First, think about what your vision is for the wedding. Will it be in the church? Will it be at a venue, a lakeside area, an orchard? Or maybe it'll be at your home or a relative's backyard. There are so many options.
Once you settle on a wedding date, a venue area, then you need to think about what you will need to carry off what you want for the ceremony and reception. After you get a guest list somewhat put together, then you'll want to talk to whomever has the items you need to rent. It truly is a great way to get the atmosphere you want for the event and is convenient in having it set up as well as tear down.
For instance, when brides come into Party Productions, they usually have an idea of what colors, size of guest list and where it will happen. We encourage the brides to call the store and set up an appointment with our rental gal, Alli. Once you come in, have your information with you so that we can do our best to accommodate everything you want. There are flyers you can have to look at physically and there are flyers online too. Having the info in your hands is the best so that you can be at home and truly look at what you can get, how it works with your budget and if it is feasible for what you want to do.
The ceremony usually needs items for the altar, the seating area/pews if in a church or outdoor type venue. Will you need pedestals for the floral arrangements? Do you need an arch? What about candelabras? Also lanterns or glass globes on stands that attach to the pews or maybe just sit creatively on the floor on either side of the aisle runner. Do you need an aisle runner? Weddings are unique and yours should be too. Make it so by having things there that accentuate your ideas into reality.
Will you need a tent? Will it be open or with sides to block the wind or possibly rain? Will the guests sit only on chairs or maybe at tables that can later be transformed into tables for the reception activities. Whoever you decide to rent things from make sure everything is explained to you in regards to costs, setup/teardown fees, mileage to/from the site from rental place, extra fees if any damage is incurred. Things to implement into your budget in case you need to. If not, good for you, but at least you're prepared.
The tables set the mood for your guests once they arrive for ceremony and/or reception. Many weddings are combining the two events into one so that the venue space can be best utilized and maybe save some funds too. Will the tables be the standard banquet size of 8' or maybe the 5' rounds? There are cocktail tables too if you want for your happy hour as well as serpentine tables for food or gift display. So many options to make your event special.
Another area to think about is the tablecoverings and centerpieces. Will they be linen or will they be the plastic table covers? So many colors, textures and fabrics to choose from if you go linen and then the rainbow of colors available if you use the plastic variety. Make sure if you have the linen version that you might need a steamer to get any creases out. Assign that to someone so it's not on your "to do" list. Centerpieces can be about anything these days. They should relate to your atmosphere you are trying to create, your colors, your personal passions and items that reflect you the couple. Think about if they'll be short or will they be tall with florals and jeweled strands hanging down for candlelight accents. Keep in mind who might be at that table so it is easy for them to see/converse w/ the person across the table. Also, make sure that the centerpieces if near real flame are not going to be a fire issue later. Like you need one more thing to worry about but that one is important. On a round table just one in the middle is good while a standard table you might do two to a table.
Info might help you with getting a budget together for your event.
It's Beginning To Look ALOT Like Weddings Around Here!
You can tell the atmosphere is all systems BRIDE! Yep, the holidays are over but the planning is going on full steam ahead. In just a few days, we've been approached by brides to be, MIL's (Mother-In-Laws) and also nervous grooms who are just finding out what is to happen to their lives in months ahead. They all want to know what is the newest trends, colors (Pantone's Color of the Year is MAGENTA!) and whether or not a plate can hold a slab of beef or really heavy sides. It all matters because the brides/grooms of today want it all perfect. They want that celebration with family and friends to be perfect in every sense or at least to their version of perfect right?
So just to give you a taste of things to come, at the Party Productions store, we are already getting inundated w/ calls about booking tents, tables/chairs, if we have certain types of linens in certain colors, the lighting/draping that can be done. Everything is in initial stages of planning. We have the people to get the job done let me tell you. We also refer bridal couples to people we know do a great job in certain areas we don't do. Everyone works like a team to help the bridal couples get what they want. The benefit of shopping local with your vendors is that you can actually sit down w/ the owner or main contact for that service, have a real conversation and get a honest quote or idea of what they can do and for how much. That's great you know how to shop online, but when it comes to weddings, please utilize the people that know what they are doing and have done so for years. Make them show you what they have done in the past and better yet, how about an event they did recently. It doesn't have to be a wedding!
