Guest book alternatives: A Wedding Quilt

This post is 14 years in the making, but I’m excited to finally share the details! When I got married, I knew I wanted to do something different for our guest book. I didn’t think we’d look back on the messages very often if it was a traditional book. So I asked my Mom, who’s an amazing textile artist, if she’d be willing to make us a wedding quilt with pieces of fabric that we’d have guests sign at our wedding.

She thankfully agreed, and went about creating an ingenious way for the guests to sign the fabric easily. She stitched the fabric into handmade “frames” so that the fabric wouldn’t move around, and then provided fabric pens for the guests.

After our wedding she asked us for input on what kind of a design we’d ideally like. Do we want to use the quilt, do we want it hung? I liked the idea of actually using it, cozying up in the love from our guests on our wedding day! My husband and I also decided we liked the idea of getting inspiration from our honeymoon: Fiji! So my Mom went about designing it, which took quite a while.

This was truly a labor of love with lots of starts and stops. Not to mention the fact that it is HAND QUILTED - each stitch with love. 14 years later (!) we were gifted the amazing quilt over Thanksgiving this Fall. And it was absolutely worth the wait. Our daughters (and dog!) now snuggle up with it on our couch, and to have a memory of our marriage’s beginning integrated into our current family and life we’ve created together is an incredible gift.

How to incorporate different cultures into your wedding

We’ve had lots of experience with couples who come from different backgrounds/cultures and want to honor their differences within their wedding. There are a ton of ways to pay respect to various cultures, backgrounds and religions within a wedding. Below we have some ideas to share:

decor

One of our weddings wanted to subtly acknowledge her South Asian background, so she chose to do so through her decor. Even the smallest of nods - whether it be the flowers you pick, or the vases you use - can give guests a sense of where you come from and what matters to you!

Nisha and Derek, Photo Lady Love

Photo by Jess Latos Photography

food

Food is an excellent (and delicious!) way to pay homage to various cultures and their cuisine! We’ve had couples include Indian food in their appetizers, serve Peking Duck, or share a traditional dessert with guests, all as a way to honor their backgrounds (and let guests savor the flavors of those backgrounds as well!).

Nisha and Derek by Photo Lady Love

costume change

We’ve had several weddings where either the bride, or both the bride and groom changed outfits in order to balance tradition with modernity. Often, they don more traditional garb for a ceremony, but then change into more modern options for the reception - or vice versa! This is a great way to balance looking back at our pasts and looking ahead to the future!

Shandi Wallace

Shandi Wallace

Photo by the Colagrossis

Photo by The Colagrossis

other attire

Sometimes folks opt for a more subtle nod to cultures via cufflinks, boutonnieres, bouquets or other accessories and attire!

Carol and Gregg, Stephen Bobb Photography

additional cultural ceremonies

Additional ceremonies can also be added to a more traditional wedding structure to honor the couple’s backgrounds. Here, the couple chose to do a traditional tea ceremony during the reception - and in another, the Ethiopian groom and his family added some traditional elements to their reception as well!

Latos Photography

Latos Photography

Music

Music is an awesome and beautiful way to honor our backgrounds. It can be easy to add at various moments in the day - whether post ceremony (like this bagpiper!), or during cocktail hour. Music can be quite emotional and I love using it to help guests feel connected to the couple.

Photo by Love Life Images

I hope some of these ideas have been helpful! Enjoy and celebrate your differences and backgrounds - it’s such a fun way to honor those you love and what makes you, you!

Olivia Jacob Photography

Jessica and Joe's Spy Museum Washington DC wedding

Photo by Kissick Wedding

Enjoy and dream about the warmer weather as we hear from Bella Notte who helped design this fabulous Spy Museum wedding!

Like many couples in recent years, Jessica and Joe were legally married by the time they hosted this celebration, so they knew the focus was going to be having a big party! Originally, Jessica wanted to go very classic with all white, but we pushed her to consider adding some color in. The cocktail hour bar at The Spy Museum is a bold red and we pushed Jessica and Joe to pull that into their wedding design. After considering it, the couple knew red would be fun in the space and we ended up not only using it during cocktail hour but carrying it through throughout the day. We mixed in touches of red and pink with white and accents of black, being careful to maintain the classic and elegant feel that Jessica had wanted from the beginning. At the end of the day, Jessica said the space was more beautiful than she'd imagined it would be.

