What do you do at the Rehearsal Dinner?

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Image by Beth Mickalonis Photo, Table Settings and florals by Takk housE / Meadowlark catering

Have you planned your entire wedding day and are are now wondering:

“What do you do at the rehearsal dinner?”

The good news, there are so many fun and engaging ways to celebrate!
Traditionally, the rehearsal dinner is a dinner or gathering that takes place just after your rehearsal ceremony and prior to your wedding day.

So, again, what do you do at the rehearsal dinner? You enjoy quality time with those you love! That can mean a seated dinner, cocktail style gathering, simple snacks and a movie or game night, casual cook out, a glam rock party for farmhouse guests only, ice cream social, etc. This is YOUR weekend so you can spend time with your guests in whatever way feels authentic to you!

**Fun fact, as part of your coordination services (included in your wedding package), we will run your rehearsal ceremony for you. This can help ease any nerves you may have and ensure you, your family and wedding party understand how the ceremony will run. Our plan is to limit any confusion so you feel comfortable walking into your wedding day. You are also welcome to host a rehearsal dinner and/or welcome party onsite, included in your wedding package. Just add the vendors you love to make it a truly unique event!

When it comes to planning your rehearsal dinner, there are a few things to think through:

  1. Who do you want to spend your extended quality time with during your wedding weekend?

    THE REHEARSAL DINNER - Traditionally, the attendees of the rehearsal dinner are those that are participating in your wedding ceremony, and are therefor attending the rehearsal of that ceremony. This can be family members, your wedding party, officiant, readers, performers and significant others of these individuals. At The Maples Estate, there may also be some guests staying in the farmhouse onsite that you will likely include. Most rehearsal dinners here at The Maples Estate tend to range between 20 to 30 guests. Remember, this is most often people you have chosen to include in your ceremony and likely your closest loved ones.

    THE WELCOME EVENT - Sometimes our clients are looking for a larger gathering of guests where those who have traveled to attend the wedding can come say hello and spend some additional quality time together before the wedding day. This is usually what we call a “Welcome Party!” Welcome parties are a fun way to engage with your guests and enjoy additional time with them throughout your weekend. Before you plan a welcome party and invite all your guests to the event, ask yourselves, “what do we want to be doing the night before our wedding? Are you an extravert that LOVES spending time around others? Maybe you are an introvert that prefers to store up some energy to go all out on your wedding day? Keep this in mind as you are making decisions about the events you wish to host throughout the weekend, and the people you wish to spend your quality time with.

    1. If the answer is extending the party and interacting with all your guests two nights in a row, plan a fun welcome party!

    2. If that sounds like too much, don’t be afraid to have a simple dinner and lounge on the veranda in your PJs enjoying late night s’mores.

    3. Maybe you love cooking and are excited to prepare a simple meal with your closest family and friends, sharing stories over an extended dinner table.

    Determine your events and guest list based around the experience you wish to enjoy that evening!

  2. How relaxed or formal do you want this gathering to be?

    Now that you know who your guests at the rehearsal dinner and/or welcome party will be, think about how you want to engage with these individuals. Do you want a formal sit down dinner? Do you prefer a casual hang out with lounge furniture, board games or a movie projected onto the pavilion? Do you want to encourage small group or one on one conversations, group activities? Do you want to have a small dinner followed by a larger casual gathering?

    Let’s go back to your guest list. Is the setting or activity you are envisioning feasible with the number of guests you have chosen to invite? Logistically and financially? If not, pair down your guest list to spend valuable quality time with those in attendance.

  3. What level of support do you require from vendors to help you pull off your vision?

    Does your vision include a sit down dinner with family style plated meals? What about a silent disco or comfortable lounge setup with vintage furniture? Maybe you want a more casual cookout with just your house guests? This vision will help you determine which vendors you will need to hire. This might include a caterer, bartender, vintage rental company, DJ, florist, etc. Do you want images of this gathering? Do you need a photographer or videographer to capture the moments? Maybe your vision doesn’t require any vendor support since you will be under 20 guests with a simple cookout utilizing the grill and farmhouse kitchen?

  4. What food and beverage options reflect the setting you wish to create?

    Your vision for the rehearsal dinner and/or welcome party may include food and beverages. If this is the case, think about the setting. Does your vision require a full service caterer for buffet, plated or family style meals? Maybe you envision a more casual setting and would prefer to hire a food truck for casual bites or a private chef for a small group meal?

    Our catering blog post is a great place to start when selecting vendors. You can also check out this blog post about alcohol permits to figure out what permit or level of support you might require.

  5. What other factors might be helpful to think through when planning the rehearsal dinner?

    RSVP - Ask your guests to RSVP for this event. You won’t regret it! It will help you plan when it comes to food and beverage, the location and setting for the event. It also raises the chance that those guests will show up!

    Expectations - It’s pretty common that couples see their rehearsal dinner or welcome event as a much more casual event than their wedding. If this is the case, share that with your guests. If they show up thinking there will be a formal dinner and you have a super casual pizza party or desserts only with tunes and board games, they may feel overdressed, hungry and unsure how to interact with the event. Setting expectations limits confusion and ensures guests interact with the event in the way you would like them to!

    Start Time - You may think it’s helpful for your guests to have a casual “come by anytime between 6pm and 9pm” but in reality it’s a huge a pain when it comes to planning. Your guests will likely be confused as to when they should arrive and therefor many of your guests will come late. By that time, food can be cold, the first guests to arrive may feel out of place and the party may feel a bit awkward until everyone is onsite! If you set a start time you can ensure the party gets going right away with all the fun vibes!

    Another factor that affects the start time is sunset! Remember, this is the first time most of your guests will be arriving to The Maples Estate. Pulling up to the venue once it’s dark can make it hard for guests to get their bearings. With such a large property, we want your guests to see the venue for the first time in daylight. This is not usually a question in June, July or August but this is definitely a factor for fall weddings when the sun is setting around 6 or 7pm. If you will host a welcome event after your rehearsal dinner, make sure your welcome event starts well before sunset.

    Location - Think about your vision for the rehearsal dinner and/or welcome event and also your guest list. Is the best setting on our veranda? What about outside the pavilion on our cocktail lawn, or in the tree grove? During coordination services we will talk through the best location for each of your events based on the guest count, vendor selection and the vibes you are going for!

    Remember, the farmhouse restrooms are for farmhouse guests only and your other guests will need to use the portable restrooms at the pavilion. This may affect where you chose to host your events.

    Logistics - Remember to think through the little details! There is nothing worse than being distracted when you are just trying to have fun with your loved ones! There are a lot of things to think through leading up to your wedding. When you are going for a casual setting and have limited support from vendors, you may forget about things like plates, napkins, silverware, serving utensils, music, entertainment, table decor, linens, ice, beverages, an SLA permit, etc. You may think these little things don’t matter too much, but your guests will notice and it’s just one more item to think about when you are simply trying to have fun and engage with your guests. Always air on the side of hiring support if you want a seamless event without worrying about those little details. We will help you think through the plan and provide your tables, chairs and basic setup, but hiring vendors for key elements like food and beverages will ensure you are covered!

So what now? How do you move forward with planning your rehearsal dinner or welcome party?

Now that you have answered these questions, solidify your vision and start checking the boxes in bringing it to life. Check out our catering blog post to find vendors that match your unique rehearsal dinner vision! If you are a Maples Estate client, you can also view our private vendor guide for additional vendor suggestions!

Are you a full planning or coaching client? Let’s chat through your vision during one of our monthly zoom calls!

Find additional planning support in our inspiration blog and learn more about our wedding packages to host your own wedding here!

Wedding Timeline 4pm Ceremony

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About to send invitations and haven’t yet set your wedding timeline?

 

“What time should we tell guests to arrive for our ceremony?”

We hear you and have you covered!! It can be hard to set your wedding timeline as there are so many little details to think through as you make your decision. It’s important to note that every wedding is different (especially here at The Maples Estate) so the answer to this question will change depending on your wedding vision. At The Maple Estate, it’s most common that wedding timelines have a 4pm ceremony start time. Though this is often the case, let’s chat through some items that might effect your decision.

  1. Do you have a more traditional wedding vision?

    By traditional, I mean ceremony to cocktail hour to dinner and reception. If that’s the case, you will likely start your wedding between 3pm and 5pm. If you have a nontraditional wedding vision such as a brunch wedding, twilight ceremony, field day, etc. your timeline may be completely different. If that’s the case, scratch tradition and build a timeline that speaks to you!

  2. If you have guests staying at a hotel, what time is check in?

    Most hotels will have a 3pm check in time, though some do vary from that. If many of your guests are arriving to the hotel on your wedding day, you might want to consider this when planning your ceremony start time. If they check in around 3pm, they should be available to depart the hotel between 3:30pm and 3:45pm. Depending on where your guests are staying (most accommodations are located 10-40 minutes away from our venue) they will also require some travel time from their lodging to your ceremony. In this case you can look at a 4pm or 4:30pm start time.

    Have a shuttle? Keep this in mind as you are scheduling your shuttle hotel departure.

  3. How long do you think your ceremony will be?

    Most often in a wedding timeline, 30 min. is scheduled for your ceremony. If you know you will have a longer ceremony with an extended script, readings, performances, religious elements, etc. you may want to allocate 45-60 minutes for your ceremony.

  4. How long do you think you will need for photos during your cocktail hour?

    Everyone has a different vision for how they want to celebrate their wedding! Often cocktail hours are 60 minutes, however, this can change if you require a longer period of time for photos. Many of our couples choose to hold a ‘first look’ prior to their ceremony which allows you to complete the majority of your formal personal and wedding party photos before your ceremony begins. This means cocktail hour can be used for family photos. If you do not care about formal photos or you complete photos prior to your ceremony, good news, you get to enjoy your full cocktail hour with your guests!

