Show your bridesmaids that you appreciate them

It’s vital to show your bridesmaids that you appreciate them. These ladies have decided to honor you and your groom by standing up for the both of you on your big day. They have made it to countless appointments, securing dresses, shoes, flowers, centerpieces and probably driven all over town on your behalf. Not to mention all of the time and effort they have put into planning you a spectacular bridal shower or Stagette. Take some time to come up with a thoughtful way to say thank you.

A token of your appreciation

A memorable gift for your maids is always a sweet surprise if it is in your budget. For example, consider purchasing the bridesmaid jewelry or offering each lady a special anklet. They will treasure this memento for years to come and will be touched that you went that extra step to show your thanks. Some great gift ideas include:

• A spa gift certificate (hair, manicure, pedicure, etc.)
• A pendant or chain
• Bangles, earrings or bracelet
• Bottle of wine or champagne
• Offer to pay a portion of the cost for their bridesmaid dress or shoes or hair and makeup
• Get some gift certificates from your wedding photographer and give your girls a coupon for a family session
• Dinner and a movie gift certificate

Handmade thoughtfulness

Sometimes the wedding taps out your entire budget. If anyone is going to understand besides your spouse, it will be your best girls. They have been accompanying you on your buying trips and booking appointments and probably picked up on the worried expression that has crossed your face from time to time. Fear not. Some simple handmade gestures can mean more than the costliest spending spree. Consider some of the following easy ideas:

• Hand-sewn heart sachets (fill with lavender or leave scent free)
• Plant some seedlings in a painted pot
• Make a crafty thank you card
• Stamp some stationary
• Etch or paint some wine glasses
• Frame a black and white photo of the two of you
• Make some homemade tin patio lanterns for her deck or balcony

Green brides

Plant a tree in your bridesmaid’s name and feel great about a gift that keeps on giving. Purchase some perennial plants for her garden or start a container garden for her. Many nurseries will offer a bulk discount if you are purchasing an abundant quantity. Give her a gift certificate or I.O.U. coupon for a future lunch and shopping date at her favorite thrift store. Buy some candle holders at a local swap meet or garage sale and upcycle them with her favorite paint colors. The possibilities are endless and easy to give her the extra thanks she deserves.

Personalize your thank yous

Of course, you can simply stop at your favorite restaurant or store and grab a mitt full of gift certificates or create your own on your computer. However, who says one size has to fit all? Each of your ladies has their own favorite color and activity preferences. Maybe one of your gals loves art and an adult coloring book and some new art supplies would make the perfect gift. Perhaps another of your friends is passionate about gardening and would love a nursery gift certificate or some thoughtfully selected seed packets.

The group thank you

If you prefer to make a day of it as opposed to individual gifts, consider some of the following:

• A trip to your local water park
• A spa day
• Horseback riding
• A round of golf
• A winery trip

Regardless of how you choose to show your bridesmaids you appreciate them, it will be remembered that you went the extra mile to show how important they are and how much help they have been to you.

While you’re figuring out the perfect gift for your bridesmaids, you can go ahead and settle another important issue: The wedding and reception venue. Swan Manor has you covered there. Between our stately manor house, carriage house ballroom and manicured grounds, the special day of your dreams is possible on our grounds. Contact us today to schedule a meeting and tour. Call 704-776-2530 or use the contact form here on the site to learn about our wedding packages. We look forward to hearing from you.

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Look for a wedding reception venue with indoor/outdoor spaces

Look for a wedding reception venue with both indoor and outdoor spaces to get the most out of your celebration. Having a myriad of places to mingle will enable every guest to find their ideal comfort zone, thus, enticing them to stay longer.

The downside of a club atmosphere

If your venue is one large space with thumping bass notes blaring and nothing but flashing lights everywhere, you actually might not end up partying into the wee hours as planned. Of course, much of this will depend on the age and interests of your guests. However, Great Aunt Edna and your grandparents might find this space extremely loud and leave early. It will also be difficult to mingle and chat with your guests above the noise.

Accentuate natural surroundings

Take notes when you visit your venue to discuss final details during the planning process. Highlight any natural indoor and outdoor photo ops that are on the grounds. Many venues have abundant spectacular beauty. Consider if any of the following are available for some stunning photo opportunities with your photographer and guests:

• Pond, water fountain, bridge, waterfall
• Trees, garden, forest
• Sculpture
• Rock wall
• Rustic barn
• Field of wildflowers
• Mountains
• Indoor art background
• Spiral staircase or architecturally intriguing stairwell

Free-range weddings

Outdoor receptions are lovely. Many couples cannot imagine getting married with a roof over their head and insist the entire event take place outside. This is a wonderful sentiment and can be thoroughly enjoyed if you have taken the appropriate measures into account. Having some fleece throws on hand for your guests to use on their shoulders or legs can be most welcome if you are celebrating late into the night or during chillier spring and fall months.

Making some no-sew fleece throws to match your wedding colors is simple. Simply get the wedding party together one night and cut some fringe on the edges of your square or rectangular blankets…and voila! Consider embroidering your initials for a special and practical guest favor.

Sun respite

The last thing you want for your pictures is a bunch of sunburned guests. Look for a wedding reception venue with indoor/outdoor spaces to accommodate everyone’s comfort level along with your own. Having some cooler, air-conditioned places available can be heavenly if you are getting married in the height of summer.

Varied seating options

While your teenage cousins might enjoy some high, fancy bar stool chairs, your older guests will appreciate not having to climb up and down. If your venue doesn’t have any loveseats or couches, consider creating your own perimeter lounge atmosphere in the foyer. Get creative — if covered hay bales suit your theme, then go for it. It is important to have some places for guests to catch up with one another and a spot to rest while they are waiting for the bathroom.

Smoking guests

If you have zero smokers on your guest list, that’s great. How wonderful to be surrounded by such a health conscious group of people. However, if you do have uncles that enjoy cigars and guests who still smoke cigarettes, fret not. Simply have the emcee announce where they can appropriately smoke. Set up extra outdoor seating and tables to provide a comfortable location. This will help prevent people from standing and smoking right outside of the doorways. Having extra ashtrays on hand is respectful for the cleanup crew and may help you prevent being saddled with additional cleaning fees.

By choosing a wedding venue that has equally exciting indoor and outdoor possibilities, both you and your guests will have your needs met. Taking photos will be extra fun when you don’t have to drive all over town to “get that shot” as well.

Between our stately manor house, carriage house ballroom and manicured grounds, the indoor/outdoor wedding and reception of your dreams is waiting for you at Swan Manor. Contact us today to schedule a meeting and tour. Call 704-776-2530 or use the contact form here on the site. We look forward to hearing from you.

The post Look for a wedding reception venue with indoor/outdoor spaces appeared first on Swan Manor Wedding & Event Venue.

from Swan Manor Wedding & Event Venue http://swanmanor.com/9510-2/

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