• Skip to main content

HUE By Sarah Davidson

Madison, Milwaukee Wedding Planner

  • Meet Us
  • Portfolio
  • Weddings
  • Press
    • Speaking
  • Contact
  • Blog
    • Recent
    • Real Events by HUE
    • Sincerely Sarah
    • Lessons Learned
    • Practical Planning
    • Vendors We Love

wisconsin wedding vendors

The First 3 Things To Do After You Get Engaged

November 19, 2021 By Sarah Davidson

Congratulations, YOU’RE ENGAGED!! This is such a fun and exciting season in your life, but it can also be a little intimidating if you don’t have someone to come alongside you who knows the ropes and can walk you through the wedding planning process.That’s where we step in!

You may be wondering, “Yay, we’re engaged, now what do I do? Where do I start?” Have no fear, because today we’re diving into the firsts 3 things you should dobefore ANYTHING ELSE after saying “yes” to forever!

Let’s dive in!

#1 STOP + CELEBRATE!

I know, I know, probably not what you were expecting, but really, before you dive in, soak in this moment! Take your time screaming, “WE’RE GETTING MARRIED!” telling your loved ones, and taking a little time for yourselves before diving into wedding planning!

2. HIRE A PLANNER

Okay, now we’re getting down to the nitty-gritty. Before you book any other vendor, HIRE. YOUR. WEDDING. PLANNER! They can help you review ALL the options that exist for weddings, help you find a venue that checks all the boxes, and set a comfortable budget.

Most couples think that the first thing they need to do is find a venue, however, they don’t always consider ALL the things they are now tied to once they’ve signed that venue contract.

Your planner sets the foundation for you to move forward in booking your other vendors and services, and will walk you through each step of the way if you choose a full-service package with them!

Plus, I mean, who doesn’t want an expert with connections that you don’t have, and someone telling you the next thing to do instead of guessing, right?

3. BOOK YOUR VENUE, PHOTOGRAPHER + SEND SAVE THE DATES

I know, technically that’s 3 things in one, but after hiring your wedding planner, these are the 3 things that should happen next.

First, your venue as you need to secure your date, and your venue availability will be the biggest piece in determining that.

Second, your photographer! Photographers book weddings well in advance, and now that you have a wedding date, you know what day to inquire about with them!

Third, save the dates! Now that you have a planner, venue, date, and someone capturing your celebration, it’s time to tell people about it so they can mark their calendars as early as possible!


Did you recently get engaged?! Congrats! Our HUE team would be honored to help you plan and execute the day of your dreams. Contact us today by clicking HERE!

Couple: Franki + Brock
Photography: Alisha Tova


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: Practical Planning Tagged With: engaged, event coordinator, hue by sarah davidson, just engaged, madison wedding, madison wedding planner, madison wedding vendors, madison weddings, madison wisconsin, wedding coordinator, wedding designer, wedding planner, wedding planning, wedding planning checklist, wisconsin wedding planner, wisconsin wedding vendors, wisconsin weddings

Top Downtown Madison Wisconsin Wedding Venues + Hotels

October 6, 2021 By Sarah Davidson

A few years ago, when Kevin and I were looking to move and upgrade our Madison-area home, I really only had one non-negotiable: it had to be close to downtown!⁠⁠ 

If you’ve been hanging around here at HUE for any length of time, you’ve probably been able to tell that even with my UW student days behind me, the Capitol and Isthmus continue to call my name on a regular basis.⁠ ⁠

⁠Now, as a local business owner and a mom of 2, my eyes have been further opened to what’s available around that can bring joy and culture into my family’s lives. I want to be in the action. I want to stay current. There’s no better place to do that than downtown! A few weeks ago, I even teamed up with Destination Madison over on their blog, giving you all of my ideas, locations, and tips for taking FULL advantage of your next downtown Madison adventure!

From a wedding planner perspective in the event industry, downtown Madison offers a wide and exciting variety of venues and hotels to couples looking for that city, Madison-centric experience to celebrate their wedding day in. Today, I’m dropping my TOP recommendations down below! First up? Venues!


VENUES

The Orpheum Theater

If you’re looking for an edgy and historic location perfect for a party, The Orpheum Theater is the place to be! Located in the heart of downtown, this iconic theater has been a centerpiece of the Madison community since 1927! The art deco exterior and extravagant French Renaissance interior make for a space that is both classic and cutting edge.

Dutcher Photography

The Tinsmith

This 1925 Madison-original Trachte brothers building was transformed into a stunningly unique venue that offers 9,000 sq ft of event space and a 4-season solarium! The Tinsmith features many luxury design-focused details throughout and is a part of the East Washington district expansion.

Laura Zastrow Photography

Madison Children’s Museum

The Madison Children’s Museum holds a special place in my heart as I started my wedding career here as a venue coordinator. Their offbeat and playful event space provides unique and out-of-the-ordinary fun for whimsical weddings!

Paulius Musteikis

Overture Center for the Arts

If you’re looking for an elegant, refined, and versatile wedding venue, you’ve met your match!With a variety of event space options along with lighting and sound capabilities worthy of a Broadway show, the Overture center adds a flair to every wedding there!

Paul F. Gero Photography

Monona Terrace

The Monona Terrace, on the beautiful Lake Monona, is where nature and architecture come together to provide you with an easy event space for your classic wedding day!

Twig & Olive Photography

HOTELS

The Madison Concourse Hotel & Governor’s Club

Right in the heart of downtown, The Madison Concourse Hotel & Governor’s club is an easy location with incredible views and full-service amenities for your wedding day. With over 370 guest rooms, 27,000 square feet of event space, private dining options, and an in-house culinary team, you and your guests are set from arrival to departure for your celebration!

Twig & Olive Photography

AC Hotel Madison Downtown

Just steps from Capitol Square in the center of downtown, the AC Hotel provides both stunning views and a convenient location for your big day. Their modern event space is perfect for intimate celebrations where guests can then check out their cool bar and enjoy creative catering from their in-house restaurant!

Thrive Photography & Films

Graduate Madison

With Wisconsin local touches, vintage elements, and a summer camp-inspired rooftop bar, you’re going to love the fun and unique atmosphere at Graduate Madison for your wedding celebration. Did we mention they’re pet-friendly? BONUS!

Hotel Indigo

Part of East Washington’s expansion district, Hotel Indigo is truly one-of-a-kind. With local touches and artistic flair, their flexible event spaces bring the color and character of the downtown Madison area both indoor and outdoor for versatility that inspires creativity! Their location provides a relaxed and comfortable feel to your wedding day.

Need help finding the perfect venue for your big day? Our team of wedding planning experts here at HUE can’t wait to help you plan the wedding of your dreams! Contact us today!


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: Vendors We Love Tagged With: downtown madison, downtown madison wedding venues, madison, madison wedding, madison wedding planner, madison wedding vendors, madison wedding venues, madison weddings, wedding planner, wedding planning tips, wedding venues, wisconsin wedding, wisconsin wedding planner, wisconsin wedding vendors, wisconsin wedding venues, wisconsin weddings

  • Meet Us
  • Portfolio
  • Weddings
  • Contact Us
  • Blog

Copyright © 2022 · Everts Marketing LLC