    If you hold off on seeing each other until you walk down the aisle, you will likely need a longer period of time for your photos, unless you are not planning to have formal photos taken. If that’s the case, check in with your photographer. They will likely suggest you plan for a 90 minute cocktail hour to ensure you have plenty of time.

  5. What time do you want to eat dinner?

    This may seem like a simple question but it’s often a main driver when it comes to setting your ceremony start time. Dinner is most often served 30 min to 1 hour after your reception begins.

    During your coordination services, we will talk through a plan for eating throughout your wedding morning, however your wedding day can be a whirlwind and you may forget to eat. You may even have butterflies that make it a bit difficult. For this reason, plan for an earlier dinner than you would normally eat at home.

    For a 4pm ceremony, dinner often begins around 6pm. You may think that you will be snacking during your cocktail hour but sometimes this is difficult if you are off taking photos.

  6. What time is sunset?

    This may be something you forget to think about. June, July and August weddings are the best for daylight, but as we get closer to fall, the sunset will affect your timeline. Ask google, “what time is sunset on (insert wedding date)?”. We always want to have your reception begin before the sun sets. This allows you and your guests to enjoy the views and settle in before it’s dark outside.

  7. How many hours did you hire your photographer for? What time do they depart?

    Your photographer is one of those vendors that is around for the majority of your wedding day. Think about what details you want to be captured in your images. Many couples enjoy having photos of them getting ready through any formalities, cake cutting and of course dancing! Say you booked an 8 hour package with your photographer, this can have a pretty serious affect on your wedding timeline to ensure all those experiences can be captured before they depart!

  8. Hair + Makeup can take longer than you think!

    Unrelated to your wedding start time, hair and makeup is something to think about as you start to plan your wedding day. Most hair and makeup teams have 1-3 professionals for your entire wedding party, friends and family members that will partake in ‘getting ready’ onsite. Each person partaking in hair and makeup can take 30-90 minutes depending on the services they require, the hairstyle and makeup technique they chose. Check with your hair + makeup artists to determine the best start time for your group, keeping in mind that the number of individuals served and professionals supporting you will change the time required.

 

Let’s look at a basic wedding timeline with a 4pm ceremony!

 

9:00am | Hair + Makeup

2:00pm | First Look + Photos

3:30pm | Guests Start to Arrive

4:00pm | Ceremony Begins

4:30pm | Cocktail Hour + Final Photos

5:30pm | Reception Begins + Formalities

6:00pm | Dinner Served

7:00pm | Formalities

7:30pm | Dancing + Party + Dessert Served

 

Worried about the little details?

Remember, at The Maples Estate we work with each of our clients to build a comprehensive in depth timeline for your wedding weekend. This is included in your package and is determined during your coordination services which begin 8 weeks prior to your wedding.

For couples that have our wedding planning and design or coaching packages, we create a draft timeline in the first stage of planning as we are creating your wedding design board. We use this when communicating with and selecting vendors.

Find more answers to your questions on our inspiration blog and learn more about our wedding packages to celebrate with us!

Sustainable Wedding Ideas for Eco-conscious Couples

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In today's world, couples are increasingly aware of the significant impact we all have on our planet. It's no surprise that we've received many inquiries lately from couples seeking unique and sustainable wedding ideas to help celebrate their wedding. So, let's explore some eco-conscious wedding ideas that merge style, sentiment, and sustainability for the eco-conscious couple.

It all starts with a sustainable wedding venue

Right from the beginning of your wedding planning journey, prioritizing sustainability can be a central theme. It's no coincidence that you've discovered The Maples Estate, aligning with your love of the outdoors and offering you the freedom to curate an authentic celebration. Our venue has unique antique charm and remains conscientious of our ecological footprint with strategic gardens, grass paths and wild meadows. Nestled in the outdoors, our space provides an opportunity to enjoy breathtaking natural landscapes which are home to our local wildlife including deer, eagles, heron, bunnies, turtles, fish, frogs, fire flies, bees, squirrels, and more!

At The Maples Estate, we consolidate all your events in one location, facilitating meaningful connections while minimizing your carbon footprint. Moreover, we encourage guests to immerse themselves in the local community, supporting nearby businesses and neighborhoods during their stay. Additionally, upon booking, we provide a curated list of vendors including those that are local and eco-conscious. Embracing the ethos of reuse, we even offer our very own prop and rentals inventory, include tables and chairs in your package, and collaborate with specialty rental companies, enabling you to opt for reusable decor, linens, tableware, and even furniture, thereby reducing the consumption of new materials.

Amidst our stunning landscapes and vintage-inspired interiors, our venue allows for understated yet refined designs and encourages you to work with vendors that match your unique style and wedding vision. Imagine incorporating potted plants, dried florals, and repurposed elements.

As owners we embody an eco-friendly lifestyle ourselves by living in an off grid converted school bus (skoolie) on the property which has solar power and composting capabilities.

Ethical Invitations & Pre-Loved Stationery

From the beginning of your guests experience you can share your love of the environment! Why not opt for invitations made from recycled paper or scratch tradition with colorful digital invites. Consider sending paperless save-the-dates to reduce paper waste, and for printed elements, source stationery from companies using recycled materials or choose plantable options. Embrace pre-loved stationery or repurpose paper goods for a unique touch.

Sustainable and Rented Attire

Couples can champion sustainability in their attire choices by opting for garments crafted from eco-conscious fabrics such as organic cotton, hemp, or recycled materials. Consider the eco-friendly option of renting a wedding gown or suit, significantly lessening the environmental impact linked with clothing production. Alternatively, explore stores that specialize in pre-loved or vintage wedding attire, extending their lifecycle and reducing the demand for new production.

Eco-Conscious and Veg Catering

Work alongside your caterer to craft a menu that celebrates locally sourced, organic, and seasonal ingredients. In addition, why not embrace the tasty world of plant-based cuisine, offering a variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes that your guests will love. Partner with caterers well-versed in eco-friendly practices and prioritize the use of reusable or compostable dinnerware to minimize waste. Some caterers may include dishware in their package or you can source from local rental companies. Ask your caterer if they are able to incorporate composting stations and / or recycling bins for their kitchen prep, bar service and cleanup. Encouraging such culinary practices contributes to a sustainable and environmentally conscious dining experience for you and your guests. Extend sustainability post-celebration by asking your caterer to donate any leftover food to a shelter.

Tablecloths with a Story

Sourcing reused and vintage tablecloths and runners is a great way to bring life to your celebration! Not only do they tell a fun color story, but they also add unique character to your tablescape. Hunt for these treasures in antique stores, flea markets, or through specialized vintage rental services, where each tablecloth carries its own unique history. Wanting a more consistant look? Rent linens from your caterer or a rental company instead of purchasing them on your own. You can also opt for rented wooden tables that do not require the use of a linen.

Sustainable Floral Choices

Wanting cut florals at your wedding? Opt for locally sourced blooms grown by eco-conscious florists dedicated to reducing their environmental impact. Consider seasonal flowers indigenous to your region, minimizing carbon footprint and supporting local growers. Embrace the art of wildflower arrangements or dried florals, extending the lifespan of your blooms beyond the celebration. Choose adaptable and light weight floral arrangements for your ceremony to repurpose them at your reception and talk to your florist to find areas of impact to provide interest while minimizing the amount of blooms required.

By incorporating such mindful choices into your floral arrangements, you not only create breathtaking aesthetics but also play a part in preserving the planet's natural beauty. Consider donating your florals to local restaurants or a nursing home following your celebration, or even drying them for future use in your home. If these are not options for you personally, ask your florist if they are able to compost items for you. If not, we can compost them onsite at The Maples Estate.

Looking for something a little different? We have seen some pretty fun alternative floral options including wooden flowers and even a beaded bouquet!

Source Pre-Loved Decor

For those seeking unique and sustainable wedding decor, thrift and antique shops and online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace and eBay offer a treasure trove of possibilities. Sort through these digital aisles or wander through brick and mortar stores to discover an array of pre-loved decor items. There are also some incredible local rental companies offering unique finds that will elevate your design! Check out our props and rental inventory and collaborate with specialty rental companies to find reusable decor, linens, tableware, and even furniture.

Zero-Waste Gifts & Favors

Express gratitude to guests with eco-conscious favors such as potted plants, homemade vegan treats, or reusable items. Encourage experiences over physical gifts and suggest donations for animal sanctuaries, renewable energy, carbon offset projects and other environmental organizations. You can even go as far as gifting saplings to your guests or planting a tree at your home or in your neighborhood to commemorate your wedding and offset your wedding's carbon footprint.

Sustainable Transportation

Encourage guests to carpool, use eco-friendly transportation options, or even offer shuttle services to reduce the carbon footprint of travel throughout your wedding weekend.

There are numerous avenues to lessen our impact on the planet!

Your wedding presents a wonderful opportunity not only to adopt these ideas personally, but also express your passion for the environment to your guests. Collaborating with vendors who share this same passion ensures that your wedding embodies sustainability in every aspect.

 
 

Find more tips on planning your dream wedding below!

 

When should you send wedding invitations out?

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Wedding invitation suite for vintage cowboy wedding

Suite designed by Handmade Darling printed on acrylic and paper.

 

When it comes to wedding planning there are so many little details to juggle!

At The Maples Estate we help our couples stay on track with wedding planning by providing each of our clients with a personalized digital wedding planning checklist in your client portal. You can follow along with the scheduled tasks by date, check off items on your to do list and update your checklist to suit your individual wedding!

