Wedding

Real Wedding - Josue & Berenice - Chateau Luxe, Phoenix Arizona

The song “When A Man Loves A Woman” is a classic representation of what every girl hopes her guy will feel about her. Josue & Berenice’s wedding was the real life version of this romantic song. The love he had for her showed in every single aspect of their fairytale wedding.

Josue & Berenice’s wedding was intended from the very beginning to be an extremely lavish affair that their families and friends would talk about for many, many years. Their main goal was to ensure that their fairytale romance was apparent in each and every aspect of their wedding. Josue loved Bernice unconditionally and unabashedly and he wanted to make sure that her every dream and wish for their wedding was accomplished.

During their ceremony he read to her from their family bible and then they were prayed over by their family to ensure they understood that they were part of a village and that throughout their marriage they would be supported and loved.

Their venue, Chateau Luxe, is a fabulous venue full of light, crystals and elegance. It perfectly represented their vision of their wedding. They were hoping to utilize the new garden location at the venue , but unfortunately it wasn’t ready in time. Josue brought the outdoors in by contracting with a second florist (Tulip Tree), in addition to the amazing florals originally selected to provide additional arrangements without Bernice knowing so her dream of a lush, green wedding would come true.

Their love of authentic Mexican music, that would encourage their guests to dance and enjoy themselves, (they had a large number of out of country guests that only spoke Spanish) was so important to them that they had 2 live bands (Lobos Musciarios and Banda La Llegadora)  and a well known radio DJ (Eclipse Hispanic (Univision)) perform for their reception. 

The venue is not allowed to host an outdoor fireworks display, so Karma Event Lighting created an amazing indoor fireworks display that surprised all of the guests during Josue and Berenice’s first dance, while he serenaded her (a secret we kept from her until that night). He sang not once, but twice that night! Everyone was in tears. 

A large and lavish 4 tier cake was just the beginning of the sweet treats for the guests. Each guest also received a treat of chocolates at their place setting and a sweet cupcake (provided by Cakes by Whisk), individually wrapped, on their way out at the end of the evening. Guests also enjoyed a lavish dessert bar and a gelato station (Frost 321) under the stars. Adding to the personal touch, Berenice wrapped custom scented candles for all of their female guests to take home.

Take a peak at more amazing pictures on Carmichael Studios blog

And watch the amazing video on Normscar Video Productions YouTube channel.

The amazing wedding professionals - 

Coordinator - Sweet I Do's Venue - Chateau Luxe Photographer - Carmichael Studios Videographer - Normscar Video Productions Dinner Music BandLobos Musciarios Reception Band - Banda La Llegadora DJ/Emcee - Eclipse Hispanic (Univision) Event Lighting - Karma Event Lighting Photo Booth - SnapBooth Florist - Tulip Tree Dress - Suzanne's Bridal Boutique Suit - Parker & Schmidt Hair & Makup - Faces by Gabi Invitations - YW Countdown Cupcake Favors - Cakes by Whisk Gelato - Frost 321

All images - Carmichael Studios

Sweet I Do's is a wedding planning company located in Surprise, AZ (a suburb of Phoenix). We specialize in wedding day management (also known as day of coordination). We help you create an amazing, unique and totally "you" wedding that allows you to be in the moments making the memories, not worrying about the details. From contract review and timeline creation to day of management, set up and tear down, we're focused on ensuring our couples, their families and friends experience a stress and worry free night to remember.

Real Wedding - Heather & Ian - Val Vista Lakes Clubhouse Gilbert, Arizona

Image - Frances Cecilia Photography

A wedding filled with all of their favorite people and things was what Heather and Ian envisioned, add a bit of the untraditional and some singing by the bride and groom and it was their dream come true!

Heather and Ian are a super cute couple that had very definite ideas as to what they did and more importantly what they did not want at their wedding. They searched high and low to find the perfect venue that wasn’t Arizona desert or golf club/country club greens. They got engaged at the top of a mountain at sunset while camping so they wanted something just as unique for their wedding venue while still staying in the city to keep their guests from having to travel super far for their Thursday night wedding. 

The decorations, bouquets and boutonnieres were hand crafted by Heather while sitting at home watching Netflix (her destress is handcrafting paper flowers). Each member of their wedding party received a totally unique set of personal flowers to reflect how Heather visually saw their personalities.

Staying non-traditional, Heather and Ian had a long-time family friend get ordained just to marry them and they made him promise to keep the ceremony under 15 minutes (for the record he did it in 10). Their guests went directly into cocktail hour that had a trail mix bar instead of hors d’ouerves and while Heather and Ian were getting pictures, guests could take a boat out onto the “lake” behind Val Vista Lakes.

Their grand entrance was just the two of them after Heather changed into a short and sassy white dress and flip flops, no more heavy bridal gown for her and they immediately went into a semi-choreographed first dance.

Following the dance everyone enjoyed delicious pitas, falfal and other Greek delicacies provided by Pita Bistro. Why have wedding cake (something neither Ian nor Heather are fans of) when you can have mini bundt cakes in all your favorite flavors from Nothing Bundt Cakes? The “cake topper” hand crafted from clay made by the bride! 

During the reception it didn’t take much to convince Heather and Ian to get up and sing their favorite songs with the band! 

The centerpieces (freshly sliced lemons and oranges) served as garnish for the imported beer. Each place setting had bubbles for fun, a metal mind puzzle to keep everyone guessing and chocolates to keep everyone sweet! 

Heather and Ian are both visual people and their guest book had to reflect that personality trait so a polaroid camera provided the perfect selfie station and guests wrote message of love on the back and hung them from a twine backdrop. 

The entire night was a focus on fun, family and close friends.

 

The amazing vendor team –

Photographer – Frances Cecilia Photography

Venue – Val Vista Lakes

Coordinator/Planner – Sweet I Do’s

Band – Jynx

Catering – Pita Bistro

Bartender – Hey Bartender!

Alcohol – BevM

Cake – Nothing Bundt Cakes

Staffing – ETC. by Emily

Rentals – YKnot Party Rentals

20 Questions to Ask Your Potential Wedding Day Venue

Your wedding day will be one of the most beautiful and most expensive days of your life. You will be signing many, many agreements that are legally binding, but before you do be sure to ask the right questions and get everything that is promised verbally, in writing. You never know when the person you are dealing with may leave the company and there are no notes about all the things that they said they would do or give to you. Below are 20 questions/issues that as wedding day management specialists and day of coordinators we've learned to ensure are covered in the contract.

1. Ask if your specific date is available (and make sure that the day, date and year is referenced in the contract if you need a specific date).

2. If you are more flexible with your date, ask which dates are available and if there is a discount for booking in a specific month or day of the week (get this in writing in the contract).

3. Find out if there is a minimum and maximum number of people the venue can hold, dinner style (this is important as a venue can hold more people standing, conference style and stadium style).

4. Pricing and what specifically is included in the price - tables, chairs, linens, flatware, silverware, glassware, lighting, audio, visual, set up, tear down, security, bar, alcohol, etc. Make sure that everything that they promise verbally makes it into the contract.

5. Any discounts that are available (off season, weekday, day time, bridal show, referral, etc.). Make sure they are reflected in the contract.

6. What is the deposit amount, when is it due and is it refundable if you change your mind or if you are in the military and you are deployed?

