What is a Day of Coordinator?

Let’s talk about Pop-Up Weddings!

First a quick recap. What is a pop up wedding? To make it succinct, a pop-up wedding is almost like an elopement. It could be just the two of you, or your closest 25 friends and family to celebrate with you. You will have a wedding with a dress, photographer, officiant and all the basic wedding things. But it will be quick (one hour actually) and on a much smaller scale than a traditional wedding.  It doesn’t mean it would be any less special. Quite the contrary actually! It is incredibly intimate as the focus is truly on just the two of you. 

The KEY to a well run Pop-Up Wedding is a Day of Wedding Coordinator. That is literally what it sounds like – someone who is physically at your wedding on the day of, making sure that everything you planned actually happens. 

Do You Need A Day of Coordinator for a Pop-Up Wedding?

A traditional wedding is a lot of work and most people hire a planner to help them months in advance and plan the entire event. Now the benefit to our microwedding packages is that you will not need be planning details months in advance because it’s such a small scale and streamlined wedding and we handle all of that. However, you likely want someone to be on-site on the day of your wedding to make sure that everything goes as planned.  

A Day of Coordinator will definitely be useful if you have guests. Even if you only have a few, the coordinator can help guide them to the ceremony location, show them where they should sit, hand out any programs or favors, and help them with any needs they may have. You certainly do not want your guests trying to get your attention on your wedding day for one thing or another.

The coordinator is also really helpful if you have timed entrances, a cue for musicians, or even need a speaker to announce anything. If the bride or groom is supposed to enter the ceremony at an exact moment, the coordinator is responsible for making sure he or she is exactly where they are supposed to be at any given moment.

A pop-up wedding also runs on a tight timeline. You have one hour to get married, take photos, and any other details you may have planned. Since you are the main event and so wrapped up in your special day, you may not remember everything you need to do and everywhere you need to be.

A coordinator ensures that everything runs smoothly and that there is plenty of time to spare for pictures. Now the good news is, you don’t have to upgrade to our Day of Coordinator, you can appoint someone in your group to do it if you choose.  But a professional is usually a better choice.

Duties of a Day of Coordinator

To help you decide if a Day of Coordinator will be useful for you, here is a list of things coordinators do and a few things they do not.

What they do:

Greet guests and tell them where to stand/sit

Line up bridal party

Cue musicians or play music (as long as it is logistically feasible)

Cue bride

Place reserved seating cards if applicable

Hand out things to guests upon arrival like masks, bubbles, etc.

Help group guests for photos to help that go faster

Manage timeline

Make sure everyone is there and troubleshoot if not

 

What do they not do:

They don’t decorate

They are not florists

Run errands

Not staff

Difference between a Wedding Planner and a Day of  Coordinator

A wedding planner actually plans your wedding. Whether it’s 100% planning, 50/50 involvement with you, or splits the errands and planning with you, this person does just that- they plan!

A Day of Coordinator does not plan. They will offer tips and their expertise, but they do not do any of the real planning. They come in at the end, when everything is planned, and they help you enforce the timeline for your wedding day and just ensure your day flows. It is their literal job to make sure everything you planned actually happens. Their job is to ensure you are happy with the outcome and truly enjoyed your special day.

Booking Your Day of Wedding Coordinator

Someone to hold your hand through the last bit of planning, understand your dream wedding and ensure it all happens? Well, we have all the info to help you find that dream coordinator. 

Firstly, if you haven’t booked your Pop Up Wedding yet, check out our packages. Everything you need for your special day is included in the price or offered in our Upgrades section. We serve a lot of areas around the U.S. and would love to help you get started!

If you already booked your Pop-Up Wedding and are looking for a Day of Wedding Coordinator, simply reach out to add this upgrade! Also, check out our pop-up wedding packages FAQ’s here.  We can’t wait to help you POP THE KNOT!  

 

 

 

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Everything You Need To Know About The Wedding Processional

Even though pop-up weddings are anything but traditional, the wedding processional typically is. Although the wedding processional has evolved, for the most part, people tend to stick with doing it the way it’s always been done. If you’ve ever attended a wedding or two, chances are, you’ve seen how it’s been done! But in case you needed a refresher, here’s the order!

1.Officiant walks in

If you’d like your officiant to walk in, he/she walks in first. Sometimes, the officiant comes in from the side and is already up there before the official processional begins. This is totally up to you and how you’d like it to be done!

2. The Mother of the Bride & Groom’s Dad

This doesn’t have to happen, but if you’d like these parents to walk, this is the perfect moment to allow this to happen. The dad would walk her to her seat and then go take his seat.

3. The Groom

The Groom is the next to walk in (or first if you’re skipping the officiant). If he would like to, he may also walk in with his mother. He would walk her to the front, seat her in the front row and then walk up to stand by the officiant.

4. The Best Man

The Best Man can walk in right behind the Groom and his mom (all walking together), or give him his own moment. He can also walk a step-mom or grandmother in. He would also walk that individual to their seat and then take his place beside the Groom. If the ring bearer isn’t carrying the rings, the Best Man typically holds both or the Bride’s ring only.

