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Madison, Milwaukee Wedding Planner

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Top 3 Things to Keep in Mind When Planning Your 2021 Wedding

February 3, 2021 By Sarah Davidson

It’s 2021 everyone! For those of you who booked a wedding in 2020, then put a pause on things as Covid played out, the time has come for you to start making some decisions.

So what are the top three things you need to consider when planning for your 2021 wedding, amidst a never-ending pandemic and unclear guidelines as to what could or could not be allowed on your date? Here are the big three!

Photo: @mr_lanelogan/@maddie_allender

Vendor communication is critical

Remember that all your vendors are going through this right alongside you. Odds are that we’re already aware of everything that you may be weighing and thinking about related to your wedding this year, and we want to be a resource. Please use to talk through what your day could potentially look like, what changes might need to be made, and precautions we are taking to keep everyone safe.

If you are at all considering changing your date, reaching out to make your vendors aware of this as soon as possible is crucial. Our industry has been flipped upside down for the past 11 months, with even more moving pieces than normal, so the best thing that can get us all through this is clear and regular communication with our clients. We want to do everything we can to still try to make this as smooth of as possible for you.

That being said, do not expect date changes to be as easy in 2021 as they were in 2020. In 2020 no one had any idea what we were getting into and what to expect. But now, nearly a year later, Covid and the policies around it are no longer a surprise. In order to keep their doors open both to you and their other clients, vendors are more often finding themselves in the tough situation of needing to fall back on their contracts. We are seeing stricter enforcement on date change and cancellation policies and believe we will continue to do so as this year goes on.

Photo: Thrive Photography + Films

Think about what your covid-friendly wedding looks like

We all hope that things will be “back to normal” by the time your wedding date comes. However, depending on how local ordinances are being handled in your venue’s location, there is still a great deal of uncertainty of when that will happen. 

For this reason, we recommend that you plan ahead and already start thinking about what your wedding would like with covid policies in place. Can your venue accommodate a socially distanced setup? Can your photographer find a system to work in a few safe, non-masked, photos? Are there decor or experience elements that can be creatively adjusted? Can you save money anywhere?

If you haven’t figured it out yet, you’re always going to hear from us that planning ahead is crucial to a great experience. This year, we believe you will have a better experience if you plan for a covid-friendly wedding (even just in the back of your mind) with the potential to be pleasantly surprised than to plan for no restrictions and have to begrudgingly change things at the last minute. If this is still all a big fat no though, see the section above about vendor communication.

Photo: Tim Fitch Photography

Manage guest expectations and communication

Probably the biggest headache though is thinking through your guest list. It’s hard to know what everyone’s various comfort levels could be, not to mention who would make the cut on your ABCD list. When should be your final deadline to send invitations, and what if restrictions change just weeks or even days before your date?

If you haven’t gotten on board the wedding website train yet, there’s no time like the present! Let your guests know that is where all the most up to date information will be and save yourself from responding to the calls, emails, and texts. In addition to basic information, your website should include a list of what safety precautions will be in place, as well as any expectations you have of your guests who attend. If they will be required to wear a mask it will be much easier on everyone if that is known ahead of time, instead of a potential day of surprise. Spelling this all out also aids your guest in making their own decisions if they feel safe attending or not.

And on that note, be understanding of those who decide not to attend because they do not feel safe. We are all human, and it can hurt a lol to have someone close to you miss your wedding. But it can hurt even more to permanently damage a relationship over it, and sadly we’ve already seen this happen a few times now. There are any options today for hybrid events, virtual events, and postponed celebrations that the “all or nothing” approach is a thing of the past. 

Anything else we missed that should be considered? Drop a line below to let us know!

Chief Strategist and Creative Director of HUE by Sarah Davidson, Sarah is a sought after event industry consultant, planner, and strategist based in Madison, WI. Follow her work on Instagram at @huebysd.

Filed Under: Lessons Learned, Practical Planning, Sincerely Sarah Tagged With: 2021, 2021 wedding, communication, consulting, covid-friendly wedding, downtown, event planning, events, guest expectations, madison, madison wedding, madison weddings, milwaukee, money, planning, small business, small business owner, vendor, wedding, wedding advice, wedding decor, wedding design, wedding planning, weddings, wisconsin, wisconsin wedding, wisconsin weddings

Bailey + Mason: Orpheum Theater Wedding

April 15, 2020 By Sarah Davidson

With so many great vendors in our area I try very hard not to play favorites. Everyone brings their own unique spin to things and usually does a great job, so I think it’s important to spread the love!

That being said, The Orpheum Theater in downtown Madison will ALWAYS be one of my favorite venues to work at. It’s different, edgy, and honestly a bit of a challenge.. something that you know we’re always up for 🙂 This is why when Bailey and Mason reached out to us last spring to be a part of their August wedding, we couldn’t wait to jump aboard!

These two, as well as their friends and families, were just some of the sweetest people we’ve ever worked with. Mason is originally from Alabama, so there was no shortage of southern charm available, while Bailey’s family provided the local Madison vibe we all know and love. Everyone welcomed us into the celebration without hesitation, including their pup, Woodford!

I’d like to give a huge shoutout to Dutcher Photography for their work capturing everything, as well as just being a great partner to work with throughout the day. It was our first time together, and I can’t wait for many more events to come. Our business vibes jive well together, and they might just need to be another we add to that secret “favorites” list.

Congrats Bailey + Mason!

