On May 4, 2013, Kelsey and Michael wed at the Valentino Estate, in Rancho Santa Fe.
Surrounded by close friends and family, they exchanged their vows in a beautiful ceremony down by the lake with willow trees providing the backdrop.
Valentino Estate Ceremony Location
Wine was a common theme throughout the décor, including the two wine barrels on both sides of the aisle for the ceremony, corks used to support the escort cards, table numbers on top of wine bottles, as well as wine bottles used to support the dessert display.
The color theme was perfect for this warm May day, with lots of coral, yellow and oranges spread throughout the floral arrangements, table runners, napkins and more! The bridesmaids even wore shades of peach, which were complemented by the groomsmen’s vests and ties.
Burst of yellow, coral & orange, with chevron table runners
Guests were treated to several lawn games throughout the evening including an oversized Jenga set, ladder toss, and bean bag toss, which provided endless amusement throughout the evening.
Oversized Jenga Set
Everyone danced the night away under the market lighting, and enjoyed great food and tasty cupcakes.
Of course every celebration must come to an end, but guests will sure to remember this night for years and years to come.
Congratulations to Kelsey & Michael!
Photos from this Noteworthy Event courtesy of Estate Weddings and Events
Claire is the Director of Client Relations for Estate Weddings and Events and will often be the first person to greet you and answer any questions you may have about planning your estate event. In her free time, she loves to make succulent arrangements, homebrew craft beers and put her love for crafts to work! You can follow her here Linkedin or Google+.
There are many vacation rental websites out there these days, and a lot of brides are going through these websites to find their wedding venue. If you are even contemplating renting out a house you found on a vacation rental site like VRBO, HomeAway, AirBnb, FlipKey, etc. then this article is for you.
My sincere recommendation is to hire a professional management company who specializes in weddings at private homes, instead of using a vacation rental website. I can go on an on about why you need a on site location manager, but the real reason for this post is to ensure your wedding goes off without a hitch.
Too many times I encounter a couple who are just a couple months away from their big day, with a sad story about their vacation rental home debacle. We want your wedding to be just as amazing as you’ve always hoped, so heed my advice below!
Rosaline Estate – Rhinebeck, New York
On vacation rental websites and forums, I always see this question:
Do I have to notify the homeowners that we will be having a wedding at their house?
You may be asking the same question, and here is the answer: Yes, absolutely!
Usually the renter’s concern is mostly monetary. They are concerned that their rental fee will increase significantly, or that the owner may say “no way.” If you take anything out of this article, use this piece of advice: Always ask the homeowner if a wedding or event is allowed. Yes, it may cost more, but wouldn’t you rather pay it upfront instead of getting sued after the fact?
Most homes on these vacation rental websites are not terribly keen on renting out their house for any type of events. Whether or not their contract states if you may have an event/wedding on the property or not, you should always notify them of your intentions when you first contact them. Why? Let me elaborate below.
Why rent through an estate manager vs. a vacation rental website:
Damages & Liability
Events at a property, especially weddings, can be a huge liability. The risks involved with hosting events are so much higher than just renting the property to eat and sleep in. The more guests you have, the more wear and tear will happen to the property. Damages are more likely to occur, especially if guests are intoxicated. Maybe a drunk guest hits another car when they are leaving the property. Or maybe the house uses a septic system that can’t handle the strain of a large event. There are a lot of things that can go wrong, and if you don’t have insurance to cover it, you could be in hot water.
Residential Restrictions
The home may be located in an area that is extremely strict or does not allow events at all. Some locations only allow a handful of event permits per year. Other locations might not allow events due to their homeowner association, or local city regulations. If you aren’t familiar with the city’s laws, you may be in for an unwelcome surprise. Imagine that you are enjoying your wedding reception and the police show up to shut you down because you were playing loud music past the city’s noise ordinance.
Hewitt Hill Farm – Woodstock, Vermont; Photo: Hike Photography
Lack of Management
The owners may allow events, but without any event management you are going into your event blindly. The house might not be able to handle the amount of power you need for your outdoor lighting or DJ. There might not be enough bathrooms for everyone. You might not know what is permitted and what isn’t. Your contract might not cover you the way you hoped and you could be liable for any problems that come up.
Do yourself a favor, and find a house with a manager. They will monitor and handle any property issues, so you or your event coordinator don’t have to! Remember, the management team is there to give you the best event possible, as well as ensuring the homeowners are happy and the rules are obeyed. A win-win situation for all!
A lot goes into a great estate venue. The homeowner might have good intentions and may even allow a wedding to take place without any supervision, but that is not advised. A homeowner is not an event manager, so even the owner might not be aware of all of the logistical matters and city regulations regarding events.
Whatever the reason, if the homeowner has said “no events” you better pay attention and follow the rules. If you violate their contract, you better expect that your deposit and credit card will be charged for any damages, and they might be hefty.
Caballo Estate – Los Altos Hills, California; Photo: This Love of Yours Photography
Pay it Forward:
I’ve read testimonials from homeowners who have been notified by neighbors that someone had their party at the estate when it was explicitly forbidden. While the renter may have gotten away with hosting their party without a hitch, that act of defiance can have a butterfly effect. That single party can have a devastating effect on not only the home/homeowner but also the community.
Depending on what type of person you are, you may or may not be concerned about the venue or any future rentals. If you are the type of person who cares, there is ever more reason to throw your wedding the proper way. If you cut corners, you may prevent the homeowners from ever renting their home again, vacation rental or otherwise. If you don’t follow the rules set forth, the police can shut down the venue, and then no one else will be able to have their wedding at the same house. Wouldn’t that be a shame? I can’t tell you how many calls I get about cancelled wedding venues due to problems with a home they rented from a vacation rental website.
If unregulated events are overrunning a community, you might even see city or county laws change or even ban events altogether. This has happened in several popular wedding cities in California and can continue to happen if events are not controlled.
Do yourself (and the owner) a favor and tell them that you would like to host your wedding at the estate. Worst case scenario is that they say no, and if so, try searching for a private estate that does cater to weddings and events. Best case scenario is they say “yes” but they require on site management.
Don’t view this as a negative. A manager is great! If they don’t provide one for you, hire one. A location manager is just as important as an event coordinator. Let them take care of the venue so you can have the perfect wedding!
If you are looking for a manager for your private estate wedding, please give us a call and we would be happy to talk to you about our venues and answer any questions you may have.