7. How do you pay the remaining amount (is there a payment plan, penalties, is it refundable)?

8. Do they have a bridal suite and/or groom's room and is it included in your rental? When can you access it? Are there any restrictions (food, drinks, number of people)? Is it locked up during the wedding? When does it have to be cleaned out?

9. What is the cancellation policy?

10. What is their weather plan, when is it implemented and who makes that call?

11. How long do you have access to the space (set up and tear down time)? Make sure this is included in your contract.

12. What is the overtime fee and when is it implemented?

13. Are there any decoration restrictions or guidelines that must be followed (candles, flower petals, rice, balloons, hanging items, etc.).

14. Do they have a required vendor list? Is there an additional cost if you choose not to use them?

15. If they have a required caterer, ask for the price per person, packages and if there is any flexibility in the menus/choices.

16. Do they have a food tasting? Is there a cost for it? A maximum number of people that can attend? When does it happen? Do you get to choose what you sample?

17. Can you provide your own alcohol? If you can't, do they offer a consumption bar or a beer and wine only option?

18. Do they have music restrictions (time ending, sound level)?

19. Do they require security? Under what circumstances is it required? Is it included in the price? If it is not included, where can you hire them?

20. Do you have to provide event insurance, liquor liability or any other type of insurance? Do your vendors?

Seem overwhelming? We understand! Download an excel version of our questions here!

We can not stress enough to get everything that you are told in writing, preferably in the contract. We have seen over and over again couples that are scrambling last minute to find, fix or take care of things that they thought they were getting at the venue and for whatever reason the venue can not or will not accommodate.

Contract review is one of the main reasons we strongly suggest hiring a wedding day manager, day of coordinator or full service wedding planner.  

 

Local to Phoenix or coming here to get married, please call us or reach out on our contact form, we're happy to help!


Sweet I Do's is a wedding planning company located in Surprise, AZ (a suburb of Phoenix). We specialize in wedding day management (also known as day of coordination). We help you create an amazing, unique and totally "you" wedding that allows you to be in the moments making the memories, not worrying about the details. From contract review and timeline creation to day of management, set up and tear down, we're focused on ensuring our couples, their families and friends experience a stress and worry free night to remember.

10 Mistakes To Avoid Making With Your Wedding Invitations

You've been frantically searching Pinterest for amazing, fun and unique wedding invitations. You think you have found "the one" and now you need to order your stationery set. Before you hit that purchase button (and after you have received them but before you send them out) be sure you are avoiding these 10 common mistakes.

1. Not including all of the pertinent information - key items to include your names, the date, time and location (for both ceremony and reception if in different locations).

2. Not including a way to RSVP or making it way too difficult - be sure to include an RSVP card with a postage paid envelope or if you are choosing to have online RSVP's make sure the link is easy to read and simple, long hyperlinks open you up to errors and people not responding creating more work for yourself in the end.

Planner tip - only allow your guests 3-4 weeks (or whatever time is needed by your caterer/venue) to respond.

3. Not addressing the envelope to the guests you want to attend - This is the time to be very specific. Don't want children at your wedding? Specifically address the invitation to the parents, by name, only. Allowing a guest to bring a companion? Address it to your guest by name and add "and guest" - Mr. Pat Summer and Guest.

Planner tip - do not add the words "Adult only reception", "No children allowed" or any other phrasing. It will come across as passive aggressive.

4. Including registry information - asking for gifts in any form on the wedding invitation or included in the stationery set is rude. Word of mouth will work perfectly to get the information out there.

Planner tip - don't register for any honey fund or cash based gift site. Create a small registry and guests will know that you prefer cash.

5. Not spell or fact checking - check everything twice and then pass it on to a fresh set of eyes. Planner tip - read it out loud and word by word.

Planner tip - get out a calendar and touch the date to match day and date and Google search your venue for their address o Google.

6. Ordering too many invitations or not enough - you do not need an invitation for every guest, but only every address/family (as a unit). Add 10-20 extra invitations for people you may have forgotten about or if their invitation gets lost. Also, add 10-20 extra envelopes just in case you mess up the address or someone moves and the original invitation is returned.

Planner tip - keep one complete set for your photographer to use the day of.

7. Buying stamps before you know the cost of a completed invitation set - take a completed set (included the stamped response envelope) to the post office and get it weighed.

Planner tip - this is especially important if you have an unusually shaped or sized invitation set and something to consider when budgeting for your stationery.

8. Telling people what to wear - unless you are having a true black tie/white tie event, don't tell people what to wear. You can't control your guests and to be honest it isn't something to stress about. You won't remember what people wear anyway.

9. Any reference to alcohol or the lack of alcohol - telling guests that you will have a dry wedding, to BYOB or that it is a cash bar (the last two are totally against etiquette) while on the surface may seem helpful has no place on your invitation or in your invitation suite.

10. False start time - don't list a fake start time on your invitation (especially if it is just for a few guests that are "always late"). Most guests will arrive 15-30 minutes before the ceremony time. Giving a fake start time means you are penalizing the majority of your guests that will arrive on time or early and will cause issues with your venue and interfere with all of the pre-ceremony items such as pictures and final set up.


Sweet I Do's is a wedding planning company located in Surprise, AZ (a suburb of Phoenix). We specialize in wedding day management (also known as day of coordination). We help you create an amazing, unique and totally "you" wedding that allows you to be in the moments making the memories, not worrying about the details. From contract review and timeline creation to day of management, set up and tear down, we're focused on ensuring our couples, their families and friends experience a stress and worry free night to remember.

4 Things You Must Include in Your Wedding Invitations

You've got a fabulous fiancé, a gorgeous ring, a beautiful venue and the perfect date, now what? Time to choose your wedding invitations! But your wedding is not like a birthday party where you can just send one piece of paper with all the information on it and if people come great Happy Birthday!!!!, and if not oh well, more cake for me! There are 4 things that you must include in your wedding invitation set (and a couple of fun additions if your budget is a little more flexible).

 

1. The actual wedding invitation itself. Key information to include - your names, the date, time and location of the ceremony (and reception if at a different location).

2. The outer envelope - this should be addressed to the people that are invited to the wedding specifically. For example, if you are only inviting the adults in a family - only address the invitation to the parents  - Tom and Sally Anderson. If you are inviting a couple that aren't married yet, include, by name both people - David Jones and Anna Williams. If you are inviting someone over 18 that is allowed to bring a guest or companion indicate this by addressing it with their name and guest - Mr. John Smith and Guest. If you are inviting a family you can either address by name or by family name - Seth, Kim, Julie and Ryan Brown or The Brown Family.

3. The RSVP or response card. Key information to include - date to be returned, number of guests/seats invited, meal options (if needed), number of children's meals/dietary restrictions (if needed), line for their name. Planner tip - either number the RSVP card in pencil or black light pen to match with your guest list, just in case guests don't write their names (or you can't read the writing on the card).

4. The RSVP or response card envelope. This needs to be pre-stamped and addressed to come back to you or your wedding planner.

Bonus items - 

Directions or map card - if your location is difficult to find, the majority of your guests are from out of town or your ceremony and reception are in two different locations, you may want to consider adding this card. Planner tip - if your location is in a black hole or poor cell phone reception area consider adding a card.

Menu - if your guest list includes a number of people that have known allergies or if you are having a unique food style (all vegan, Thai, sushi stations only, etc.) you may want to consider adding a card with your menu.