One of the tasks that we tend to get questions about though, is

“When should we send our wedding invitations out?”

What details should we include in our wedding invitation?
Do wedding invitations need to be physical or is a digital invite okay?
Do we need to send Save The Dates? Can they be sent digitally?
Do we need to create a wedding website?
What do we include on our wedding website?

Also, what’s so important about getting all those details in a physical or digital form that our guests can access and respond to?

With many of our clients guest counts at 50-150 guests, that’s a lot of people to wrangle, call, email or text leading up to your wedding. You want to make sure your guests have all the information they need to RSVP, schedule their travel, book a hotel, select their meals, dress to impress and all arrive on time! Your save the date, wedding invitation and website are your saving grace in helping your guests navigate your wedding weekend without reaching out to you for direction.

So, let’s chat through all these questions and look at some sample wedding invitations for reference as you start to think through your own invites.

 
Invitation suite for romantic boho wedding upstate

Suite designed by Handmade Darling printed on hand torn paper.

 

First off, let’s answer that big question: “When should we send our wedding invitations out?”

Answer: At least 8 weeks prior to your wedding weekend - 12 to 20 weeks is even better!

Let’s explain: Every wedding is a bit different, but at the latest you should give your guests 6 to 8 weeks to respond. You will also need enough time after the ‘RSVP by date’ to follow up with guests that you have not yet heard from, finalize your guest count, confirm meal selections with your caterer, set your floor plan, and print your seating chart and place cards - give yourself 2-4 weeks for this. You do have more wiggle room if your caterer does not need exact guest counts or meal selections and if you are skipping assigned seating.

You will also want to give your guests as much time as possible to confirm their schedule, take time off work, book their travel and accommodations.

 

It’s all in the details

What details should we include in our wedding invitations?

Like I mentioned before, the more details you provide your guests, the less questions they will ask you.

Every invitation will be different depending on the couple but let’s review an invitation suite from one of our wedding coaching clients here at The Maples Estate! I will point out all those key items that your guests will want to know upfront. Keep in mind that they also sent save the dates and have a wedding website where their guests can find more information about their wedding.

 
Wedding invitation with colorful florals

Common items included in an invitation suite

  • Invitation Card

  • Response Card + Meal Selection + Envelope

  • Mailing Envelope

  • Postage

Additional items you might want to include

  • Design Images / Invitation Wrapper

  • Details Card(s)

    • Directions

    • Additional Weekend Events

    • Accommodations

    • Transporation

  • QR Code Linked to Your Website

 
Wedding invite details page for colorful summer wedding

Invitation Card

Couple Names
Many couples like to have full spelling of their individual names.

Reference Families
Many couples choose to reference their family as part of the invite.

Wedding Date
Note the date of your main wedding events.

Arrival Time and/or Start Time
Note the time that your events will begin. Many guests will arrive early so it’s best not to add a buffer period into your start time. Instead you can list a suggested arrival time.

Location
Include the address of your first event.

Any other events to follow
Note any additional event details so guests have an idea of how the day will go.

 
Wedding invitation accommodations and brunch details card

Details Card(s)

Together in one card or separately through multiple cards, list out important details such as:

Accommodations & Room Blocks
If you have a room block or suggested location for guests to stay, it’s a great idea to include these details in your invitation. Include the name of the lodging site, address, any details for making a reservation, etc.

Rehearsal Dinner, Welcome Events or Farewell Brunches
If everyone is able to attend additional events throughout your wedding weekend, feel free to include them in your invite. If the guest list for these events are limited, it’s better to include a specific card just for those invited or a digital invite sent separately.

Transportation
If you will have a shuttle it’s great to list the times and location in your invite. You can also provide notes about taxis and ride share services or the closest airport, train or bus stations.

Suggested Attire
If you have specific thoughts on what your guests should wear you can also include this in your invite. Things like pastel colors, black and white, formal, casual, no skinny heals, bring layers, etc.

 
Colorful wedding invitation rsvp card

RSVP Card

Response Date
Include a deadline to respond. We suggest 2-4 weeks before your wedding. Include all wedding events unless they are drop in.

Physical Card + Envelope -or- QR Code + Password
Give your guests a place to RSVP. That can be a physical card with return envelope and stamp or even a digital response using a QR code and password or email.

Meal Selections
Many caterers will ask you to include a meal option on your invites to confirm the guests meal selection. Confirm with your caterer ahead of time what date they need responses by. Example: Chicken, Beef, Fish, Veggie, etc.

 
Wedding invitation colorful design for summer wedding

Design Elements and Postage

This is the fun part where you can show your personality and also give a glimpse into your wedding design with colors, patterns and vibes!

Design Elements
Invitations can have many design elements from wrappers to ties to seals or decorative cards.

Envelope
Don’t forget a colorful envelope to stand out in the mail! You may also want to include an envelope for your RSVP card.

Postage
Postage can be a fun design element to make your envelope pop! You may also want to include postage for your RSVP card.

Wedding Invitation Q&A

  • Digital invites are a great way to save money and streamline the RSVP process. However, some couples and guests enjoy having the physical cards as mementos following the wedding. An invite can also be included in your flat lay which may be something your photographer shoots for you on your wedding day. See examples below!

  • Many couples choose to send Save The Dates once their wedding date and guest list is set. That way their guests have time to block the date on their calendar and plan ahead. This can be as simple as an email to your guests and could also be sent digitally or in physical form similar to your invite. You would provide your guests with the date of your wedding as well as the location so they have an idea for travel purposes. The save the date does not include an RSVP option and is simply announcing your wedding date and location.

  • You do not have to do anything, but if you are looking to limit the number of texts, calls and emails leading up to and on your wedding day, a wedding website is a great option! This is a place where you can tell your story, share your engagement photos, faqs and repeat the details on the invite in the case it gets lost.

  • The more information you provide your guests the better! Repeat details from your invitation including the wedding date, location, start time, other events, link to RSVP.

    Share your engagement photos

    Share Your Story! How you met, your proposal story, wedding party features, etc.

    Guest FAQs: Lodging, transportation, wedding attire, venue setting, fun activities + attractions nearby, wedding gift registry, etc.

 

Wedding Invitation Inspiration!

Romantic Boho Wedding

Suite designed by Handmade Darling printed on hand torn paper.

Pink romantic boho wedding invitation suite
invitation suite for vintage boho wedding in upstate new york

Green and White Outdoor Wedding

Jenna & Jay’s wedding at The Maples Estate in late August.

Invitation suite for outdoor summer wedding
Wedding invitation suite for outdoor wedding in upstate new york

Pink & Green Late Summer Wedding

Brooke & Scott’s wedding at The Maples Estate in mid September.

Pink and green wedding invitation suite
Wedding invitation suite for pink and green wedding in upstate new york

Modern Colorful Spring Wedding

Suite designed by Handmade Darling printed on acrylic and paper.

Orange and pink wedding invitation suite for spring wedding upstate
Pink and orange rsvp card and acrylic wedding invitation

Colorful Backyard Summer Wedding Vibes!

Suite designed by Peggy & Kate to be printed on paper for Hannah & Tim’s September wedding.

Vintage Cowboy Inspired Wedding

Suite designed by Ready Mix Designs using a letterpress.

Brown and yellow wedding invitation suite for cowboy western wedding
western cowboy wedding invitation suite for upstate new york wedding

Romantic Modern Summer Wedding

Lora-Ashley & Eamonn’s August wedding at The Maples Estate

Wedding invitation for modern romantic wedding
White and green wedding invitation suite flatlay

Find out more about The Maples Estate and discover more planning inspiration right here!

Planning a Destination Wedding. Jenna & Jay. 8.27.22

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The Marriage of Jenna & Jay
August 27, 2022 at The Maples Estate

Schoharie, NY - Upstate, NY

 

Wondering how to plan a destination wedding?

With so many of our couples living throughout the northeast, across the country and even across the world, it’s important that you feel supported in your wedding planning. Follow along with Jenna and Jay as they share their own experience planning their destination wedding at The Maples Estate from their home in Staten Island.

“After getting engaged at the top of Mt. Royal Park in Montreal, my fiance and I drove back down to Staten Island, stopping in the capital region for lunch. We were surrounded by mountains, stunning evergreens, and fresh crisp air. The area spoke to us and we knew we wanted to have our wedding in a place where we could admire the Catskills and breathe deeply. 

It didn’t take us long to find The Maples Estate through a quick google search. We scheduled a meeting with Katie and toured the Estate on a frigid January day. The mountains in the distance watched sleepily over us as we admired the beautiful interior of the farmhouse and walked through the grounds, imagining the most special time in our lives. Katie was welcoming and immediately put us at ease, answering every question we had. On our drive home we spoke excitedly as we knew we found our wedding venue!”

 
 

Selecting Your Venue

So, what can we learn from Jenna and Jay’s experience selecting their venue?

First off, you may love your lifestyle at home, but maybe you want to getaway, relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of a destination for your wedding experience. When it comes to your venue selection, whether touring in person or virtually, it’s important to feel a comfort in the environment and be able to visualize yourselves at the venue. You also want to feel supported by your venue team, so that connection with the owner or venue manger on a personal level is so important. You want to walk into wedding planning at ease and have a good vision for your wedding day.

Here at The Maples Estate we want you to feel seen, supported, and have a clear direction for those next steps.

 
 

Planning Support

Planning a destination wedding can be tough, but with our support you are in good hands!