Your Turn…
Let us know about your experience with renting a home for your estate wedding below…
About the Author
Claire is the Director of Client Relations for Estate Weddings and Events and will often be the first person to greet you and answer any questions you may have about planning your estate event. In her free time, she loves to make succulent arrangements, homebrew craft beers and put her love for crafts to work! You can follow her here Linkedin or Google+.
If you are considering renting out your home, or if you are searching for the perfect venue for your event, there are many things that separate an okay estate venue from a great one.
If you are a client looking for an “out of the box” type venue, and you’ve decided to hold your event at a private house, you will need to be sure that the location has everything you need to produce your ideal event. Don’t get caught up in the excitement of the look of the property before going through all the ammenties this particular estate has to offer.
If you are a homeowner looking to rent your property, your home may be best suited for some types of events, but not all. If you are open to making improvements on your property so that you can rent your home for events, you have the ability to increase the value of your home as well as write-off maintenance and improvements. For more perks to renting your home be sure to check out our 5 top advantages to renting your home for events.
Use the following list of criteria to see if the estate is a great fit for events or not:
1. Outdoor Capacity
Orange County Mansion
An okay estate will have enough room to accommodate at least 50 guests seated. A good venue will be able to host between 100 – 150. A great venue will be able to accommodate over 200+ guests. On average, most estate weddings will have between 120-150 guests.
Most estate events will take place outdoors. Very few homes will be able to accommodate guests inside their house for events. Unless it is a loft or a penthouse, chances are if you are having an estate event, your guests will be dining outdoors.
Usually the only indoor event space which could seat all your guests would be a converted garage. So if you aren’t keen on being outdoors, your estate search may eventually lead you back to considering hotel options.
2. Indoor Access
Cairo Estate
If you have access to the inside of the house, that is a huge plus. Some estates do not allow you to use the interior of the home at all, so make sure you ask if the interior is available. A good venue will have the house open for your guests to walk through and use the restrooms, and a great one will include a “bridal suite” for the bride to get ready in on site (usually the master bedroom).
Some other perks to interior access are possibly the use of the kitchen for your catering team, an indoor cocktail reception, or a place to stay overnight surrounding your event.
3. Covered Patio or Room for a Tent
Bali Gardens Estate
If the estate has a covered patio or veranda, this is great news. If you aren’t allowed inside the home, but the weather is looking iffy, you will want a back up plan. If your guests can fit under the patio, that is a huge plus. It means you won’t have to worry about constructing a full tent to shelter your guests if it rains.
If you aren’t lucky enough to have a covered patio on the property, you will want to be sure there is ample room for a tent on the property which can cover all your guests.
4. Power
Emma Estate
This is perhaps one of the most overlooked issues that clients forget about, but one of the most important! If you are having any sort of lighting at the property (up-lighting, market lighting, etc.) make sure that there is enough power from the home to supply it. If you are having a stage with a live band, or a DJ with a lot of bells and whistles, a photo booth, and much much more, rent a generator or two.
5. The Ideal Property Layout
Emma Estate
Lets say you are looking for a wedding location. You want to have your ceremony, a cocktail hour and your reception all in the same place. A private home can pose a lot of difficulty if the flow of the property isn’t just right.
A good location will have two areas which would be great for a combination of these events. So in event area #1 you can host the ceremony, in area #2 you can have the cocktail hour, and during cocktail hour event area #1 would be transitioned into your reception area.
A great location will have at least three areas for events: a separate ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception location. If you have more than one option for each, you are in really great shape!
Look for an estate with a few great options for each. Don’t forget that if the house has a tennis court, this is also usable event space!
6. Catering Area
If you’re hiring a caterer to cook onsite, you will need an outdoor area or open garage large enough for a field kitchen. This should be in an area separate from all other event spaces.
What exactly is a field kitchen? It is a temporary on-site kitchen. This includes everything from prep tables to stoves/ovens. Depending on what catering services you need and how many guests you are serving, you will need a large open space to serve as a kitchen.
Most homes do not have a commercial kitchen so an on-site temporary kitchen is a must.
7. Luxury Amenities
Marina 5 Penthouse view
Why are you booking this venue? There is probably a key feature that initially attracted you, right? Prime selling points include an ocean or mountain view, pool, etc.
Other amenities that make a great venue are overnight accommodations if you’d like to make your one day event into a weekend event.
If your venue already has permanent outdoor lighting installed, lounge seating, tables, that can also be a huge perk!
Don’t forget about restrooms. The estate venue you are considering should have at least 2 or 3 restrooms for 100 guests. If you want to avoid having guests lined up at the restrooms, you’ll want to have room to accommodate a luxury restroom rental trailer too.
8. Location
Just because the house is amazing doesn’t make it a perfect event location. The perfect venue will be in a prominent and desirable location central to hotels, places of worship, nearby parking lots for shuttle service, and a local airport. Of course some people are looking for a more remote location, but most are looking for a place that is convenient for their guests to travel to, especially if most are coming from out of town.
A great location will also be secluded enough from their neighbors as not to disturb them. It will also have ample street or lot parking for valet service.
9. A Great Management Team & Homeowner
A location isn’t great unless it has a great management team. You’ll want an estate whose management team is dedicated to protecting the home from any damages, helping you understand all the rules of the property and ensuring your event is a success! For more information on venue management, take a peek at our article about what an on-site manager does. To learn more about our team, click here.
A great homeowner is someone who trusts their management team to represent them and take care of their property during each and every event. They are flexible and open to hosting a wide variety of events at their home, and are enthusiastic about the opportunities presented to them. For more information about the advantages of renting out your estate for private events, you’ll want to read this article.
Your Turn…
Are you considering a private estate for your event or wedding venue?
If you have any questions or if you would like to share any thoughts/ideas please do so in the comments below…
About the Author
Claire is the Director of Client Relations for Estate Weddings and Events and will often be the first person to greet you and answer any questions you may have about planning your estate event. In her free time, she loves to make succulent arrangements, homebrew craft beers and put her love for crafts to work! You can follow her here Linkedin or Google+.
Oftentimes clients ask me what an on site manager does at an event. Other times I get asked about the difference between an on site manager and an event coordinator/planner.
While our end goal is always the same (to keep our client happy), a coordinator and a venue manager specialize in two very different aspects of your event. An on site location manager’s job is to focus on the property, and your coordinator should focus on you! You should never one without the other, because you will sacrifice the quality and overall success of your event.
