Wow! The crystal chandelier, paired with the billowy ceiling swag, is sweeping us away to a heavenly paradise.
Look at how the airy elements perfectly highlight the couple as they enjoy their first dance together.
As the oldest wine region in California, Livermore is home to vineyards, ranches, and farmlands, offering a large selection of stunning venues. So if you’re searching for a magical event space to host your wedding, we have the perfect property. This venue spotlight highlights Wente Vineyards, a picturesque location among the hills.
Photography: OneLove Photography
Wente Vineyards offers several charming spaces, including:
Engaged couples also have access to a getting-ready suite to prepare on location.
Photography Credit: OneLove Photography
In addition to the breathtaking space, Wente Vineyards also offers the following:
Would you like to see Wente Vineyards in person? Call (925) 456-2450 to schedule a tour and explore this beautiful site yourself.
Address: 5050 Arroyo Road, Livermore, CA 94550
Phone: 925-931-0200
Wouldn’t it put you at ease to have a dependable team to bring your wedding vision to life? We’d like to think so! Luckily, we’re hosting our Event Services Showcase on November 16, so you can get a glimpse of our services and meet the Fantasy Sound team.
Immerse yourself in the magic of our photo booths, chat with our DJs, and take a look at our gorgeous chandeliers. And don’t forget to bring your questions and ideas – we’d love to hear them!
Join us for our following openings:
You can RSVP here to save your space. We look forward to seeing you there!
What an exciting chapter! Engagement season is here, and you are ready to celebrate your love. While there are plenty of details to sort out before you say, “I do,” we want you to enjoy the planning process. So here are five wedding planning resources to help you prepare for your magical day.
Let’s dive into the planning, shall we?
Dinner rehearsals are the perfect appetizer to supplement the main event, and here’s the good news – they are flexible! So, whether you go simple or creative, this article explores various themes that will inspire you.
It turns out hiring vendors isn’t as easy as it seems. If you can’t choose between a few vendors in your area, this article shares some research tips to help you set vendors apart and select the right one for your celebration.
You want to capture each magical moment, so a wedding photographer is a must! Don’t know where to find someone with an artistic eye? This article provides easy suggestions for determining a good fit for your wedding event.
Planning a wedding on a budget may seem like playing an impossible game. Everything has a price, and there doesn’t seem to be much wiggle room. Allow us to challenge that with this comprehensive guide from Zola, sharing the secrets to meeting your spending goals.
Announcing your wedding is such an exciting part of the planning journey. You’ve determined your date, and now it’s time to let everyone know. Unsure about what design to use for your announcement? No worries – here’s an article to give you a spark of creativity.
We hope these tips assist you as you plan for your special day and bring your vision to life.
We can’t take our eyes off this moody sunset illusion! The amber uplighting and our autumnal tree gobo wash have us spellbound.
The fireplace ties the warm ambiance together for the perfect evening celebration.
Today, we’re giving you a glimpse into a dazzling Casa Real wedding to celebrate the union of Joe and Megan. It’s a delight to work at Casa Real and witness how they customize their venue to bring personal touches representing the striking couple.
At the entrance of Casa Real, Joe and Megan share a kiss in front of a gorgeous fountain surrounded by greenery. The pop of the wood detailing of the arched doors and stone front blends the romantic elements of the architecture.
Look as the loving couple enjoys a moment among the blossoming roses and rich plants, bringing color and brightness to their beautiful day!
Casa Real’s natural stone exterior makes for the perfect contrast to the white bouquets and deep wine-colored bridesmaid dresses.
Meanwhile, the castle-esque backdrop sets the stage for a classy shot with the groom and his groomsmen posing together in front of the fountain.
With a grand fountain with Spanish accents and antique light fixtures, the bride and her father are treated to a stunning entrance.
At the altar, the sweet couple share their vows beneath a fairytale archway of green vines. The white stone pillars elevate the grandeur, making the moment more memorable.
As guests moved to the reception hall, it was hard to miss the dazzling crystal chandelier lighting up the dance floor with sheer white ceiling swag extending across the space, creating a magnificent sight.