Once you lock in your date, we provide access to a private client portal where you can follow along with your personalized digital wedding planning checklist. This checklist spells out all the tasks you will need to complete along the way, and can be edited to suit your specific wedding tasks. For ease of use, it is categorized by date so you know what the next steps will be at all times. We also send you a large list of talented vendors to start your search off right. Many of our couples utilize our wedding coaching services to help solidify a vision for your wedding, build a budget, and get you started in your vendor search. We are that engine to get you going, a calming voice of reason, call on us to ease your mind and keep you on track with your planning.

“Living 3 hours from The Maples Estate meant that the next time we would be on location would be our wedding weekend. Our trust in Katie and her recommendations were vital as we organized things from afar. We decided to add in the ‘wedding coaching package’ and it was easily the smartest money we spent throughout the entire planning process. Her suggestions, industry knowledge, and vendor relationships were undeniably helpful. Working with our own vision and Katie’s expertise, we compiled a great vendor team entirely remote.”

For those of you looking for a hands off approach to planning your wedding, we also offer full wedding planning and design packages!

 
 

It’s all in the details

So, now that you have selected your venue and started your planning, what items do you DIY vs hiring out for your destination wedding?

There are so many little details that go into a wedding design, from signage to table decor, florals, attire, furniture and stationary. While you might be able to create some of these items yourself, you also have to think about the level of energy and time you have, the space they will take up in transport, and what you will do with everything following your wedding. Sometimes it’s more time, cost and space effective to have a professional provide these items for you.

“Having a steady schedule of calls with our vendors calmed anxieties and helped get details in order. By the time we packed our car to head up to The Maples Estate, we knew exactly what supplies we needed to bring and what our vendors were supplying. I added my own flair (I’m an art teacher) and created the centerpieces, seating chart, and welcome signs.”

If there is something that feels personal to you, you want to invest time into and know will make a big personal impact for your wedding, go ahead and create or source those items yourself.

 
 

Organization & transportation

For those items you are bringing yourself, how do stay organized and get everything to the venue?

“I was able to separate supplies by each event using three 25-gallon storage bins. I added a content list to each bin; I was able to check off exactly what I had packed and Katie’s team could easily locate the supplies during the weekend. In addition to our luggage, wedding dress and suit, we were fortunate to have a dear friend and groomsman with a pick-up truck who could help us drive everything else up. Remember - what you bring with you you’ll have to bring home!”

It’s amazing when you have a truck available to you or can rent a van or U-haul to help with transport. We have had couples arrive by air with only the belongings in their bags, some that have shipped supplies to us the week prior to their wedding, others that rented a U-haul or van and even a couple that drove from LA to NY and back, so they could have their furry friends join them for their wedding. Remember to keep transportation and packing in mind when you are thinking through those items you will DIY or bring with you vs hiring or renting from a vendor.

 
 

Trust and communication is key!

With coordination services included in your package we will wrap up all those last minute details, create a detailed itinerary for your weekend, communicate with all your vendors and run your wedding day for you. You can trust us to pull off your epic wedding weekend where all you have to do is relax, celebrate and enjoy your guests company!

“Steady communication with Katie, an amazing vendor team who knew exactly what we wanted, and plenty of checklists provided a solid base for our incredible wedding weekend. I distinctly remember feeling cool as a cucumber on the biggest day of my life all because I knew we were in incredible hands at The Maples Estate!”

 
 

Photos by Cheyenne Lee Photo

Jenna & Jay’s incredible vendor team!
Venue / Wedding Coaching / Coordination: The Maples Estate | IG: @themaplesestate
Photography: Cheyenne Lee Photo | IG: @cheyennelee_photo
Videography: Jessy Figgs Wedding Films | IG: @jessyfiggsweddingfilms
Catering: Mazzone Hospitality | IG: @mazzonehospitality
Hair & Makeup: New Moon Beauty Studio | IG: @newmoonbeautystudio
Florist: Jolene K Floral Design | IG: @jolenekfloraldesign
DJ:  DJ Romantics | IG: @djromantics
Ceramics / Bride: Palermo Ceramics | IG: @palermoceramics
Rentals: Total Events | IG: @totalevents
Welcome Event Catering: Bull & Basil | IG: @bullandbasil
Farewell Brunch Catering: Rooster on the Run | IG: @roosterontherun_
Transportation: First Atlantic
Invitations: The Nesting Project
Portable Restrooms: Stone Industries

 

Learn more about The Maples Estate, view our weekend wedding packages and find more wedding inspiration right here!

Is Hiring A Wedding Planner Worth It?

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Raise your hand if you have planned a wedding before…

If your hand did not raise, or even if it did, it’s a pretty good bet that hiring a wedding planner is worth it! There are so many decisions that go into planning, loads of emails, meetings and brainstorming creative ways to personalize your wedding. Maybe you are up for all of that! Maybe you are feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to start? Don’t worry, we include two tiers of planning in your wedding package here at The Maples Estate and can add full planning and design for those that are looking for full service planning!

Wedding Coaching

Many of our couples are super creative and have that grand vision for what they would like to pull off - some know they want a weekend experience but are overwhelmed by the thought of personalizing their wedding day, are not sure where to begin or what to check off their to do list at any given moment.

For these couples Coaching, also known as partial planning is a great way to get started in your planning. Guest, what - it’s now included in your wedding package!

  1. a personalized design board created for you

  2. a wedding budget outlined, and

  3. a clear direction for finding vendors you love!

  4. We also check in throughout your wedding planning process to steer you in the right direction and keep things in track.

With a NY Wedding Planner owning The Maples Estate, we give you all the tools you need to build a truly unique extended weekend wedding. We even provide large list of talented vendors and a digital wedding planning checklist in your client portal. That piece-of-mind and expert in your back pocket is such a great way to ensure your planning journey is fun and productive and that your wedding weekend runs smoothly!

Coordination Services

We even include Coordination Services in your weekend wedding package so we will work with you 8 weeks prior to your wedding to wrap up all those last minute details, build your timeline for the weekend, support you with event layouts, take over your vendor communication and run your wedding day for you.

Full Wedding Planning & Design

Are you super busy or think you might get overwhelmed with lots of tasks, emails to send, and meetings to be had? We know it can feel like adding a full time job to your plate, not to mention the overwhelm that comes from a deep dive on pinterest, scrolling through million dollar weddings on instagram or listening to your friends or family trying to steer you in the ‘right’ direction. There are so many different decisions to be made that it’s often hard to know where to even start or keep the ball rolling.

For those of you that are completely overwhelmed by the idea of planning your wedding, have no time to focus on the details or don’t have the skillset to envision and pull off your dream wedding, Full Wedding Planning & Design is for you! We love building uniquely unforgettable weekend weddings for creative couples through inspired and intentional design to ensure you have the most incredible wedding experience! We make the wedding planning process easy by managing all the little details for you so you can focus on the fun stuff and enjoy every moment!

Wondering what a personalized design board looks like?

We love working with our couples to design weddings that are truly unique to them.

That’s why each of our coaching and full planning clients receive a personalized design board! Check out these design boards from previous planning & coaching couples below! This is great document to get you started in your planning and we will reference it throughout your journey!

Sustainable Indigenous Wedding Design

Natural Foraged Design

Warm & Moody Modern Design

Warm and moody modern wedding design board
warm and moody modern design board colors
warm and moody modern wedding design board tablescape

Natural Romantic Design

natural and romantic wedding design board feel
natural romantic floral wedding design board
natural and romantic wedding design board colors green and black
Wedding design board showing natural romantic wedding attire

Colorful Elevated Backyard Party Vibes

colorful wedding design board for backyard party
colorful elevated backyard wedding design board
colorful wedding design board for backyard reception

Elevated Italian Wedding Design

Learn more about our planning packages and check out these fun filled extended weekend weddings we have supported with planning, design, coaching or coordination services here at The Maples Estate!

Wedding Tablescape Ideas

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Vintage wedding tablescape in barn in upstate New York
 

Wedding Tablescape Ideas & Helpful Tips

When it comes to your wedding tablescape, there are so many different directions to go in. Are you feeling the overwhelm?

I get it as a NY wedding planner at The Maples Estate, an upstate New York wedding venue specializing in weekend wedding packages, many of our clients ask us about designing their tablescape! Design elements can send your head spinning while browsing Pinterest or scrolling through images of million dollar weddings on instagram! So come back down to earth, center yourself and remember, this is YOUR wedding and YOU decide what setting feels right for you! This is where the fun part comes in as you get to showcase your personality and build a design that speaks directly to you!!

Let’s first talk through the elements of your wedding tablescape!

 
 

Tables & Linens

Here at The Maples Estate, we include both wooden and plastic rectangular banquet tables in your rental as well as cocktail rounds. The plastic tables and cocktail rounds do require linens, but that means you can get creative with colors, patterns and textures! Linens come in many different styles with various price points and can be rented, provided by your caterer or even purchased if you have a future use for them. Our vendor list includes both rental companies and specialty linen rentals and you can also check with your caterer to confirm if linens are included in your contract.

Looking for something a little different? Wooden tables come in many different shapes and sizes are a really fun look. If you want something other than those we provide onsite, there are lots of rental companies offering different styles. Check out our vendor list to locate tables that match your unique aesthetic. You can even find assorted vintage tables through a specialty rental company - checkout their inventory to see the different styles we offer!

Don’t forget napkins!

**See our breakdown of included tables and chairs and linen sizing.

 

Florals

Fresh, colorful flowers are a great way to bring visual design to your tables. From greenery to small and large centerpieces, bud vases and hanging installations, each come with a different price point and aesthetic. You will want to talk to your florist about the specific colors for your wedding design, flowers you are allergic to, those you love, those you hate, textures and fullness of the design and also the budget you are looking to work within. With common flowers used throughout your wedding design from your ceremony to cocktail hour and reception, many of these vases or ceremony backdrops can be repurposed at your reception.