A coordinator’s job is to assist you, their client, with everything from hiring your vendors, negotiating contracts, planning your itinerary, seating arrangements, décor, managing your budget, and ensure that your event runs as smoothly as possible. This is just the tip of the iceberg, as there are many other responsibilities of a planner.
Just as your coordinator is there to represent you, a location manager is there to represent the venue.
If the venue happens to be a private home, like the ones that we manage here at Estate Weddings and Events, we are there on behalf of the homeowner. We represent the home like it is our own.
Orange County Mansion
We know all the city rules regarding hosting an event at the property. We make sure that vendors understand the rules including which areas they will have access to, and handle all issues that a venue may face. A venue manager isn’t there to help you set up your escort cards or tell you when to start walking down the aisle, but they are there for a multitude of very important reasons which I will elaborate below.
What does an on site manager do?
To illustrate an on site manager’s importance, here is a sample day in the life of a location manager at Estate Weddings and Events.
In the morning, on the day of the event (wedding), the manager arrives early before any vendors or clients arrive to do a walkthrough of the event space. Since the estate was cleaned prior to the event, it will be easy to survey the property and make note of any damages. They will take pictures of the property and compare these to past event photos.
They will set up all restrooms with the provided amenities. They will post signs throughout the venue, guiding guests to the restrooms. They will also set up the bridal suite for a wedding (often with a bottle of champagne and glassware for the bridal party).
Emma Estate Bridal Suite | Photo by Jackie Wonders Photographer
Vendors start to arrive at 10am, so the manager is there to open up the property gates and regulate which vehicles can drive on which areas of the property and when. The manager has already done a walkthrough with the vendors on an earlier date, so that they understand the schedule and what they are and aren’t allowed to do on the property. The manager will reinforce these rules again and will oversee the set up and answer any questions from the vendors. They make sure that each vendor that steps foot on the property is insured and have signed the venue’s vendor agreement.
You might have to remind the vendor setting up your dance floor that they need to put down moving blankets on the lawn first. Or make sure furniture is lifted, not dragged across the property.
Your manager will be able to let you know if you may need a generator at the venue, or if there is enough power at the property for your band and market lighting. They will be able to assist with any catering or bar questions, like if they can use the oven in the house, or store items in the refrigerator.
These are just a few of the common questions an on site manager may face, and should be addressed before the event takes place.
Market Lighting at the Valentino Estate | Love Art Photography
In the early afternoon, everything will start coming together. The manger works with the coordinator to see that the dining tables, cocktail tables, bar, etc. are arranged according to the planner’s diagram. Oftentimes the table arrangements may need some slight adjustments once set up, so the coordinator and the venue manager will work together to come up with a solution to any layout issues.
When the catering and bar service arrive, the manager will make sure that the property is protected the way the homeowner has specified. The caterer and bar may have to put down tarps and drop cloths below all their equipment. Protective mats may be needed for the counter tops if the kitchen is used.
Once guests start arriving, the real fun begins!
While the coordinator may be organizing the bridal party for the ceremony, this is prime time to make sure everything is set up at the property before the ceremony starts. The manager will assign tasks to the venue staff, making sure everything is ready for the event.
Bali Gardens Wedding | Photo by Estate Weddings and Events
Once the party has begun, responsibilities of the event staff include anything from monitoring and restocking the bathrooms to cleaning up any spills. A manager may need to put coasters under guests glassware if they are using the homeowner’s furniture, or may have to remind smoking guests to use the ashtray provided. They might remind the florist to remove all the rose petals lining the aisle of the ceremony, to make sure they don’t get crushed into the lawn or flooring.
The manager will also put out any “fires” that come up regarding the venue and vendors.
We’ve seen it all. Tree branches getting knocked down from vendor trucks, oil spilt on the driveway from a leaking vehicle, red wine stains, caterers leaving behind bags and bags of trash, clogged toilets, power issues, and more. These are a few of the many issues that a manager may face each event.
Toward the end of the event, the on site manager will make sure that the DJ or band ends their set by the time specified by city noise regulations (often at 10pm).
When the event has finished, and all guests have left, the manager will open up the gates for the vendors to start packing up their items. Trucks may have to wait their turn to use the driveway, so it is essential that they have a plan to have everything packed up and ready to go when it is their turn.
An on site manager will make sure that every vendor leaves with everything they are responsible for. The vendors must check out with the manager at the end of the night to be sure they cleaned up their belongings, removed all trash, and leave the property before the end of the rental period.
The manager will walk through the entire property and take pictures and document any changes or damages from the event. They will be the last person at the property and will lock up the house after the event.
Sag Harbor Estate
A professional cleaning staff is brought in the morning following the event to clean the estate, so when the homeowner arrives home later, they come home to a spotless home.
After the event the manager takes care of any outstanding vendor issues. If there were any damages, they will assess them and handle all insurance claims to get the homeowner reimbursed. This may come out of the client’s security deposit or vendor if they are at fault.
Final Thoughts
Your venue is one of the most important parts of any event. An on site location manager will work dilligently to ensure that your event is a success.
We have managed countless events and know everything there is to know about our locations. We are the experts, so you don’t have to be!
If you choose a venue or rent a space that does not have an on site manager, please consider hiring one. A coordinator knows their job inside and out, but may not have the same expertise as a venue manager. Let a coordinator take care of you, and your manager take care of your venue.
Without a venue manager, if your vendors don’t have enough direction, they can damage the property and cause you to lose some of your security deposit. A manager can protect you from this and worse. For example, if you aren’t well versed with city laws and the restrictions of your venue, you can have your event shut down by the police for not following the law. No one wants these things to happen of course, so hire an expert!
It will give you peace of mind, and a wonderfully sucessful event!
About the Author
Claire is the Director of Client Relations for Estate Weddings and Events and will often be the first person to greet you and answer any questions you may have about planning your estate event. In her free time, she loves to make succulent arrangements, homebrew craft beers and put her love for crafts to work! You can follow her here Linkedin or Google+.
A question that I get asked frequently is whether or not a client can bring in their own alcohol for their wedding or event.
A lot of clients start their search for hotel venues and quickly find that they will not be able to bring in their own alcohol and must choose from a package provided to them.
Some clients are looking for a money saving option, while others are simply looking for a better selection or a more customized package.
Some venues including our private estates, do allow a lot of flexibility in creating your own bar packages and even the option to provide your own alcohol to save some money.
So lets get down to the question at hand…
Can I bring my own alcohol for my wedding?
