Guest Blogging with The Good Life Special Events

While attending the Wedding Bootcamp in NYC that I wrote about in the previous post today, I met up with the husband and wife wedding planning team, Aleah and Nick, of The Good Life Special Events. They are based in San Diego, CA with a satellite office in Seattle, WA, so it was such a pleasure to be able to meet up with them while they were on the opposite coast of where they live. This was the week that I wished I lived closer to the city so I could have attended all the amazing events that took place (including the Eco-Beautiful Weddings launch party and the Preston Bailey book launch party).

Today, Aleah and Nick are joining me to share with your their top 5 tips for picking and booking a wedding reception venue. To see each tip in more depth, please visit their "Monday Coffee" post here. {photos showcased here are from weddings that Aleah and Nick have planned}

1. Make a list of your favorite places in your wedding town. Maybe it's a favorite hotel, a little inn, or even a restaurant. Be sure to check with these places to see what they can handle in regards to your estimated guest count.

2. Discuss Budget. Most of the time, there's will always be room to negotiate the minimums. For example, you can ask the catering manager what they could throw in. Maybe chivari chairs? Maybe waive the cake cutting fee? Some places will even waive the ceremony fee if the reception is being held at the same place.

3. Talk about minimums. Be sure you understand what a food and beverage minimum is. The minimum is the minimum price you agree to pay. So, for example, if your minimum is $15,000 but your guests/food/drink count only reaches $12,000, you are responsible to pay the $3,000 difference (plus tax/gratuity).

4. It's all about location. Be sure to have your location close to hotels for your out of town guests (or just a short taxi ride away).

5. Check with your venue. You will want to know how many weddings they have going on at one time.

Thank you to Aleah and Nick of The Good Life Special Events for sharing these great tips with my readers today. To read each tip in more depth, please be sure to stop by their blog.

About The Good Life Special Events
Known as the dynamic duo, husband and wife Nick and Aleah Valley plan and design weddings and events along the West Coast, nationwide, and abroad. With a company in Seattle and one in San Diego, they've been bringing their strengths and resources together since 2003 to create truly amazing events. Visit Aleah and Nick online here: The Good Life Special Events in Southern California and Fine Line Management & Events in Seattle

I've recently been in touch with Erica, the VP of Corporate Communications at Chelsea Piers Management, after she found me on twitter. She told me about an amazing wedding deal "that no one seems to know exists" in New York City. I guess it could be considered a little hidden gem in NYC for budget weddings with a beautiful view.
The space is called Sunset Terrace and you can host a wedding (or any sort of party) here for $75/head. And, this includes beer, wine and dinner!!!

Erica says the views are amazing and the space is gorgeous. Sunset Terrace is the same exact view as from The Lighthouse, just one floor up. Both of these spaces are part of Chelsea Piers. Other features of the Sunset Terrace includes a new redwood bar, wrap around terrace, and glass on four sides. Erica said it best when she wrote: "you can have the view and decor you dreamt about at a dream price".

Erica also wrote to let me know about another budget idea to consider at Chelsea Piers: "We also have a great bachelor party starter event at the Golf Club - beer, snacks and hitting for the guys starting at $45 a head - my husband actually started his bachelor party there and then went to dinner. It's a great way to stretch out the night without breaking the bank."

Thank you to Erica for sharing this great budget friendly option with my readers who are looking for a New York City wedding without the typical NYC wedding price tag.

I'm so happy to have Christina, author of Intimate Weddings: Planning a Small Wedding that Fits Your Budget and Style with us today. She has written a great article on how to have an intimate wedding that is BIG on charm. If you're planning a small wedding, please leave me a comment, I'd love to hear from you.

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Good things come in small packages, and that's especially true for weddings. Not only do couples save big bucks by having a small wedding, scaling back the guest list makes it easier to create the "wow" factor. When you've got fewer wedding guests, you can splurge on the things that really matter to you. For some that might be an out-of-this world dinner, for others it might be a five-piece jazz band or a designer wedding gown. Aside from your ability to really splurge on the things that matter, a small wedding opens up the doors to a variety of venue options. What better way to have a 'wow' wedding than in a charming setting? Here are five intimate wedding venues that are sure to charm:

Restaurant - Are you a foodie? Do you have a favorite bistro, or fine dining restaurant? Why not find out if the venue can host your wedding? Restaurants and lounges are becoming an increasingly popular choice for couples looking for small wedding venues. Although all restaurants are different, many have intimate surroundings that are ideal for small guest lists. And they can save you money. Having a restaurant reception means not having to rent tables, chairs, tableware and glassware. Some venues will also provide linens. And as far as convenience goes - there's no need to hire a caterer. The chef is already in the house!