Now the vendor show coming up on January 8th at the Webster County Fairgrounds from 12-3pm is a quick, easy, FREE way to meet n greet the local vendors in the region who specifically do weddings or have a strong wedding service that might be what you need. You'll register, heck you might win one of those HUGE gift certificates to use at any vendor at the show. You'll go around and each vendor will mark your slip you'll turn in at the end of your visit. It's a great way to book a service, ask questions, set up an appointment to visit more intimately w/ the service provider. It's fun, there is door prizes, food samples and all kinds of neat things for you to gather while your their in your registration bag. Then take it home, spill it all out on your table, take it all in. Decide on who might do best for your wedding day experience. They wouldn't be at this show unless we thought they were quality, we kind of curate who gets to be in it so that you actually get the information you need. It matters.
You're going to get hit with all kinds of information by both sides of the family as to what to do and the traditions they've always done for previous weddings, etc. Just remember that it is YOUR day as a couple and your decisions are what is to be....period. They can give you advice and support you, but you have the final say. Be careful on the those who use the "well we plan on paying for this and we already talked to our friend who does this..." Ummmm. NO. Thank them for their generosity, but if that service doesn't fit your vision nor budget ideals, put your foot down. It's hard but keep to your goals. We hope that our blogs give you some advice that seems sound, helps you calm down the excitement that you and all in your circle will have when it comes to a wedding. Maintain control, be flexible and remember it's about YOU TWO....no one else. Congratulations and all of us involved w/ the 2023 FD Regional Bridal Extravaganza look forward the helping you for your wedding day planning!
Okay, So now what do I do....before I say "I DO!"
On this website there is a Wedding Planning Worksheet you can download. I cannot tell you how many of these I have seen that "try" to keep you organized for wedding planning but this one, just wow. It automatically keeps track of your funds you have set aside in your budget for the wedding. Other worksheets look cool n' chic, this one keeps you on track. We put on here so that everyone has access to it to make their decisions flow smoother and things get done. It's going to get hectic so you might as well have something in your backpocket to make it all go smooth as butter right?
Listen to both sides of the soon to be merged family. Everyone will give their opinion, but it is YOUR day, always keep that in mind. Find out the traditions, colors, memory of lost loved ones expectations, clothing choices, venues, etc. Write it down, then sit together to discuss how these might fit into your wedding day.
It's Beginning To Look Like Wedding Season!
Oh my goodness is it coming in like a windstorm those brides, they are really! It has been fun watching all the newly engaged couples coming in to do their "recon" of the store here in Fort Dodge to see what they can do for their weddings. The best part is telling them that they have other resources too; which are the vendors in our show. We happily tell the brides about the show, the website, fdbridalshow.com and the local vendors that can make anyone's wedding day happen!
The calls are coming in to think about what they want for color themes, looking at rentals and where they plan on having the ceremony. the reception, the transportation for the bridal party from here to there, etc. The vendors at our show are committed to making the wedding day a great experience. The best part of this show is how the brides can talk to the vendors "one on one" and find out what is available for booking. By doing so, they can get things off their list of "to do's" and secure a service they need for their wedding.
Gluten Free Wedding Planner When you are planning your wedding, there maybe a number of guests who are celiac/gluten free or some other dietary need. There are some great steps you can take to ensure they have a great time at your event. Maybe you are the one that has the dietary issue or your groom. If so it is important that your venue, the caterers and those you have help serve (family members or whomever) be knowledgeable about how to serve the food to avoid a cross contamination situation. It is very hard to control and to make that happen, especially in a wedding situation. With some guidance and educating the crew doing this for your event you will provide a safer environment for you, your groom and everyone who is at your wedding. It can be done. This is a great resource to have you use for your wedding planning.