Yes and no. This depends a lot on where you are getting married (not just the state you are getting married in, but the venue as well).
Let me elaborate.
First, why do you want to bring in your own alcohol?
Do you want to bring your own alcohol to save money?
OR
Do you want to bring your own alcohol because you don’t like the selection provided?
OR maybe it is a combination of the two.
If you’re looking to save money
On a daily basis, I am asked if you can bring in your own catering and beverage service. We just went over the ins and outs about using your venue’s in-house catering earlier this week, but let’s discuss alcohol service.
Most clients don’t even have another beverage provider in mind. They ask because all the hotels they’ve contacted do not allow you to bring in your own alcohol, and the prices they’ve seen are too high for their budget.
I can’t speak for other venues, but I can speak for the estates we manage. We require that you use our beverage service provider because they have an ABC liquor license and are insured, along with a multitude of other reasons. Our bartenders have worked at our properties for years, and know the ins and outs with each venue.
Elizabeth Anne Designs
While we do have several open bar beverage packages for you to choose from, we also have an option to bring in your own alcohol to save more money. At Estate Weddings and Events, we offer a “service only” package where we provide everything you’d need for the bar, and you would provide your own alcohol.
This package is only available when you use our catering service, as we are able to provide a discount to you for booking both services through us. One of those special perks when committing to a full service package!
Our “service only” package usually includes two bars (one for the cocktail hour, one for the reception), bartenders, ice, mixers (sodas, waters, juices), glassware, and more. You can then stock up during the 5 cent wine sale at BevMo, or buy beer and booze from a warehouse store like Costco.
I hear this comment a lot: “The guests at my wedding aren’t big drinkers,” yet when their event rolls around, their guests drink just as much as every other group I’ve witnessed. Ask your bar service for a recommendation on what to stock your bar with and how much of it you may need. It is always better to have more than enough, than not enough.
Some risks you face with providing your own alcohol at your event could be that you don’t buy enough alcohol for the duration of the bar service. You can’t predict how much of each item guests will drink, so you may run out of something. The last thing you would want to do is force a guest to leave the party to go buy more. A traditional bar service at a wedding last for 5 hours, so be prepared.
Diana Maire Photography
If you’re really concerned about the price, but do want an open bar through your venue’s bartender, ask them if you can reduce the amount of hours of service. Most bar services will have a minimum amount of hours that you will have to satisfy, but it can free up some extra cash. You can also ask if you can limit the number of alcohols served, which can also help with cost.
If your plan is to rent a house that isn’t managed by a company like Estate Weddings and Events (maybe your family has allowed you to throw your wedding in their backyard), you’ll need to be extra careful. Hire a professional bar-tending or catering service which has their Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) License.
When serving alcohol without a license at a catered event you jeopardize the success of your entire wedding.A professional bar service will take care of the purchase, set up, service, and insurance/liability at your event. They are trained to follow the law, and not serve minors or over serve guests, and much much more. You can provide your own alcohol for them to serve, but hiring a professional service, will not only keep your mind at ease, it will protect you from any legal issues that may occur from the bar service.
If you don’t like the bar package selections
Hotels will lock you into a package with high end choices and prices, but don’t allow you much room for customization. Non-traditional venues, like our private estates or banquet halls, usually allow you to customize your bar service if you don’t like the packages that they have.
For example, these are our typical packages:
–Beer, wine and soda – basic package with red and white wine, domestic beer choices
– Moderate Bar – includes moderately priced spirits, wine and beer
– Premium Bar – includes higher quality spirits, wine, and beer
– Top Shelf Bar – High end spirits, wine, and beer
If you are planning a dry wedding, we also offer a non-alcoholic bar package which includes sodas, waters, and juices.
If you’re anything like me, you may have a few favorite beers, wines or liquors that you would want served at your event or wedding. Run of the mill domestic beer and wine packages will not do.
Maybe you’re a connoisseur of local craft beer, and you shun at the thought of serving your guests Bud Light.
Maybe you have a special wine that you love from Napa Valley that has a special meaning to you.
Maybe you love specialty cocktails, or think a scotch or whiskey bar would be amazing.
Photo: The Daily Grace
Some other ideas include a pre-ceremony glass of champagne when your guests arrive and adding tray passed wine served at dinner.
All of these can be done when you have flexibility with your bar services. You can make substitutions, or hand pick which items you want your bar to supply.
Of course none of these items come for free, and you will have to pay for extra glassware, alcohol and labor, but it will be well worth your happiness!
Final Thoughts
You’re wedding is an important day in your life, and there is a lot of pressure you will be facing.
There will always be a way of cutting costs, but this also means you may be cutting corners.
Don’t compromise on quality, and don’t compromise on your guests’ happiness or safety.
Always hire a professionally licensed and insured bar service, and find out what flexibility you have with your menu selection.
If you can provide your own alcohol you can save hundreds (or even thousands) of bucks. You can also choose the quantity and quality of the alcohol that you serve.
If you choose this option, do your research! Make sure you buy enough of what you will need for the amount of hours you will be serving. One of the last things you will want to worry about on your wedding day is if you bought enough beer.
My recommendation is to choose an affordable option, and ask to see if you can modify their packages. Add on a signature cocktail or substitute Bud Light for a craft beer. This way the supply and consumption of the alcohol isn’t something you have to worry about at all, and you can enjoy your wedding to the fullest!
Cheers!
Your Turn…
Tell us what your bar service was like, or what you are planning for your upcoming wedding or event…
About the Author
Claire is the Director of Client Relations for Estate Weddings and Events and will often be the first person to greet you and answer any questions you may have about planning your estate event. In her free time, she loves to make succulent arrangements, homebrew craft beers and put her love for crafts to work! You can follow her here Linkedin or Google+.
If you are getting married outdoors, you must have a contingency plan in case of rain, heat, wind, or other natural elements.
All of these factors may affect your outdoor ceremony or reception.
If you’re reading this, you probably have quite a few questions about renting a tent and what to do in case it rains on your wedding day.
Some commonly asked questions I get asked regularly:
– What happens if it rains on my wedding day?
– Is there space to move the party inside the house I’m renting?
– How much does a tent cost?
All of these are great questions, and I’ll do my best to answer these for you below.
First, let me start at the beginning…
When should I start searching for a tent?
Right away!
You should do this when you first start planning your wedding and selecting a venue.
Why should you start looking for a tent this early?