But that wasn’t the only thing taking centerstage — white rose bouquets dressed up each table as simple, classic centerpieces!
Joe and Megan’s first dance had their guests in awe as the floral gobo wash design speckled across the dance floor and illuminated the beautiful couple.
And we can’t forget about the photo booth, where friends and loved ones crowded in for a fun photo op!
Join us in celebrating Joe and Megan. May the next chapter be full of joy and laughter!
The Livermore area has a lot to offer couples who are tying the knot! Livermore is home to a diverse selection of wedding venues, so if you’re searching for a gorgeous location to host your special day, you’ve come to the right place. In this Venue Spotlight, we are showcasing the beautiful Elliston Vineyards!
Photography: Hazy Lane Studios
Engaged couples also receive access to a getting-ready suite, so they can prepare on-site.
In addition to a gorgeous setting, Elliston Vineyards also offers:
Are you ready to view Elliston Vineyards and see if it’s the right venue for you? Get in touch with Elliston Vineyards at info@elliston.com to set up a tour.
Address: 463 Kilkare Rd, Sunol, CA 94586
Phone: (925) 862-2377
Krysten and Quang were treated to a gorgeous wedding day for a gorgeous couple! We love showcasing the love that radiates from our couples during their big day, and this special wedding was no exception.
Romantic yet moody vibes set the scene for Krysten and Quang’s New Year’s Eve nuptials, all the way from their first look to the big countdown.
Now, what’s more memorable than glittering stars everywhere you turn? Our dazzling market light curtain and twinkling chandelier transport the starlit sky into the comfort of Casa Real’s spacious ballroom.
Beauty shone from every corner, from the glowing couple to the elegant table designs. You can tell how much thought Krysten and Quang put into their big day!
As for the holiday mood lightning, the real secret weapons were our uplighting and the warm glow of candles throughout the space.
Congratulations Krysten and Quang! May you two have a long and happy marriage!
A huge thank you to the wonderful vendors — this beautiful day wouldn’t have been possible without all of you!
Photography: Leo Pham Photography | @leophamphotographer
Lighting: Fantasy Sound Event Services | @fsesevents
Venue: Casa Real Events | @casarealevents
Are you ready to start planning your wedding? Boy, do we have an event for you!
Photography: Julia Rose Photography
Our next Event Services Showcase is set for November 16, and it’s just what you need to kickstart your wedding planning! Come meet our DJs, test out our photo booths (say cheese!), and see our chandeliers and lighting fixtures up close and personal.
We have openings at 6:30 pm, 7:30 pm, and 8:30 pm to talk about your wedding needs.
Just a reminder that our Showcases are meet-and-greet events, so you will be attending with other engaged couples. If you’re looking for a 1:1 consultation, please get in touch to schedule an appointment with our team.
It was such a blast working with Roland and Ritty on their lovely wedding, and we are so happy to showcase it on the blog today! See for yourself…
It’s easy to celebrate a happy couple like these two! Along with their wedding party, Roland and Ritty made it hard not to smile all day long.
Greenery + Edison bulbs = our fave combo! The whites and greens pop against the contrast of dark wooden barrels, creating such a spectacular setting for these two.
The beauty is in the details — and boy, do these details shine!
Let’s be honest — the views are hard to beat in the Tri-Valley area. But Roland and Ritty truly add another dimension of gorgeous to this photo!
We were treated to a breathtakingly beautiful day to celebrate this happy couple. And, as usual, Delford West Flowers took it to the next level and knocked the floral design out of the park!
We loved getting to be a small part of your big day, Roland and Ritty! Congratulations on happily ever after!
A huge thank you to the wonderful vendors that made this day possible.
Photography: Holly D Photography | @hollydphotography
Venue: Palm Event Center in the Vineyard | @palmeventcenter
Wedding Coordinator: Ybarra Events | @ybarra_events
Videographer: Toast Wedding Films | @toastweddingfilms
Florist: Delford West Flowers | @delfordwestflowers
DJ: DJ Jeremy Productions | @djjeremyproductions
Hair & Makeup Artist: Styles By Ann | @stylesbyanndiary
Wedding Dress: Novella Bridal Boutique | Novella Bridal Boutique
Tux: Generation Tux | @generationtux
Lighting: Fantasy Sound Event Services | @fsesevents
We love an Edison bulb moment, but what we love even more is how quickly everyone’s eyes go directly to the stars of the show! What more could a couple want than custom lighting design that accents the décor while also naturally drawing all eyes to you?