Keep in mind that many florists have a minimum rate and you will want to confirm this amount before signing your contract. If you have a smaller budget you may want to work with an a la carte florist.

 

Candles

We love candles but it is VERY common for a candle to catch something on fire, especially when guests are drinking, dancing and mingling. If you are looking to have candles in your tablescape design at The Maples Estate - you will need to plan ahead.

Votives need to have 1/3 of the vase above the top of the candle. We have seen menus and table cloths catch fire, so giving some space for that flame to burn inside the vase is needed. 

Tapers will need to be secured in the candle holder by melting the base of the candle and placing it in the holder while hot. We also require they have glass votives around them such as a hurricane vase, so if a candle falls you know it won't catch the table on fire. It’s always good to confirm the height and width of these vases as we have had instances where the vases were shorter than the candle in the stand and would not fit around the candle holder.

Candles are messy and wax builds up quickly on tablecloths. Confirm with your linen rental if they allow candles with use of their linens. The best way to avoid this is to choose a vase with a closed base. Talk to your florist or rental company to see if they offer candle packages!

Good news! Candle vases will also limit the draft from wind and will minimize how quickly they will drip - keeping them lit longer!

 

Dishware

Wanting a pop of color, a vintage aesthetic or a modern look? Dishware is a great place to showcase your personality and rental companies offer different styles for dinner, salad and dessert plates, glassware and silverware. Some caterers include these items in your package, (a great way to save money) but it’s best to confirm the look ahead of time to ensure these items match your design aesthetic.

 

Signage

Signage such as table numbers, seating assignments and menu cards are often placed among your wedding tablescape. There are many different options for this signage from printed paper to wooden or acrylic displays and you can get as creative as you like to match your design aesthetic. Are you skipping assigned seating and serving a buffet? Scratch the signage all together for a more relaxed setting.

 

Fun & Personalized Elements

Do you love books or movies? Antiques? Photography? Walking on the Beach? Travel? Board Games? Legos? Animals? There are so many ways to incorporate your loves into your table design through physical elements. We have seen board games distributed at each table, Polaroid table numbers, driftwood displays, disposable cameras, crayons and more! Not only are these elements a little taste of your personality, they can also serve as activities for your guests throughout the evening.

 

Table Layout

Don’t forget to think through your event layout when determining your table design. This will help to confirm quantities needed for any physical items on the tables. Do you wish to have one long family style table, a rectangle, grid pattern, clusters of tables, etc.

If you are totally overwhelmed by the idea of tables and want a more intimate and relaxed feel, why not scratch the tables all together and opt for vintage lounge furniture and cocktail tables instead!

Wedding Tablescape Ideas & Inspiration

Vintage Cowboy Inspired

This vintage wooden table surrounded by assorted chairs offers a calming country aesthetic with vintage plates and glassware, beeswax candles in copper holders, dried florals, deer antlers, a birds nest, table number and menus on theme.

Wedding tablescape featuring vintage dishware in barn
Wedding tablescape in barn for wedding reception
Wedding tablescape with candles and dried florals

Modern Black & Gold

This micro wedding utilized a black and gold theme with rented wooden tables and dense colorful florals at two heights. Table numbers, seating assignments and menus were designed for a modern look and black plates were purchased by the couple to match their aesthetic.

Wedding tablescape at The Maples Estate in Upstate New York
Wedding tablescape at The Maples Estate for wedding layout

Retro Artistic Vibes

This colorful, retro design incorporated vibrant florals in bud vases, driftwood centerpieces with Polaroid table numbers, moss, hand poured crayons and disco balls. The couple also purchased assorted vintage place settings and silverware from thrift stores.

Wedding reception tablescape with colorful florals
Wedding tablescape centerpiece inspiration
Colorful florals on wedding tablescape in upstate ny

Green & White

This reception focused on classic green and white elements with eucalyptus table runners, rented wooden farm tables, wine bottle table numbers on hand made clay holders with fairy lights. A simple yet elegant setting.

Green and white wedding tablescape
Green and white wedding tablescape for reception layout
Green and white wedding tablescape at The Maples Estate

Pretty In Pink

A long wooden table with pops of pink and gold - vintage plates, amber goblets, gold silverware and clusters of pink and white florals with candles.

Vintage pink and gold wedding tablescape at The Maples Estate
Vintage Pink and White Wedding Tablescape
Antique wedding tablescape with pink, amber and gold

What setting feels right for you?

Let us help you brainstorm with wedding planning and design or coaching!

Discover more about The Maples Estate, an Upstate New York Wedding Venue and find more planning inspiration!

Planning Your Ceremony

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Let’s face it, most couples hold off on planning their ceremony until the very last minute!

If that is you, don’t worry! There are so many ways to make things official while showcasing your personality, religion, traditions and more! Here are some things you will need to think through as you plan your ceremony.

Find an officiant!

Do you want a professional officiant who will personalize your ceremony script and lead you through it?
We provide our couples with a short list of professional officiants working in upstate NY. These officiants have experience personalizing the ceremony script to fit you as a couple and will meet with you ahead of time to plan all the details out.

Maybe you want to keep things personal and ask a friend to officiate?
Many of our couples choose to have a friend or family member officiate their wedding. This is best arranged through an online service where one can get ordained. A couple of these services include American Marriage Ministries and Universal Life Church though there are others. These sites even have some great resources to plan your ceremony script.

Do you want your marriage to be recognized by your religion?
While most religious ceremonies take place in a place of worship, it’s worth asking if the leader of your congregation would be able to offer ceremony officiating services outside of the church, chapel, synagogue, mosque etc.

Choose any traditions, rituals, readings, songs, etc. you want to incorporate

Many cultures and religions have their own traditions so do some research to determine if you would like to incorporate anything special into your ceremony. It’s okay to keep things short and sweet or extend the ceremony with song, dance, readings and rituals. This is a great way to personalize your wedding and incorporate your values into this special moment.

Determine how the wedding party will enter and exit the ceremony

Do you have a wedding party? What about parents or grandparents, dogs, nieces, nephews, or others that you would like to incorporate into your ceremony entrance? Think through who these people, animals, others might be and how you wish for them to enter. Are some of these people stationed ahead of time or will everyone make the walk down the aisle? What order do you want them to go in? Do you want anyone to walk together? Separately?

Also think about what kind of entrance you want to make. Do you wish to dance down the aisle to drums and horns, want a harpist to serenade you as you walk gracefully or jaunt down to your favorite folk or pop song? What feels right for you?

Write your vows!

Will you say traditional vows or write your own? Many couples decide to write their own vows as it makes your ceremony that much more special and personalized. For couples that are nervous about other people watching them, consider sneaking away for a special moment to yourselves where you can share your personal vows just the two of you. There are no right or wrong ways to get married!

Don’t forget to get your marriage license!

Remember, you need to arrange your marriage license BEFORE your wedding takes place! If you are located out of state and need to arrange your marriage license when you arrive, you can do so at the local town hall in Schoharie or a nearby town hall through the town or city clerk. Check availability on the municipality website.

HERE is a great resource with marriage license requirements in NYS.

More planning inspiration!

A Song Is An Instant Memory!

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Music is one of the most important parts of a wedding as it will bring you back 20 years later to your walk down the aisle, your first dance as a married couple, or even that finale song that sent you off into the night together!

Here is your reminder to talk with your DJ or band about those key songs that will follow you into your future!

What are some of those moments that you might want to accompany with a special song?

  • Prelude music

  • Bridesmaids or groomsmen walk down the aisle

  • Wedding couple walk down the aisle

  • Exit down the aisle

  • Entrance into the reception

  • First Dance

  • Parent Dances

  • Song to get people up and dancing

  • Special moments - musical chairs, chicken dance, sorority song, etc.

  • Final Song

This is just a start! Feel free to think through other fun moments you may want to remember with a song!

Talk to us if you would like to have a mic available for your ceremony or a bluetooth speaker available for your ceremony, cocktail or other smaller events. It’s always best to hire someone to manage these moments such as a DJ or band, but it’s also okay to ask a friend to press play on their phone or laptop as needed!

More planning inspiration!

Outdoor Wedding Venue NY. Top 5 Photo Locations

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There are so many amazing locations for incredible photos here at The Maples Estate, an outdoor wedding venue in NY!

Remember to check in with your photographer a couple weeks (or more) before your wedding to set your shot list!

This is a list of all the images you want to make sure your photographer gets during your wedding day / weekend. Of all the place to take outdoor wedding photos in upstate NY, The Maples Estate is full of incredible instagram ready spaces right here for your wedding day! This could be details of your wedding design, getting ready images, first look(s), any fun elements or activities, garments or accessories, friend and family portraits, first dance, cake cutting, speeches, venue shots and more. Just like your wedding timeline, this will help you and your photographer ensure that all the photos you want to remember your wedding by are captured!

This also helps you remember that your great aunt Sally really wanted that photo with you, or your bestest childhood friend wanted a first look just the two of you! Best to have it all lined out ahead of time so you don’t miss anything!

BONUS: Here are some of our favorite outdoor locations for incredible photos here at The Maples Estate! Remember to share with your photographer!