Well, lets put it this way…
If you are only a few days away from your wedding and the forecast says rain, the last thing you’ll want to do is find a tent at the last minute.
Why you ask?
1) Chances are high that you aren’t the only one looking for a tent at the last minute.
There are other couples in the same situation, and only so many tents available! Lack of supply + high demand = a premium price tag.
2) Do you have room in your budget to afford one? If you’re days away from your wedding, you’ve probably spent almost every penny of your wedding budget, or more.
Think about how much better prepared you will be if you’ve already left an emergency budget for a tent. Tents cost a pretty penny, and can push you far beyond what you wanted to spend on your wedding.
Can I just move the party inside the house?
Most private estates will not have indoor space available to host your ceremony or reception, so a tent back up plan is a must!
While some estate owners will allow guests inside their homes, it is more for access to bathrooms, rather than throw a party inside.
You won’t be able to fit ten or more tables inside any one room to host your reception, just like you wouldn’t be able to do that at your own home.
Some estates that we work with will only have the property grounds available for events, so indoor access isn’t even on the table.
Do I really need an emergency tent budget?
Yes. Absolutely!
Here are a few reasons why…
1) Rain
2) Snow
3) Fog
4) Hail
5) Wind
6) Heat
7) Cold temperatures
8) Relief from stressing about this later!
Even if you are getting married in San Diego in June, chances are slim that you will need a tent, but anything can happen.
It might not rain, but what happens when a dense fog rolls in, or if your city is faced with record temperatures?
Fog can really cause a mess, and a tent can keep your guests dry and warm.
While cooler temperatures might be bearable for an outdoor event while the sun is up, once night falls so does the temperature, leaving your guests shivering.
A tent can also keep your guests out of the hot sun, and if you provide an air conditioning element, you guests will stay cool and ever grateful.
The time of year will be a great indication on whether or not a tent will be needed.
If you are getting married in a cooler climate in November, you will definitely want a tent with a heating element.
Your emergency tent budget is there to keep you sane and stress free!
A tent should never be “Plan B.“
What size tent do I need?
This may seem like a simple enough question, but lets break this down a bit.
Answer the following questions:
1) How many guests do you expect to attend?
The amount of guests will dictate the size of the tent.
General rule of thumb that we recommend:
If you have up to 100 guests – a 30×60 canopy
Up to 140 guests – 40×60 canopy
Up to 200 guests – 40×80 canopy
2) Does the location you are choosing have ample space for a tent?
Some outdoor spaces might be skinner than they are wide, so the size of your tent may be dictated by the space you have available.
Get proper measurements of the space so there aren’t any surprises later on.
3) Other than dinner tables and a dance floor, what else will you need to fit under the tent?
Do you have a Photobooth? DJ? Band? Buffet? Bar?
All of these will also need to be under the tent.
If you can no longer have your cocktail hour in a separate area of the property, you may want to have a larger tent to accommodate a special cocktail area with cocktail tables and lounge furniture.
You also may need another covered area or tent for for your ceremony, if you are having this at the same location.
Your caterer will also need to be covered by an additional smaller tent close to the event tent.
The catering tent doesn’t need to have the same bells and whistles of your reception tent, but should have at least three walls.
How much does a tent cost?
Breaking down the cost of a tent is no easy task!
There are a lot of elements that go into the price of a tent, but here are the tools you will need to understand the cost, and what to expect.
Lets start with a few basics.
Here are a few questions which can get us started in the right direction.
Questions to ask your venue:
1) How many hours do I have for set up and strike (breakdown after the event)?
You’ll need to go over the amount of hours included in your estate rental.
How many hours do you have for set up before the event starts?
Oftentimes tents can take anywhere from 6-8 hours to construct on site, and about half that to breakdown.
You may need to add additional hours (or even days) for either set up or strike if possible.
2) Can I pay for additional hours/days for set up or strike?
If so, how much per hour, or how much for an additional day or two?
If your rental period starts at 10am on the day of the event, you would want to add on additional set up hours starting earlier in the morning so you can ensure that your tent is fully constructed by the time guests arrive.
If you have to pay for a tent, you might as well have it ready early, instead of cutting it too close!
If you’re having your event in a residential area, your event will probably end at 10pm.
After an evening event, you will only have a couple of hours to have everything packed up and off the property.
You cannot have loud trucks and vendors working all hours of the night to break down the tent.
You may have to consider keeping the tent up until the next day.
3) Is there a power source if my tent requires heating or air conditioning?
Most estates would require a generator to power the heaters and air conditioner inside the tent, as the home might not be able to supply enough power to it.
Questions to ask your tent vendor:
I get this comment often: “I’ve received a quote for much cheaper than what you’ve quoted me. Why?”
The likelihood is very high that they haven’t received a full quote from a vendor.
It’s practically impossible to look up a tent on a rental website to understand the full cost.
All of these factors below need to be taken into consideration.
Once you’ve chosen a private estate to hold your wedding and reception, you will want to schedule a walk-through will all of your vendors including the one supplying the tent.
Be sure to ask a lot of questions and get a quote after they’ve seen the space.
1) What size tent would you recommend?
Once they’ve seen the venue and know your event details, they can recommend the right style (Frame or Pole) and size tent for you.
2) How many hours will it take to construct the tent? How many to take it down?
They do this for a living, so they should be able to give you a very accurate quote.
As I mentioned above, it may take between 6-8 hours for set up, and half that for strike.
The amount of people needed to construct and deconstruct the tent will also affect the number of hours of labor needed.
3) What is your estimated labor cost?
Labor will account for a huge percentage of your tent budget.
Be sure this number is included in your quote.
You should get this estimate after your vendor has actually walked through the space.
4) What are your delivery/pickup fees?
It is important to factor in the delivery fees in your tent cost.
This may increase if the vendor is traveling from a farther distance.
5) Do you have a cancellation policy? How do you handle last minute orders?
If a tent is your back up plan, you may want to check to see what the cancellation policy may be.
You may be able to cancel the tent and only lose your initial deposit, if you cancel early enough.
Another important questions to go over is what they do with last minute orders.
You’ll want to clarify what the cost estimate will be to add a tent to your order the week of your event.
They may only have a limited supply of the tent that you really want, so you may need to open your horizon to a new option if you the one you want is sold out.
Remember, you aren’t the only client looking for a tent for that weekend since every outdoor wedding will be scrambling for a tent as well.
Expect to pay a premium for a last minute order.
6) How long is the rental period?
You may only have the day, or you may have a week.
