Coffee & Pine Event Planning

04/08/2023

Opening gifts usually comes after food and games.

One fun game is the gift bingo. It’s a blank board where guests write in what they think the bride will be gifted. Then when that gift is opened they mark it off. First to bingo will get a prize. It helps get guests chatting about what they brought and gets them excited to stay for the whole event.

02/08/2023

Your bridal party can help break the ice at your bridal shower. They can be your buffer and conversation starters.

Introduce the key players at the start of the shower or have them introduce themselves. That way everyone knows their names. It’s also fun to have the moms, aunts, and grandmothers wear buttons or pins that say who they are.

Have a bridesmaid walk around with you offering drink refills or asking how’s the food to break the ice.

31/07/2023

Bridal showers can be a really fun way to get both families together. Some hosts may wish to hold separate showers but we really believe in bringing together both sides of the family.

It gives everyone the chance to meet one another from both sides and play some fun games.

Next up we’ll cover some games to play and discussion points for the host and bride to chat with everyone and break the ice.

31/07/2023

A wonderful more popular theme is “She found her Main Squeeze”

Lemons everywhere! If using fresh lemons it will smell amazing. From centerpieces to foods, everything lemon.

The below invite you can find on amazon!

28/07/2023

Thinking of a bridal shower theme? It would even go great for a wedding.

Coffee or The perfect blend!

Coffee beans in centerpieces with candles
Favors of The Perfect Blend or the bride’s favorite and the groom’s favorite

26/07/2023

Planning a bridal shower can be so much fun! You’ll want to have the theme be cohesive. Setting up colors and working from there is helpful. Set the mood after that - formal, casual, somewhere in between.

Some venues allow you to bring in everything on your own or you can rent and get everything through them. It depends on your budget and the mood you’re going for.

Invites should include the brides name (can include the fiancé as well), location, date/time, registry details, and rsvp details. You can use the couples wedding website and set up an event for the shower with private RSVP. Usually the host collects the rsvp via text or email. You could even save some money and do all rsvp via Facebook events.

Stay tuned for more bridal shower planning advice.

21/07/2023

First off, congratulations! Traditionally the bride isn’t a part of the bridal shower planning. If you go this route you can always let those hosting know your boundaries. So this could include the number of people or gift types or even colors.
Then whomever is hosting can handle the rest.

But if you are hosting yourself or assisting in planning we will help with some tips over the next few weeks.

18/07/2023

Question revived today: how do I collect addresses?

If you have time- the fall prior to sending out invites ask for address you don’t already have with the idea of holiday cards. You can text your friends or give them a call. You could also do this in the spring as well say around Easter (if you celebrate).

If you don’t have time- split the list between families and get your in laws and parents or siblings involved to help with family. Your fiancé and you can go down your friends list. Most people aren’t going to be worried giving you the address.

You can also use Zola and other sites for addresses. Just don’t be freaked out when the email some services send out end up in your guests junk box.

17/07/2023

Are you planning your bridal shower? Has a family member or bridal party member offered to host?

Planning a bridal shower doesn’t need to be stressful. You can break down all the tasks and plan it with ease. Over the next few weeks we’ll help by giving tips and tricks for shower planning.

14/07/2023

Rule of thumb when it comes to registry gifts is roughly 2 per guest invited. While that can seem daunting it’s possible even if the couple has lived together. It may take time to build it but pick a few sites and take your time going through. Personally we enjoy Target and Amazon for our couples because they can physically go look at things at Target and may even find on Amazon for less.

Zola and Pottery Barn are also popular registry locations.

Common registry items you need multiple of:
Dish towels
Hand towels
Bath towels
Pots and pans
Kitchen utensils
Pillows
Throw blankets
Bed linens and pillow cases
Food storage containers
Coat hangers

Not so common but fun:
Record players
Records
Bluetooth speaker
Book ends
Bookshelf
Books
Under bed storage containers
Closet organizer
Spice rack & spices

Always great to add for variety:
Gift cards of various amounts
Cash fund / honeymoon fund
Animal toys
Donation option
House fund

What’s soemthing you plan to put on your registry? If you’ve already had your special day, what’s soemthing you wish you put on your registry?