Accommodations card - if you have a room block in a particularly busy location or your date is on a popular date you may want to include a card with the room block information. Planner tip - if you have a hard block (you will be charged if the block is not fully booked) or your wedding is in a location where accommodations are limited consider adding a card.


Sweet I Do's is a wedding planning company located in Surprise, AZ (a suburb of Phoenix). We specialize in wedding day management (also known as day of coordination). We help you create an amazing, unique and totally "you" wedding that allows you to be in the moments making the memories, not worrying about the details. From contract review and timeline creation to day of management, set up and tear down, we're focused on ensuring our couples, their families and friends experience a stress and worry free night to remember.

Real Wedding - Kris & Josh's Wedding Candy Buffet - JW Marriott Camelback Golf Club Scottsdale, Arizona

Kris and Josh love candy and sweets! In fact, having a candy buffet at their wedding kinda became one of the non-negotiable in the process of planning their wedding. Happy to help, we provided an amazing table full of the couples favorite candies which included Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, sour gummy worms and custom M&M's. Set in the beautiful ballroom of the hidden gem venue the Camelback Golf Course in Scottsdale, our candy buffet was the hit of the night, hardly anything remained at the end of the celebration! 

Our displays always include all the little elements that tie it into the overall design of the wedding so that it becomes a part of the decor. Even though Kris and Josh chose their favorite candies over candies that would match the colors of their wedding, the candy buffet still looked amazing and shows that any candy buffet, when designed right can add to the beauty of the night!

While we were setting up, we couldn't help but see all the gorgeous work that fellow vendors Wendell Design Group Florist had created for our cute couple. The royal blue and silver tabelscapes were amazing and the cute little chair tie broaches were to die for! The staff at Camelback Golf Club was fabulous and had everything ready for the couple to take a few pre-ceremony pictures!


Sweet I Do's is a wedding planning company located in Surprise, AZ (a suburb of Phoenix). We specialize in wedding day management (also known as day of coordination). We help you create an amazing, unique and totally "you" wedding that allows you to be in the moments making the memories, not worrying about the details. From contract review and timeline creation to day of management, set up and tear down, we're focused on ensuring our couples, their families and friends experience a stress and worry free night to remember.

10 Things Your Coordinator Does For You - In's and Out's of Wedding Coordinators and Planners

So many couples that I have spoken with tell me the reason they didn't think they needed a coordinator or planner is because they think it is either A) only for those with large budgets or B) they have a venue coordinator that will take care of everything (that is a whole different blog post).

There isn't a bigger myth out there (other than the one that if you say the word "wedding" everything automatically doubles in cost (never mind that the amount of work, details and other wedding only moments contribute to that cost)) than assuming that hiring a planner or coordinator is only for those with a big budget. There is a planner out there for every budget, but like everything else, you need to shop around. Maybe all you need is a consultation to help with a few of the sticky details or someone that can take it on from the beginning or somewhere in between. Let's talk about that full service planner and the benefits to hiring someone from the very beginning.

1. Budget

Your planner will help you set up a budget (based on your total wedding budget) that takes into account your must haves, your wants and your could care lesses. And then they will help you make decisions that keep the budget in mind.

2. Opinions

An amazing planner will be able to give you an impartial opinion on something that is part of a very emotional event, without making you feel like they are taking over your wedding or making it all about them.

3. Schedule

Planners know what needs to happen when when it is time to be looking and booking elements of your wedding. We know you are excited about planning your honeymoon, but we need to make sure your meal selection has been finalized long before you decide if it is a beach or cabin honeymoon.

4. Vendors

Booking a planner means you get more than that person and their staff, you get access to the hundreds of vendors that they know and love. Instead of slogging through 30 photographers trying to find one in your budget with a style you love, they will give you a list of three or four that are perfect for you (and they have already verified are available on your date). Then you just meet with them and find the one that clicks with you. And even better, you get access to our discounts and planner only packages.

5. Knowledge

A planner will be able to translate your vision into reality. Asking the right questions, knowing what works and how to make things happen are all part and parcel to the vast knowledge that a planner has at their fingertips. And if they don't know it, they know someone who does.

6. Organized

Weddings are all about the details. The amount of moving parts in putting together even the smallest wedding are daunting. Planners have the worksheets and the head for details to keep everything moving towards a flawless event. And it is their job to keep all those details straight, one less thing for you to stress about.

7. Experience

Most people only get married one time, so knowing what to expect and how to handle it are foreign concepts. Planners handle hundreds of events over their career. You are paying for that experience and knowledge. Have we seen it all, probably not, but we have seen most of it and that is a valuable tool that is now in your arsenal.

8. Time Management

Would you rather spend your valuable free time searching the internet, calling vendors (hoping you are asking the right questions) or possibly going down the rabbit hole of impossibility or would you rather spend that time with your future spouse making memories? A planner manages all the details so your life doesn't become consumed with wedding planning.

9. Always Prepared

Every planner I know has a little (or big) emergency box. It contains every possible thing that you can think of that you would need the day of and so many things that you wouldn't imagine. And if they don't have it, they know where to get it and get it to you in the blink of an eye. We also know exactly what to do, where to go and who to call if something happens (and 99% of the time something happens). It is our job to ensure you don't know about it (at least at that moment).

10. Stress Reliever

Like every momentous occasion, weddings are inherently stressful. Combining two families into one comes with its own set of strenuous circumstances. Your planner will help you navigate that stress and mitigate the circumstances. Are we miracle workers, no, but we come close!

You don't need to hire a full service planner to receive these benefits, most planners that I know, myself included, provide all but a couple of these to every level of service we provide. Before you discount hiring a planner due to budget, reach out, see what the cost really is and see if what they provide will help you.


Sweet I Do's is a wedding planning company located in Surprise, AZ (a suburb of Phoenix). We specialize in wedding day management (also known as day of coordination). We help you create an amazing, unique and totally "you" wedding that allows you to be in the moments making the memories, not worrying about the details. From contract review and timeline creation to day of management, set up and tear down, we're focused on ensuring our couples, their families and friends experience a stress and worry free night to remember.

Where to Go and What to Do to Make it Legal in Maricopa County

While everyone loves a big party and a wedding it the epitome of a big party, you only need three things to get married, legally, in Maricopa County - an officially recognized officiant, two willing participants and a marriage license issued by the county.

Here is your quick, all in one place, guide to knowing where to go and what to do  to get that all important piece of paper (which is good for anywhere in the state of Arizona).

Who

Both of you must appear in person, with state issued photo ID's. 

You must both be over the age of 18. (If you are underage, you must be accompanied by your parents, legal guardian or have a notarized parental consent form.)

Cost

As of 2/21/2020, the cost of a marriage license is $83.00 payable in cash or money order, debit or credit card. If you go to a justice court, you must pay via money order. To obtain a certified copy of your marriage license you can pay an additional $37.50 at the time you get your license and one will be automatically mailed to you once your license has been registered. You may also get a certified copy at any time for $30.50 along with a self-addressed, postage correct, business sized envelope. Your license is good for one year from date of purchase. It can be used the day it it issued.

Where

For a complete list of county locations that issue licenses and their hours of operations visit the Maricopa County Clerk of the Superior Court site. Limited locations will allow you to make an appointment to obtain your marriage license.

  • In the west valley visit the White Tank Justice Court located at 10420 W Van Buren Avondale, AZ 85323 (Monday-Friday 8 am to 5 pm).

  • In Chandler visit the Kyrene Justice Court located at 201 E. Chicago St. Suite 102 Chandler, AZ 85225 (Monday-Friday 10 am to 3).