Since the party was so important to them, we placed the dance floor at one end of the room and opened that wall, flowing into an outdoor lounge with a custom bar, to give guests a place to mix and mingle when breaking from the dance floor.

Having the lounge space was very important to them, so in the world of smart things you can't see but that will keep you sane, Jessica and Joe book a tent to install, should the weather not cooperate on the wedding day. This way they could utilize the lounges no matter what; luckily we had amazing weather and we were able to keep the outdoor space completely open.

Jessica and Joe’s Vendors:

Planner: Rebecca O’Donnell @theplannery

Design: Bella Notte @bellanottedc

Venue: International Spy Museum @spymuseumprivateevents

DJ, Kelton Higgins @kelton.higgins @luvdupdjs  

Flowers: Flowers at 38 @flowersat38

Photographers: Kissick Weddings @kissickweddings

Hair: Bridal Beauty Associates: @bridalbeautyassociatesllc

Makeup: Red Carpet Ready Makeup @redcarpetreadymakeup

Catering: Main Event @maineventcatrs

Lighting: Atmosphere Lighting @atmolighting

Draping and Furniture Fabrication @fabeventsdc

Decor: Paisley and Jade @paisleyandjade

Valet: MJ Valet @mjvalet

Nicole and Clint's Mount Vernon Inn Wedding, Alexandria, VA

Nicole and Clint got married at Mount Vernon Inn, this past July. They were a lovely couple who cared a great deal about being surrounded by loved ones. They focused a lot on special touches and details to make their day extra-special both for themselves and their guests (I love the red, white and blue accents in honor of Mount Vernon!). Enjoy all the big and little components of this wedding, shot beautifully by Chris Ferenzi!

Nicole and Clint’s Vendors:

Coordinator: Tarra Morgan, The Plannery

Venue/Caterer: Mount Vernon Inn

Photographer: Chris Ferenzi

Music: DJ Jake Ritchie

Florist: Holland Flowers

Cake: Alexandria Pastry and Cafe

Hair/Make-up: Perry Warren

Groom Style

Here at The Plannery, we don’t want the brides to have all the fun. So today we’re giving the grooms some love and inspiration, taking a look back at some of our favorite, stylish grooms. From bold blues, to romantic velvet, coordinated looks to casual summer attire, classic formal to hilarious, all of these grooms will remind you that folks DO care about the men at weddings, and you should, too!

Grooms should go bold

Photo by Justin McCallum

Two of my favorite clients and men went bold in blue for their wedding in custom made tuxedos. Never be afraid to go for a bold look, nor to spend time and money on a custom look - it’s your big day!!

romantic velvet

Photo by Wildpines Elopements

I adore Dylan’s romantic velvet tux, above. It was a subtle but bold choice (can that paradox exist? I’m saying it can), and especially for a colder, crisper wedding season, this is an awesome and special look for a groom.

3 piece groom

Photo by Margaret Wroblewski

If you don’t want to go full tux, but still want to feel special and put together, a three piece suit is a tailored look that still reads chic.

coordinated grooms

Photo by Susan Hornyak

John and Jonathan opted to coordinate without being too matchy-matchy for their day, and I loved it. It was super stylish while still feeling playful and fun - a great choice for a joyful day!

classic tux

Jess Latos Photography

You can’t go wrong. I have nothing else to say, except: YES.

playful tux

Payton Rainey Photography

But again - don’t be afraid to be playful. I’ve seen lots of subtle colored tuxedos on wedding days that add that dash of special to the classic look. Love it.

Match your vibe with a tie-less look

Debi Parker Photography

Having a super casual wedding? Embrace it and lose the tie! Also, summer weddings are a great time for grooms to go for a lighter colored suit - another choice I always adore.

you can’t resist a man in uniform

Photo by Jen Link

Here in the DMV we have lots of military folks - and I always urge those grooms to wear their uniforms. It’s such a special nod to their work and service, while being a gorgeous and handsome look!

Embrace your humor

Photo by Hannah Hudson

No, I don’t recommend wearing the above to your ceremony. But once the party has started? Feel free to embrace your sense of humor, the love of your team, whatever makes you feel like you!!

