Congratulations on your engagement!
Right now, you’re probably mulling over pinterest getting theme ideas, looking at dresses, and putting together your vision for your special day. And when all of those details are carefully chosen, it’s time to start planning your guest list.
So many variables to consider. Who should come to the wedding? Should I invite my boss? Is his uncle ned coming from Arkansas? And of course, when to send wedding invitations.
If you’re planning your wedding, chances are, you’re about a year out from the big day. And there’s a whole lot that happens between now and then. But when it comes to wedding invitations, especially with COVID lingering in the background, it’s all about timing.
Sending out your invitations a year out is just too far away. A lot can happen in a year. People move, change jobs, life happens. Most wedding professionals recommend that you send out wedding invitations between 6-8 weeks out.
This gives you the ability to really think about your guest list and really make sure that everyone you want to attend is a part of the special day. 6-8 weeks should really give your guests ample time to make plans to attend and in the end, can give your caterer a better picture of what the menu looks like.
Remember, there’s always a 20% chance all of the guests might not be able to attend. So if you invite 100 guests, it is likely that only 80 will be able to attend. So if you over inflate your guest lists by about 20%, you’ll be more likely to have the number you’re shooting for.
Are all Connecticut Weddings the Same?
You’ve recently got engaged and begin looking at venues, Wedding DJs, and everything else you need for your special day. You and your soon to be spouse travel from place to place looking for that amazing venue to host your celebration and somewhere in the mix, you begin to think to yourself… “What’s really different from one to the next?” Besides the obvious architecture of the building and the grounds, how is the food? How is the service?
Here’s what to expect when choosing the right venue for your wedding reception.
The majority of wedding receptions in Connecticut last around 6 hours including your ceremony. Some venues are very strict when it comes to start and stop times because more times than not, they have 2 or more weddings in a day that they need to handle. This is what we refer to as a “Wedding Factory“. Everything is pretty much laid out for you and even though their efficiency is second to none, it can leave you and your guests feeling rushed. So if you’re the type of couple that really wants a relaxing experience that’s more laid back, these are not the venues for you. But, if your priorities are that you will need or want for nothing because the service is a cut above the rest, this is DEFINITELY the option for you. Fork drop on the ground? No problem. There is already a waiter running for your sweetheart table with a clean one. Did you take a sip of wine and hit the floor for a song or 2? No worries! When you get back, the 1.5 ounces of wine will be topped off.
Let’s talk about estates for a second. There’s nothing more regal than having your wedding at a Vanderbilt Estate where sophistication and class is paramount. But even if you have your wedding on the grounds of a notable family’s summer home in Fairfield county, remember that it was someone’s home at one point and it was never meant to be a wedding venue. That doesn’t mean you can’t have it there, it just means that there’s going to be some additional costs included when it comes to ensuring that your guests are comfortable. Remember, July is one of the HOTTEST months in Connecticut and if you have a tented wedding on the lawn of an estate, climate control is an absolute must and you’re going to need lots of electricity to make sure that your tent is lit, is comfortable, and with enough power for your wedding entertainment. If money is no object, this is a great option. In addition to investing more in your venue, you’re also going to want to hire some amazing core vendors that will be able to accommodate the non-traditional venue and really complete your vision.
We can’t possibly leave out the farm/barn wedding. At one time, Connecticut was home to many farms and apple orchards. Farmers have wised up and turned many of their hay barns and horse stalls into working wedding venues. The benefit they have is open space. You’ve got lots of versatility in terms of your layouts, length of reception, and opportunities for really amazing photos. And like the estate wedding, it also poses a few challenges. Farms and barns are sometimes in residential areas. What does that mean for you? Noise ordinances. If you want to party all night until the sun comes up, this might not be the best option for you. In Connecticut, most towns have a 10pm cutoff time for excessive noise. And if the neighbors to the barn are particularly annoyed by ambient noise and music, it will definitely be a lot quieter when it comes time for dancing. That’s probably not a bad thing considering that if you’re looking for the laid back experience, booming bass probably isn’t your thing.
All in all, there are many great options available in Connecticut. There’s a venue that fits every couple. Just be sure to prioritize what’s important to you and decide the style and atmosphere you’re shooting for. It’s all up to you!
Check out these articles!
Elm Court Estate Wedding – Constance & Austin
Wedding Venue or Guest List? Which comes first?
Should I cancel my wedding?
How to plan a backyard wedding
Wedding Advice from a Real Bride: Tips and Tricks for a Stress-Free Day
Wedding Photography Ideas – Timing makes all the difference
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