  • In Gila Bend visit Ironwood Justice Court located at 209 E. Pima Gila Bend, AZ 85337 (Monday-Friday 8 am to 5 pm).

  • In Gilbert visit the Highland Justice Court located at 55 E. Civic Center Dr. Suite 55 Gilbert, AZ 85296 (Monday-Friday 8:30 am to 3:30 pm).

  • In Mesa visit the Southeast Court Complex located at 222 E. Javelina Mesa, AZ 85210 (Monday-Friday 8 am to 5 pm).

  • In downtown Phoenix visit the Phoenix Downtown Customer Service Center located at 601 W. Jackson Phoenix, AZ 85003 (Monday-Friday 8 am to 5 pm).

  • In northeast Phoenix visit the Northeast Regional Court Center located at 18380 N. 40th St. Suite 120 Phoenix, AZ 85032 (Monday-Friday 8 am to 5 pm).

  • In west Phoenix visit the Maryvale Justice Court locate at 4622 W. Indian School Suite 10 Phoenix, AZ 85031 (Monday 8 am to 4 pm, closed on Tuesday, Wednesday from 8 am to 12 pm, Thursday and Friday from 8 am to 4 pm).

  • In Surprise visit the Northwest Regional Court Center located at 14264 W. Tierra Buena Ln. Surprise, AZ 85374 (Monday-Friday 8 am to 5 pm).


Sweet I Do's is a wedding planning company located in Surprise, AZ (a suburb of Phoenix). We specialize in wedding day management (also known as day of coordination). We help you create an amazing, unique and totally "you" wedding that allows you to be in the moments making the memories, not worrying about the details. From contract review and timeline creation to day of management, set up and tear down, we're focused on ensuring our couples, their families and friends experience a stress and worry free night to remember.

Wedding Day Timelines Decoded - What They Are & Why YOU Need One!

Your wedding day timeline – one of the most essential items to have on your wedding day, yet one of the most difficult items to put together, maintain and utilize. What is one, why do you need it, what goes in a timeline – great questions!

What is a timeline?

Your wedding timeline is a listing of the major and minor events and the approximate time of day they will occur. It can be as extensive and detailed or as simple as you wish. A good rule of thumb is to start your timeline when the first vendor begins providing services or when the first person from the wedding begins getting ready. End your timeline when the last vendor has finished providing their service or picked up their items.

Who needs a timeline?

If you have a coordinator that is handling the management of your wedding day, they will have a timeline that they have developed that incorporates all of the information they need to ensure that your day runs according to your plans (as much as possible). Your coordinator will connect with your vendors and will include all of the information, timing and details that will affect the flow of the wedding. There should only be ONE timeline. I emphasize this because you will have other vendors that will try to create their own, which is fine, as long as in the end, their version and the version that your coordinator is working from have the same information. Remember it is the coordinators job and responsibility to maintain the timeline and flow of your wedding.

If you do not have a coordinator to manage your wedding, you have a few options. You can see if another vendor is creating a timeline and utilize it to plan your day (most photographers and DJ’s will have some form of a timeline). You can also use our easy template to create your own timeline. Finally, some coordinators will create a timeline, with the information you provide, as an a la carte service.

Before you start with any of the options make sure to have the following information easily accessible –
• Location and time of rehearsal, wedding ceremony and reception
• Vendor name, arrival time of all vendors (both services and products) and day of contact information
• Names and phone numbers of all wedding party members
• Final guest count
• All vendor contracts – from these you will be able to get the start time, contracted length, end time, meal requirements, final balances, etc.
• Speak with your photographer about how long each session of pictures will take. This is the most important item as it is the framework that the timeline is built upon.
• Build your timeline in a block or cushion format rounding up whenever possible

Why do you need a timeline?

Weddings have lots of moving parts with lots of people. All of your vendors are focused on providing you with the best product and service. Without some coordination it is inevitable that something will not occur when it needs to or something will be overlooked. If everyone involved with your wedding knows where they need to be, when they need to be there and what they will be doing the chances of something not going quite right will be reduced.

How to communicate your timeline?

The easiest way to communicate your timeline is through your coordinator. They will contact all of your vendors, get their relevant information, and send them a draft timeline to make sure that there are no adjustments that need to be made, coordinate the final timeline details with you and about a week before your wedding they will send out the final version. Your coordinator will also bring copies of your timeline to the rehearsal to share with your wedding party and to make any last minute notes and changes.

If you don’t have a coordinator you can follow the same steps, however you will be the one adjusting the timeline at the rehearsal and will be responsible for communicating it to your vendors. You will also be the go to person when a conflict occurs. The key to dealing with these conflicts is to empower your vendors to take care of them, within reason. Ask that they exercise their best judgment and communicate with all involved parties.

The key to a successful timeline is to understand that it is a GUIDE, not GOSPEL. Things will happen, people will be late, photo sessions will run long, and things may be forgotten. In the end, the “I Do” is the only part of the timeline that is important.


Sweet I Do's is a wedding planning company located in Surprise, AZ (a suburb of Phoenix). We specialize in wedding day management (also known as day of coordination). We help you create an amazing, unique and totally "you" wedding that allows you to be in the moments making the memories, not worrying about the details. From contract review and timeline creation to day of management, set up and tear down, we're focused on ensuring our couples, their families and friends experience a stress and worry free night to remember.

Thank You Notes - A Wedding Planner's Perspective

“It’s never wrong to send a written thank-you and people always appreciate getting “thanks” in writing.”
Emily Post, Etiquette Guru

From a vendor perspective the last part about being appreciated is so very true! Often times your wedding vendors will not see you on your wedding day unless they are a service provider and even then, you may be so caught up in the whirlwind of the day that you may not get a chance to say thank you. I understand that they are your vendors, performing a service that you paid them to provide, but a simple, heartfelt thank you goes a long way into telling them that you saw and appreciated all of the hard work that went into making your day amazing.

 Who should you send a thank you note to? 

All of your vendors would LOVE to receive a sweet note from you telling them what a fantastic job they did and thanking them for helping to make your day special. However, if the thought of writing one more thank you note makes you cringe, please try to send a note to those vendors that went above and beyond their contract, went out of their way to ensure that your day went perfectly or made you feel like the center of the universe for a brief moment.

 When should you send the thank you note? 

To make things easy on yourself, send them at the same time you are sending out the thank you notes to your guests. If the thought slipped your mind, send one now. Thanking someone never goes out of style, no matter if they were your wedding vendor last weekend or you were reminiscing about your wedding with your daughter 10 years later.

 Why should you send a thank you note? 

Thanking a vendor lets them know that you appreciated the work that was performed. It validates them as a business and lets them showcase your thanks to potential clients. A few sentences in an email, note card or letter can brighten a vendors day, week or even year.

 What can I do if I am just not a note writer? 

The next best thing to sending a thank you note is to go and review your vendors online (if you can write both a short note and post a review). Testimonials and reviews are very important to prospective clients and can sometimes sway the decision in favor of your favorite vendor. Highlight all the amazing qualities that made you select your vendors in the first place.

 Does it have to be a thank you note? 

Of course not! There are others ways to thank your vendors. Post a brief sentence or two on their Facebook page. Follow their blog and if they post about your wedding, add a quick comment. If their website has a comment or review section, take a quick moment and say thanks! Send an email or text and let them know that you wanted to tell them just how much they made your day. Pick up the phone and say hi and thank them. If you were super impressed by their service offer to create a video testimonial or be used as a reference.

