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How to Plan a Valentine’s Day-Inspired Wedding: Romantic Ideas for Every Season

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Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and whether you’re getting married before or after the big day, it’s the perfect time to embrace the season of love. A Valentine’s-inspired wedding doesn’t have to be all hearts and roses—it can be elegant, subtle, and utterly romantic. In this blog, we’re sharing how to weave the magic of Valentine’s Day into your wedding, no matter when you’re tying the knot. 1. Color Palettes that Feel Like Love Valentine’s Day often brings to mind rich reds and soft pinks, but don’t be afraid to go beyond the typical color scheme. You can create a stunning atmosphere with a mix of soft blush, deep burgundy, or even modern metallics like rose gold. These colors will evoke romance without feeling overly "themed," perfect for a wedding anytime in February—or even the months that follow. 2. Romantic Décor Without the Overload  Think of delicate, meaningful touches like heart-shaped details in your table settings, elegant floral arrangements in soft h...

Now What ? Step 1: Defining Your Guest Count – A Crucial First Step in Wedding Planning

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  When you start planning your wedding, it’s easy to overlook just how much your guest count will affect the entire process. It’s not just about figuring out who’s sitting where—your guest list actually plays a huge role in two key areas: your budget and your venue. The more guests you invite, the bigger your wedding budget needs to be. So, think about this: do you picture a big, lively celebration with all your extended family, friends, and acquaintances? Or are you leaning toward a smaller, more intimate gathering with just your closest loved ones? Either way, having a bigger guest list means you’ll need more chairs, tables, food, and favors—and those little things can really add up fast! Knowing your guest count early on can help keep everything in sync, from choosing a venue to staying on track with your budget. Trust me, it makes the planning process so much smoother! Alright, let’s talk numbers. If you’re planning to invite around 100-150 guests to your wedding, you can expec...

Now What? Step Two: Finding Your Dream Venue

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Congratulations on Your Engagement! Now that you've shared the exciting news with your friends and family, it's time to focus on the next crucial step: selecting your wedding venue. Finding the perfect venue can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. To streamline the process, consider the following key factors: Guest Count Having an estimated guest count is essential. It helps you identify venues that can comfortably accommodate your party and assists vendors in providing accurate quotes for catering and other services. Venue Budget The venue typically accounts for about 30-40% of your total wedding budget. In 2024, the average cost of a wedding in the United States was approximately $33,000, according to Zola's 2024 Wedding Cost Report. zola.com This figure includes both the ceremony and reception. Keep in mind that costs can vary based on location, venue type, and the number of guests. 3. Type of Venue Consider the setting that aligns with your vision: Beach Barn Castle ...

Congrats, Your Engaged! Now what?

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Welcome, everyone! Today marks the start of our Now What series. In this series, we’ll dive into all the essential steps of wedding planning. It’s not as simple as it sounds – there are plenty of moving parts! You’ll need to choose the perfect venue in a great location, find a photographer who captures your moments beautifully, book a caterer whose food will wow your guests, and find a baker who can create that showstopping wedding cake. And let’s not forget about selecting an officiant to lead the ceremony and a decorator to bring your dream vision to life. It may sound overwhelming, but don’t worry, you’ve got this! In the Now What series, I’ll share tips, tricks, and advice on how to tackle each part of the planning process. I’ll also share real stories from my clients – the struggles they faced before hiring Thriving Flames and how we helped make their wedding day dreams come true. Stay tuned! Keep on Thriving, Markeeta Marty