Inn or Bed and Breakfast - Inns and bed and breakfasts are ideal small wedding venues. Whether you want a small decadent indoor wedding or a simple garden wedding on a budget, there's sure to be an inn or bed and breakfast to suit your needs. Although many couples choose inns that they have previously stayed at to get married, some couples choose small wedding venues they've never visited. It might be an inn just a few blocks away, or one on the other side of the country - or even the globe.

Art Gallery - Are you an artsy type? Why not have your wedding reception at an art gallery? A few years ago, art gallery weddings were about as fringe as Mohawk hairdos. But as popularity of more personalized and intimate weddings has risen, so has the need for unique venues. Art galleries across North America have quickly caught on and many are now marketing themselves as ideal places to hold a wedding reception. Both large and small galleries offer rental space for weddings - and many offer full blown wedding packages. If you are more the DIY wedding type, there are plenty of galleries that will let you 'have at it' for your wedding day. Winery - Miles of rolling hills strung with lush green grapevines that are ripe with plump, sweet grapes. It's no wonder that so many brides and grooms head to wine country to tie the knot.

A vineyard is a gorgeous setting to say 'I do.' Whether you are looking for an outdoor ceremony amidst the vines, or an intimate wine themed reception indoors overlooking the vineyard, wineries are ideal small wedding venues for couples wanting to add the splendor of nature to their nuptials. Wineries not only provide a picturesque setting, many are equipped to meet a couple's wedding day needs from start to finish.

At Home - The words wedding and home don't always go together, especially if you are having a big guest list. However, if you have opted for a small wedding the two can be a match made in heaven. At-home weddings are becoming increasingly popular, especially for couples who want to add a personal touch to their weddings. With 60 percent of couples living together, many already own homes and love the idea of tying the knot there. Others couples may choose to get married at the home of a relative or friend.

Remember that just because you choose to have a small wedding, doesn't mean that you shouldn't start your search for a venue early. Places can book up over a year in advance - especially if they're high on charm. So go ahead, sit down with your spouse-to-be and make a list of potential sites. Is there a place that has special meaning to you? Maybe it's the bed and breakfast you stayed at last summer or the restaurant on the corner. Or maybe it's your own backyard.

Christina Friedrichsen is the author of Intimate Weddings: Planning a Small Wedding that Fits Your Budget and Style. For more small wedding ideas please visit The Intimate Weddings Blog.

Thank you Christina for taking the time to write this superb article for my readers.

Above images courtesy of Brides.com: Restaurant Reception {15 guests} at 212 Restaurant & Bar, NYC, Outdoor Garden Wedding at the Richmond House, TX, Art Gallery Reception at Hamilton Building, PA, Vineyard Wedding at Firestone Vineyard, CA from Brides, Backyard Wedding, Outdoor Wedding {85 guests} at Wild Horse Inn, CO

I've received an email from Kellyann regarding destination weddings in Las Vegas that contained an amazing statistic. According to her email, "destination weddings are more popular than ever with getaway ceremonies up 400 percent in the last two years alone". Wow!

The email was about the resorts of MGM Mirage offering the opportunity for brides and grooms to tie the knot in 4 distinctly unforgettable ways. The press release follows (which one is your style?):

Number 1: Those with a courageous spirit can exchange vows underneath the shark tunnel inside Mandalay Bay's Shark Reef Aquarium as sharks and other dangerous predators float by. The Shark Reef Ceremony, priced at $1,175.00, features 45 minutes inside the aquarium complete with a private pianist, photographer, bride's petite bouquet, groom's boutonniere, bridal garter, personalized wedding album, custom wedding certificate holder and a bottle of champagne. Designed like an ancient temple slowly sinking into the ocean, Shark Reef Aquarium is 95,574 square feet and holds 1.6 million gallons of water, featuring 16 different species of sharks and more than 2,000 animals. With a maximum of 10 guests, Shark Reef is perfect for those couples with a small but intimate and memorable ceremony in mind. For reservations, contact the wedding chapel at Mandalay Bay at 877-632-7701 or weddings@mandalaybay.com.