How long you need the tent, may affect the cost.
7) Is the tent I am ordering weatherproof?
Most will be, but wouldn’t it be awful if the tent you paid for wasn’t able to shelter your guests from the rain?
8) Are there any other costs or details I should know about?
Your tent may require a permit, and you may need to have a Fire Marshall present during set up to make sure it is erected properly.
These may be additional fees.
What type of tent is best for me?
There are two main types of tents available for rent:
Pole
A pole tent works best on a grassy area, as it is secured with stakes.
There will be at least one center pole supporting the tent.
Coordination by Storied Events – Hewitt Hill Farm
Frame
A frame tent can be placed on relatively any surface.
There are no center poles to obstruct your view and event layout.
Coordination by Couture Events – Emma Estate
What add ons should I consider?
Add ons will add more cost to your tent, but in my opinion, they are worth it.
1) Liner and Draping
The lining and draping are what covers the structure of the tent as you’ll see in the image of the Emma Estate above.
The fabric draping adds elegance and a touch of class where it is much needed!
Pole covers can also help to blend in with the fabric draping.
White tents and white draping are going to be the most common and affordable option, but you can add colored lighting or colored fabric for an accent.
2) Side Walls
Scott Lewis Images
Side walls are great if it is cool or if you are expecting rain.
You can probably do without side walls if you live in a warm climate or if your tent is purely decorative.
The side walls help keep in the heat, but will also block any view you have at the property.
3) Flooring
Tent Floor at the Emma Estate
You may not think adding a full floor is important, but let me tell you why it is.
Lets just say it has been raining all week and you just set up your tent and the grass is soggy and your shoes are getting wet and muddy and sinking into the grass.
If you add a full floor beneath you, your guests won’t have to deal with uncomfortable wet shoes and you actually will increase your dance floor area too.
You can customize these with a white floor, or go with the traditional oak floor.
4) Lighting
True Photography
Chandeliers are popular options in a white wedding tent, and another great option is stage style lighting and up-lighting.
If you’ve really been planning on having market lighting, and a tent was not something you planned on having at your wedding, you can still string market lighting inside your tent.
Now that I’ve asked these questions, how about some numbers?
For this exercise, let’s say you are getting married at the Hacienda Hermosa in San Diego, California in November and will have 120 guests.
Pricing in San Diego may be very different from other locations, so make sure you take that into account.
Hacienda Hermosa – Rancho Santa Fe, San Diego
The Hacienda Hermosa’s rental period starts at 10am on the morning of your wedding day and everything must be off the property by 1am following the event.
They also include the delivery fees, fire safety package, and permits in their tenting package which takes a whole lot out of the guessing game.
The Tent Structure:
You would like a classic white frame tent.
You’ve chosen a 40×60 tent.
The basic structure for a 40×60 tent can range anywhere from about $3,500 to $5,500.
This includes fabric draped poles and the canopy liner in this quote.
The tent you’ve decided on is $5,000.
$5,000.00
Extra Set up Hours:
You’re a little worried that the tent won’t be constructed in time if it is started at 10am.
Plus, you just saw the forecast that it might rain on the Friday evening before your wedding day.
You’ve decided to have the tent constructed on Friday morning at the Hacienda Hermosa.
This venue charges by the hour for the tent set up.
They charge $100 per extra hour needed for set up beyond your rental period.
Since you’re setting up on Friday, and your tent takes 6 hours for set up, an additional day will be $600.
+ $600.00
Side Walls:
Since it may rain, and it will be pretty cool that evening, you want to add side walls to keep your guests warm and dry.
Side walls with the french windows will cost you about $350-450.
Most side walls will charge you by the foot (starting around $1.50 per foot without labor), and in this case you will need 200 feet.
Your side wall total comes to $415.
+ $415.00
Lighting:
Now you need to figure out your lighting options.
You can either go with market lighting, chandeliers, or par lights (think stage spotlights).
You’ve decided to do a mix of par lighting (which are attached to the frame in each corner) and have crystal chandeliers.
The basic package that you’ve chosen is about $500 and each chandelier you chose to add will be another $125.
You’ve decided you want two chandeliers.
Chandeliers can range anywhere from $100-500 before install.
+ $750.00
Generator:
You’re having a DJ and heaters for your tent and you will definitely need a generator.
Depending on the amount of power you will need, this can cost anywhere between $600-1,250.
Your generator is about $800.
+ 800.00
Floor:
Just in case the grass will be wet, you’ve decided to add a full floor under the tent.
Flooring can range from around $2,000-10,000.
Once again, the Hacienda Hermosa has factored in labor and fees into their pricing, and the solid oak floor will cost you about $3,000.
+ $3,000.00
Catering Tent:
This is a basic tent, no bells and whistles and costs you about $1,000.
+ $1,000.00
Overall:
It looks like when everything is said and done, this tent will cost you about $12,000 before service fee and tax.
A few other things to think about:
Find out if labor is included in your estimate.
Remember that this is not usually factored into these items, but we have factored it into the numbers above.
A Service fee will also be added, which covers the cost of doing business and is not a gratuity.
This is often 20% or more. Sales tax also needs to be added to your total.
Final Thoughts
After going through these numbers, you’ll see why it is essential that you should leave room in your budget for an emergency tent fund.
Most clients aren’t going to have an extra $10,000 lying around for their estate wedding, so make sure you’ve factored the tent into your wedding budget from the beginning.
If you don’t need it, great!
You’ll save thousands of dollars!
But if you need one and you are only days away, this cost can skyrocket.
We hope that this article was helpful and informative.
Your Turn…
Are you planning to have a tent at your wedding?
We’d like to hear your thoughts about the process!
About the Author
Claire is the Director of Client Relations for Estate Weddings and Events and will often be the first person to greet you and answer any questions you may have about planning your estate event. In her free time, she loves to make succulent arrangements, homebrew craft beers and put her love for crafts to work! You can follow her here Linkedin or Google+.
Nowadays, the shabby chic look, rustic meets vintage, has become one of the most sought after wedding trends.
If you’re planning a shabby chic wedding, let this be your bible.
There are certain details that have become synonymous with this style, that you can’t go without.
Other elements, I encourage you to try something new.
Mix it up a bit!
After all, no one wants their wedding to be an exact cookie cutter image of someone else’s wedding!
Right?
This is your own, one of a kind wedding, which needs your own touch of personalization.
Take these ideas and run wild!