 In the end, a vendor is just like you, a person that wants to know they did a great job and that you appreciate them. Reach out and thank a vendor today!

For tips on writing thank you notes and “proper” etiquette, visit Emily Post at http://www.emilypost.com/communication-and-technology/notes-and-letters/99-thank-you-notes-to-send-or-not-to-send.


Sweet I Do's is a wedding planning company located in Surprise, AZ (a suburb of Phoenix). We specialize in wedding day management (also known as day of coordination). We help you create an amazing, unique and totally "you" wedding that allows you to be in the moments making the memories, not worrying about the details. From contract review and timeline creation to day of management, set up and tear down, we're focused on ensuring our couples, their families and friends experience a stress and worry free night to remember.

Outdoor Weddings in Arizona - The Ups and Downs

Outdoor weddings in fabulous locations with amazing natural scenery and backdrops lend an air of romance and warmth to a celebration that is hard to match. Don’t get me wrong, there are some gorgeous indoor venues that will also add romance and warmth to a wedding, but there is just something about an outdoor wedding.

Here in Arizona there is a season for outdoor weddings. It isn’t written in stone, but usually October through March/April is the perfect time to have an outdoor wedding; not too hot and not too cold.

However, nature is what it is and “things” can come up that can rain on your parade, quite literally in some cases.

Gathering tips and tricks from fellow wedding professionals that have seen and done it all, in all types of conditions, I have put together your guide to avoiding some of the pitfalls of having an outdoor wedding.

The Back Up Plan

Always have a back-up plan, even if you are getting married in “peak” outdoor wedding season. Here in Arizona the “winter” can get cold and windy and yes, gasp!, even rainy. The “summer” will be hot, possibly humid and did I mention hot! Look into a tent rental company that also supplies heaters for the winter and portable A/C units for the summer.

Devon Haupt from The Classic Harpist advises to “Make the call if you will be moving inside at least one hour before your ceremony is to begin – and then stick with your decision. Ceremonies are a lot of set up for your vendors, and it’s unreasonable to ask them to move everything inside, then back outside if there’s a 10-minute break in the rain.”

“Although we are in paradise, keep weather in mind when deciding between elegantly formal or happily casual.  For a large portion of the year, it is awfully hot to be wearing a tux or suit.  On the flip side, it does sometimes get too chilly for that strapless bridal dress.  In the event of rain, a possible backup location could be your reception site.  Alert your guests, especially out-of-towners, as to what the weather may be like.  They’ll want sunglasses or hats and it will get cooler after the sun sets.  Make sure hairstyles will hold up to humidity and breezes.  And remember - no sunglasses on the wedding party.” Nancy Taussig – Barefoot Weddings

 **Remember that just because you are used to the weather, your out of town guests aren’t.**

Necessity vs Comfort

For your guests and yourself there really is no difference between necessity and comfort when it comes to an outdoor wedding. The little things can and will make all the difference. Creative favors can be a great way to show your guests that you are thinking about their comfort.

Celia Milton from Celia Milton Celebrant suggest giving bug repellant, fans and flip flops for favors in the spring and summer and shawls and umbrellas for favors in the winter.

It’s ALL in the timing

Time and again, pun intended, my fellow vendors mentioned to stick as close as possible to the timeline. Outdoor weddings can take a toll on all guests, but especially those older and younger guests that don’t handle the heat or cold well.

Tips from the Photographers

I have been very lucky to work with amazing photographers that work around everything that may come up to take away from your pictures. I picked the brain of a pro and asked if she could tell you something that would make your pictures even more gorgeous with regards to outdoor weddings what would it be?

Kat from Kingdom Wedding Photography by Kat was a fount of knowledge and gave me these great tips.

Do portraits BEFORE the ceremony, not after we’ve all been baking outside for roughly an hour or so and are either sweaty or soaking wet.

Bring an extra pair of shoes so you’re mobile. Heels on grass, lawn or in the woods are generally NOT a good idea.

Note where the wind is coming from. If it’s coming from behind, switch sides (at the altar) or realize that you will be wrestling with your veil for the duration of the ceremony.

**Note that I’m not telling you to not wear a veil and as Christine from Christine, Your Seamstress suggests “Have a veil with heavier beading or lace edge that will not blow around as much. Or have a short, birdcage veil.”

Floral Woes

Live flowers are an amazing addition to any wedding. When you spend hours of time and possibly thousands of dollars on your flowers you don’t want to walk down the aisle with wilting flowers in your bouquet or drooping altar flowers. Ask your florist what flowers will best hold up to the heat and cold.

And don’t forget that it is an OUTDOOR WEDDING. And as such, there will be bugs. Rev. Judith Guash, Rev. Judith L. Guash, M.Div, Wedding Officiant advises to “Check with your florist (to see) if your type of flowers will draw insects that anyone in the bridal party may be allergic to, such as bees or wasps. Nothing is worse than stopping the ceremony to rush someone to the hospital.”

Set-up and Delivery

You have spent hours of time picking out just the right linens, looking for the perfect dress and analyzing every other detail of your wedding. But did you consider that dehydration is the number one reason people faint at weddings? That your guests will not stay to enjoy all your details and hard work if they are too hot or too cold? Drawing again from my wonderful colleagues, they offered these great tips and things to think about.

“Make sure your guests are comfortable. Outdoor summer weddings – set up a lemonade and water station (sweet tea for southern weddings). Outdoor winter weddings when there is a nip in the air – set up a hot cocoa or hot apple cider station.”– Catherine Kut – Catherine Kut Events.

“Let your guests know, via invite or on your wedding website how to dress and the environmental conditions; one of my favorite couples described their attire as ‘layers and cowboy boots’ stilettos and cocktail dresses probably won’t cut it.” – Celia Milton.

For the Planners

As a planner, one of the first questions I ask is inside or outside. Logistically an outside wedding can be more work and come with an all-together different set of potential complications. Jamie with  Jamie’s Handmade Treasures sums it up beautifully.

“Make sure you have bathroom facilities or rent them for your guests.” (I’d like to add that if you wouldn’t use it in your white wedding dress, chances are your guests won’t either.)

“Find out if you’ll need to provide electricity for your wedding and make the necessary arrangements ahead of time. You’ll (also) need to make sure that you get all the appropriate permits/permissions needed for an outdoor celebration with all the trimmings. Call the town hall or police department to inquire about permits for the following; parking, overnight parking in a residential area, public gathering during certain times of the day, exemptions from sound ordinances and curfews, on-site alcohol consumption, on-site food preparation and serving, open flames such as torches, candles and even fireworks (sparklers), and any other ordinances that need to be covered. Handle these legalities right away, to avoid being fined (or even jailed) by the authorities, and to avoid any other unwelcome surprises on your wedding day.”

Tisha from Kemp Video Productions adds that “If you have mobility challenged guests (elderly, etc.) consider having a golf cart handy to give them rides from parking, seating, etc.”

Odds and Ends

I am very thankful to have such a talented and giving group of vendors to turn to to ask advice about all the little things that make up a wedding.  I was overwhelmed by the amount of advice that I received, and while unable to fit it all into this blog, there are a couple of additional items that I have to mention.