12/07/2023

Deciding to have a child free wedding can be a difficult decision. However, we have an idea of what to say.

WHY ADULTS ONLY?

Answer

Although we love your little ones, this is an adult only affair. We hope you will understand our decision to make the wedding children-free, and take the opportunity to let your hair down and celebrate in style!

For your wedding invites say “Adult only celebration” you can place this on the front of your invite or just on the detail section.

If you’re having a wedding website use the above explanation as to why.

**disclaimer- this is suggested for couples not having any child at their wedding**

10/07/2023

We received this question a few days ago: How do I communicate everything to my bridal party?

Great question!

We suggest a group text once all your bridal party has been chosen. It can be one with just everyone included OR by bride/groom side. Could also be via Facebook messenger.

We also suggest another option, a Facebook event or google doc. This should include your timeline, important dates, outfit details and due dates. Don’t forget the fun stuff either!

Both of these options allow for everything to be in my spot and reference through the entire planning process and the day of.

We also suggest that you print out the timeline or create a basic one pager that can be saved and viewed easily.

28/06/2023

Need help on how to address envelopes? Don’t be scared because we e got you covered. If you have a question on this, reach out today. We’d be happy to help.

Here is a wonderful resource as well:

https://chereeberrypaperdesign.com/wedding-etiquette-in-2020-how-to-address-wedding-invitations/

23/06/2023

If you want to sit with your bridal party a large head table is always a great way to have everyone included

The couple usually sits center with the attendants on either side

Traditionally one side is the brides and the other is the grooms

You don’t have to follow those traditions if your don’t want to, remember it’s YOUR day

21/06/2023

What’s soemthing you believe is most on a weddings registry?

20/06/2023

What to include on your sweetheart table:

Florals
Candles
Chairs for the couple
Signs are nice but not a must as it’s clear the bride and groom will be seated here
Charger plates or sets to match your dinner service

You can repurpose your ceremony florals for this space

A sweetheart table isn’t the only way yhe happy couple can be seated

We will share more ideas as time goes on

02/04/2023

This is such a sweet idea. Everyone is always wondering about a special moment the couple could do for their unity ceremony or even privately between them. This is a beautiful.

24/02/2023

If your feeling overwhelmed by planning. It’s okay to take a break. Take a few weeks off and breathe. Give yourself some grace.

Do some self care to recharge. Get hyped for your big day.

When you’re ready to get back into things tackle things on baby steps.

One tip: create an email especially for your wedding. Use this to reach out to vendors and keep everything you decide on in a folder.

You’ll be one step closer to an organized and beautiful day.

23/02/2023

Wedding planning can be tough. But consider using a website for all your bookkeeping and guest details.

If you want to keep your information private, many sites allow you do password protected pages. Where to RSVP your invite has a code that guests input.

Websites ‘should’ include:
When, where
Accommodations (with or without discounts)
QA/FAQ for guests
Registry
Children policy
Who to contact with questions
RSVP details

Can include:
Photos and history of you as a couple
Bridal party names and pictures

If including your website on your save the date, which we do recommend, have all your wedding details set up and ready.

You may need to update your registry details within a month of your shower and the wedding as things are purchased or go out of stock. It’s best to keep it up to date.

Sites we use regularly include the Knot and Zola.

22/02/2023

They have become very popular over the last few years. Charcuterie Boards.

There are many boards to pick from but they are a great option. Charcuterie Boards are wonderful fro any gathering. From holidays, wedding party getting ready rooms, to cocktail hour.

It’s a wonderful option to serve as it can be pleasing to many peoples pallets.

Pro tip: ask your caterer and venue on options for boards. If they don’t serve them ask if they know of a local business who can serve as your vendor. Definitely something fun and memorable to have on your special day.