Photography: Kat Ma Photography
Don’t even get us started on the beautiful florals that add a lovely pop of color against our hanging wooden arbor and gilded geometric chandeliers. And the romantic vibes of the silky, textured drapery truly make the white sweetheart table come to life! Champagne uplighting is the perfect finishing touch to set the romantic stage here at Casa Real.
We’ve missed you during our summer hiatus! We’re back and ready to party, so we hope you’ll join us on September 14 as we kick off our first Event Services Showcase of the fall.
Photography Credit: StillNation Photography
Come check out our photo booths with all the included props, talk playlists with our DJs, and bask in the glow of our chandeliers. We promise you’ll have those creative juices flowing before you leave!
Be sure to sign up for a timeslot so we can be ready for you! You can join us at 6:30, 7:30, or 8:30 — take your pick.
If you’re really excited to knock out a bunch of items on your list, feel free to sign up for a 1:1 instead! We are ready and excited to meet with you Tuesday – Friday between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. or on Saturdays between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
If those times don’t work for you, don’t hesitate to reach out — we can get you on the books another time, no problem!
Get in touch with us to schedule a consultation!
We’re back with another venue spotlight in the beautiful Tri-Valley! We are so lucky to be surrounded by such stunning venues, so the fun part is picking out the perfect one for your celebration. Today, we’re featuring Bridges Golf Club!
Photography: Laura Ceja Photography Florist: The Flower House
Bridges Golf Club has a variety of beautiful spaces to offer:
Couples also get access to a spacious getting-ready suite to kick the day off on the right foot!
Along with the event spaces, Bridges Golf Club also offers:
Are you ready to check this event space out for yourself? Our friend, Sandy Tijero, will be happy to get you on the books! Schedule a site tour at Bridges Golf Course by emailing stijero@thebridgesgolf.com or calling (925) 735-4253 x3.
Address – 9000 S. Gale Ridge Rd. San Ramon, CA 94582
Floral arrangements can make an event space come to life with the right florist. Lucky for you, we got to interview the very talented owner of Delford West Flowers, Karl R. Eckel!
He’s got an extraordinary eye for design, but we’ll let him tell you more about himself!
Photography: Holly D. Photography
I was brought into the event industry on a recommendation from my uncle, a friend needed a part time driver for a flower shop. It was during high school and I was in the work study program and was able to attain credits with a part time job. After working there for two years, I wanted to own my own business and decided on a flower shop.
I love my job because it is always changing and evolving, from the business aspect as well as the clients. I knew that I was not a person to work in an office with set hours. Even though we sell wedding flowers, I feel we are helping people fulfill the dreams of their perfect wedding, no matter how big or small.
The best tip I can give to engaged couples is to have the wedding they want; the only people they should please are themselves.
Who doesn’t want the best of the best bringing their space to life?! If you’re looking for a fantastic florist in Livermore, Delford West Flowers can hook you up. Check out their floral eye candy at @delfordwestflowers while you’re at it!
Vendor Credits –
One of the most overwhelming parts of wedding planning are the many opinions people have about how your big day goes down. Considering this is your wedding day, you should get to plan it exactly the way you want it!
Photography Credit: Ashely Maxwell Photography
Lucky for you, we rounded up a few helpful resources to help with your planning! The more you know, the easier it is to make educated decisions. Without further ado, let’s get this party started.
Wedding Floral Trends You Need For Your Wedding Day (Glamour & Grace)
If you have an idea of what blooms you want, but don’t know the right words or have the right trends on hand to make the call? This is the blog for you.
Advice Our Favorite Wedding Pros Share With Their Just-Engaged Besties (Love Inc.)