Rev. Judith Guasch reminded me of something that I need to be more diligent with as a planner – “Check the area where the bridal party and officiant will be standing. Holes, ruts and uneven ground will cause everyone to be uncomfortable as they try to balance, not to mention the possibility of a twisted ankle. If your ceremony area is in the direct sunlight don’t forget the sunscreen, especially if you are fair skinned. Ask your makeup artist to use makeups that include a sunscreen. Nothing worse than having a sunburn when you leave to go on your honeymoon.”

Keep in mind that the weather and ambient noise sources (waterfalls, brooks, forest sounds and traffic) will have an affect on the sound. Jim Unger with Ninety Nine Entertainment asks you to “Judge from the size of the attendance list on whether you will need for the officiant to have some sort of wireless microphone and some amplified sound. Outdoor weddings, although beautiful, can be riddled with surrounding noises completely out of your control.”

I do love outdoor weddings, there is something magical about the light and the atmosphere that just makes them special. Keeping them special requires just a little forethought, planning and consideration of a few details.

Leaving you with a last word of wisdom from my favorite, as yet unmet, celebrant Celia Milton - “If you wouldn’t want to sit outside in the cold/drizzle/sun/heat/sandstorm/wind don’t make your guests do so.”

Do you have any additional tips or tricks that you have to make an outdoor wedding a success?

 


Sweet I Do's is a wedding planning company located in Surprise, AZ (a suburb of Phoenix). We specialize in wedding day management (also known as day of coordination). We help you create an amazing, unique and totally "you" wedding that allows you to be in the moments making the memories, not worrying about the details. From contract review and timeline creation to day of management, set up and tear down, we're focused on ensuring our couples, their families and friends experience a stress and worry free night to remember.

7 Questions I Wish Every Wedding Planning Client Would Ask

Hiring wedding vendors can be stressful, heck getting married can be stressful. One of the best decisions I feel (and yes, I am a little biased) is to hire a planner/coordinator. Even if it is just to help for the wedding day.

Helping clients plan and execute the vision in their heads is the main duty of a coordinator. Keeping everything running smoothly, taking care of the other vendors (notice I did not say bully and boss around the other vendors), ensuring that all the little things and big things are all working together to create that dream moment.

Because your coordinator is such an integral part of your wedding day, and the emotional days leading up to THE DAY, you must feel comfortable with the person you select. They will see you in all of your emotional states and you need to KNOW that they can handle anything that comes their way.

hat being said, I really wish my potential clients would ask me (or anyone else they may be looking to hire) these questions –

1. The venue provides a coordinator, so why would I need to pay additional money to hire you?

  • Not to knock venue coordinators, they are amazing at what they do, which is coordinate the items that directly affect the VENUE. They won’t come to know you, most promise the moon and provide moon pies. Décor assistance, setup, tear down, vendor coordination, assistance with the ceremony items, emergency tasks and making sure Aunt Sue is comfortable are outside of the scope of their job description.

2. Does Day of Coordination really mean help on the wedding day only?

  • This is a total misnomer. Day of Coordinators usually begin assisting the couple about a month before the wedding. We gather contracts, contact vendors, assist in the timeline and help with the rehearsal. Some will put together small last minute projects, pick up missing items on the way to the site and make sure that everything is in place. Most Day of Coordinators routinely spend 25 hours on a couple.

3. I have a friend/family member that is super organized, they can do this for free, right?

  • Sure, they might be able to pull it off, but would you really want to ask a guest that has taken time away from their regular routine, possibly taken time off from work, spent money on clothes and a gift, possible airfare and a hotel, to handle everything that may come up? Essentially, to work your wedding versus enjoying your moments with you? They may have the best intentions when they offer to help, but be gracious and tell them you want them there as a guest, not as an employee.

4. Do you have insurance?

  • Sounds silly, but you need to ask. If they are doing any decorating or transporting of any of your items, you want to know that if anything were to happen, it is covered.

5. Who should I bring to my interview?

  • We ask that it be you and your fiancé. While the support and encouragement of your friends and families is important, at least the initial meeting needs to be between the three of us. Again, we are with you on the most emotional day of your lives (up to that point), get to know us one on one, before we get to meet the family and friends.

6. How do I know if I want full planning, partial planning, Month of Coordination or Day of Coordination?

  • A full planner is fully involved in your wedding planning. They attend vendor meetings, tastings, take part in design meetings and touch every aspect of your event.

  • A partial planner is involved in limited aspects of your wedding. They will help with design questions, take part in the execution of ideas and help as needed.

  • A Month of Coordinator (again a misnomer) has a more in-depth role than a Day of Coordinator. They create and maintain a timeline, help with vendor final decisions and coordinate any last minute details and projects.

  • A Day of Coordinator comes in about a month before the wedding and coordinates the rehearsal, contacts the vendors to see if there are any last minute details need to be taken care of and ensures that everything you have contracted for you receive.

7. Sounds great, but how do I know it will really work out?

  • A good planner will have references, testimonials, reviews and other business items to show legitimacy. They should have valuable worksheets and helpful tips to use when selecting other vendors. They should have an extensive vendor referral network with all levels of budgets represented. Communication should be open and timely. Do your research - check their business licensing and association listings. Ask for referrals. Get everything in writing and if it sounds too good to be true it probably is.

Remember, if you have any doubts, you need to keep looking. An okay fit just doesn’t work, you need a perfect fit and need to feel relaxed and confident that everything is under control.


Sweet I Do's is a wedding planning company located in Surprise, AZ (a suburb of Phoenix). We specialize in wedding day management (also known as day of coordination). We help you create an amazing, unique and totally "you" wedding that allows you to be in the moments making the memories, not worrying about the details. From contract review and timeline creation to day of management, set up and tear down, we're focused on ensuring our couples, their families and friends experience a stress and worry free night to remember.

Sweet Endings to Amazing Weddings & Events

The concept of offering a favor or thank you to guests that attend your event originating sometime in the 16th century when households would create amazing displays of confectionery delights to give to their guests. Sugar was the primary ingredient, as it was considered a mark of wealth, especially when used in a non-ordinary meal.

Favors have evolved from these displays of “wealth” to anything from CD’s of personal song favorites (no longer the popular choice since obtaining the copyrights to all of those songs is virtually impossible) to personalized chochkeeies (no longer a popular choice as most guests don’t want something with your name and wedding date on it) to the strange such as beer koozies.

Lately, we have seen a throwback to the culinary favors that are fully edible either the night of the event or to take home and enjoy within a short period of time after the event. Some of our favorites double as a late night snack to sustain guests for the night of dancing.

 Cake Pops

Cute bite sized portions of cake complete with frosting, cake pops can be made in a variety of flavors and colors and can be served as part of the dessert course or wrapped in cellophane and given to take home and enjoy on the drive.

Latest trend – using cake pops as escort cards.

Custom Lollipops

Available in tons of flavor and color combinations, a custom lollipop can be made in sizes that range from 1” up to the gigantic size of 9"!! We love being able to customize most flavors to any color to coordinate with most event’s color schemes and still be a flavor loved by almost everyone.

Latest trend – using lollipops as save the dates.

Cupcakes

Used in beautiful displays and as a fun and whimsical alternative to the traditional cake, cupcakes are taking the event scene by storm.  Available in a variety of flavors from the traditional chocolate to the untraditional bacon maple pancake, cupcakes provide just the right amount of deliciousness for everyone.

Latest trend – having a traditional top layer of cake to cut and cupcakes for guests.