20/02/2023

Another fabulous idea for appetizers is a veggie tray with dip. Now this is great for you and your party getting ready and for your guests

Catering companies can make them shine as well. They won’t be your tailgate veggie trays. They will shine and fill you and your guests up

The price can also be pretty good if looking for a budget friendly item

They can be colorful and fun while being a fabulous crowd pleaser

16/02/2023

Want a fun appetizer or food idea? A mashed potato bar is one fabulous idea you can use to please a crowd.

You’d have your mash potatoes and then a bunch of topics ideas from bacon, cheese, and onions. There are countless options.

We’ll be showcasing some fun food ideas over the next few months.

14/02/2023

08/02/2023

Part 4: Contracts

It may seem simple but it means so much:

Get Everything in Writing
- if you are making changes to the contract get it updated and signed off by all involved

Review Dates and Terms of the Agreement
- also ensure you get those in your planner

What happens if your wedding is cancelled or pushed back? What happens if the vendor is unable to make it or they double book? What about liability insurance or backup plans?

Your coordinator can also assist in reviewing and making sure you are covered

03/02/2023

We’ve received a few messages about how to include children in a wedding. Whether it be your children, your nieces or nephews or friends children, there are plenty of ways to include them. The ages are subjective of course. But we have broken it down from 10+ and under 10.

⭐️ 10+
- Reading during ceremony
- Walk bride down the aisle
- Usher for guests
- Unity ceremony (sand, painting, rope)
- Toast at dinner
- Bridal party member
- Pass our programs
- Include on attire shopping

⭐️ 1-10
- Flower girl or ring bearer
- Unity ceremony participant
- Greet guests (always a fun time)
- Include in attire shopping

Now there may be more ways to include but these are few. Of course it depends on the child and permissions provided from their parents/guardians.

The children and their parents/guardians should be included in the rehearsal if you are having one. Or provide a separate day and time you can practice with them on their special duties. This provides practice and gives confidence to the child in their role. Especially for an older child that might be nervous.

Gifts to ask them are not necessary but sometimes a special moment you can have with them. In regards to what they are wearing, we see it as a gift that can be given or a discussion to be had about that with their parents/guardians.

We suggest including them as much or as little as you wish. Children at weddings can be a hot topic, but this is if you are having children attend and want them to be involved.

What other suggestions might you have to include children in your special days?

01/02/2023

Part 3: Contracts

Get a second set of eyes
- get a friend, your coordinator, or fiancé to go over the contract as well

This is probably some of the best advice I was given years ago

Proof read, double check, heck have your fiancé or your parents/guardians review

Make sure pricing, timeframes, services are accurate

Comment below any questions you might have

27/01/2023

Ready to purchase wedding jewelry?

We have a few tips and tricks:

💍 Jewelry sales happen around the holidays
So if you can, wait until then to get some fabulous deals

💍 Family heirlooms

💍 Purchase the engagement ring along with the band can save some money and a headache down the road

💍 Wedding ring shopping can be a fun adventure for you and your fiancé

💍 Check out your local jeweler or jewelry counter for the various options

Keep an open mind and have fun with it!

25/01/2023

Part 2: Contracts

Verify the duration of the contract is correct for what you are looking for
- month of, day of, follow ups

If you are looking for a Month of coordinator- make sure the contract specifies this timeframe and details

If you are looking for a DJ, how many hours will you need them for? Ceremony and Reception, multiple locations. This should be specified in the contract

Comment below any questions you might have!

20/01/2023

Engagement Announcements

Years past they were traditionally done via your local paper (they still can). Then they were mailed out to family and friends far and wide. But don’t stress, there are less expensive options nowadays.

Now, we see most engagement announcements done via social media. From Facebook to Instagram, happy couples posting their love stories.

You can use a cute quote, phrase, or even song lyrics. It’s also a great spot to start your wedding hashtag going to look back on for years to come.

Here you’ll see our Founders very own post back in 2020.

Share your love story in the comments!

18/01/2023

Part 1: Contracts

Review the scope of services the vendor is providing
- Month of support, day of, timeline for return services, number of hours

You want to make sure that you have fully reviewed and marked any questions you might have

Review and chat with the vendor as many times as you need

You shouldn’t feel rushed

Comment below any questions you might have!