, Richmond Wedding Planning Tips, Wedding Inspiration Gallery, Wedding Party | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Hello Richmond brides!

Posted on July 11, 2011 by admin

Welcome to our official blog site! As you can see, we’re under construction right now. If you’d like to read wedding planning tips and advice from fellow brides in neighboring areas, please visit our sister site, Washington Bridal Showcase Blog, for brides in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area.

Soon, we’ll have our own posts available and targeted just to you!

For information about our bridal shows in the Richmond area, please visit our official website for Richmond Bridal Showcase.  Visit again soon to see what we’ll have in store for you!

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