Saturday, September 19, 2009

Our Blog Has Officially Moved!

We have integrated the blog into our website. For our subscribers, your feed has already been updated. You don't need to do anything to continue recieving our posts. For those of you who visit this blog, you can now read it at www.savethedateevents.com/blog

All of our previous posts have been imported into the new blog. We also have a search feature, subscribe by email and more reader-based subscription options.

If you are looking for information on how to become a wedding planner, you can find more information on the Planner's Lounge.

Friday, September 18, 2009

Real Wedding Boulder - Marnie & Wes


On a sunny day in mid-August, two of the most superb people got married - Marnie and Wes! At the lovely Rembrandt Yard which boasts floor to ceiling windows overlooking beautiful downtown Boulder and the foothills, we couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day. The ladies looked gorgeous, thanks to the staff at Pompadours Salon in Boulder and they carried bouquets created by Lara with Fiori Flowers.


The reception was set as a modern lounge feel and it was created by Kirk with RC Special Events.  The food was divine and the drink was flowing, all with the help of Jeremy at Occasions by Sandy.

And Peneplain Jazz Project  had the guests on the dance floor all night!

Thank you so much to Butch and Kelsy at Photography by McCartney for these stunning photographs!

Gabriella Cavalli
Boulder Wedding Planner

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Choosing Lodging for Your Wedding Guests

5 Questions to Ask When Choosing Lodging Options for Wedding Guests

Do you offer shuttle service?
Some hotels will offer complimentary or low cost shuttle service to your wedding for guests staying at the hotel.

What is your policy for guest welcome bags?
Many hotel properties charge for this. Some will give your welcome bags as a complimentary service when guests check-in but most will charge you to deliver to guest rooms.

What is the fee structure and policy for reserving a block of rooms?
Some hotels will allow a complimentary block while others require your credit card and a guaranteed minimum number of rooms.

What restaurants and amenities are available for guests?
It is very helpful to have a few restaurants in the hotel or within walking distance. It is also helpful if the hotel can accommodate roll-away beds, portable cribs or a complimentary breakfast for your guests.

Do you offer a complimentary suite if we book a certain number of hotel nights?
Many properties will comp a room or two if your guests book a certain number of lodging nights.

Debbie Orwat
Denver Wedding Planner

Monday, September 14, 2009

Real Wedding Beaver Creek - Carrie & Ben

We started working with Carrie and Ben last October to help plan their Colorado destination wedding in Beaver Creek.  Carrie is one of the absolute sweetest brides we have had the pleasure to work with.  They live in Florida and have always loved coming to Colorado for ski vacations. Carrie's style was rustic mountain elegance with a modern flair.  SaddleRidge at Beaver Creek was the perfect wedding venue for them.  We had a fantastic team of vendors including A Great Time DJs, Plum Sage Flowers, Premium Digital Solutions Videography, and these absolutely incredible images from the super talented Karie Mclain Photography.

Debbie Orwat
Beaver Creek Wedding Planner

Friday, September 11, 2009

Colorado Engagement Photos - Sarah & Chris

We are so privileged to have Sarah and Chris as clients.  Sarah is a dream to work with. She has been planning her wedding since she was a little girl and knows exactly what she wants.  While we are still planning many of the details, we are positive it is going to be an incredible wedding next June.  Thanks to the ultra talented Paige Elizabeth for sharing their stunning engagement photos.
Debbie Orwat

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Biggest Wedding Regrets

Last week, MSN published an article about the biggest wedding regrets.  Here is a quick recap:
  • I wouldn't have done DIY invites
  • I would have hired a professional wedding day coordinator
  • I wouldn't have jumped so quickly to choose my bridal party
  • I would have had more food
  • I wouldn't have had messy food (chocolate fountain) with six flower girls
You can read the full article here. Many of these could have been avoided by hiring a professional wedding planner. We are trained to foresee, predict and come up with solutions to potential problems.

Debbie Orwat
Colorado Wedding Planner

Monday, September 7, 2009

Trash the Dress - Unbridal - Day After Wedding Shoot

Whatever you want to call this session, it's hot!  Paige Elizabeth did an incredible job of capturing Jess and Mike the day after their Breckenridge wedding.  You can see their engagement photos here and a sneak peak at their wedding pictures here.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Weddings and Tents at Private Estates


We LOVE weddings that take place at a private home or mansion. The bride and groom typically have full control over many of the details and can create whatever type of event they desire.  If you are planning an event at a private home, be sure to hire an experienced event planner to assist with the logistics and details. Here are a few details that we take charge of and assist with:

Rentals - Not only will you have a tent, you also need tables, chairs, linens, flatware, china, glassware, etc.  And on top of those things, your caterer may also need convection ovens, heating racks, prep tables, trash cans and possibly a tent of their own for prep.  You may opt to have a floor in your tent, fabric draping, special lighting and a stage for the band.

Portable Restrooms - Even if the home has a few restrooms, it is always good to have a back-up just in case there are plumbing issues. You can rent luxury trailer port-o-lets that come with sinks and mirrors.

Parking - Most homes cannot accommodate 75+ vehicles.  Arrange for shuttles, rent a nearby parking lot, provide valet services or ensure neighboring estates can accommodate overflow parking.

Lighting and Power - Not only will you need lighting for your tent, you will also need lighting for the caterer, walkways, and restroom area.  You can count on having a generator for the caterer, band and lighting.  Be sure to check with those vendors for power requirements.  A DJ may not require much but a large band will need a lot of dedicated power.

Debbie Orwat
Colorado Wedding Planner

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Real Wedding Boettcher Mansion - Leigh & Tyler

We were honored to coordinate Leigh and Tyler's August wedding at Boettcher Mansion in Golden.  Leigh was such a relaxed bride and so fun to work with over the past year.  She has great style that she pulled through all the wedding elements to create a gorgeous Asian-inspired wedding day.  It was a fabulous evening thanks to the incredible vendors Food Guy Catering, Design by Ann flowers, Quality Mobile Sound, a stunning pagoda cake by Kelley Kakes and these fabulous pictures by Traci and Nic at Real Photography.

Debbie & Jen
Denver Wedding Planners