Keep the wedding day moving smoothly.Give every group a clear time and place.

“Seasonality of product is an important detail that couples may not consider when selecting wedding flowers. It is important to trust your vendors and value their advice as we certainly have the success of your event in mind. There are certain varieties of flowers that are only available certain times of year based on their growing season. Having flexibility with the flower varieties we can utilize is very helpful. We aim to create the look that you want at the time of year of your event with flower varieties that we know will perform well!”

“I think one of the most common mistakes that couples don't account for when planning for their wedding flowers is the service fee. This fee can be a surprise to many, but it accounts for our travel expense and overnight accommodations, which allows us to bring our work to more remote destinations. Especially when hosting a wedding in the mountains, as most likely the vendors are coming up from Denver or are not local to the area where the wedding is being held.”

“Often times couples will forget (or simply not know) quite how many tables it takes to seat their 150-200 guests, and having 15-25 tables can really take up a nice chunk of their budget after bouquets and boutonnieres are accounted for. That's why I like to offer my couples alternating centerpiece designs, whether it is two designs or three this is a good way to help stay on budget!”

“Flowers and decor can really make the entire day! So many of our clients say that everything came together when we arrived and brought the floral into the day. To us, it's super important to bring the most impact into the day where you'll have photos taken; like ceremony altar space, bouquets (which are in nearly every picture) and reception. Flowers are a way to bring in your personal style and showcase the beauty of the day and space!”

“Don't overlook the flowers for your special day. Your florals add so much to the look and feel of your wedding and will be in nearly all the photos. Some couples try to save money by doing their own centerpieces or having a friend or family member do them but I would suggest to leave it to the experts — this is our passion! We have the ability to get fresher and more unique flowers and greenery to truly make your vision come to life.”

“From my experience as a wedding florist and working with many couples, I often notice that many tend to wait until later in their planning process to seek out a florist. Couples will call me in a panic, desperate to find a florist who has their date available. It's extremely important to 'hold your date' ten months to a year in advance with a florist even if you book a later consultation. Trust your vendors. They will do their best to make one of the most important days of your life — Brilliant.”

“Allergies! Some flowers are more potent than others, making you or your Mom or your guests sensitive to the smell or worse. Let the tears at your wedding be happy tears, not allergy tears! Colors and style! My favorite question to ask a client is, 'What DON'T you want for your wedding?' Hate white roses? Tell your florist. Must have hops because you love beer? Tell your florist. And bring lots of pictures and ideas with you to your consultation, we'll thank you!”

“The more common mistakes made with flowers for a wedding are very minor ones. Most the time it's a wrong table count or something as simple as a wrist corsage to a pin corsage. The good thing about flowers is there are always extras so things can be made up for easily. One other thing is don't be afraid to ask for help from your florist whether it's ideas, colors or style.”

“Pinterest is a great resource for figuring out what you want your wedding to look like. It's really easy to get swept up in Pinterest pinning! Talk to your fiancé about what your priorities are for your wedding day; how can you showcase and express you as a couple the best; what you want your guests to feel when they walk into the reception; and what you want to be a focus for your big day.”

“A big mistake bridal parties make is that they do not do their research on wedding flower costs. They say that they have never had to make this decision before so they do not have a flower budget. People just don't know the value of the flowers and labor involved to create wedding designs. You get what you pay for! People make the party, flowers make the room.”

“Pick out three words to describe your wedding. Do you want your wedding to be dramatic, bold, and moody? Sweet, romantic, and whimsical? Funky, fun, and colorful? Descriptive words help build the theme of your wedding and together, you and your florist can design a one of a kind floral concept that accurately reflects your dream wedding.”

“In photographing weddings over the last 10 years, I have found that the camera can only do so much. As a photographer, I strive to capture the personalities of the couple. The love and affection between them, helping them to relax and be themselves, posing is also important, if the couple is uncomfortable, it usually shows in the shots.”

“I like to tell my couples to be themselves. Capturing photos shouldn't be 'go stand in that pretty spot'. It's about capturing the deep emotional connection that the two people who are in front of the lens have. Being yourself and staying relaxed is confirmed to lead to some of your favorite photos of the both of you.”

“Remember to relax and have fun. The strongest photos are the ones that show your personality as individuals and as a couple. Let your photographer handle light and angles while you focus on enjoying the day together.”

“Seven tips for timeless wedding photos: Allow your story to be your story. Be present and relax. Think outside the box for photo ideas. Drink…but not too much. In photographers we trust — you're paying them well because they're good. Shoot at sunset! There's nothing like the golden light of sunset. Remember why you're here — focus on each other.”