1. Grassy Field Overlooking Terrace Mountain and Barton Hill

photo by Natalia fries

Photo by becca gleason photo

PHOTO BY Dottie Morris

2. Overlooking Schoharie Creek

PHOTO BY JESSIE CASEY PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BY KELSEY CAMPBELL

PHOTO BY CASSANDRA DAYE PHOTOGRAPHY

3. Overlooking The Pond, Barn & Willow

Photo by cassidy lynn

PHOTO BY JESSIE CASEY PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BY LOST IS FOUND STUDIO

4. Outside our 1855 colonial farmhouse

PHOTO BY Sara Bridgeman PHoto

PHOTO BY JESSIE CASEY PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO BY STORY & GOLD

5. Ceremony in the trees

PHOTO BY Natalia Fries

PHOTO BY Dottie Morris

PHOTO BY Kelsey and nate photo

More planning inspiration!

Food Truck Tips & Tricks!

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Do you dream of having a food truck at your wedding?

Food trucks can be an incredible way to showcase your personality and add an element of FUN!

We LOVE food trucks! There are however some key items to note when booking a food truck for your wedding celebration. Here are some helpful tips and things to think through before booking, so your wedding runs smoothly and your guests leave full and happy!

  1. Confirm your guest size with the company ahead of time
    You will want to ensure that the company you hire can serve ALL your guests, and in a timeframe that is acceptable. Sometimes food trucks will have a limit on the number of guests they are able to serve in a reasonable amount of time. You don’t want your guests to wait in long lines or stand around for hours waiting to eat.

  2. Consider having more than one food truck

    Why not give your guests options? If you have two or three food trucks, you can accommodate any guest’s dietary restrictions, limit the number of guests the food trucks have to feed, reduce lines and wait times. Keep in mind that guests may want to try different trucks, so it might be helpful to have quick bite sized samples available or even stationed food so guests can try each truck.

  3. Limit the number of items on the menu

    Many food trucks have a lot of options on their menu. Sounds great! But logistically that can be a nightmare when prepping food for a large number of guests. Consider limiting the menu to 3 or 4 items so guests still have options, but the chef can prepare accordingly.

  4. Place orders before your wedding

    Consider having guests place orders ahead of time either in their invitation or through a google form. This way the chef can prep meals ahead of time, note any dietary restrictions, and order the correct amount of ingredients so they don’t run out of that favorite item! If you don’t want to arrange ahead of time, maybe check in with guests when they arrive on site so there is at least some additional time for the kitchen staff to prep.

  5. What other items do they offer as part of their packages? Bar? Cocktail Hour Bites? Dessert?

    Do you want to have food available at your cocktail hour? What about beer, wine or liquor? Dessert? Confirm ahead of time what the food truck is able to offer. Whatever they do not offer, you will need to arrange through another vendor. Tip: Arrange for some stationed items to be placed around the reception so your guests can graze on these items first, allowing those long lines to ease at the start of dinner.

  6. Do they have support staff? Do they provide plates, silverware, linens?

    Full service caterers may be more expensive upfront, but they also come with staff, can provide bar services, dessert, arrange linens, plates, utensils, etc. so you know all things food and beverage are taken care of. Some food trucks may offer these items but some may not. Confirm ahead of time what is included in the price. Do they set the tables for you when they arrive, or have linen rentals available? Do they have plates and utensils, napkins? Do they have support staff that will help serve the food? What about cleanup after the dinner service? These are all items you can arrange for through other companies if they do not provide them, but it may be slightly more work to manage all those additional items. Something to consider before booking.

  7. Do you need servers?

    Do you want your guests waiting in lines for food? If not, you may want to confirm if the company has servers that can bring the food to your guests. If they do not, there are event staffing companies listed on our vendor list that can arrange these services.

  8. Confirm their power and water requirements

    Do they run off of a generator? Do they need power or water hookups? We have power and water available as needed but this is a great perk of a food truck! They are often self contained and therefor you will not need to provide a catering tent or additional equipment for them. They may even have a generator and water storage on the truck so that means more power for your other vendors!

  9. Confirm their truck can make it up a hill!

    Our estate has some hills and the access road to the reception paddock may not be ideal for some trucks. Before booking, confirm if the food truck can make it up and down a slight incline.

Again, we LOVE food trucks, but they are not often full service operations. They can be really fun options though and totally worth a little extra effort!! It’s best to get some questions answered ahead of time to determine if it’s the right fit for your wedding, and any hidden costs that you may not be thinking of before you book. We want to ensure that your guests will leave full and happy and that you are stress free leading into your wedding weekend!

What's the deal with alcohol for my wedding weekend?

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Bride and groom in front of mobile bar at their wedding

New York State requires that all events at an establishments such as ours, hold a permit in order to consume alcohol.

You have a few different options to choose from depending on your preferences for consumption throughout your weekend long event.
You can learn more about the different permit types and apply HERE.

  1. NEEDED IF SERVING LIQUOR

    Hire a business that holds a ‘Catering Permit.’
    Ask your caterer if they are able to provide alcohol for your event. If they are, this is the best way to arrange liquor to be served at your event. The other option is to contact a bar service that has the ability to serve off premise with use of a catering permit.

    A Catering Permit is a one-day permit that authorizes currently licensed on-premises retailers to provide alcoholic beverages at specific, private events located off the premises. The applicant must provide food, in addition to alcoholic beverages at the event.

  2. BEST FOR A FUN CASUAL VIBE WITH A MOBILE BAR

    Hire a business that holds liquor liability insurance. Apply for a special event permit through the New York SLA - does not allow for consumption of liquor.
    If you are looking to hire a fun mobile bar or bar cart for your wedding with bartending service included, confirm if the bar service holds a liquor permit. Most mobile bars will hold liquor liability insurance only and will require that you arrange a temporary one-day beer and wine permit either on your own, or through them. They will most often ask you to arrange alcohol on your own and they will just serve it for you and monitor the consumption of your guests. There are a lot of mixed opinions from these companies around the need for a permit, however the NY SLA does require that events on our premise hold a liquor permit, so you must arrange a special event permit through the SLA either through the mobile bar service you hire, or on your own.

    A One-Day Beer and Wine Permit, also known as a Temporary Beer, Wine and Cider Permit, authorizes the sale and consumption of wine, beer or cider at retail for consumption at a gathering for a period of 24 hours.

  3. BEST FOR A CASUAL SERVE YOURSELF EVENT

    Secure a special event permit through the New York SLA - does not allow for consumption of liquor.
    You can apply for a special event permit yourself and have beer, wine and cider available for consumption at your event(s). This is a 24 hour license that costs $36 per bar. This means you can stock your own alcohol through a licensed distributor. You can ask a friend to bartend for you or place some ice in large buckets with cans and bottles for a serve yourself bar.

    A One-Day Beer and Wine Permit, also known as a Temporary Beer, Wine and Cider Permit, authorizes the sale and consumption of wine, beer or cider at retail for consumption at a gathering for a period of 24 hours.

More wedding planning inspiration from The Maples Estate!

Alcohol Items of Note

  • If you are looking to have liquor served at your event, you must work with a business that holds a catering license.

  • If you are applying for a temporary beer, wine, cider permit you can apply for multiple dates at one time on your application.

  • You will need to request a landlord authorization form from us in order to apply for a permit.

  • You can apply for a permit up to 15 days prior to your event.

  • It may be best to hold off until you have hired your caterer to apply, since only one permit will be issued for the premises per day.

  • Alcoholic beverages must be purchased from a licensed brewer, winery, or wholesaler ONLY, and not from a retail licensee.

  • A separate permit is required for each point of sale for each date. The permit must be on display at the event.

Learn more and apply for a license with the SLA!

Real Weddings at The Maples Estate!

Tables & Chairs to Complete Your Look!

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Who wants to spend extra $$ on tables and chairs?

You don’t! That’s why we include tables and chairs in your package!

Wood Plank Tables
3 Available

(For Use Near the Farmhouse Only - Seats 8 Each)

8’ x 30” Plastic Folding Banquet Tables
20 Available

(Requires 90” x 156” Linens - Seats 8 Each)

 
 

12’ x 36” Vintage Wooden Banquet Tables
7 Available

(Seats up to 14 Each)

30” Cocktail Tables
10 Available

(Two Height Options of 30” or 42” - Requires Linens)

Tablecloth sizes needed:
30” Height - 90” Round
42” Height - 120” Round

 
 

Vintage Wood and Metal Kneeling Chair
50 Available

French Bistro Slatted Folding Cafe Chair
100 Available

 
 

Vintage Wooden Folding Chair
~ 65 Available

12’ Wooden Benches
Seats up to 6 Each - 14 Available

That’s not all! We also include other items in your rental package!

We have assorted 4ft and 6ft plastic tables, vintage tables and chairs to fill in where needed!

Luxury 3-Station Restroom Trailer
Running Water, Lights, A/C or Heating, Music

(Not Included in Micro Wedding or Off Season Packages)
Find out more about the units HERE!

Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Portable Speaker

 
 

Yamaha STAGEPAS 4001 Portable PA System

(Includes PA, Two Speakers & Stands, Two Mics & Stands, Extension Cords)

 
 

EPSON Projector

 
 

Westinghouse Generator
2 Available

 
 

Check out our ‘Prop Closet’ and ‘Rentals Inventory’!

More wedding planning inspiration!

Farmhouse Sleeping Arrangements. Room by Room

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The Maples Estate specializes in weekend long celebrations so you have plenty of time to relax and connect with your loved ones in meaningful ways!

That’s why we include a three night, four day stay in our 1855 colonial farmhouse in each of our wedding packages.

You are welcome to invite up to 17 guests to stay in the farmhouse with five private bedrooms, a bunk room, additional beds, three restrooms, get ready room, kitchen, double parlor and bar room. Your seriously awesome wedding will be the talk of the town for years to come! Wondering where everyone can sleep and what to expect from the house? Find out below with the house layout and images by room.