5. Bridesmaids and Groomsmen

Couple by couple, they walk down the aisle and then split at the end. They each take their positions furthest away from the altar and make their way to the center with each couple that comes in. The Maid of Honor and Best Man stand nearest to the Bride and Groom.

6. Maid of Honor / Matron of Honor

She walks in alone. She helps the bride to her place before the ceremony begins, fixes the veil, rearranges the dress and touches up makeup if necessary. She also holds the bride’s bouquet throughout the ceremony and gives it back to her after the ceremony, before walking out with her Groom. She is the Bride’s very own personal assistant for the day! She also holds the Groom’s ring if the Best Man isn’t holding both.

7. Ring Bearer & Flower girl

The ring bearer and flower girl can walk in separately or together. If separately, the ring bearer would go first followed by the flower girl. The ring bearer usually carries a little pillow with the rings for the ceremony. But you can totally put fake little rings on it if they can’t be trusted. The flower girl can have a little basket and throw real or fake flower petals as she walks. Or if your venue doesn’t allow that kind of mess, you can ask your florist to make her a little flower girl bouquet. If they’re too young to stay standing for the ceremony, they can take their seat with their parents.

8. Bride & Father of the Bride

Last, but certainly not least, is the Bride and her Father! Once the flower girl & ring bearer walk through the doors, the doors will close to allow the Bride and her dad to take their place. This is the moment when the wedding processional comes on (or whatever song you’ve chosen to walk down the aisle to) and once everyone is standing to welcome the bride, the doors open and she walks through.

Recessional

When the ceremony is over and it is time to exit, everything is in reverse order. The Bride and Groom walk out first, followed by the Best Man and Maid of Honor, then every couple making their way out from the closest to the altar to the furthest. The Ring Bearer and Flower Girl can walk out at this point or they can skip the Recessional. 

After this, you can have the officiant walk out followed by parents and grandparents. At this point, you can do the actual couples:

Her Parents

His Parents

Her Grandparents

His Grandparents

The parents and grandparents are totally optional! If you’re having a larger wedding, it’s a nice way to ensure they get out to pictures and such in time. If it’s a small wedding, you can skip it and allow everyone to stand and leave as they please.

Every wedding processional and recessional is different. There’s a “traditional” way to do it, but since many families have different components (step parents, a deceased parent, etc), it can be tricky to follow it exactly.

Use this as a guide, but definitely do what works best for your family and what will make everyone most comfortable! If you have any questions, please reach out to us. We would love to help you plan your pop-up wedding processional and recessional.  Contact us today!

 

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Top 8 Poses for Your Summer Pop-Up Wedding Photos

Photography is an essential component of your wedding day. Whether you are having a small or grand ceremony, you need a photographer to document all the memories. Ensuring you have the perfect wedding images is not wholly dependent on the venue, backdrop, or photographer. Selecting the best poses can make all the difference as well. Do you need inspiration for your wedding poses? If you are planning a pop-up summer wedding, you have to read our Top 8 MUST DO pop-up wedding poses!

Here are some popular options to make your pictures pop.

1.    The First Look Pose

The first look pose is an intimate moment that your photographer should capture. As one of the vital pop-up wedding photos, our photographer will catch the most genuine reaction from the bride and groom.

Our photographers can arrange with the couple to take these shots privately before the main ceremony to capture the raw, intimate emotions. Of course, such moments require a professional who understands the importance of the shots. If you are looking for such a photographer for your pop-up summer wedding, look no further.  All of our pop-up wedding packages come with highly rated and experienced photographers!

2.    The First Dance Pose

Couples value “the firsts” moments a lot. And if you choose to incorporate the first dance into your pop-up wedding, your wedding photo album will not be complete without this shot. The first dance is one of the most surviving wedding day habits dating back to the 17th century.

The first dance has a lot of meaning which is why you should capture the moment. It symbolizes a new beginning and it gives both the bride and groom something to work on together. Our photographer will help you keep the memories of this special dance forever.

3.    The Forehead Kiss Pose

This kiss is an intimate moment and a go-to pose to help you relax. It’s a sweet gesture that shows the connection between you and your partner. During the photo shoot at your wedding, the photographer can direct your groom to wrap his arms around your waist and then bend to kiss your temple.

4.    The Take a Walk Pose

Photographers included as part of our package help capture your special moments in the most natural way.  The Take A Walk pose works well, especially in landscapes such as beaches, mountains, parks, or a castle. As you walk away or towards the photographer, our photographers can snap some memorable images from different angles to incorporate the background.

5.    Over the Shoulder Pose

During summer, the climate is warm, and the photographer can capture some of the most scenic sunsets. Our experienced and professional photographer can direct the Over The Shoulder pose by asking the bride to relax her head on the groom’s shoulder.

Furthermore, we can add a twist by having you face away as you are holding hands. The bride can then look back over her shoulder at the camera to get the perfect shot.

