​These can be as complex as you want. Feel free to just draw them out on paper!
​
Create a layout map // Create designated areas for main elements, where catering will go, gift table, guest book. This way all vendors will know exactly where you want them! This doesn't have to be fancy (along with any mockups), a hand drawing is just fine. There's also a free website (AllSeated) that makes designing table layouts extremely easy. 

Be prepared // On your wedding day, make sure the catering tables are in the catering spot ready for them. Have all the vases cleaned and ready for the florist to work their magic, make sure where the DJ is supposed to set up has an outlet. 

BONUS // Ask for advice // Vendors are the pros. They've done this a zillion times. They know what works best. Ask them what is best. 

EXTRA BONUS // We created a sample timeline for you! Google drive is a lifesaver for keeping all our wedding straight. ​

Gosh, now back to prepping for our June weddings! 

Cheers,
C+L

​I was so honored when Zoe messaged me about C+L helping out with their wedding.  I can’t believe how the years have flied since college, and I had been keeping up with her and Cory’s adventures via the usual social media routes, and was so happy that they were finally tying the knot!  We couldn’t wait to be a part of their winter wonderland wedding in Bozeman, MT at Foster Creek Farm back in February. This was our very first wedding of the new year, and we could not wait to kick it off with a celebration we were certain would be the bee’s knees.  ​

We covered a LOT of ground in the hours leading up to the ceremony.  We did all the table design, worked our booties off to pull off Zoe’s gorgeous arch, and coordinated with The Garage who catered Zoe’s ah-mazing soup bar.  We even set up her amazing dessert table from Granny’s Gourmet Doughnuts, and in our signature style we even took out a few lipstick stains ​

Name Story // Ana-Leigh and I picked Porter out as a puppy from the Humane Society when she was only 4 months old.  She had been named “Harper” when she was still living at the shelter, but that just didn’t feel right to us.  We love all forms of booze, and had previously named our first cat together, Jameson (and our second cat, Tito, was yet to arrive in the family, but we carried on the tradition), so it only felt right to find a boozy name.  Her dark chocolate color of course reminded us of a porter beer, and so here we are, with a glass of Jameson, a pint of Porter, a Tito’s and soda, and…...a vase of Flora???  Whatever, Flora is the oldest so she can be named whatever she damn well pleases.

Favorite Toy // Porter doesn’t really have a favorite toy, but enjoys tug ropes, bigger versions of Flora’s favorite bone, and sometimes chewing up her mom’s favorite baseball cap (R.I.P. to my favorite Yankees hat).  She loves all forms of treats, including but not limited to: Salmon flavored squares, Greenies, and licks from her mom’s dinner plates without asking moms first.  

Favorite Pastime // Porter loves going on unnecessarily long  and treacherous hikes with Ana-Leigh, cuddling on the couch with her moms, barking at and terrorizing the neighborhood deer and wild turkeys, and licking cat butt holes.  She can be a naughty dog sometimes, like when she she eats Floras fifth collar, but she’s very concerned with house security and likes to warn the whole neighborhood if Alicia or Mariah come over to the house.  

​Now that's enough about our dogs...tell us about yours! 

One of the first steps of wedding planning (and the most fun) is picking a venue! Lucky for us Montanans, there are many options of all sizes, styles, and locations. It’s easy to get caught up in how beautiful a venue is, but it’s important to take a step back and ask the venue some practical questions. Here are the top questions we ask:

What is your capacity?​ Follow up with their seating arrangement options. Also keep in mind that the weather can also affect capacity.

What is your deposit and refund policy? Life happens. Might as well be prepared for everything!

What is include in the rental fee? Hours, tables/chairs, arches, linens, etc.

Do I need to use your on-site services (catering) or vendors on your preferred list? Sometimes it’s a lifesaver if you have to have all your vendors through the venue - hello one stop shop. Sometimes it will cost you an arm and a leg. Make sure you get quotes from any required vendors before booking.

What is your alcohol policy? Some venues require your to purchase alcohol through them, some allow you to BYOB, some only beer + wine. Also ask if you will need to purchase liability insurance or hire bartenders.

When will I have access to the venue? The more time for set up the better - and less stressful!

What areas do I have access too? Bridal suites, kitchen, restrooms, river access, gardens. Follow up with what time they’re available at.

What time does music have to be turned off? There is no greater buzzkill than having to have the music be turned off early.

When does the venue need to be cleaned up? And how “cleaned up” does it have to be?

What parking is available? Some venues have very limited parking which then requires transportation to bus people in. Know this before booking!

Is camping allowed? What a Montanan question. There are many venues that allow overnight parking, but there are some who allow access fees. Make sure you know this before offering this option to friends and family!

No answer to these questions is the wrong answer, just some might be better fit for you (and your budget). Don't be scared to ask questions, it is your big day and no one likes surprises!

Cheers!
C+L