Bedroom 1

One Queen Bed

Windows facing the front of the house and located across from the get ready room.

Television

Bedroom 2

One Double / Full Bed
One Twin Bed

Connection to laundry room and across from the largest bathroom.

Television

Bedroom 3

One Queen Bed

Private balcony and next to the largest bathroom.

Bedroom 4

One Double / Full Bed

Located in the back section of the house with jack and jill bathroom connecting to back room.

Bedroom 5

One Queen Bed

Located in the back section of the house with jack and jill bathroom connecting to another bedroom. Best views upstairs.

Bunk Room

Four Double / Full Beds
One Queen Bed

Located above the garage and off of the get ready room.

Living room setup with large television.

Laundry Room

One Twin

Connected to bedroom 2

Get Ready Room

6 Makeup / Hair Stations with Mirrors

Located in the front of the house and connected to the bunk room.

Largest Bathroom

Toilet
Shower
Three Sinks

Stocked with towels, extra toilet paper, hair dryer, makeup removal wipes, travel sized shampoo, conditioner, soap, tooth brushes, etc.

Jack & Jill Bathroom

Toilet
Shower
Sink

Stocked with towels, extra toilet paper and makeup removal wipes.

Downstairs Bathroom

Toilet
Shower
Sink

Stocked with towels and extra toilet paper.

Kitchen

Refrigerator
Six Burner Range + Stove
Double Ovens
Dishwasher
Sink
Microwave
Coffee Maker
Toaster Oven

Stocked with plates, bowls, cups, mugs, utensils, pots, pans, cooking utensils, spices, etc.

Double Parlor

Three Standard Size Sofas
One Sleeper Sofa
Piano + Guitar
Record Player

Bar Room

Small Bar Setup

Connected to the grand veranda and kitchen. Great for rehearsal dinners or small gatherings as well as brunch buffet.

Layout & Property Flow

More planning inspiration!

Catering. Where do I even start?

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We believe that no two weddings should be the same because no two couples are the same.

That’s why we allow you to work with vendors of your choosing to truly build a personalized wedding that suites your unique style and wedding vision. We understand that with all that flexibility, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we provide you with a comprehensive guide of vendors by category as soon as you book. Having an off site caterer is an incredible perk of The Maples Estate, since you are never locked into a price point, guest minimum, or specific menu by booking with us. There are so many amazing caterers each offering their own flair for a variety of budgets, so find the caterer that speaks to you. From experience based wood fired food to personal chefs, full service catering, food trucks and farm to table vendors offering seasonal ingredients.

Many full service caterers will range between $150 to $300 per person.

Each caterer offers a different level of service so rates will vary greatly by vendor, and will be influenced by your specific tastes and wedding vision. If you need to stay under that price range, think outside the box for less traditional catering options.

Now for the fun part!

Here are some catering options to get you started!

Scroll down for tips and tricks when researching caterers!

If you love what we have to offer and decide to move forward with booking The Maples Estate for your wedding, we will send you

  1. an extensive list of vendors by category as soon as you book

  2. an editable digital wedding planning checklist.

    This vendor list is curated to suit the wide variety of events that are held at the estate and has many options to choose from so you can find vendors that match your unique style and wedding vision. We can even help you with planning, design, or coaching if you have no clue where to start or simply don’t have the time to plan.

Tips and tricks when booking a caterer.

  • Remember, it’s best to confirm all that is included in the rate before you book. Some caterers may offer bar packages, rentals such as dishes and tableware, linens, decor, event staffing, etc. and some may not. If they do not, you can always source these items through another vendor.

  • When you talk to different caterers, they may ask you about kitchen space. At The Maples Estate, we have a caterers kitchen in our 1855 Colonial Farmhouse. This kitchen is great for an intimate wedding or use during your rehearsal dinner or day after brunch, however, most caterers will want to be closer to the reception paddock for your larger celebration, and may want to setup an outdoor kitchen. This is a great way for them to build the space they require on site, and be close by to best serve you and your guests. Some caterers have their own outdoor kitchen setup and some will need to rent this setup. Another option is to find a caterer that does cooking ahead of time in an offsite kitchen, or with use of a food truck.

  • When working with a food truck or restaurant that does not often offer catering services, you may want to have a couple food trucks to choose from, offer self service items, passed items, or even make your event a cocktail setup instead of a seated dinner so there is more time for grazing. You can also take orders ahead of time to spread out the wait time, ultimately avoiding a huge rush for food all at once.

  • You can hire an event staffing company to provide additional support for those caterers with limited or no staff.

  • Remember to order more food than you think you will need or ask your caterer how much they suggest based on their experience. You can always donate food after the event if you have too much, but if you do not have enough, your guests will leave hungry!

  • Do you live in NYC? Some caterers are based out of NYC and can travel for your wedding day. This means you can have all your tastings close to home and will not have to travel to meet with your caterer every time you want to chat with them. These caterers may come with a higher price point since they are paying NYC rent and will need to travel for your wedding but they are worth it if you have the budget!

More wedding planning inspiration!

What do I need? Wedding Planner, Designer, Coach or Coordinator

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When it comes to planning a wedding, there are so many new terms to learn! So what are the differences between a wedding ‘planner’ ‘designer’ ‘coach’ and ‘coordinator’? How do you know what you may need?

Every couple is different and will have their own challenges when it comes to planning, designing or managing their wedding day / weekend. If you read our last blog post about planning a unique wedding, you know that my husband Louis and I were involved in every little detail of our wedding. While that was a great way to save some money, it was A LOT of work. Not every couple has the amount of time, energy, or event knowledge that we had. So when you think about hiring some support, it’s worth asking yourself what level of involvement you would like to have in your wedding.

Once you have set your budget and had those important conversations to set expectations and boundaries, ask yourself:

  1. Do I have the time and ability to think through my likes and dislikes, must haves and deal breakers?

  2. Do I have the time and patience to research, contact and visit venues?

  3. Do I have the time and ability to determine the things on my plate and manage my timeline effectively?

  4. Do I have the time and patience to research, contact and meet with vendors?

  5. Do I have the time and ability to sort through quotes, review contracts and confirm details with my vendors?

  6. Do I have the time and skill set to think through my design aesthetic?

  7. Do I have the time and skill set to research and locate items that match my design aesthetic?

  8. Do I have the time and ability to create a wedding day / weekend timeline and stick to it?

  9. Do I want to be in contact with all my vendors leading up to and on my wedding day to make sure all the details are set?

  10. Do I want to manage the setup and breakdown of my wedding events?

Now that you have answered these questions and know where your pain points are, let’s define these terms so you can determine what level of support you may need.

Wedding Planner. A professional who assists with the organization, logistics, and management of a client's wedding. Think of a wedding planner like your fairy godmother that’s going to build and execute your dream wedding using your input. They will likely meet with you prior to quoting their services to determine the level of support you require, and confirm the budget you are looking to stay under. Once contracted your planner usually works with you for about 6-18 months before your wedding. I have planned weddings in as little as three months, but it’s always best to plan ahead for ample vendor availability and to avoid last minute stressors. Your planner is your one stop shop and should manage your budget, planning timeline, basic design aesthetic, vendors, oversee the setup, run and breakdown of your wedding day / weekend. Your planner will likely provide you with a list of services they will include in their rate, so make sure to look through the services carefully and confirm everything you need is listed. If something is not included, often times you can add on services such as reservation management for hotel blocks, rehearsal dinner or farewell brunch planning and management, gift management for your wedding party or guests, creation of visual or artistic design elements, etc.

Wedding Designer. Often times someone that is marketing themselves as a designer is going to be hands on with the artistic vision of your event and may design and build custom artistic elements for your wedding. Think of this as a consultant for all things visual, floor plans, lighting design, florals, furniture, place settings, candles, linens, and attire. This is for those couples that want that picture perfect wedding experience with a lot of personality.

Wedding Planning and Design. This service is a combination of planning and design, so think of this as your logistics master with an artistic eye on visual elements. This is what we LOVE to offer at The Maples Estate so you know your wedding will be low stress and customized to your liking.

Wedding Coach. Think of your wedding coach as someone that’s going to guide you through the wedding planning and design process and answer all your questions along the way. They will talk you down from that wedding planning spiral, help you think through your budget, make vendor and design recommendations, be your voice of reason and your personal coach through the wedding planning process! At The Maples Estate we offer a partial planning package that is a combination of wedding coaching and coordination so you can be hands on with your wedding without having to stress about the details and how it’s all going to come together. We are neutral and judgement-free!

Wedding Coordinator: Often referred to as day of management, this is the person or persons that will help you pull off every detail of your wedding day from load in to load out and everything in between. They are not involved in the planning or design, but will work with you about 30-45 days out to ensure that everything you have done to that point is in good working order. If it’s not, this will give them time to tweak any details and tie up loose ends. Your coordinator should build out your wedding day / weekend timeline, confirm floorpans, communicate with your vendors to finalize details and manage the wedding day / weekend timeline. These services are included in our packages at The Maples Estate! Many coordinators can offer a full service package with a second support just for bridal management. This assistant works directly with the bride / groom and photographer to ensure you are looking and feeling your best all day long. Let us know if this is something you would like and we can arrange for an assistant to be by your side!

More wedding planning inspiration!

Personalizing Your Wedding Celebration

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The Marriage of Katie & Louis
Owners of The Maples Estate

August 20, 2016 at The Troy Public Library & The Hangar on the Hudson

Troy, NY - Upstate, NY

How do you block out the noise and build a wedding that is uniquely yours?