The Dream Team:
Wedding Coordination: HUE By Sarah Davidson
Photography: Dutcher Photography
Venue + Bar: The Orpheum Madison
Catering: Blue Plate Catering
Donuts: Greenbush Bakery
Beauty: ANiU Salon + Spa

Filed Under: Real Events By HUE Tagged With: dogs, downtown, events, madison, theater wedding, unique, wisconsin

Michelle + Bill: AC Hotel Madison Wedding

February 26, 2020 By Sarah Davidson

Fall. In. Madison. Yes.

Photo: Thrive Photography

This, combined with the most wonderful group of 25 people a couple could ask for to surround themselves with made for something quite beautiful. The AC Hotel provided the perfect intimate and contemporary setting for Michelle and Bill’s wedding, and with chocolates from Gail Ambrosius and a performance from James the Magician to top off the evening, this wedding was all about supporting and celebrating local.

  • Photo: Thrive Photography

To fill out this design, we relied heavily on local rental company Event Essentials for pieces that complimented our upscale and mature vision. I was especially excited to finally use their ghost chairs! Something that I’ve had my eye on for awhile 🙂

  • Photo: Thrive Photography

This wedding was  another wonderful opportunity for my gal Jessie to stretch her creative floral muscles by providing a stunning pampas grass ceremony backdrop along with bold dinner floral. Thank you also to Petals for Patients for your assistance in re-purposing these blooms for many to enjoy them!

Congrats Michelle and Bill!

The Dream Team:

Design, Planning & Coordination: HUE by Sarah Davidson
Photography & Videography: Thrive Photography & Films
Venue: AC Hotel by Marriott Madison Downtown
Catering: Eno Vino
Rentals: Event Essentials
Floral: Jessie-Rae of HUE by Sarah Davidson
Ceremony Music: Atwood Strings
Officiant: Sky’s the Limit Weddings
Entertainment: James the Magician
Hair and Makeup: Wide Eyed Beauty
Cake: Carl’s Cakes
Favors: Gail Ambrosius Chocolatier
Floral Re-purpose: Petals for Patients
Brunch: CIRC at The Madison Concourse Hotel
Stationery: Minted

Filed Under: Real Events By HUE Tagged With: capitol, contemporary wedding, downtown, events, fall, intimate wedding, madison, pampas grass, second wedding, small wedding, weddings, wisconsin

Vennesa + Matt: Monona Terrace + Madison Concourse Hotel Wedding

December 5, 2018 By Sarah Davidson

From Loni:

Vennesa and Matt were adorably sweet, extremely fun, and so, so in love. At the initial phone call, we knew this couple was looking to create a day their guests would never forget. The one piece that was SO important was the fact that almost all the guests traveled in from out of town and some even from out of the country (Vennesa grew up in Jamaica)! Therefore all activities were kept centralized to downtown Madison. The Monona Terrace for the ceremony and The Concourse Hotel for the reception helped us curate the perfect day with convenience for everyone involved. We’d recommend both time and time again.

  • Photo: Twig & Olive

From the beautiful, outdoor ceremony held under a handmade arch by Matt’s dad to the glamorous reception with delicate and glitzy decor, the wedding day was filled with amazing details. The speeches given by Vennesa and Matt’s friends were extremely touching and a true testament to the bond they have with one another. Every moment of the wedding was a special piece and it was clear that their loved ones were moved by all the surprises provided by the couple.

  • Photo: Twig & Olive Photography

We wish you a lifetime of happiness, Vennesa and Matt! Congratulations!

The Dream Team:
Wedding Design, Planning and Coordination: Harmonious Union Events
Photography: Twig & Olive Photography
Videography: Just Hitched Wedding Films
Ceremony Venue: Monona Terrace
Reception Venue and Catering: The Madison Concourse Hotel
Ceremony Musicians: Atwood Strings
Cake and Desserts: Bloom Bake Shop
Floral: Gena Kok
DJ: TKO DJ Entertainment
Vintage Rentals: A La Crate
Modern Rentals: Event Essentials
Bridal Shop: Maria’s Bridal Collection
Menswear: Suit Supply
Makeup: Raquel J Makeup Studio
Jewelry: Maria’s Bridal Collection (tiara), Aldo (earrings), Blue Nile (necklace)

Filed Under: Real Events By HUE Tagged With: downtown, downtown wedding, events, island wedding, madison, madison weddings, urban wedding, weddings, wisconsin

Courtney + Matt: Majestic Theater Wedding

June 7, 2017 By Sarah Davidson

One of my favorite things about Courtney and Matt’s June wedding, is that it was a family affair. And with two adorable little girls and a maid of honor who’s your twin sister, how could it not be? If you think that could take away from the elegance of a wedding, I’ll redirect you here. I was truly honored to be trusted in carrying out their upscale vision of the day and to execute with precision.

First of all, let’s just talk about these centerpieces. I had fun playing florist for the morning, pulling these together in the bold trumpet vases to be seen from everywhere. The greens didn’t end there though! With bouquets and accent floral from Daffodil Parker, as well as potted herb escort cards, we turned The Majestic into a celebratory greenhouse! And guests loved that they actually got to take home a worthwhile and long-lasting momento of the evening.

Congrats Courtney and Matt!

Coordination: Harmonious Union Events
Photography: Amandalynn Jones
Venue: Majestic Theater
Catering: Blue Plate Catering
Cake: Craig’s Cakes
Floral: Daffodil Parker
DJ: Paul Guse
Photo Booth: Beyond the Booth

Filed Under: Real Events By HUE Tagged With: concert wedding, downtown, events, madison, planning, summer, weddings

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