“Choose a photographer you feel comfortable with and whose style matches what you want. Spend time with them shooting engagements, go out to lunch, or just call them and chat about your day. Prioritize your day, and recognize that not everything can be top priority. Allocate time to your photography, and put specifics about that time on your wedding-day schedule.”

“Communication is very important between a couple and their photographer. Once you have selected a photographer based on their photographic style start the communication process. A wedding day moves very quickly so building a relationship up to the wedding helps us capture your personalities in the photos. Engagement sessions are a great way to build those relationships before the wedding.”

“You have to love your photographer's work. Don't look at budget for photography since your wedding images will be the only thing which lasts forever from your special day. Flowers will wilt, the cake will be eaten, you might sell your dress, etc. So, when you are looking for a photographer get the one you really love! You will have those images forever!”

“First and foremost, hire a photographer whose work you really love. I don't mean a photographer whose photos you think are pretty, but a photographer whose photos you feel you can't live without. When meeting with your favorite photographers, be sure to ask to see a full wedding shoot. Portfolios can be misleading because they're a collection of the absolute best shots.”

“Whether it's your photographer or any other wedding vendor, research them ahead of time. Read reviews to understand what people liked (or did not like) about working with them. No wedding goes exactly to plan, and many memorable moments are unscripted.”

“Find a photographer you trust and can vibe with! Be yourself, open, and just enjoy the process!”

“Relax and have fun! Seriously, this is a special and exciting time in your lives, and your photos should reflect that. Be as natural as you can be in front of the camera, and just enjoy yourselves. And if it takes a shot or two of tequila to help you get comfortable, then go for it!”

“The longer your wedding the more time you have to relax and you don't have to rush from spot to spot and you can actually enjoy taking pics. Get an experienced photographer they will tell you what to do and will not stress out because they doing it all the time that will make you more relaxed as well. Do an engagement session this will give you the practice of how to pose.”

“For engagement photos, comfort and having fun matter most. Wear clothes you feel good in and try not to overthink it. One useful tip for wedding-day photos is to do an engagement session first so you feel more comfortable with your photographer.”

“Research lots of photographs and choose the photographer that fits your style best! Make sure the company you choose is giving you that actual photographer and not contracting out someone else. After that, provide all information your photographer asks for and trust the professional to create those stunning images from your wedding, we know what we're doing!”

“Spend some time looking at photography online; you'll really get an idea of what you love about certain editing styles, poses, and camera angles. You can never give a photographer too much information about what you are looking for; the more we know about you, the more you will love your photos!”

“There is a lot of planning that takes place between the engagement and the actual wedding, which can be overwhelming, just don't forget to enjoy the little moments as much as the big. These photographs, especially if taken with expertise and the right equipment, will last you generations. So be sure to choose someone who's photo style and personality matches your relationship.”

“We recommend couples consider the day in two parts, the photo shoot vs. the event. Start early, do a first look and get most of the group photos done before ceremony with plenty of time and great light. After ceremony do a quick family photo set then enjoy your cocktail hour with family & friends and have the photographer follow you at distance.”

“Communication and authenticity is absolute key. Manage your expectations with vendors that are the right fit for you. Try to surround yourself with vendors that not only fit your personality and style for the day but ones that will care about you and your details as deeply as you do. Be yourself, be happy — it's going to be one of the happiest days of your lifetime.”

“Couples wanting great wedding photos should absolutely hire a photographer who specializes in weddings. Wedding days are full of unexpected moments and an experienced wedding photographer is more likely to get great photos of those little things. Another tip: Get to know your photographer (and let them get to know you!) during your engagement session.”

“Meet with your photographer/videographer! Having that face-to-face interaction really helps to ensure they're a right fit for you and your fiance. Make time for the moments that are most important for you! This is done by creating your wedding day timeline with your photographer and videographer. And have fun! If they have fun and just enjoy the moments with each other, their love and joy will shine through in the photos.”

“Find a photographer you trust. Are they going to make you feel comfortable on your big day or are they going to add to your stress? Invest in an engagement session with your wedding photographer. My last piece of advice is to do a 'first look'. First looks are simply amazing for your timeline. If you do a first look than you are free to do wedding party photos, even family photos BEFORE the ceremony.”

“I have a couple send me a request list well before their wedding day so that I would have time to get any songs that I don't already have. I use their requests to give me an idea of what they would like to hear. Additionally, I play what I call 'staple music', which are songs that almost guarantee that people will get out on the dance floor. Also…it's good to give me a 'do not play' list as well!”