I recently had a friend confess to me that the day after his wedding, he and his wife were already thinking about how they could have done things differently. They realized immediately that the wedding they celebrated, didn’t feel like it represented them. They started to dream just 24 hours later about a 10 year vow renewal where they could personalize things to THEIR taste and enjoy a celebration that spoke to them as a couple.

So, how do you block out the noise, Pinterest overload and family pressures to build a wedding that is unique to you? To answer this, I’m going back to my own wedding in 2016 where my husband Louis and I celebrated OUR way!

Whether your budget is $10,000 or $150,000, setting your budget is step No. 1 before that money starts flowing. When Louis and I got engaged in 2016, The Knot said that the average wedding cost was $35,309. Our budget, which was almost entirely a gift from my parents, was roughly a third of that, and that meant we had to get pretty crafty with how we wanted to spend that money. While it was quite a tight budget, these restrictions also helped us to set boundaries and define what we could and could not afford. Keep in mind, we were very lucky that this money did not come with strings attached, so we really were able to spend it however we wanted.

For those of you that know a gift of money will come with a ton of input, think about saying no to that money. Sometimes it’s worth lowering your budget to have full say in how you celebrate. That does not mean you have to leave your family or friends out of the planning, it just means you will not have that gift hanging over your head. Let’s be honest though, some extra money is always nice to have when planning your dream wedding. So, if you do choose to receive a gift of money, make sure to have an honest conversation, set boundaries and clearly communicate your expectations before depositing these funds and signing any contracts.

When thinking about your dream venue, what setting feels natural to you? Where do you like to travel? What is your favorite date night location? What season is your favorite? What do you like to do for fun? Did you go to the same high school? What is your favorite place to purchase home goods? What kind of books do you like to read or movies do you watch? All these questions about your likes and dislikes can actually influence those big decisions like where to get married.

After our budget was set, we reached out to A LOT of venues. At the time, no venues shared their pricing publicly (at least none that I could find), so I talked with a whole bunch of venues that we ultimately could not afford. Realizing that a traditional venue was not going to be an option for us, I started thinking outside the box. My husband and I met each other while running a music festival in a beautiful crumbling historic building. So with all that experience under our belt making things work in an unforgiving space, I figured we could really host an event anywhere. With a combined love for historic buildings and music we scoured airbnb, cold called real estate listings, contacted historic Albany, some music venues and finally came across a couple different spaces that could separately hold our ceremony and reception, and spoke to both of us without breaking the bank.

I wouldn’t recommend waiting so long, but just three and a half months before our wedding, we signed a contract with The Troy Public Library to host our ceremony in their incredible historic space surrounded by tiffany windows, gorgeous historic details and lots and lots of books! We also confirmed The Hangar on the Hudson, a music and performance venue for our reception. These non traditional spaces allowed us to think outside the box while showcasing our love for historic buildings, antiques and music. They also brought out our creativity since we had to design events into spaces not traditionally used for weddings. Before you go venue hunting, sit down with your partner and think through those things that you both have in common to consider what venue setting feels right for you. This will also influence your vendor and design choices.

Once you find a venue that feels like it represents you, get creative with your vendors and decor! No two weddings should be the same so think back to those things that you and your fiancé connect over. Maybe you love a good meal. You share a favorite color. You share a love for vintage cars or football. Find those similarities and make sure to jot them down. This is going to help you determine what vendors and design will feel like you.

Once we had our venues set, we sent out our digital invites and started contacting possible vendors. Personally we wanted to keep things as intimate as possible while supporting local small businesses, so we chose to work with many friends and some of our favorite local establishments. We locked in a talented friend for our wedding photography and asked our hair stylist friend to style hair for me and my bridesmaids. We reached out to one of our favorite local bands to play music, and hired a friend of a friend to spin records throughout the evening. One of our date night go to restaurants catered our reception with delicious Lebanese dishes and we provided them with vintage platers and large bowls for serving. We arranged for a dessert station with ice cream sundaes from one of our favorite local bakers, and the venue provided the bar. We even contacted a local developer to see if we could use their vacant building to host pictures following the ceremony. For our rehearsal dinner we asked Louis’ sister and brother in law who own a farm downstate, to cater an event in our backyard sunken patio.

Remember to let the details speak for you by referencing those things you share, your likes and dislikes. We love all things vintage, so when it came to our wardrobe I knew I wanted something quite old. I also wanted to include my family and friends in the selection so when I was visiting family in Seattle we went to a few different vintage shops with a curated bridal selection. With a lower price point we found not just one, but THREE dresses to take home for the wedding weekend, and thanks to my mom, these purchases didn’t have to hit our budget. I found vintage shoes and jewelry over the next month and my mom found a long veil she custom ordered. We did have to alter one of the dresses, but I was lucky to find a local seamstress to fit the vintage dress to my body. Louis also found an incredible wool suit and vintage shoes from one of our friends with a vintage online menswear shop, and added an ascot for a pop of color.

Following this vintage theme, Louis and I scoured eBay and thrift stores across the hudson valley to find mismatched plates, silverware, floral vases and cloth napkins to set the tables. We even collected vintage dressers, linens, musical instruments and home decor from our house to place throughout the events, showcasing our personalities and bringing more warmth to the spaces. We rented vintage wooden chairs and banquet tables from Total Events and purchased simple linens for the tables that would allow the decor to stand out. With a quick turnaround, once all those details were set it was time to pull off our epic wedding weekend!!

Something to consider, a lower budget wedding can mean BIG work for you! With a relatively small budget, we opted to do most of the work ourselves, lugging furniture, setting up the venues and breaking everything down the next day. Luckily my background is in events so we knew the vision we had, and how we wanted to pull it off. We were also very lucky to have some incredible support from family and friends. The day before the wedding Louis and I picked wild flowers from a friends farm, filled in with additional florals from a wholesale florist where a friend worked, and with support of our friends and family arranged the bouquets, boutonnières and set the venue with tables, chairs, florals, tableware and decor. We woke up on our wedding day and instead of relaxing and getting our makeup and hair done, I headed back to the reception space with my bridesmaids to finish the last minute details while Louis and his groomsmen setup chairs at the library. We worked as late as we possibly could before we had to get ready. Not going to lie, I made my way to the library a bit late and still had to get dressed once I arrived. Everyone was already seated waiting for things to begin.

Make sure you think through what things you are comfortable doing leading up to your wedding, and what you would rather delegate to a vendor. Sometimes it’s worth paying extra to ensure you are stress free and enjoying your wedding! Think about adding a wedding planner or coordinator to your budget so they can help you pull off this epic event. It is not a luxury, it’s a really smart idea! While Louis and I love to pull off epic projects on our own, this wedding truly took a village, and would not have been possible without all the support from our family and friends. Even though it was a ton of work, we had our hands on every piece of our wedding, so it felt extremely personal. Every detail felt like us, and our guests enjoyed all the unique touches. While Louis and I had so much control over the details of our wedding, you can still build an epic wedding that is uniquely yours and not so much work! Take the time to think through these 10 things before you get started.

Before you book any vendors, scroll through Pinterest for 1,000 hours or let your family dictate what they think your wedding should be…

  1. Set your budget

  2. Set expectations & boundaries with each other, your family and friends that you know will have input

  3. Make a list of your likes, dislikes, dealbreakers, and must haves - when doing this, think back to other events you have attended

  4. Make a list of your similarities and things you both love

  5. Individually determine what food item(s) you could eat for every meal, favorite snacks and sweet treats - what’s shared?

  6. Note your favorite seasons or holidays?

  7. Look around your house and locate furniture or decor pieces that stand out to each of you

  8. Look through your closet and see what colors and styles you love to wear and feel most yourself in

  9. Note your favorite place(s) to travel together

  10. Note your favorite date night activity or adventures

Use these items to guide your vendor search, to inform your date, venue, food, cocktails, color scheme, wardrobe, and more.
No matter the venue that you choose, follow your curiosity and find those vendors that excite you.

Injecting personality into your wedding is not just putting pictures of you on the tables, or a slideshow in the background. You do not want to wake up the day after your wedding feeling like you just celebrated someone else’s dream. You can showcase yourselves in each and every detail of your wedding, no matter the budget or venue you are working within. Use these answers to tune out the millions of pictures on Pinterest, to inform your vendors of what you are looking to build, to help you set boundaries with your family and friends, and plan an epic wedding that feels just like you!

Photos by mel eMedia

Our incredible vendor team!
Ceremony Venue: Troy Public Library - IG: @thetroylibrary
Reception Venue & Bar Service: The Hangar on the Hudson - IG: @hangaronthehudson
Planning, Design & Coordination: Katie Hammon (Owner of The Maples Estate) - IG: @themaplesestate
Rehearsal Dinner Catering: Longhaul Farm - IG: @longhaulfarm
Reception Catering: Beirut Restaurant
Desserts: Butter & Sugar Company - IG: @butterandsugarcompany
Hair & Makeup: Fire & Ash - IG: @fireandashshop
Rentals: Total Events - IG: @totalevents
Band: Pony In The Pancake - IG: @ponyinthepancake
DJ: DJ Tall Ass Matt
Fresh Cut Florals: The Kirk Estate - IG: @thekirkestate
Florals: Bill Doran - IG: @billdoran_albany
Photography: Mel eMedia - IG: @melemedia
Dresses & Shoes: Trove Vintage - IG: @trovevintageboutique
Dress Alterations: Sue Small Bridal
Necklace: Coxsackie Antique Center - IG: @coxsackieantiqueart
Mensware: Memory Vintage - IG: @memoryvintage
Rings: Drue Sanders Custom Jewelry - IG: @druesanderscustom

More wedding planning inspiration!