Ready to handle all the opinions, thoughts, and advice every Facebook friend has to share with you? No? Well, that’s understandable. No one is ever prepared for that! Get advice from the pros for how to handle it best!
Communicating Effectively With Your Partner During The Planning Process (Popped!)
Stressful times can easily strain communication with your partner. Let’s avoid all that madness!
Hacks To Stay Organized When Planning A Wedding (Pretty Pear Bride)
The little details can pile up really fast and no one needs their head spinning like a top. Stay organized from the get-go and keep your sanity too!
Copycat Friends: How To Deal With Stolen Wedding Ideas (So This Is Love)
You pour your heart and soul into planning the details of your big day just to watch someone copy your ideas and paste them on their wedding date? Ouch. Find out how to get over that together.
It’s time to soak in every wedding planning moment with a smile. That’s the least anyone could ask for, right?
Enchanting evenings and beautiful receptions cannot happen without the help from our stunning chandeliers! A night dancing under the stars without the worry of weather is easily achieved with this breathtaking centerpiece light fixture.
From the gorgeous centerpiece chandelier to the glittering backdrop, that dreamy feel is effortlessly achieved. They may have their eyes locked together, but all other eyes are on the happy couple as they slide across the floor for their first dance. This stunning photograph was captured by Leo Pham Photography and perfectly showcases the breathtaking scene.
Photography Credit: Leo Pham Photography
Planning a wedding? We’ve got all the inspiration you need over on the Fantasy Sound Instagram page!
The show-stopping lighting and gorgeous photos are enough to hit the follow button, but we’ve also got all the tips and tricks to make your wedding planning a breeze. Whether you’re looking for stunning pictures as inspiration or want to know the ins and outs to make your big day smooth sailing, we’ve got you covered!
Two is better than one, right? If you don’t believe us, now you can! Here are two of our elegant, crystal beaded chandeliers cascading one around the other to prove our point. The breathtaking elegance of these classy light fixtures dazzles everyone in the room — every time.
However, our showstopping chandeliers won’t take away from the couple of the night! Instead, the warm, clean light shines down eloquently on the newlyweds and their admirers. The raining crystals of these chandeliers are the perfect touch to any space for your big day!
Psst — we have another Event Services Showcase coming up on March 10 and we would LOVE to see you there. Immerse yourself in the full Fantasy Sound experience and fall in love with all we have to offer for your big day!
We’ll be here ready and waiting to fill your head with creative ideas and helpful advice while we cheer you on throughout your journey. But first, we need to know a little bit about you and your event…and we need you to come out and get a feel for how our services can transform your celebration.
You can sign up for one of three slots on March 10:
NOTE: Our Showcase is a meet-and-greet, which means there will be other couples in attendance. This allows us to highlight our many products and services to the group at once.
With that said, we understand you might be ready to dive in headfirst — you’re excited, we get it! We are, too. If that’s the case, go ahead and schedule a 1:1 personal consultation with us so we can get this show on the road!
We are available for consultations from Tuesday-Friday between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. or on Saturdays between 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. We also have appointments available on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Get in touch with us to schedule your consultation.
Designing a wedding involves many moving pieces to ensure all of the décor comes together for a cohesive theme. From florals and furniture to centerpieces and signage, a lot goes into your picture-perfect day! Yet, event drapery is often overlooked despite the many benefits it can add to your celebration.
Great question. Here are four reasons to enhance your wedding design with drapery!
Step into a cavernous ballroom and it can feel pretty intimidating, knowing you have to fill that space with décor! But with event drapery, one large space can become several smaller spaces — all it takes is some simple rigging (which our specialists handle). Create a hospitality space filled with amenities, a dessert area with sweet treats, or an open-air photo booth with all the fixin’s. Drapery opens up unlimited possibilities for how your space can look and feel on the big day.
Even the most beautiful venues have certain fixtures that are better left unseen. Support poles, beams, wall hangings, and other onsite features can take away from your wedding’s design theme. Fortunately, drapery can conceal most* of them so they don’t show up as ugly photobombers in the back of your wedding pictures.
*We say most because fire extinguishers, alarms, sprinklers, and exit signs can not—and should not—be covered by anything. The same goes for anything near an open flame.
