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Crystal Ballroom at Sunset Harbor

Questions Brides Ask About Wedding Planning


Wedding Planning

Planning your wedding day is an exciting process that creates a lot of questions. We are answering the most common questions brides ask about wedding planning.


Where do I begin with wedding planning?


Wedding planners agree that you need to begin with your expectations and your budget. You need to know your budget before you make any big decisions. You need an idea about the guest count before you can book a venue and plan the catering. This never seems to really answer the question for most brides, because what they really want to know is what they should rent or buy first. The big item on the wedding planning list that sits in first place and sets the entire plan in motion is the wedding venue. You must book a venue before you can plan anything else.


How do I choose a wedding venue?


Choosing a wedding venue is the first item on the wedding planning checklist, and the most important. You cannot have a wedding without a location. You should always tour a wedding venue to experience the space. When choosing a venue, think about your vision for your wedding day. An all-inclusive venue includes all of the furnishings, décor and wedding design services that can help you bring your vision to life. The venue should have adequate space for your guest count and entertainment. If a venue can accommodate the ceremony and the reception, it can provide savings and eliminate the stress of transporting guests between venues. A bridal suite and groom suite are important accommodations. Make a list of what is important to you and make sure the venue can deliver exactly what you want.

Wedding Planning

How much does a wedding venue cost?


This is a very challenging question to answer, because it depends on many factors. The cost of a venue is influenced directly by the location and the services that are included. If you want an empty space and intend to rent all of the furnishings and décor separately, you might save on the space, but spend thousands more on the furnishings and designs. The most savings can be found in an all-inclusive venue.


Does wedding planning require a professional planner?


It is estimated that only about 30% of brides hire a wedding planner. If 70% of brides are doing it on their own, it is safe to say that it is completely doable. If you want a wedding expert to create your dream wedding on your budget while walking a timeline, you might want a planner to keep it all organized. If you book with an all-inclusive wedding venue with in-house designers, planners, vendors and a concierge service, you can easily forego the planner and save thousands on the wedding planning.

Wedding Planning

How do I obtain a marriage license?


A marriage license requires an application process at the courthouse. Depending on local laws and rules, your wedding officiant might be able to help you with this step of the wedding planning process. Some officiants have the ability to assist you with obtaining a marriage license by mail. If this service is not available to you, you will need to make a trip to the courthouse. Some counties allow you to begin the process online. It is important to note that once a marriage license is approved, it is only valid for a certain number of days. It must be timed properly on the timeline. Schedule a consultation with a wedding officiant to plan your ceremony and get assistance with this important detail.


Where do the vendors fit into the wedding planning timeline?


Wedding planning involves wedding vendors. There is a consensus among planners that the catering is a very important decision. It can absolutely make or break your wedding day. You should book your catering just after you book your wedding venue. Every vendor will take part in creating your moments, but the photography will be responsible for how you remember them. Since it can be challenging to book your date with a sought-after photographer, secure your photographer early. The wedding entertainment will create the vibe of your celebration and be a reflection of your style. Since the entertainment relies upon the talent of an artist during a competitive wedding boom, be prepared to book your entertainment around the same time that you book your catering and photography. All of your other vendors should be booked at least six months prior to your wedding day.

Wedding Planning

What type of bar should I have?


Most weddings have a bar, but that does not always involve alcohol. You could have a dry bar and serve carbonated drinks with splashes of fruit and smoothies or you could stock a bar with wine, beer and your favorite cocktails. You could have a consumption bar and pay by the drink or bottle. A bar package provides an open bar for a certain amount of time. Bar packages come in different levels. A soft bar serves beer and wine. A standard bar usually has lower-priced brands, while a premium bar serves premium liquors. A cash bar allows guests to buy their own drinks. While a cash bar can be easy on the budget, it can appear tacky; therefore, it is rarely recommended. In cases where a couple does not drink alcohol and does not plan on serving it, they might have a cash bar available as an option for guests that want to celebrate a little differently.


How do I choose a catering company?


Whether your catering is chosen by your theme, budget or the significant meal of your first date, the food tasting is a pivotal moment in the decision process. Ultimately, the dish must please the palate and the senses, while adorning the plate like an ornament on your reception table. Most caterers charge a fee for food tasting. However, some caterers will reduce the amount of the tasting from your catering invoice when you book an event with them. Never avoid the tasting due to fees. Tasting is an important part of the process that you should never avoid. It is an opportunity to meet with catering companies to compare dishes, options and services. While you hope your dining experience will surprise you, you do not want to be surprised by an unfortunate and unplanned dining experience on your wedding day. If there could ever be a single most important rule of choosing a caterer, it would probably be to taste the food you plan to serve. Choosing your caterer comes down to experience, reputation, presentation and flavor.

wedding planning

What should I look for in a photographer?


Experience, skill and style will be part of the decision. Avoid an impulsive last minute decision that is based upon a photographer's availability, rather than their skills. As soon as you get engaged, you should begin thinking about your photography. An important part of your wedding photography is the engagement photo shoot. This is essential for your engagement announcements, but also an opportunity to find your style and get to know the photographer. It also provides an opportunity to review their work and offer feedback for the way you want your wedding photography captured. Make sure you like your photographer’s personality. This person and their team will be part of your wedding day and how the moments are captured.

wedding planning

Crystal Ballroom at Sunset Harbor


Bring imagination to the elegant space of Crystal Ballroom at Sunset Harbor. This luxurious wedding venue spares nothing in the process of creating the fairy tale. The all-inclusive packaging includes all of the décor, furnishings, linens, floral arrangements, formal chinaware, staff services and vendor connections. Experience an impressive bar service and a sophisticated cocktail hour. Build your wedding team with Crystal Ballroom vendors and the assistance of the free concierge service. Secure your date early and plan a flawless event at Crystal Ballroom at Sunset Harbor.

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