Are You a Do's or Are You a Don't?
Great sage advice from Elle Magazine, July 2025
Frustrated by those fancy, schmanzy napkin folds you see in hi-end restaurants and on cruises? Fear no more as you can achieve that same look/feel thanks to Webstaurant.com's video. Now go practice!
It Was My Turn To Be A Wedding Guest....
It's happened. My eldest got married recently. I wasn't sure what my role was going to be at the event as things have been off between us for a long time. I soon found out when I arrived. Months leading up to this were scattered bits of information on what the day would entail, the wedding website page to get everyone excited for the wedding and more.
What I thought was going to be an easier way to transport me and my behemoth wedding gift fell through. Always have a Plan B in place for those who are important to the day in case their travel plans fall through. Always. Thank goodness I was able to get there with a prayer and something else. Got to my hotel (new, secured and very clean) nice. I made time to rest as pre wedding things were going on, but I had said I wouldn't be able to attend not knowing when I would get there. I'm glad I did as it gave me time to prepare for the next day's activities.
This is another thing to have in place is an alternative activity for those that can't make the pre wedding events. Have something in the room or them to greet them. Make a simple basket or bucket of things for them to enjoy; snacks, a visitor map, itinerary for the big day, their favorite beverage, etc.) Nothing fancy, just something simple so they feel welcomed and you appreciate the effort they made to attend your wedding.
So as I said previously, I arrived at the venue the next day. I put my large gift on a table that was oddly placed in the middle of a cavernous type entry space. There were a few little trinket things in a basket to take, some other cards with or without money in them. If you're going to have a gift table, at least make it look like one and a secured box or have someone there watching it. Too many times you have heard about people coming in and stealing the cards in the moneybox or basket. This table was right near the door entry; too easy for a thief. There was an older member of I assume the groom's family trying desperately to guide people to the elevator of stairs to go up on the next level. People were going up the main stairwell and were not suppose to do that. What frustrated me was a staff member of the venue just standing there not assisting by guiding the guests to where they needed to go. Why was the elderly woman having to do that? I kind of assisted in that manner by telling people to lay their gifts on the table, then go to the elevator or stairs to the right. There was no signage to help with any of this. Always have some kind of signage from your venue to direct your guests when they arrive. Always.
I got upstairs after awhile and started to talk to staff a bit. Met the florists. Told them their arrangments were beautiful, great use of colors/textures, very Bridgerton feel. I then talked to the gal I assume was the coordinator or wedding planner. I hope to God that if you have someone like this, that they have a personality or a positive vibe. This one didn't. I asked about seating, she said, "Anywhere it doesn't matter where except where it's reserved." Great I'll go sit in the reserve section for the bride's side. Nope. She pretended to be all official saying, I don't see your name down, so you'll need to be elsewhere. Are you serious? I didn't want to shake things up so where I was sitting I moved. I found some of my ex's family sitting farther back so decided since I knew none of the groom's family that it would be a good choice. It was. I sat by two of my niece's girls. Then some of my family showed up. They sat by me. They thought it was odd too that I wasn't sitting up further. I told them it was not worth the battle. It was obvious there was not direction as guests were not knowing where to sit at any point. The quintet was lovely though.