Design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a certain atmosphere for your guests. Your goal is to engage all the senses — delicious smells (and tastes) from the caterers, enjoyable music from the DJ, and allllllll the pretty details to see. Texture brings the all-important sense of touch into the picture, adding an extra dimension to your wedding design. Sequins, satin, taffeta — every texture offers a unique feel to your space, so let’s get creative!
Event drapery has the power to transform a space and create the perfect ambiance to match your décor. Looking for a soft and airy look? Consider flowy chiffon drapery in white, blush, or natural tones. More of a deep, dark, and moody vibe? Opt for velour in black or jewel tones. Want a glam feel for your big day? Try out satin, silk, or even brocade drapery to do it big. Needless to say, there’s a drape style for every wedding style — all you have to do is ask.
Ready to learn how drapery can enhance your celebration? Check out our gallery for inspiration and give us a ring at 800.660.3735 to schedule a free Design Meeting!
The clock is ticking — have you RSVPed for next week’s Event Services Showcase? Join us on January 13 for a step inside the Fantasy Sound experience. We can’t wait to have you!
Make sure to pack your planning notebook because you’ll gather ideas, inspiration, and advice to support your journey! Consider us your partner in event planning — all we have to do now is meet and make it official. We’re ready when you are. #LetsDoThis
Just make sure to RSVP for one of these time slots to save your spot:
NOTE: Our Showcase is a meet-and-greet, which means there will be other couples in attendance. This allows us to highlight our many products and services to the group at once.
With that said, we’d love to connect with you one-on-one! If you are ready to book with Fantasy Sound or want to schedule a personal consultation, we are happy to accommodate that as well!
We are available for consultations from Tuesday-Friday between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. or on Saturdays between 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. We also have appointments available on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Get in touch with us to schedule your consultation.
Won’t you join us as we ring in the New Year with our next Event Services Showcase? Come out on January 13 and see why we’re the top event lighting & entertainment provider around!
Meet with our team of professionals, test out our photo booth (props included!), see our renowned lighting fixtures up close and personal, and talk wedding playlists with our amazing DJs. It’s the ultimate Fantasy Sound experience, and we’d love to see you!
You’ll walk away with ideas, advice, and information to provide plenty of event inspiration — and maybe even a follow-up appointment to kick off the planning. So make sure to bring your questions and event details. We hope to see you at our Event Services Showcase on January 13!
Just make sure to RSVP for one of these time slots to save your spot:
NOTE: Our Showcase is a meet-and-greet, which means there will be other couples in attendance. This allows us to highlight our many products and services to the group at once.
However, If you are looking to connect one-on-one or are ready to book with Fantasy Sound, we are happy to accommodate that as well!
We invite you to schedule a personal consultation from Tuesday-Friday between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. or on Saturdays between 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. We also have appointments available on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Need something outside of those times? We’d love to accommodate you. Get in touch with us to schedule your consultation.
Be still our hearts! We were thrilled to see Bria and Ryan’s gorgeous Casa Real wedding featured on PartySlate in all of its glory.
Now, the photos below are just a glimpse of the reception. But wait until you see the romantic ceremony setup and the stunning outdoor lounge space! The combination of draping, greenery, candlelight, and plush furniture is truly a scene to behold.
Oh, and did we mention the nacho bar decked out with all the fixings? It was the perfect match to Bria and Ryan’s two signature cocktails: negronis and margaritas. If that doesn’t sound like a party to remember, we don’t know what does.
Guests were truly treated to an inviting celebration of the newlyweds, complete with a bottle of red wine to take home!
See the full feature on PartySlate here!
Most importantly, we’d like to recognized the incredible team of creative partners that helped bring this beautiful wedding to life:
Wedding Planner: Amazae Events
Photography: Ashley Maxwell Photography
Venue: Casa Real at Ruby Hill Winery
Floral Design: Bloomster’s
Linens: La Tavola Fine Linen
Rentals: Theoni Collection | Bright Event Rentals | Pleasanton Event Rentals
Lighting: Fantasy Sound Event Services | Enhanced Lighting & Audio Visual
Stationery: Ji Kim Designs
Videography: Featherstone Films
Cake: Cake Creations by Bev
The holiday season is upon us! This is the perfect time to celebrate and create wonderful memories that you and your loved ones will remember fondly for years to come. If you’re planning a holiday event this time of year, make sure to bring the cheer! You can start by adding some decorative elements and embellishments to your venue to create a welcoming and festive vibe.