Before the Wedding
Save the Dates or Invitations
Made of seed paper
LarsLove on Etsy
Made of a hankerchief
Project Wedding
Recycled paper and lace
Oh So Beautiful Paper
For the Ceremony
Archway or ceremony backdrop
Branch with flower draping
Paper flower garlands
Tulle on a String
Ruffled Blog
Vintage Doors
Ruffled Blog
Hanging windows
Amanda K Photography
Hanging Picture Frames
Ruffled Blog
Curtains
DorothysRubies on Etsy
Seating
Wooden benches
Arina B Photography
Hay bails
Mixed vintage chairs
Lane
Picnic benches
Farm Tables and More; Photo: Arina B Photography
Aisle-way Decor
Tree stumps
Wild flowers in mason jars
Farm Tables and More; Photo: Arina B Photography
Reception
Guest place cards
Vintage Tags
Ruffled Blog; Photo: W Scott Chester
Wine corks
Beverage and bar
Specialty drinks in Lemonade Jars
Inspired by This
Striped paper straw
Inspired by This
Wine Barrel Bar
Wooden Bar
Farm Tables and More
Decor
Penant flag banners
Green Wedding Shoes
Clothespins
EtchedinTimeLLC on Etsy
Vintage dresser/armoire/sideboard
Mason Jars
Typewriter
Engaged and Inspired
Vintage hard cover books
Elizabeth Anne Designs
Vintage paper cutouts
Brass Paper Clip
Chalkboards
Laughing Squid
Empty frames for photo booth
Burlap table runners
Revel
Milk glass vases
Brass Vases
Elizabeth Anne Designs
Wooden signs
Rock N Roll Bride
Wooden boxes
Photo by Carlie Statsky Photography; Floral by Crimson Horticultural Rarities
Moss table numbers
Mixed vintage china and flatware
Ruffled; Photo by Paper Antler
Desserts
Pies and vintage style cakes
Photo by Aaron Delisle
Candy bar/buffet in glass jars
Amy Atlas
Dress Code
Gals
Tea Length gown
Bridal Bliss Designs on Etsy
Vintage or vintage inspired brooch/jewelry/hairpiece
Lonkoosh on Etsy
Birdcage hat and veil
Love by Isha on Etsy
Vintage or mixed matched bridesmaid dresses
Oh Lovely Day
Guys
Bow Ties
Bridal Musings
Suspenders
Simply Peachy
Vests
Aislinn Events
Floral
Billy buttons (Craspedia)
wildflowers
Green Wedding Shoes
What do you think?
Share your thoughts & ideas below…
About the Author
Claire is the Director of Client Relations for Estate Weddings and Events and will often be the first person to greet you and answer any questions you may have about planning your estate event. In her free time, she loves to make succulent arrangements, homebrew craft beers and put her love for crafts to work! You can follow her here Linkedin or Google+.
Bella and Edward’s romance may be fictitious, but you can recreate their movie wedding into your own modern day fairytale!
Their wedding was one of the most anticipated weddings on the big screen.
Fans were eager to get a sneak peek of what wedding designer Tammy Polatsek created for this momentous scene.
With flowers cascading from the trees above, wooden benches for guests to sit, this was the ultimate romantic wedding scene.
Use these tips to copy Bella and Edward’s lush wedding style…
1. Flowers galore
Skip the roses, you won’t want them here.
Instead, use a variety of white flowers and lots of leafy greenery like ferns and touches of moss.
For the movie they used delphiniums, viburnums, white lilacs, ranunculus, and sweet pea, plus stones, ferns, and moss.
“We didn’t want the typical rose/hydrangea combination.
That was too arranged,” said Polatsek according to Bridal Guide.
The key to your wedding reception centerpieces is to make them appear to be growing out from the table.
Add moss and ferns to the base of your floral arrangements to hide any vases used.
2. Wooden everything
Wooden tables, wooden dessert displays, vintage wooden chairs and benches, wooden archway, etc.
Did I mention you should use wood?
With Edward’s family’s long existence, they would have quite a number of vintage wooden tables and chairs that they would want to use for such an exciting celebration.
So be sure to rent vintage tables and chairs, and don’t be afraid to mix and match!
This tablescape below was featured on Style Me Pretty, and inspired by the Breaking Dawn wedding.
They chose a simple table runner instead of a full table cloth, so the natural wooden table and chairs were the main star.
Style Me Pretty – Meg Perotti Photograph
Don’t forget the most important piece, the archway!
Either buy or construct this yourself, but be sure to use an abundance of fresh flowers.
3. Natural Color Palette
Stick with a natural color palette revolving around the color green with accents of white and brown.
If you want to replicate the look, choose a moss green table cloth, preferably with texture.
You can rent the very same linens from the movie from Wildflower Linen, the style is called Lily Pad Moss.
4. Vintage style wedding gown
The wedding gown in the movie was designed by Carolina Hererra.
While you have an engagement ring to call your own, you can purchase a replica to adorn your right hand.
Infinite Jewelry Co. has produced a line of replica jewelry approved by the author Stephanie Meyer, including this ring.
Hair Piece and Veil
You can find plenty of replicas for Bella’s hair piece.
I recommend buying a vintage hairpiece and veil from an antique shop or Etsy.
This can also be your “something old!”
Shoes
Dying for a pair of Bella’s wedding shoes to call your own?
Manolo Blahnik – Swan
These crystal beaded satin shoes were designed by Manolo Blanik, and come with a hefty price tag of $1,295.
Get the look for a whole lot less by purchasing a moderately priced pair of white satin pumps, and buy shoe clips to add the ornate detail.
6. Setting
If you don’t live next to a forest, you can recreate the wedding at a private estate that oozes with romance.
You’ll want to find something classical with plenty of trees.
The Valentino Estate in San Diego has willow trees surrounding a private lake.
The weeping willow branches emulate the cascading flowers found in the scene.
7. Hair & Makeup
Bella’s hair was soft and subtle with braids leading into a low bun.
This tutorial will give you an idea of how to recreate the look.
Bella’s makeup from the film was created by makeup artist Stacey Panepinto.
According to Stacey, she focused on creating a soft smokey eye and had the rest of Bella’s makeup complement that.
The makeup artist gave a tutorial on Bella Sugar, which you can find out more on how to copy the look for yourself.
Will you be incorporating any Twilight inspired elements into your own wedding?
What other movie weddings are you influenced by?