“Ok relax you have made it to the fun part! The vows have been read, the toasts made, and now it's time to shake your tail feathers. We know as DJ's who spin vinyl in both clubs and at weddings the most important thing to get people to dance is to dance yourself. Dancing is infectious! Find a DJ who can adapt and who you think will have fun themselves. We do!”

“For us, the dance floor starts with how you set the tone of the night. Any announcements that our DJ makes is inviting and made with an uplifting tone. Making sure the guests feel included and well informed is a big deal for us. We always try to minimize the ambient lighting to make the dance floor more inviting. We also meet with our clients to go over their must play songs but more importantly their DO NOT PLAY list.”

“For a seasoned DJ, the genesis of a great dance floor begins long before it's time to dance. It's staying aware as a DJ, from the first moments of the party. Smiling and making eye contact. Putting the smartphone away and paying attention to the ebb and flow — really understanding the vibe and selecting music to match. It's really about being fully present from the beginning to the end.”

“When comparing any two wedding reception locations, it is always tough to line them up apples-to-apples. Consider the tangible items that a venue may include like banquet tables, linens, china, glassware, flatware and catering staff. If the venue includes a day-of coordinator, that service is priceless! There is a lot of value in letting the professionals deal with the details.”

“My advice to couples as to why a venue would best accommodate their wedding reception would be that we work exclusively with all of our vendors to ensure that the couple would not have to worry about anything for their big day, we would take care of it all!”

“Ask questions and make a checklist. Residences and venues typically vary in their rental guidelines and have different details to consider. You'll want to make sure that the space you choose will fit your vision of your wedding day and meet your priorities; whether that is a certain style, budget or ease.”

“Wedding venues have the experience of conducting multiple weddings and events, so that you, your wedding party and your family can relax and enjoy all of the emotion of the most important day of your life. Venues often have staff that will work tirelessly and take the work load off of those closest to you so that the focus can be on the most important item…LOVE.”

“It takes the pressure off of having the residence converted into an event space. Many venues include items that would otherwise have to be rented in: tables, chairs, glassware, dance floor. Another important thing to consider is a great back up plan in case inclement weather decides to roll through on the big day. A secondary indoor ceremony site is a huge plus.”

“We always try to help the couples we work with figure out what matters most to them. For some, a residence makes perfect sense. The ones who choose our venue tend to want a larger space, and a space they can transform to bring their own vision to life. Our venue is both unique and able to be treated like a blank slate.”

“Venues are the way to go, simply because a majority of venues will have an event coordinator who can help assist with the planning, making sure the event runs smoothly, and can take the stress away from the happy couple on a day that is all about them!”

“Having a wedding reception at a venue opposed to a residence will provide a stress free experience while the couple enjoys their big day. Everything will be provided from the locally inspired food and cocktails to our finely appointed linens and furniture. Our goal is to honor that and customize their special day to their unique desires and personality.”

“I think that getting married at a residence is great and you're fortunate if you have one that is great for your wedding! However, there are many advantages of having your special day at a venue. We provide beautiful tents, tables, chairs, bridal suites, bathrooms, an amazing staff and much more.”

“Essentially it's up to the happy couple on how they would like to celebrate their special day. The benefits of having a wedding reception at a venue opposed to a residence, is that you have a team of professionals assisting you throughout the planning process. You also have the opportunity to create a memorable experience for your wedding guests that will last a lifetime.”

“A venue geared towards events or weddings allows for a level of professionalism and efficiencies that a private residence normally does not offer. Service areas, storage, parking, proper equipment, and trained, qualified staff, are just a few of the items that come to mind.”

“The Venue at Crooked Willow Farms gives the couple an opportunity to find the perfect venue they can see themselves start their life in. One of the favorite features is the bridal suite and grooms lounge complete with large screen TV's and a cigar lounge. We want to support their vision and all they plan seamlessly and to exceed expectations!”

“Couples considering a reception at a residence should carefully consider the property's zoning restrictions. If a private residence is not zoned for events, the wedding could be cancelled without notice. Stressed brides have contacted us after this exact situation.”

“The few main keys and benefits to hosting your wedding at a venue is they are designed for a wedding, have staff that can help, you don't have to rent a lot of stuff, the clean up can be facilitated by others, your guest count can be larger and easier to manage.”