Venue: Casa Real
Are you struggling to figure out how to decorate your holiday event? This blog post is perfect for you! Read on for tips and ideas to get your holiday event just right.
An excellent way to impress your guests is with carefully selected, interactive food stations. These can complement your traditional catering, plus you can jazz them up with thematic décor. The idea is to offer variety and interactivity by getting your guests involved as they prepare their own food or beverage.
Since the holiday season always calls for hot drinks, you can set up a bar where guests can make their own hot chocolate or peppermint coffee. And for eventgoers with a sweet tooth, you can prepare a buffet of holiday treats like sugar cookies, gingerbread biscuits, and cupcakes they can decorate before eating!
Not only do these food stations offer guests a unique and fun experience, but they also encourage them to mingle.
A few pinecones, chestnuts, berries, and sprigs of greenery can add some flair to your holiday décor. By using natural elements, you are able to set a warm and cozy mood, and we all know that this is what the holidays are all about!
The signage at your event serves various functions. They can provide information, directions, and even reminders to your guests. But don’t forget to make sure they match your theme to tie the look of your holiday event together!
Consider alluding to Santa, the holidays, Christmas, Chanukah, or winter when crafting your signage. For instance, imagine calling an interactive food station, the Elf-Service Station (Get it? Self-service)! Or, you could add a touch of humor to your decor with “better not pout” tabletop signs.
These are just a few fun ideas to get your creative juices flowing, but the possibilities are endless!
If you’re going for a winter wonderland feel for your holiday event, try hanging some ice blue, bright white, or warm white string lights to create the perfect ambiance. You can also opt to buy string lights with a snowflake design. With the proper lighting, you are sure to keep things merry and bright!
Regardless of how you decorate your holiday event, remember to strive for a consistent and cohesive look for your event. Choose a theme and matching color palette, then stick to them. Happy holidays!
The clock is ticking — our next Event Services Showcase is just around the corner! Join us next Wednesday, November 17, as we show off the exciting new inventory we have in stock along with all of our lighting and décor all-stars.
We can’t wait to meet you and show you how we can help to transform your event design! Bring your questions because we’re ready to answer them ALL.
Our much-loved chandelier selection will be on display alongside other lighting elements for you to see for yourself. Oh, and while you’re here, make sure to take a spin in our Photo Booth!
We have three time slots available for you to choose from:
Looking for a more personal 1:1 consultation? We’ve got you covered. While we won’t be able to accommodate this at our Event Services Showcase, we would love to have you visit our office during business hours to discuss. You can schedule a consultation any time between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. between Tuesday and Friday, or on Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. We can also make it work Wednesday and Thursday evenings, so don’t hesitate to ask!
We always get excited when our couples infuse their weddings with cultural traditions that celebrate their heritage. This wedding dragon dance at Palm Event Center was no exception!
Our rustic beam Edison chandelier looked lovely paired with our reclaimed wood wall with personalized monogram letters. Cue the confetti, indeed!
Once engaged, the excitement starts to build and most couples eagerly anticipate the day they get to say “I do” in front of their friends and family. But curating the guest list can be challenging — deciding who should and shouldn’t be invited can be an emotionally draining experience.
If this resonates with you, don’t worry! With careful planning and the right approach, you’ll be able to create a wedding guest list that includes all of your favorite people in the world.
Credit: De Joy Photography
Here are some valuable tips that will make the process a whole lot easier for you!
Some couples make the mistake of looking at possible wedding venues without having a rough idea of how many guests they plan to invite. Often, they end up having to cut some names from the list in order to fit the number of guests into their chosen venue. Doing so may lead to some of your would-be guests harboring resentment.