Mini Pies

Still a sleeper favor, mini pies and pies on a stick are being to appear on the event scene, especially those events that have a rustic or outdoor theme.

Latest trend – allowing guests to choose a flavor at the time they RSVP to have ready at the event.

Cookies

Cookies have been making slow but steady in roads into the realm of edible favors. Cookie bars work especially well for people that don’t have a particular fondness for cakes and the traditional desserts. Because they can be made in smaller quantities, cookie bars also lend themselves well to special dietary considerations.

Latest trend – prepackaged variety boxes of bite sized favorites.

Individual Desserts

The possibilities are endless when you select to provide individual desserts to your guests. Anything goes from fresh fruit tartlets to mini cheesecakes to muffins and chocolate covered strawberries. A good balance for the table is essential, so choose carefully when creating an individual dessert table for your guests.

Latest trend – bringing out the dessert table halfway through the reception to allow guests to refuel and continue into the night.

Shortcakes

A relative unknown to the favor world, shortcake bars are a unique and beautiful addition to any event. Handmade shortcakes coupled with fresh fruit and sweet whipped cream, shortcake bars allow each guest to select their favorite combinations and enjoy a sweet reminder of long summers and lazy days.

Latest trend – offering guests the ability to select and then package their favorites to take home.

Frozen Yogurt

Seemingly overnight, the world was populated by self-serve frozen yogurt shops. Bring a little of this phenomenon to your event by offering a few frozen yogurt flavors and a variety of toppings, bottomings and in-betweenings.

Latest trend – prepackaged custom flavors designed by you!

S’Mores

A reminder of summer nights spent camping under the stars, smore’s bring sticky smiles to all of your guests. This favor option is best accomplished by having a designated attendant at the setup to aid in the creation of these sweet bites and to keep an eye on the heat source.

Latest trend – create a take home version with a graham cracker, chocolate bar and marshmallow with instruction on how to create a microwave version of this perennial favorite.

Custom gourmet popcorn/trail mix

For an amazing non-sugar option, allow your guest to create their own flavored popcorn or trail mix. Provide a cute personalized bag and tons of options, a quick set of directions on how to create the mix and let your guests go to it.

Latest trend – provide a couple of “recipes” for favorite combinations and have guests vote on the best selection.


Sweet I Do's is a wedding planning company located in Surprise, AZ (a suburb of Phoenix). We specialize in wedding day management (also known as day of coordination). We help you create an amazing, unique and totally "you" wedding that allows you to be in the moments making the memories, not worrying about the details. From contract review and timeline creation to day of management, set up and tear down, we're focused on ensuring our couples, their families and friends experience a stress and worry free night to remember.

Don't Make This Wedding Budget Mistake - Plan For Gratuities, Thank You Gifts and/or Tips!

When creating a wedding budget it is so easy to remember to account for all the big ticket items – venue, dress, photographer, flowers. But, it is easy to forget all the little things that can quickly add up. One of those little things that is usually forgotten is the gratuity or tip for your service providers. Should you tip every single person that provides a service? Not necessarily. But knowing who and how much ensures that your budget doesn’t take an unnecessary and unpleasant hit in the last few days leading up to your wedding. To help you make a more accurate budget and to navigate the tricky waters of tipping, we’ve created a handy checklist and provided a little bit of insight into the murky waters.

While no one should ever expect a tip or gratuity, certain service providers are almost always tipped, while others only receive one if they have done and amazing job and have went above and beyond what they were contracted to provide.

I am going to fly in the face of tradition on aspect of tipping – if a service provider (be they the owner of the company or just a hired employee) go above and beyond what they are contracted to provide, if they make everything more amazing than you ever felt possible, or provide you with those few extras that you wanted but couldn’t get, tip them. Going above and beyond their contract means that they didn’t include it in the cost of their original services and are not getting any money for doing it.

Wedding Planner –

Your wedding planner has been there from the beginning. They organized all of your hopes, dreams and ideas and kept you grounded when you needed it. They don’t expect a tip, but if they went above and beyond what you contracted them to do, show them you appreciate it. Send a heartfelt thank you card when you get back from your honeymoon (or before if you aren’t leaving right away) and include a tip or personal gift. If you can, include a few pictures that they can use in their portfolio of them in action.

Hair Stylist and Make Up Artist –

Your team of beauty experts has made you picture perfect for the day that you are the center of attention. You will have more pictures taken of you this day than you have since the day you were born and they are the ones that made sure that your look came together. Just as you would tip your salon stylist, tip your beauty team. Have a few blank thank you cards with you and jot down a quick note as your team is cleaning up to leave. Have a big bridal party utilizing their services? Have everyone write a few words in the card. When your photographer arrives, have him take a few pictures of the team in action and a few close ups of the amazing job they did and send them along when you get a chance.

Officiant –

Without your officiant, your wedding is just a wonderful party for you and your family. If your officiant has done an extraordinary job in telling your story, created an amazing and unique ceremony that is just for you, added elements that require research or additional work or have just done an outstanding job in performing your ceremony thank them by giving them a token of your appreciation. Ask in advance what the guidelines are for tipping your officiant. Church pastors, priests and rabbis may be prohibited from taking a personal cash gift, but you can make a donation to their personal fund or church.

Ceremony and Cocktail Musicians –

Ceremony musicians lend ambiance to your ceremony, they set the mood, may have to learn new songs and add that certain something to your wedding. Tip them if they have had to learn all new songs for your ceremony or if they have created something custom and unique just for you.

Photographer/Videographer –

These are the two vendors that give you lasting, concrete items from your wedding. They will spend hours on site with you and even more hours editing and putting together amazing albums and DVD’s for your viewing pleasure. Definitely tip any second shooters, as they are more than likely not getting an equal portion of the original contracted amount. Consider sending along a tip when you see your final products, or send your thank you cards, especially if they deliver their final product sooner than expected or if they throw in a few extras like prints or a teaser video.

Reception Staff –

Includes your venue coordinator, maître d’, banquet managers and servers. Check your contract and ask if the included service charge is a gratuity that will be split among the day of staff or if it is an additional fee. Also check if there is a gratuity line, to whom does it go to and how is it split. If anyone goes above and beyond, please tip them a little something extra, and offer any left over cake, food or favors to the staff. The same with any fresh flowers, who doesn’t love a little something pretty to take home?

Reception Attendants –

By attendants I don’t mean your bridal party, but the people that attend to the needs and wants of you and your guests – bartenders, wait-staff, parking attendants, bathroom attendants and coat-room attendants.  As with reception staff, check the contract for included service charges or gratuities and ask who will receive a portion and how the portion will be split. If there is no provision for these attendants, ask for a head count and plan accordingly.

Reception Band/DJ –

Responsible for so much more than just pushing play on a computer your reception band and DJ guide the flow of the party and assist your coordinator on keeping the reception on track and on time. Be especially aware of tipping this pro if you have asked for a number of obscure songs, have an extensive must play/do not play list or have a complicated reception that requires a large amount of emcee work. Make sure you take care of any sound technicians or other assistants that help with making your reception the party you wanted it to be.

Transportation –

Check your contract to see if this is included, but be prepared to tip your driver. Be generous if you ask for additional stops, run late, or have a mishap in the vehicle. Make sure to budget for guest transportation gratuities, as well as your own transportation. Generally be prepared to tip, in cash, after the last guest has been dropped off or you are safely ensconced in your hotel at the end of the night.

