New Featured Wedding on Our Site!

So I finally got around to featuring a different wedding on our website- the previous one was my baby sister's wedding and I just didn't want to part with it! :) But, here's a lovely fall soiree we did back in November for your viewing pleasure. It was the most eco-friendly wedding we've ever done, with biodegradable everything and silverware made out of potato starch! Robin's committment to being green taught us a lot about the options that are available today. Enjoy!

2010 Wedding Trend: Backyard Wedding

Another trend we're seeing for the new year is brides planning their weddings closer to home- like in the backyard. :) Or in the backyard of a friend with more room if need be. Cozy backyard weddings are becoming more popular as many brides are looking for a more intimate affair, and also a way to cut costs. While having your wedding at home may actually be more expensive than you think if you chose to rent everything, there are ways to have a fabulous wedding at home and still stay in the budget.

Many backyard weddings take on a rustic or shabby chic vibe, using mismatched furniture, servingware, etc. in an eclectic way. The best way to evoke a cozy, intimate feel for your wedding at home is to pull furniture outside! Couches, chairs, even things like bookcases can be used for seating and display of things like food and your cake. Instead of renting folding chairs and tables, see if you can round up a bunch of vintage-looking chairs from friends and family. Mismatching on purpose can look great- just check out this Backyard Chic Editorial Shoot by Lisa Lefkowitz over on Style Me Pretty.
For decor, use things such as lanterns, mason jars, wooden crates, and anything comfortable and homey. Also, don't forget to let nature do it's work- don't overdo it with flowers and greenery because you're already outside! Chalkboards are a cute idea to direct guests to the wedding site, or let them know what's on the menu this evening.
Speaking of food, try using local vendors, caterers, and grocers, you'll most likely save money doing this and stick with your hometown theme. If you're feeling really brave, have guests or family members do the cooking!
Setup for this type of wedding can be substantial, so definitely get some help the day of to pull it off without a hitch. This is what day-of wedding coordinators are for- so you and your family can enjoy the day and not have to lift a finger! And as I always say for my WNY brides, always have a backup plan when you're planning an outdoor event- you never know what the weather will bring. Have a great Sunday!

Martha Inspiration

Outdoor weddings are quickly becoming an obsession of mine- despite the fact that they are seriously a risk in the unpredictable climate of Western New York. Check out this adorable little DIY project for lighting an outdoor ceremony and/or reception from Martha Stewart!

The Great Outdoors

Having an outdoor wedding in the Western New York area is a gamble, I'm not gonna lie. Not only do we have the normal risks of rain and wind popping up, but we've been known to have freak snowstorms as late as May and as early as October. But for many brides, the feel of tying the knot under the open sky is worth the risk. If this is you, read on for Forget Me Knot Details' tips for outdoor weddings. (All photos taken by myself- hence the non-professional quality- at an outdoor wedding we coordinated back in October at Rochester's Ellison Park).

Get to know your location. This is key no matter your set-up. Do you want to have the sun setting behind you as you say I do? Visit your location at sunset to figure out the best placement for the alter, guest chairs, etc. Will you be marrying during the day? Where is the shade from surrounding trees- can you use it to your advantage so no one melts? If you are putting up a tent, make sure you map out exactly where you'd like it placed, and consider things like the ground texture and location of surrounding bushes and trees (we have brought hedge trimmers to outdoor weddings and had to trim a bush so it wasn't jutting into the tent!). When you host your wedding outdoors, you have so much natural beauty surrounding you- make sure you're using it all to your advantage!

Make your guests comfortable. Yes we know, this is YOUR day. And we agree. However, your guests are a key part of your wedding day, and we know that you want them to enjoy the day (and go tell everyone what an amazing wedding you had). So when marrying out of doors, think of them. Where will the sun be during your ceremony- will they be squinting the entire time, or melting under the heat? Is there a possibility of bugs plaguing your guests? Think ahead and provide citronella candles, and maybe even mild bug spray (we recommend Avon's Skin So Soft). If you choose to host your wedding out of doors in a chillier month, think about providing blankets for your guests. And if you have a tent for your ceremony/reception in the cooler months- please don't forget a heater! We know it might be in the 60's during the day, but the temps drop pretty quick in September and October around these parts. Your guests' comfort will allow them to have the best time at your wedding!

Incorporate natural details. You've chosen to tie the knot in the best location Mother Nature has to offer- outside! Don't overthink your decor. Use natural elements like branches and flowers, but do it thoughtfully. We highly recommend candles- candlelight is gorgeous outside, so go crazy with candles! We're also loving simple paper lanterns, like the kind used in these wedding photos. They look really sweet tied into trees, and are the perfect way to subtly light the space once it gets dark.

Have a back-up plan. I know I know- what's the point of a back-up plan if your DREAM is to get married outdoors?? But I promise, on the off chance that it does rain/snow/sleet/who knows what else- you will thank me for saying you need a back-up plan. And I don't just mean "we'll just move everything under the tent" kind of plan. Really think it out. As hard as it is, envision what your wedding will be like in your back-up location, down to all of the details that are important to you. Will chairs and tables have to be moved? What about the dance floor? Where will you have the ceremony inside the tent? Make sure you have your plan B all laid out, just in case you need to use it. And, just a tiny plug, outdoor weddings where the back-up plan needs to be used- best time ever to have a wedding planner! ;) We can do all of the rearranging and make it still look fabulous, while you don't have a care in the world. Changing things at the last minute and making them look amazing- it's what we do.