Save yourself from unnecessary stress by deciding whether you want an intimate celebration or a grand affair before shopping for venues. This way, you don’t have to risk limiting the number of guests who’ll be attending your wedding.
While you might want to invite and accommodate as many people as possible, the reality is this: the more people you invite, the more expensive your wedding will be.
At the end of the day, wedding expenses can be broken down into costs per person. You are paying for every guest who will be at your wedding, so make sure they are worth it! Be sure to invite only those whose presence will make your wedding magical and memorable. If you can’t picture the day without them, they belong on the list!
Remember: Weddings involve two people! That means both you and your partner need to be invested in your guest list and curate it together. There might be other people, such as close family members, who will try to influence who goes on that list, but ultimately, it’s up to the two of you to decide who makes the cut.
Don’t be afraid to respectfully put your foot down, if necessary. After all, it’s your wedding and you don’t need to invite your mother-in-law’s childhood best friend’s sister if you don’t want to.
Allowing guests to bring plus-ones and children to your wedding will increase your expenses, but may also increase the fun. Weigh the pros and cons of hosting kids, and determine whether you want an adults-only event or if you’re okay with having little ones there. You can indicate this in your wedding invitations. It’s also a good idea to inform your guests of the number of seats you have reserved for their party or group.
Granting plus-ones to your guests is also up to you. When deciding whether or not to allow a guest to have a plus-one, consider the following: Have you met your guest’s date? How long has your guest known their plus-one? What is the nature of their relationship? Yes, this last one might seem a bit nosy, but it’s your wedding and you have the right to know who will attend. After all, you don’t want any unnecessary drama to unfold on your big day.
A spreadsheet is an invaluable tool for keeping track of your guests. You’ll want to keep everyone’s names, phone numbers, addresses, and other crucial information in one accessible place.
In your spreadsheet, consider color-coding your guests or adding columns to determine whether they have already RSVPed. You can also have a section to indicate the guests’ preferred meal, which you can easily relay to the caterer. It also helps to add a column to note any gifts that you receive, making it simple to send thank-you notes after the wedding.
Don’t forget to share this document with your planner and caterer to ensure that the wedding planning process is streamlined for everyone involved.
While your wedding guest list will evolve over time, it’s best to get a headstart on it in the early stages of the planning process. Set aside an evening with your partner, order some takeout, crack open a bottle of wine, and get to planning!
Last-minute wedding vendor cancellations sound like a nightmare, right? It certainly isn’t the ideal situation. Rest assured that the rest of your event team knows what to do — especially your wedding planner.
Kevin chimed in on this topic for a roundup on WeddingWire alongside a number of other wedding experts.
“Your planner will help you find a replacement in the blink of an eye. This is what they have been hired to do and will handle it quickly and professionally. They may even consider the vendor team you already have, and one of them might be the solution to the problem.”
See the full article on WeddingWire to learn what to do about a last-minute vendor cancellation!
The holiday season is upon us, which means it’s time to start planning those holiday celebrations! Kevin’s latest feature in Catering Foodservice & Events Magazine is getting us in the spirit for decorating.
In it, he encourages the mixing and matching of decor to keep things interesting and add layers to a design:
“It’s a common misconception that everything has to match seamlessly,” says Kevin Dennis, owner of Fantasy Sound Event Services and a certified event planner. “In fact, serving cocktails in vintage glassware or mixing metallics with charging plates is perfect for adding dimension!”
Engaged couples are not the only ones excited for their big day—so are their loved ones! During the planning stage, your family and close friends will often offer suggestions on how to make the festivities more meaningful and memorable. While it is ultimately up to you and your partner how your event will go, many wedding traditions are worth exploring if they feel right for both of you.
If you want to learn more, this blog will round up some of the more interesting wedding customs you can consider for your celebration.
This is one of the most popular wedding traditions out there, but how does it work? For the bouquet toss, the single women in attendance attempt to catch the bouquet tossed by the bride. Whoever succeeds is believed to be the next to marry. For the garter toss, the groom goes under the bride’s gown to remove her leg garter, which he tosses to a group of eager bachelors. The person who caught the garter, in turn, places it on the leg of the one who caught the bouquet.