About the Author
Claire is the Director of Client Relations for Estate Weddings and Events and will often be the first person to greet you and answer any questions you may have about planning your estate event. In her free time, she loves to make succulent arrangements, homebrew craft beers and put her love for crafts to work! You can follow her here Linkedin or Google+.
Claire is the Director of Client Relations for Estate Weddings and Events and will often be the first person to greet you and answer any questions you may have about planning your estate event. In her free time, she loves to make succulent arrangements, homebrew craft beers and put her love for crafts to work! You can follow her here Linkedin or Google+.
Regardless of your thoughts on Valentine’s Day (hate or love it!), if you’re in a relationship, then you’re expected to celebrate the holiday in some way.
If you hate it, you better suck it up and come up with a sweet gesture or gift for your special someone.
You don’t have to buy a greeting card, box of chocolates, or bouquet of red roses to make your lady/man feel loved.
Here are a few romantic ideas to help you get started…
On a budget:
1. Hand written love note
Women are complicated…to say the least.
But I’ve never met a woman who has ever favored a Hallmark card over a hand written note.
Buy some nice paper, or even a blank card, and start thinking of ways to write about how special she is to you.
It doesn’t have to be an essay, rather some carefully chosen words to express why you love this person.
Start with a story, a memory, or anything that captures a great time you’ve spent together.
Ladies, although your guy may not admit it, he’d love a note as well.
2. Framed picture of the two of you
In the digital age, we often forget to print out all the photos we take with our digital cameras.
At least I do!
Try to find a few photos that are worthy of display in your house.
Buy a few nice frames, pop in the photo, and voilà, a gift she’ll treasure forever!
Other ideas on a budget:
3. Home cooked dinner or picnic for two, including dessert
5. Make your own coupons for a back massage, foot massage, etc. for your partner to redeem
6. Rent a romantic movie and make homemade gourmet popcorn
7. Create a scavenger hunt around her house with clues that lead to small presents
8. Do all the chores around her house for a week
9. Take a walking tour of your nearest city, visit a few new places or old landmarks
10. Create a mix CD(or digital compilation) of your favorite love songs that remind you of them
Feeling bold:
1. Buy lingerie
If you know her underwear/bra size and feel confident you can pick out something that she’d like (and that you’d like to see her in as well), then this might be the gift idea for you.
There is nothing more awkward than receiving clothing in a size too large or small, so when in doubt, buy a gift card for the value of the item(s) and take her to the store to try them on.
6. Karaoke to your favorite duet in front of a crowd
7. Get a tattoo to commemorate your love
8. Aphrodisiac cooking class
9. Sky dive, hang glide, bungee jump or zip line
10. Elope!
Over the top:
If you consider yourself the ultimate romantic, then you’re probably glossing over these ideas thinking they aren’t nearly suited for the love of your life.
You want to spoil him or her rotten!
1. Rent or buy out a favorite location, at least for a little while!
Whether this be an ice skating rink, a private dining room at your favorite restaurant, find a spot you can call your own for at least an hour or so.
This one-on-one time will make your date feel incredibly special!
2. Hire a celebrity chef to prepare a custom meal for two at a unique location.
Thomas Keller, Daniel Boulud, Richard Rosendale, and Jerome Bocuse – Neiman Marcus Fantasy Gift
If you’re going all out, you might as well do something completely unexpected!
Neiman Marcus debuted a fantasy gift last year with a private dinner for 10 with world renowned chefs for a whopping $250,000.
Hire a well know chef, someone you’ve seen on the likes of Top Chef, to create the most memorable meal ever!
The Cairo Estate – San Juan Capistrano
Rent a private estate and enjoy your own private restaurant!
This is bound to knock your date’s socks off as the best date of all time!
Other over the top ideas:
3. A day of ultimate pampering at the spa after the perfect day of shopping. Better get her a beautiful new ring to go with her manicured nails!
4. A private boat ride on the Duoro river in Porto, Portugal, with luxury Port and chocolate tastings
5. A whirlwind trip to a warm climate, spend your Valentine’s day at an all-inclusive resort where neither of you have to lift a finger
6. A private concert with your favorite artist
7. Re-enact her favorite romantic scene from her favorite movie, and take her to the exact place it was filmed
8. Have a star named after her, and take her to an observatory for a private dinner and viewing of her star, wherever that may be
9. Chauffeured private car to Europe’s most famous landmarks, or other excursion through AutoVenture
10. Nothing on this planet good enough for your sweetheart? How about a trip into outer space on Virgin Galactic
Gift Ideas for your Man:
So your guy may not love that bouquet of flowers as much as you do, so here are a few gifts that you know they’ll love.
After they’ve surprised you with one of the dates mentioned above, aren’t they deserving of a fantastic date of their own?
1. The “Man” date
Sometimes a dinner for two is nice, but its time to take your guy out to do something he’d really enjoy.
Go-Kart racing, a game of golf, a concert featuring his favorite band, rent a sports car, etc.
Anything that puts him at the center of attention will do the trick!
2. The gift of booze
A gift basket of specialty beers may be the perfect way to your man’s heart.
Draftmark Tap System
Or buy the new Draftmark Tap System which fits tidily in your fridge, for that perfect, straight from the tap pour…without having to leave your house!
If he is more of a wine, spirits, or cocktail guy, buy his favorite alcohol of choice (maybe that nice bottle of Scotch he’s been eyeing), and be his own private bartender!
3. A night at home
kzenon/istock
If your guy is always busy and never has a chance to relax?
Give him the ultimate night at home.
Either cook his favorite dish or have it delivered.
Buy him that video game or rent that movie he can’t stop talking about.
Maybe try out that lingerie he bought you earlier.
Whatever the case, it will take the pressure off him, and he’ll love all that personal attention.
4. Boudoir Photos
JW Photography Studio
Guys are visual creatures, so why not surprise them with a special photo shoot?
He’ll never be able to take his eyes off you again!
What are your big V-day plans?
Which of these date ideas would you be dying to go on?
About the Author
Claire is the Director of Client Relations for Estate Weddings and Events and will often be the first person to greet you and answer any questions you may have about planning your estate event. In her free time, she loves to make succulent arrangements, homebrew craft beers and put her love for crafts to work! You can follow her here Linkedin or Google+.
By 
Nowadays, the shabby chic look, rustic meets vintage, has become one of the most sought after 
of your thoughts on Valentine’s Day (hate or love it!), if you’re in a relationship, then you’re expected to celebrate the holiday in some way.