Number 2: The hotel that introduced the concept of the destination resort to Las Vegas invites guests to wed amidst its lush tropical beauty. The new wedding packages of The Mirage - "Simply Elegant," "Exotic Delights" and "The Sophisticate" - offer romantic ceremonies in a stunning poolside location or within a private indoor venue. Priced at $1,900, $1,950 and $2,100 respectively, packages offer brides three distinct styles of spectacular floral arrangements. An officiant, bouquet for the bride and boutonnière for the groom also are included. The talented chefs of The Mirage also are available to create delectable menus and wedding cakes for the perfect reception bash. For reservations, contact Chantay Sandoval in The Mirage Banquet Services Department at 800-939-9389 or via e-mail at csandoval@mirage.com.

Number 3: The "Wedding a la Carte" Menu at Treasure Island offers couples a budget-friendly way to personalize their ceremony. Starting at just $200 for a 15-minute union complete with a non-denominational minister and traditional music, the "Wedding a la Carte" menu features a variety of options to create a customizable experience. Couples looking for a traditional wedding with keepsakes, bridal bouquet and a DVD of the ceremony will be just as satisfied as those seeking a more luxurious package with his and her robes, a bottle of bubbly and a suite in which to celebrate. For reservations, contact The Wedding Chapels at Treasure Island at 888-818-0999.

Number 4: At Mandalay Bay, engaged couples are invited to say "I do" in the luxurious Villas Soleil of Mandalay Bay Beach. The "Sun Villa" Package features a 15-minute ceremony and full use of the indulgent cabana for the rest of the day including a $200 food and beverage credit. Additional amenities include Coconut Crème Pedicures at Spa Mandalay for the happy couple, a large bouquet for the bride, a boutonnière for the groom, one night in a honeymoon suite and a DVD of the ceremony. Couples also receive twelve 4x6 photographs presented in a beautiful album as well as two 8x10 and six 5x7 images. Priced at $4,350, the Sun Villa Package is available Sunday through Thursday only. Guests are limited to a maximum of 25 attendees. Each must be 21 years of age or older. For reservations, contact the wedding chapel at Mandalay Bay at 877-632-7701 or weddings@mandalaybay.com.

PS - please look for the weekly BridalGuide.com tip to return next week.

According to Kelly McLeskey of the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa in Sonoma Valley, CA - The white wedding is back, as is vintage (think re-use) and weekend themed events. Kelly reveals What's Haute for our readers . . .

White Hot
"Last year a lot of weddings focused on bright robust colors, this year we are seeing more neutral tones with shots of color in flowers, etc. Soft, sheer fabrics and floral prints are (also) back in all shapes and sizes. I think you will see bright and bold in the bridesmaid dresses then hints of those colors through out the wedding but the color won't be the main focus it will accent or compliment the wedding."

Vintage Chic
"The eco-chic bride is incorporating vintage elements and touches into their galas. Vintage Wedding Gowns, Vintage Rings, Vintage Cars, Vintage China & Crystal are the new California rage."

Put it on Paper
"Invitation and wedding stationary is hotter than ever! Lots of brides are putting a lot of time and money into their invitations...creating a monogram, a logo, a motif for their wedding that is carried through out the entire wedding. This original design work in being incorporated into the wedding cake, menus, escort cards, and welcome letters."

Make it Last
"The WEEKEND WEDDING is definitely growing in popularity. Today's fashionable bride is planning an entire weekend of (themed) planned activities- not just the wedding ceremony, but 2-3 days of events where every guest is included. For example I recently planned a weekend wedding that included a Thursday (evening) welcome reception, Friday golf for the guys and Spa Day for the girls with lunch, Friday night the entire party was invited to the rehearsal dinner, Saturday wedding, and (morning after) Sunday brunch send off. Weddings are smaller and more intimate too, 125 guests or less."

Renowned for natural mineral waters, unparalleled charm and gracious service, the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, is located 40 miles north of the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge at 100 Boyes Blvd. in Sonoma Valley, the heart of Northern California's wine country. A recipient of both the AAA-Four Diamond and Mobil-Four Star Award, the resort consistently provides the country's finest European spa experience. For reservations please call 1-800- 441-1414 or (707) 938-9000, or visit the Inn's website.

above images courtesy of Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa