Category: Weddings

May 16, 2019

Top 10 Tips and Tricks for Brides on Your Wedding Day

Your big day is almost here, and we get it, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed! You and your loved ones spent a lot of time planning this event, so it’s understandable that you want everything to run smoothly. Avoid the stress by being prepared with our top tips and tricks to make your wedding day go as smooth as possible:

 

Deflect Day-of Responsibilities:

All of the planning may be done, but there are plenty of little details that still need to be worked out on the day of your wedding. However, it’s your special day, so let someone else coordinate with your vendors to make sure everything runs smoothly without having to get you involved! Decide on a point person (maybe a bridesmaid, relative or close friend you can trust) and make sure to give your wedding day vendors their contact information for that day so you don’t have to pause getting your makeup done to take a call from your florist!

Consider a Dedicated Day-Of Coordinator:

With that being said, many argue you really need a professional assistant to get you through the day. From time to time it’s good to have someone check in and let you know what needs to happen next. Being able to rely on a professional, detail-oriented assistant can make your wedding a lot more enjoyable. A lot of all-inclusive reception centers will include a day-of assistant, like we do at Oak Lodge and Parc 73, or you can hire a dedicated third-party coordinator to come in just for the day.

Prepare a Must-Have Shot List for Your Photographer:

Your photographer may have shot hundreds of weddings, but you know best what memories you’ll want to be sure to capture before the day is over. Make sure you list them out and share with your photographer so they can plan properly. It’s also a good idea to have a friend or family member check in with them periodically to see if they need help coordinating things like large group family shots – the photographer may not notice if Uncle Ronny is missing!

Don’t Forget to Eat:

Whatever you do, make sure you and your bridal party get something in your stomach before the wedding. The bridal party may be busy running around coordinating last minute details, and brides and grooms often get nervous and avoid eating altogether. It’s a long day of celebration, and not eating can easily lead to feeling queasy and light-headed, or even fainting on the altar! A good, easy idea is to have something like a sandwich platter out while everyone is getting ready.

Let’s talk about shoes.

Ladies, you’ll definitely want to make sure you wear in your brand new heels prior to your wedding day. You don’t want your feet to be aching all night. Also, remember to bring a pair of flats or sandals on the day of the wedding.

What About The Restroom Breaks?:

This tip has been passed down for generations! The easiest way to use the restroom in a wedding dress is to sit on the toilet backward, facing the wall. This will allow you (or your bridesmaids) to have more control over your dress. It may sound crazy, but trust us – you’ll thank us for this one later!

Prepare for Rain:

Let’s face it – it’s southern Louisiana, and rain is always a possibility! If you’ll be outside at any point, even if just walking from the car to the entrance of your venue, make sure you check the forecast and pack lots of large umbrellas to keep yourself and your bridal party high and dry if necessary!

Consider a “Buffer Day” Before Your Honeymoon:

If you’re planning on heading out for your honeymoon immediately following your wedding, you may want to think twice before booking a flight the next morning! Remember, it’s a long day and regardless of whether you’re imbibing or not, you’ll probably have a little wedding day hangover! Take a day to sleep in late and maybe enjoy brunch with your besties and family members before everyone goes their separate ways. You’ll feel much more relaxed the day of your wedding if you know you don’t have to worry about making it to the airport on time the next morning!

Let It Go:

No matter how much planning time you put in, remember that things are going to happen on your wedding day that are out of your control. Try not to sweat the small stuff! Keep your focus on why you’re getting married and enjoy the day before it’s over. Trust us – no one will remember that the flowers weren’t the perfect shade of pale pink, or that the candles were in the wrong place!

Take a Minute to Soak It All In:

This may sound like a given, but don’t forget to spend time with your new hubby! Many brides get carried away trying to please their guests and keep the party going. But remember why you’re there: to celebrate this day with the person you love. Grab your newlywed and take it all in – it goes by in a flash!

If you’re planning a wedding in southern Louisiana, call or contact us today to schedule a tour of our two beautiful venues in Baton Rouge and Prairieville for any of your wedding festivities! Our experienced planners and accommodating staff at Oak Lodge and Parc 73 can help you coordinate the most amazing wedding celebrations imaginable!  

 

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February 22, 2019

5 Tips for Heat-Proof Summer Weddings in Southern Louisiana

Five Tips for Heat-Proof Summer Weddings in Southern Louisiana

Summer will be here before we know it, and so will wedding season! Although there are weddings year round, the typical wedding season usually begins in late spring and continues through early fall, with a peak in June and September. According to WeddingWire, the summer months of May and June both actually rank as some of the most popular months to get married. While some of our brides may want to avoid the scorching temperatures of summer in South Louisiana, these are actually some of the most beautiful months to get married! The sun is shining bright, and the days are longer – the perfect combination for an unforgettable fête. There are also many beautiful options for outdoor venues if you’re not afraid to brave the heat. Whether you’re a wedding planner or planning your own special day, we’ve put together some tips for planning the summer wedding of your dreams.

Plan Early

Since summertime is typically a demanding time for weddings, you must try to plan early. Many wedding venues fill up fast for this time of year, so plan to decide on your venue at least 6 months out (that means now if you’re planning a Summer 2019 wedding!). Summers are also packed with family vacations and other special occasions, so you should send out your wedding invitations early so your guests can plan ahead.

Dress For The Weather

If there’s one thing for certain about summer weddings, it’s that it’s going to be hot! If it’s an outdoor wedding, be mindful when picking out the attire for your bridal party. You don’t want them sweating through their tuxes and dresses on a hot Louisiana summer day! Light, airy fabrics like linen are perfect for the guys. Loose, breezy dresses would be beautiful and comfortable for your girls. And when it comes to your wedding dress, make sure you choose a dress that is breathable with a lighter fabric, and lets you move comfortably throughout the day.

Keep Cool & Stay Hydrated

People often get overheated and dehydrated in the summer months, and with the busyness and excitement of your wedding day, it’s easy to overlook hydration. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and don’t forget about your guests either! You can set out a Pinterest-worthy water cooler with water bottles for your guests, or provide fans and handkerchiefs to help everyone keep cool. If part of your day will be celebrated outside, talk to your wedding coordinator for ideas on how you can provide some additional heat relief, such as a shaded area or tent, especially for your older or more heat-sensitive guests.

Be Mindful When Choosing Flowers

You may be dreaming of pretty pink peonies, but keep in mind that there are certain flowers that are not meant to withstand the summer heat. Luckily, there are plenty of pretty summer flowers, including Calla Lilies, Asters, Daisies, Lavender and many more. Orchids are a great choice for summer bouquets for their summer-like appearance and ability to withstand the summer heat without wilting. You can also experiment with other wedding decorations and centerpieces if you are afraid of your flowers wilting. Consider lanterns or other decorations that will not only hold up better in the sun but can also be less expensive. Lots of brides today are even opting out of the traditional real flower bouquets and going with something like paper flowers. Feel free to look for alternatives that can bring a creative touch to your day while also serving as a sweet keepsake for you and your bridesmaids!

The summer heat and heavy food don’t mix! Try to plan a seasonal menu that is light and refreshing with plenty of fresh produce, such as fruit skewers or fruit salads. Savory and airy pastries, a fresh Bruschetta, and a cool Shrimp Cocktail would make excellent hors d’oeuvres. Other great options for your summer wedding are grilled fish or chicken with steamed seasonal vegetables. And never underestimate a good summer salad! A great wine pairing for your summer fare would be a chilled white or rosé wine, and a refreshing signature summer cocktail would also help keep your guests lively and cool!

If you’re considering a summer wedding in Baton Rouge or Prairieville, call or contact us today to schedule a tour of our two beautiful venues in Baton Rouge and Prairieville for any of your wedding festivities! We guarantee that our experienced planners and accommodating staff at Oak Lodge and Parc 73 can help you heat-proof your day, and create an unforgettable celebration that everyone will enjoy!

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January 17, 2019

Everything You Should Know About Wedding-Related Events

Once you’ve shared the exciting news with friends and family and posted a picture of your ring on Facebook, next up are the celebrations! There are so many types of parties you may want to have during your engagement, and we know that planning all of these events on top of a wedding is no easy task! Besides, have you ever wondered, who is actually supposed to be hosting all of these parties? Read on to find out more about what some of the most common wedding-related parties are all about.

Engagement Party

This “kickoff” party was traditionally hosted by the parents of the bride and/or groom to celebrate the new engagement, but nowadays, anyone close to the couple can throw an engagement party. Some couples even choose to throw their own! The most common time is one to three months after the engagement, after at least some of the most important wedding details have been determined. The guest list is typically a more intimate affair – including immediate family members and close personal friends of the couple. Additionally, if you’re a stickler for etiquette rules, you may want to know this: many consider it impolite to invite anyone to your engagement party that will not also be invited to your wedding.

Bridal or Couples Shower

Traditionally, a bridal shower is a female-only celebration to honor the bride. There is usually food, games, and gifts for the bride-to-be. This is usually hosted a few weeks to two months before the wedding date, and could be hosted by anyone from the bride’s mother or mother-in-law to bridesmaids and friends. Recently, couple’s showers have become more popular as well, where both spouses are celebrated. The main etiquette rule to remember about showers is that the couple should not host these themselves, as gifts are often expected from shower guests.

Bachelor Party and Bachelorette Party

The last hoorah! Bachelor and bachelorette parties are celebratory events where the bride and groom get together to celebrate with his or her side of the wedding party and nearest friends. These parties range from a one-night event, to weekend or longer getaways with your closest pals, and usually take place a week to a month before the wedding. Bachelor and bachelorette parties are typically hosted and planned by the bridal party, led by the Maid of Honor or Best Man.

Bridesmaids Luncheon

Usually hosted the day before or a few days before the big event, the bride gets together with her best girls to kickoff the big celebration! While in the past, the bridal party hosted this event, more and more brides today are choosing to host and cover the expenses of this lagniappe celebration, as a “thank you” for their bridal party’s hard work! It’s a great way for brides to show a little appreciation for their support, and for everyone to kickoff the wedding festivities!

The engagement period is such a fun time full of celebrations with the ones you love most, and will undoubtedly be some of the most memorable times of your life! We hope you learned some helpful information on the types of parties you may enjoy, and are ready to hit the ground running!

If you need help with planning details, take a look at our list of preferred vendors, and we hope you’ll consider one of our two beautiful venues in Baton Rouge and Prairieville for any of your wedding festivities!

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