Optional vendors to tip – once again flying in the face of convention, there are a number of vendors that other resources will tell you not to tip, that I feel, if they have gone above and beyond, deserve a little note of appreciation.

Bridal Salon –

If the salon goes out of the way to ensure your clothing and accessories are to you by arranging for special delivery, adjusting their hours or fitting you in to a last minute appointment, send a note and some yummy cookies or flowers to the staff. The smaller bridal salons will also love reviews and a few professional pictures of their lovely gown and accessories as well.

Cake Baker –

Again if the baker goes above and beyond what they are contracted to do such as changing the cake and frosting flavors the night before, repairing a cake that has been damaged or working around a difficult delivery situation, send a note along with a tip and some amazing professional pictures for use in their advertising.


Sweet I Do's is a wedding planning company located in Surprise, AZ (a suburb of Phoenix). We specialize in wedding day management (also known as day of coordination). We help you create an amazing, unique and totally "you" wedding that allows you to be in the moments making the memories, not worrying about the details. From contract review and timeline creation to day of management, set up and tear down, we're focused on ensuring our couples, their families and friends experience a stress and worry free night to remember.

Real Wedding - Royal Blue Bliss in the Desert

Shauna & Ben

Custom stationery tied to a beautiful gold, white and blue candy buffet was the highlight of this amazing wedding reception at the Tempe Mission Palms.

 Escort cards, table names, menus and a special guest book sign were designed and created by Sweet I Do's. We also set up their candy buffet filled with yummy traditional and not so traditional candies.

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, yogurt pretzels, Cookies and Cream Hershey's Kisses, Jordan almonds and rock candy strings were taken home in stunning royal blue organza bags with custom treat tags.


Sweet I Do's is a wedding planning company located in Surprise, AZ (a suburb of Phoenix). We specialize in wedding day management (also known as day of coordination). We help you create an amazing, unique and totally "you" wedding that allows you to be in the moments making the memories, not worrying about the details. From contract review and timeline creation to day of management, set up and tear down, we're focused on ensuring our couples, their families and friends experience a stress and worry free night to remember.

Real Wedding - Vintage Green and Gray Wedding Candy Buffet

Elizabeth & Michael

Green, gray and white candies made up this cute candy bar! Guests took home Elizabeth and Michael's candy selections in white Chinese take out boxes with custom designed treat labels

Watermelon rock candy strings, white and gray milk chocolates, nonpareils, Sour Patch apples and silver Hershey's kisses made up the choices from which their guests made their selections

Thank you to Tuscany at JW Marriott Desert Ridge for the beautiful candy bar sign and an equally beautiful location to showcase Elizabeth and Michael's candy buffet.


Sweet I Do's is a wedding planning company located in Surprise, AZ (a suburb of Phoenix). We specialize in wedding day management (also known as day of coordination). We help you create an amazing, unique and totally "you" wedding that allows you to be in the moments making the memories, not worrying about the details. From contract review and timeline creation to day of management, set up and tear down, we're focused on ensuring our couples, their families and friends experience a stress and worry free night to remember.

Real Wedding - A Princess and Her Cowboy

Brittany & AJ

Cowboy and princess meet, fall in love and begin their forever after.

Classic damask is paired with hot, fuchsia pink in this late afternoon wedding. Design elements include hanging paper lanterns, mini cowboy hats and black tabletop lanterns which fit in perfectly with beautiful Kohl's Ranch Lodge in Payson, Arizona.

Brittany chose yummy candies for her candy buffet that didn't make it through the end of the night as they were devoured by hungry cowboys and cowgirls.

Pink Jordan almonds, watermelon gummy rings, strawberry licorice,  white malt balls and white milk chocolates were the hit of the night!


Sweet I Do's is a wedding planning company located in Surprise, AZ (a suburb of Phoenix). We specialize in wedding day management (also known as day of coordination). We help you create an amazing, unique and totally "you" wedding that allows you to be in the moments making the memories, not worrying about the details. From contract review and timeline creation to day of management, set up and tear down, we're focused on ensuring our couples, their families and friends experience a stress and worry free night to remember.

Real Wedding - Let's go Retro!

Katie's Retro Bridal Shower

The little details were what made this candy buffet! Katie had a retro housewife themed bridal shower and her buffet fully reflected this theme.

1940's and 50's kitchen gadgets and cook books surrounded Katie's vintage candy selections. Our favorite touch - period aprons were used as the linens!

Lime rock candy strings, pina colada licorice, Dove chocolates and strawberries & cream salt water taffy were Katie's vintage candy selections and were served inside Pyrex dishes matching the pink and green theme.

Custom treat bags made from period fabric were presented to the guests to take home their treats and to keep as a remembrance of this amazing day.


Sweet I Do's is a wedding planning company located in Surprise, AZ (a suburb of Phoenix). We specialize in wedding day management (also known as day of coordination). We help you create an amazing, unique and totally "you" wedding that allows you to be in the moments making the memories, not worrying about the details. From contract review and timeline creation to day of management, set up and tear down, we're focused on ensuring our couples, their families and friends experience a stress and worry free night to remember.

Real Wedding - Dual Celebrations! Red and Chocolate Candy Buffet

Georgann & Donald

How would you like to celebrate your birthday by getting married? That's just what this couple did!!

Gorgeous McCormick Ranch Golf Club was the setting for this amazing celebration. Black, white and red were the colors that filled the banquet room and of course our candy buffet.

Gorgeous red roses provided by Enchanted Florist graced the table. An image of a single red rose was carried through to the candy labels and decals on the cute red Chinese take out boxes that were provided for the guest treat containers.

Red Vines, Swedish fish, cherry sours and cinnamon imperials made up this beautiful candy buffet. And our chocolate lovers were treated to chocolate covered raisins and a special treat - chocolate covered blueberries!


Sweet I Do's is a wedding planning company located in Surprise, AZ (a suburb of Phoenix). We specialize in wedding day management (also known as day of coordination). We help you create an amazing, unique and totally "you" wedding that allows you to be in the moments making the memories, not worrying about the details. From contract review and timeline creation to day of management, set up and tear down, we're focused on ensuring our couples, their families and friends experience a stress and worry free night to remember.

Real Wedding - Classic Neutral Wedding Candy Buffet with a Splash of Chartreuse

Meredith & Stan

Classic color combinations of white and black were mixed with the fun and whimsical color of chartreuse green to create this amazing candy buffet. Our couple chose fun favorites like Hershey's kisses, yogurt raisins and chocolate covered pretzels. These were paired with unique candies like green apple licorice and caramel swirl salt water taffy. Taking center stage and leaving the guests amazed were hand-made pecan turtles.

Decorative touches of beautiful live lilies and hydrangeas provided by Rita's Floral Designs added just the right amount of elegance and tied this wedding candy buffet to the rest of the reception decor. Simple white bags with chartreuse ribbon closures were provided for the guest treat containers.

McCormick Ranch Golf Club provided an amazing staff to help maintain the beauty of the buffet throughout the night. Our thanks to Denise and Marcia!


Sweet I Do's is a wedding planning company located in Surprise, AZ (a suburb of Phoenix). We specialize in wedding day management (also known as day of coordination). We help you create an amazing, unique and totally "you" wedding that allows you to be in the moments making the memories, not worrying about the details. From contract review and timeline creation to day of management, set up and tear down, we're focused on ensuring our couples, their families and friends experience a stress and worry free night to remember.