If you’re looking for an exciting and lighthearted wedding tradition, door games are perfect for your celebration. For many Chinese couples, these games are a must on the morning of their wedding day. It revolves around the groom proving his worth and dedication to the bride by working hand-in-hand with his groomsmen to surpass a series of tests and challenges prepared by her bridesmaids. This activity will surely elicit lots of smiles and laughter from participants and spectators alike!
Commonly practiced in Filipino weddings, a pair of male and female doves are released at the end of the ceremony to represent the couple’s desire for a harmonious relationship, as they symbolize unity and peace. Doves are also known to mate for life! It’s perfect for those who want to create a romantic, meaningful ending to their wedding.
Greek brides typically tuck a sugar cube into their glove or bouquet on their wedding day, as it’s believed to bring the couple happiness in their new life together. So if you want to sweeten your marriage, it wouldn’t hurt to follow their lead!
Credit: De Joy Photography
Looking for a special way to pay tribute to your parents on your wedding day? How about a traditional father-daughter and mother-son dance? Couples can also choose to share this sweet moment with other cherished family members, like grandparents, step-parents, godparents, siblings, aunts, or uncles.
The money dance is customary in many cultures. In exchange for a dance, guests pin bills onto the bride or groom’s clothing with good wishes. This long-standing wedding tradition serves to usher in wealth and prosperity in the couple’s marriage. Additionally, it’s a fun and interactive way for the couple to spend some time with their wedding guests!
In the Middle Ages, people believed that evil spirits lived on the threshold of new homes and would attack brides through the soles of their feet. Therefore, the groom carried his bride across the threshold to protect her. Today, it’s a romantic way to whisk the bride away from the party as they begin their new life together.
These are just a few of the wedding traditions you can incorporate into your special day. Of course, you can follow these old customs or start some of your own—feel free to mix it up! Ultimately, the most important thing is for your wedding to feel meaningful to you and your partner.
New week, new press! This time, Kevin chimed in on Goodshuffle Pro in a roundup about employee retention in the special events industry. As any business owner knows, our teams are our most valuable assets!
Here’s a glimpse at what Kevin had to share:
“If there’s anything I learned during the height of 2020, it’s that I couldn’t have pushed through without my team. […] Employees are much more likely to stick with you when you give them the respect and consideration they deserve.”
The Fantasy Sound team has been busy at work with this year’s wedding boom and we’re so delighted to be back doing what we love most: giving couples the weddings of their dreams! So it was lovely working on Anie and Jason’s Casa Real wedding — it was a sweet reminder of the beauty of love, romance, and togetherness. Scroll down for a peek at their big day!
Alongside bountiful blooms, champagne uplighting and creamy drapery softened the ceremony space at Casa Real for the perfect setting to say “I do.” In addition, we love how the elaborate ceremony arch played double duty at the sweetheart table during the reception!
Gorgeous florals from Wish Social Events, our much-loved crystal chandelier, and a couple who loves a good time certainly made this Casa Real wedding a celebration for the books!
We hope you enjoyed our trip down memory lane with the happy couple!
Venue: Casa Real Events
Coordinator: Alyssa Hickerson, Beets Hospitality Group
Photography: De Joy Photography
Florist: Wish Social Events
Rentals: Pleasanton Rentals
Video: Lens of Lenox Videography
DJ: DJ Diko
Lighting/drapery: Fantasy Sound Event Services
Paper goods/Signage: Sweet and Crafty
Art/apparel/decor: Hye End Designs
Hair: Liezel Styles
Makeup: Antonia Cruz
Baker: Le Gâteau Elegant
Bridal Gown: BoLee Bridal Couture
This week, we’re bringing you a luxury wedding fit for royalty! Leon and Mari were certainly serving king and queen vibes with their all-white design.
Credit: Joy Coakley Studio
Between beautiful white florals, a raised ceremony platform, and our sparkling crystal beaded chandelier, we loved seeing Casa Real transformed for their sweet celebration!
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Call or Text: 800.660.3735|320 Stealth Court, Livermore, CA 94551