The wedding ceremony was lovely. My eldest looked amazing walking down the aisle. The ceremony was sweet and short. Afterwards they had everyone then go down two levels to a basement area with a bar/bartender. Note to self: If you are having a bar for in between stuff, make sure you have plenty of bartenders to handle it not just one. The room was not really inviting, felt like a cattle shute to be honest. There were some cocktails tables to hang out by and a speakeasy type lounge with comfy chairs. While we were down there, they were doing family photos. Unfortunately, I didn't get the memo. Someone found out and came to get me and then I went upstairs to play my role, but was told they were done doing the photos. A bridesmaid came over and told me I was not to be in the last few. Wow, that hurt. There may be some hurt feelings or grudges, but at something like this you don't let that out so publicly. Do not make your wedding party have to be the "bad guy" with a message like that. Extremely tacky. I left saying, "It's fine. I shall leave but tell the bride I expect a picture later of the two of us". I went back downstairs to the cattle shute and had some fun pictures w/ my niece and her husband. We made the best of it. The groom's parents came over to greet me. Very generous people and told me great things about my eldest. They asked why I wasn't upstairs with the pictures, I replied, "I guess I wasn't to be in them as someone told me not to be in them." The mother was apalled but appreciated my grace. I just said, " It's her day and I won't ruffle feathers"
We were told to go upstairs to find our tables. Ours was primarily my family. My seat was next to my niece and her husband. The one next to me and next to my niece's husband was another family member. Rest of table I have no clue but we got to enjoy their champagne. The table was elegant with a program type of card, nice table settings, $100 bottle of wine, and a low centerpiece floral arrangement. I say that as how many times do you go to an event and the centerpiece is so high you cannot see the others sitting across from you? Think about that when you are designing your reception space. Another issue was the tall pillars in the room. I get they are part of the aesthetic but it made it really hard to see the couple and get photos of the various events that happened on the dancefloor. Put your tables in positions so that all can see your first dance no matter where they sit.
I have to talk about the photographers too. They were professional all right, but it was unreal how many times they were "in the way' of those of us wanting to see what was going on. During the ceremony they were almost getting blessed by the minister they kept going back and forth getting the perfect shot. The young lady struggling with the light umbrella almost took down a low hanging chandelier as it got caught in it. The crew of theirs acted like it was a major news story. Yes, it was important of course, but don't have your photographer overtake the event. Set your boundaries of where they can be during the ceremony so they don't ruin the vibe.
Oh yeah, the cake table. The cake was absolutely gorgeous. The cupcakes were nice but not accessible. They were on some tall pillars that too me were just asking to be knocked over by the guests or the small people running around. If you want to go that route make the pillars or cake trays lower and within an adults reach as well as a child. Just thoughts so the pillars don't come crashing down on the wedding cake or the floor. Have plenty of napkins too.
Speaking of kids, have something for them to do while all the traditional events are going on. Have a kids table with simple coloring pages or crafts for them to do. I've been hired multiple times to handle a kids table during a reception to keep the kids entertained. Trust me the guests will thank you so they don't have to listen or watch kids running, screaming and upsetting photo shoots or entries by the bridal party. It does matter so think about having that if you are going to allow kids at your wedding.
During the reception, all the speeches were done. The DJ needed to adjust the bass a tad as it was very hard to hear the words each person said let alone the music he would play for the dances. The traditional dances were done and then they did another group shot. I stayed back, so did my niece and her husband, and my ex's family members. Then the party started. I took this chance to quietly slip away as I was tired from the event as well as needing to get back to my hotel room as the food didn't sit well with me. Nothing bad about it, just some it must not have been gluten free, again not the venue's fault. I think the appetizers during happy hour were the culprits not the meal. They had a designated card by the plate stating which were to have the gluten free meals. As I heard the dance music played, I sat by the doorway awaiting my Uber driver. Using this mode of transportation was a lifesaver so I didn't have to drive to or from the event in a city I didn't know. Both drivers were excellent and I tipped them.
At the hotel, I came in and the staff member asked about the wedding. I said it was good but wanted to get to my room quickly in case I was getting ill. I didn't but glad I had made the decision to leave so that it wouldn't be a problem for the happy couple to deal with. The next morning, I had everything pretty much ready to go so I could get on the road home due to the high temperatures. I had a decent time and the wedding went off without a hitch for the most part. The observations I made were thoughts. I just hope that by reading this you can see some things that you might want to tend to before your big day. Congratulations!