This probably falls in the category of planning tips. That being said, I’ve never had a client concerned about how each place setting is set–that’s why we’re there! Still, in the spirit of the season of celebrations, here’s a little cheat sheet diagram.

from Pinterest

If you haven’t done so already, drop me a line and I’ll be happy to send you a copy of my new bookette, From tone to hue, which ones are best for you? 5 Tips for Choosing Your Wedding Colors.

As you’ve likely heard me say before, I think that choosing two colors and matching everything to them is old news, but having some sense of the colors you’d like to incorporate in your big day is helpful for several reasons. If the range of the rainbow is beyond overwhelming, these tips will help you pare down the choices.

photo: Jenna Walker Photography from Substance Styled Shoot

Winter weddings in Colorado are particularly cozy. Signature drinks for this time of year can range from holiday-inspired to mint or whiskey based or even chocolately. Here’s a few we like:

Pear and Sparkling Cider Cocktails 

Blood Orange Punch

Pomegrante-Champagne Punch

Ginger Sparkler

Thanks to Martha Stewart Living for these recipes and the photo.

Fall is traditionally the time for apples and cinnamon and heavier, richer drink choices. Here’s a few ideas to warm guests’ toes in the cool, fall air:

Autumn Punch

Apple Cider Cocktail

 Mulled Wine

Thank you to Better Homes and Gardens and Epicurious for these recipes and to Williams-Sonoma for the photo.

Fresh, crisp and light are keys for springtime signature drinks. It’s a great time of year to incorporate herbs and plants rather than just fruits and dried spices. Think lavender and thyme and mint and rose.

Here’s a few that fit the bill:

Blushing Bride  

Lavender Champagne

Vodka-Thyme Lemonade

Rose Wine Punch

Blackberry Crush

Thanks for Martha Stewart Living for these recipes and the photo above.

This week, we’re posting a series of seasonal signature drink recipes. If you’re not familiar with the idea of signature drinks, they’re a special drink (normally alcoholic, but certainly not necessary) served at weddings’ cocktail hours and perhaps throughout the course of the evening’s festivities.

 They’re also fun and appropriate for morning weddings, dessert buffets and even rehearsal dinners. The idea is to add a little  flare to the drink menu while limit the amount and perhaps variety of alcohol that needs to be purchased. It’s perfectly acceptable to offer guests beer, wine and a signature drink with one, two or no hard alcohol choices.

Without further ado, in honor of the hot, hot, hot weather, here are some recipes for summertime:

Pineapple Mimosas

Mango Mint Sparklers

Electric Lemonade

Fresh Melon Quenchers

Thanks to Better Homes and Gardens and Epicurious for these recipes and the photo above.

Apparently, Catherine and Prince William opted to follow the traditional British wedding schedule and hosted a mid-morning wedding (on a Friday no less) followed by a reception and then a dinner and dancing celebration at night. The festivities were capped off with a late-night disco party hosted by Prince Harry.

It was an all-day,  into the night affair. That schedule is uncommon in the US, but there are a number of advantages to consider:

• In Colorado, it’s generally thought that it’s more likely to rain briefly in the afternoon than in the morning. So, you’re more likely to be able to stick with plan A and host your ceremony outside like you’ve planned.
• Even if it’s not raining, it’s definitely cooler in the morning. That alone may be a reason to consider this schedule!
• People love to come to Colorado! Your guests will look forward to the chance to walk around downtown, head out for a hike or bike ride, try out climbing or kayaking. Giving them some time in the middle of the day to do these things will be welcomed.
• I can tell you firsthand that no matter how prepared you are, you will be nervous and excited on your actual wedding day. Before we got married, a friend suggested we schedule our ceremony early so we could tackle those nerves early on and enjoy the rest of the day. If you think you’re going to be extra nervous, it might be worth a second thought.
• Ummmm…two dresses! Sure, you can change out of your wedding dress and into another party dress, no matter where in the day your ceremony and reception lie, but like Kate, this schedule gives you the opportunity to wear a traditional wedding dress for the ceremony and then put on a short little fun, flirty, flouncy or more casual version for the evening’s party.

These are really just a start. I haven’t even mentioned how great brunch food can be or how fun it could be to host a mimosa bar!

Overall, what do you think? Do you like the idea of a morning ceremony and evening reception?

photo of Adrienne and Evan’s morning ceremony on Chautauqua’s Lawn by Rachael Grace Photography

Things are abuzz at Talia Events! Newly engaged couples are calling enlisting our help and those we’ve had the pleasure of working with for some time are beginning to shop for wedding invitations. It’s a fun time.

Wherever you are in the wedding planning process, your guest list may feel like it’s lurking behind every corner, the monkey on your back. So much seems to ride on that one list. It’s tough, but I would encourage you to do what may seem callous and…

Make multiple lists. Whether you call them A, B, and C or 1, 2, 3, it really doesn’t matter; they are, no matter how you look at it, staggered in order of importance. It’s ok. Really. Almost everyone has to have a top choice or must-have list and a next in line or hope to invite.

Know that your friends, family, former neighbors and co-workers, and Aunties that you’ve only seen once or twice won’t know which list they’re on. They won’t know that they almost didn’t make the cut.