Barbie wedding inspiration

Anyone else see Barbie this weekend? I adored it - and I left thinking about how we will likely see even more pink than usual in coming weddings, due to Barbie’s influence :) So below are some of our favorite pink details and ways to incorporate pink from past Plannery weddings! Enjoy!!

pink flowers

Photo by Shandi Wallace

Flowers are sometimes the most obvious way to add pink to a wedding, but dang, does it look good! Whether they be hot pink pops like the bouquet above, or more subtle pastel pinks, it’s always a great look for a wedding!

Pink placesettings

Photo by Lisa Boggs

Pink placesettings and/or table details are always an awesome place to have some fun and add color! We adored the above design by Bella Notte, and we think Barbie would, too.

Pink bridesmaids dresses

Photo by Margaret Wroblewski

Why not have your favorite people wear pink on your wedding day? Men or women, groomsmen or bridesmaids, adding pink to their attire is always a great look!

pink lighting

Don’t be afraid to use pink to create a fun atmosphere! Nothing says party like pink (cue “c’mon Barbie, let’s go party”)

Pink invitations

Your paper goods (not just invites - but escort cards, etc) can also be an easy way to add some fun and pops of color. This invitation suite is a perfect example, with not only that amazing hot pink, but also other fun complimentary colors (that teal reads Beach Ken to me).

pink wedding shoes

Photo by JPG Photography

You KNOW Barbie would have some fabulous shoes on her wedding day. Whether they’re full-on pink, or colorful pops of pink, have some fun with your shoes! You know Barbie does.

have barbie crash your wedding

Photo by Shandi Wallace

This is a special shout out, but sometimes Barbie needs to make a special appearance your wedding herself :) In this case it was part of the maid of honor’s speech, but if Barbie played a special role in your life or childhood, don’t be afraid to have her join in the fun!!

Pink accessories

Photo by Shandi Wallace

It doesn’t matter your culture, how formal your wedding is, or where it’s happening, accessories are a great way to bring pink into the picture on your wedding day. From earrings to the above bracelets, make it pink!

pink wedding dress

Photo by Leo Druker

You knew I was going to end with my favorite wedding dress of all time. This hot pink stunner continues to stun years and years later. Don’t be afraid to go bold with your dress and bring on the pink!

Emily and Chris's Fathom Gallery Washington DC Wedding

Photo by Barbara O Photography

We love low-key, DC weddings. And this one was a perfect example of how low key can still be both stunning and incredibly special. Emily and Chris got married at Fathom Gallery in early October. Unfortunately it was raining for most of the day, but magically, the rain broke just in time for the tented ceremony!

After their intimate rooftop ceremony, the most special part of the evening was when the groom played live music along with his father!

Food stations, great cocktails, speeches, and the bride changing into a super-cute cocktail dress rounded out this awesome wedding. Check out the photographs by Barbara O Photography.

Emily and Chris’s Vendors:

Coordinator: Tarra Morgan, The Plannery

Venue: Fathom Gallery

Caterer: B.Lin

Photographer: Barbara O Photography

Ceremony Music: Quentin Walston’s Trio

Hair/Make-up: Logan 14 Salon

Julia and Tim's Fairfax Marriott VA wedding

Photo by Jess Latos Photography

Like many of our Covid rescheduled couples, Julia and Tim were already legally married when their wedding day FINALLY came along. However, that didn't stop them from having a gorgeous ceremony and reception with lots of personal touches throughout.

Although the Fairfax Marriott has a great event space, the couple definitely wanted to add their own touches to it, so we brought in some beautiful chairs and linens from DC Rental, as well as my favorite napkins, which we also used at A&J's wedding! The deep blues and purples were perfect for the fall day, and the weather was so gorgeous that photographer Jessica Latos was able to do all of the formal photos outside (can you even tell that you're in the perimeter of Fair Oaks mall here??? NO! AMAZING!)

Jennifer Henel from Atelier Floral Design decorated the couple's round ceremony arch, as well as providing gorgeous personal flowers and centerpieces for the reception.After the ceremony, the guests went out to cocktail hour, where they were greeted not only with appetizers from the hotel, but with a traditional Chinese Suckling Pig! I had never experienced this before, but after having it at both of his sister's weddings, Tim INSISTED that we have it here, and I'm SO glad he did -- IT. WAS. DELICIOUS!!! After the dinner, the couple changed into traditional Chinese wedding outfits to hold a tea ceremony for their elders. This was a beautiful nod to Tim's heritage. Guests danced the night away with music provided by Lucy Black Entertainment, one of our go to music providers! And they hit the dance floor while eating delicious cupcakes from Fluffy Thoughts. Julia chose the beautiful colors and wrappers for the cupcakes -- yet another way she really showed her style for the wedding that they waited so long for!