“If you are considering a residence, what items are you going to need to provide? Most residences only provide the actual space itself. That means you will be responsible for tables, chairs, linens, staff to do set-up and tear down, along with glassware, flatware, china, and possible a power source for your lighting and DJ to plug into. Consider a venue — while the overall cost of a venue can look daunting at times most provide quite a lot.”

“I think that a lot of the time people stress about having 'fancy' food and trying to impress. We do many different wedding menus but I find that some of our biggest crowd pleasers happen with our portable pizza ovens and our amazing pizzas, simple salads and sometimes a few distinctive, enjoyable appetizers and desserts. Keeping it simple with delicious flavors is what makes everyone happy!”

“We advise our couples to choose a catering service that fits the style of their wedding. When choosing a wedding caterer, you want to get what you expect to get, and in order to do that, you must pick one who specializes in the style of food and service you desire.”

“It's vital to speak with your Sales Coordinator in detail about the flow of your event. If you're a laid back couple and want a casual dining experience with lots of fun options, we will most likely suggest a Station flow. If you want your guests to be fed quickly so you can get down to dancing, our quickest option is a plated service.”

“Selecting a wedding menu is all about being creative and showing your personal style through the cuisine. The right caterer will get to know you, ask questions, and work alongside you to create a customized, cohesive approach to your food and service — that way the wedding reflects your vision. Don't ever be shy in planning your big day!”

“Successful catering requires experience. Proven excellence, whether it is through word of mouth or trusted reviews, means that the caterer knows what they are doing. The more information we have at the start of the process, the more detailed information we can give you in your proposal. Once you've selected a caterer you trust, go ahead and trust them.”

“The most important tip we can give you when planning the food for your wedding is to trust the professionals! You wouldn't trust your dentist to give you open heart surgery — don't have your next-door neighbor do the food for your wedding, no matter how great a cook she may be! If you are especially budget-conscious, discuss the different options you have available.”

“Food is one of the most memorable parts of a wedding. The menu should be created with the passion and magic only a professional event chef can bring to your menu. Communication is key — miscommunication is the biggest flaw that can completely ruin that special day. Know the ingredients, have a menu created around what you are looking for, and pay attention to guests dietary restrictions.”

“First and foremost, hire a wedding planner. I talk to the couple to find out the family/friend dynamics to figure out if there will be any conflicts. Make both sides of the family feel equally involved with the wedding. Be mindful of the seating chart. Seat people around other people you know they like and separate them from people you know they don't like.”

“Remember that you, the bride and groom, know your families better than anyone. Let your planner know if you have any specific concerns so they can be aware and help mediate if necessary. Ultimately, remind everyone that you're all together to celebrate a marriage and bringing two families together, and that's a beautiful thing!”

“My first piece of advice would be to ask each family if they have any expectations for the wedding. Then explain to each family that they will try and implement them if they can, however it is ultimately 'their' wedding day. Of course my best advice would be to hire a wedding planner and let that person be the 'go between' for the family and the couple.”

“My advice to avoid family drama at your wedding is to communicate with your family ahead of time. Letting everyone know how important it is that the day be drama free is key. Also, assigned seating at dinner. This will keep people that should not be near each other at a safe distance.”

“Most families usually always come together to celebrate the bride and groom, but occasionally there is some family drama that can be brought into the wedding. One piece of advice that I tell every bride is if it is not affecting you, then let them deal with it on their own. It is not worth the drama to let it ruin your wedding day.”

“One practical recommendation for avoiding drama on wedding day is to plan ahead and set clear expectations early. If you are still concerned, assign someone to monitor tense guest interactions and redirect conversations when needed.”

“If possible, have a dinner with both sets of parents so everyone can meet each other. That way on the wedding day it will be as if everyone is old friends. Also, make sure that step parents are included. For example when you are ordering personal flowers for the parents, don't forget that corsage for stepmom. This will make everyone comfortable.”

“My advise to couples who know that going into this that there might be drama, to let it be known ahead of time that this is not about them, it is about the couple and to put all drama away for just one day! Absolutely notify your planner if they know of any potential conflicts or drama that might happen.”

“Prepare in advance! Have a dedicated discussion with your spouse about the potential areas of conflict between your families so that these conflicts are identified. Also consider planning a pre-wedding family gathering so that your families have the opportunity to get to know one another in a more private setting.”

“Talk to your family members separately. If my clients are having issues, I encourage them to meet with their family members alone first (without the fiancé). This allows them to actually have an open and honest conversation. Do the grunt work up front — PRODUCTIVE COMMUNICATION IS KEY. Do not let your wedding be the first time they are meeting one another.”