Julia and Tim’s Vendors:

Jessica Latos, photographer

Venue: Fairfax Marriott at Fair Oaks

Florist, Jennifer Henel, Atelier Floral Design

Rentals: DC Rental 

DJ: Lucy Black Entertainment

Hair and Makeup: Gabby and Martha

Cupcakes: Fluffy Thoughts

Bridesmaid and Wedding Party Alternatives

First thing’s first: the folks who stand up with you during your ceremony are not the bridal party. It’s 2022. They’re the Wedding Party.

And the Wedding Party is getting more and more creative.

As times change (thank goodness!), we’re getting more folks bucking tradition, and that includes who they invite to stand next to them as they get married. Men invite women, women invite men, and (gasp!) - they don’t all have to wear the same thing!

Here are some of our favorite “alternative” Wedding Party ideas we’ve seen over the years, in case it inspires you to eff tradition, and do what feels right!

Add some color!

Photo by Leo Druker

One of my favorite couples chose to have her bridesmaids wear every color of the rainbow! It brought such joy to the day (and the photos!) - and I highly recommend it!!

Brides: have your best men beside you

Photo by Margaret Wrowblewski

I don’t see enough brothers and male best friends next to brides. This brother was one of my very favorites - and I know his sister adored having him there with her on her big day!

Matching, schmatching

Photo by The Colagrossis

Why do members of the wedding party have to wear anything coordinated or matching at all?? This awesome bride just told her best gals to wear whatever they wanted and (GASP!) - it worked, everyone was happy, and they still got married! :)

women in suits

Photo by Josef Sullivan Photography

Women can wear suits. And look damned good in them, too. Men - have a female friend or family member you want up there with you, but you still care about matching? Have her rock a suit and never look back!

How to add some Pride to your wedding

Photo by Jess Latos Photography

Happy Pride month!

To celebrate we wanted to look back at some of our favorite weddings and ways to incorporate pride into your wedding day. We here at The Plannery support all love and always have - when I moved here from NYC I was surprised to find little to no wedding planners openly embracing LGBTQ couples on their websites, marketing, etc. Things have changed a lot in the last ten years, but we’re still proud to support all love and all partnerships. So take a look, below, to see how you can show your support of the LGBTQ community on your big day

Use your Wedding Program to make a statement

We see many couples - gay, straight, and everything in between - use their programs to make a statement of support. Whether it be a quote, or some words directly from the couple, your ceremony programs are a great way to put in writing how you feel about equal rights, marriage rights and the LGBTQ community.

Add some rainbow details to fly your flag of support

Photo by Chris Ferenzi

Melissa and Tashia decided to use rainbow tissues during their ceremony as a nod to #pride

I loved this small detail (that did emerge when the tears emerged during their beautiful ceremony!) as a subtle way to show pride. Whether it’s tissues, rainbow boutonnieres, or some other small detail, adding a little rainbow to the mix is a symbolic and powerful way to show your support.

Hire wedding vendors who are LGBTQ supporters

Whether you’re an LGBTQ couple or not, hiring a wedding vendor who is outspoken and very explicit in their support and beliefs is a very important way to show support to the LGBTQ community. By giving your dollars to vendors that support others, it matters and does make a difference. As one of our clients said about The Plannery, “as both my husband and I consider ourselves allies of the LGBT community, I really appreciate how open they are about supporting LGBT couples as well couples of diverse/mixed backgrounds and religions… It was a refreshing ‘icing on the cake’ to work with a vendor who was so transparent and open about this topic and even though we don't personally identify, we truly admire this honorable approach to their services as we have many loved ones in our lives who do.”

Photo by Shawnee Custalow

Photos with pride

Photo by Susan Hornyak

Another way is to look for photo opps on your wedding day that show your pride! We adore Longview Gallery as a wedding venue - especially because of its proximity to Blagden Alley, an awesome alley with tons of murals - including this beautiful statement of LOVE.

Make a bold statement

Photo by Justin McCallum

Go big, or go home. Some couples decide to make a big statement - like one of my favorite couples who hired the incredible Riley Knoxx to perform at their wedding. Nothing says pride like kicking off your reception with a Beyonce impersonator (who also happens to be the first transgender performer to perform at an NBA game).