6.     Spinning Pose

Pop-up summer weddings can be held either indoors or outdoors, and our photographers are experienced with both. Our wedding planners will ensure that the photographer directs your poses during the photoshoot, to your specific requirements.  To do this, we ask you for shot inspiration or a shot list.

The spinning pose is popular with brides. It’s an especially good option when the bride has a long veil. You can hold up the dress and spin as the veil whirls around you for a stellar camera shot. This artistic picture comes out well if captured by a qualified photographer.  Our photographers are all very highly rated and experienced at capturing these detailed types of shots.

7.    Facing Each Other Pose

You can never go wrong with a pose where you face each other as it’s a simple and direct pose. You can wrap your arms around your partner for a more intimate picture. Furthermore, the photographer can prompt you two to initiate a conversation which gives a variation in the shot.

8.    Lying in the Grass Pose

Many summer micro-weddings will take place in an outdoor setting. For example, if the wedding is in a garden or area with grass, the couple can lay down with heads close to each other for a perfect shot. This pose is playful and unique for partners who go for a summer wedding.

Summary

Wedding photos keep the wedding memories alive forever. For couples holding a pop-up summer wedding, this is a perfect time to capture some memories. Whether indoors or outdoors, our photographers can capture the backdrop and perfect poses.

During photo sessions, most people get nervous or don’t know how to pose the right way. Our professional photographers can effectively coach you on where and how to pose for the important shots. If you are struggling with this part of your wedding, talk to us, and we will provide you with an excellent wedding package. Our packages include an officiant, photographer, venue, and a bouquet and boutonnière.

Contact us today to get started.

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Classic Groom Attire for a Pop-Up Summer Wedding

Couple Getting Married

Summertime is around the corner. Even with the global pandemic, couples can still execute their dream wedding idea. In fact, there’s no better time to plan an intimate pop-up summer wedding than during this period.  But with a summer wedding, the question about proper wardrobe, attires, and style will come up. While the brides seem to have many options, most grooms tend to stick to the classic black tie.

A pop-up ceremony during the summer gives the couple a chance to let out the fun and creative side of their personality. Therefore, it’s time for grooms to ditch the traditional options and go for bold choices, colors, and styles for the ceremony.

If you have no idea where to start, here are some ideas for classic groom attire.

1.    Light Linen Suits

If you are looking to go for a classic pop-up summer wedding outfit that will look great by the beach, in a park, or on a dramatic cliff overlooking the ocean – you can never go wrong with a linen outfit. Don’t want to go all linen?  How about light-colored pants and a linen shirt for a casual wedding?

Once you have the groom’s outfit ready, Pop The Knot can provide you several elopement options in your city for the perfect pop-up wedding.

2.    Bold Blazers

Bold blazers are a crossover divide between casual and formal wear. For couples planning for garden pop-up summer weddings, colorful shades, especially in a lighter shade, are a good option. If you are looking for a beautiful gazebo or well-manicured gardens, we will make the process easy for you by connecting you to perfect venues.

3.    Light and Bright Suits

During the summer season, temperatures are very high, making darker-colored suits a burden for the groom. Incorporating some pale colors, such as gray, lilac, and sky blue, will keep the groom more comfortable because the attires don’t retain heat. In addition, a stylish and light suit is practical and on-trend for a pop-up summer wedding.

Depending on the wedding theme and colors, you can model the suit’s colors to fit the occasion.

4.    Ditch the Jacket

There are so many things to think about when planning a pop-up summer wedding.  You have to find the perfect ceremony location, come up with the guest list, and more. You don’t want to have to worry about sweating on top of that.

But good news fellas.  Pop-up weddings are meant to be untraditional so the groom can feel free to ditch the jacket and wear a colored or patterned shirt instead. And even more good news…without the coat, you have more options available. For example, you can wear a short-sleeved shirt for an outdoor barn or garden ceremony.

5.    Colored Tie

If the groom is wearing a white shirt, they can add some color to the outfit by adding a colorful and vibrant tie. This playful pattern adds a twist to the outfit, especially for summer weddings.

After putting the attire together, go ahead and check out our unique pop-up wedding packages. As professional planners, we will provide advice on the best venues for you and your guests.

6.    Patterned Shirt

A patterned shirt instantly adds some life and personal style to the groom’s attire. As you shop, consider light-colored shirts that have playful patterns. You can pair this shirt with a tie that contrasts the colors. Choosing these options gives your wedding a casual and warm feeling.

Pop-up summer weddings come with a fun spirit; therefore, coupling it with some lively outfits adds some flair. Apart from the shirt, you can also opt for a patterned bow tie and suspenders to add a classic look.

7.    Khaki Suits

Most grooms don’t consider khaki outfits when thinking about wedding attire. Khakis are rich in neutral tones and have a light, airy material that’s perfect for an outdoor summer wedding. The other advantage of this attire is that it complements the shirt, especially a white one. Grooms can make this look pop by adding a boutonniere.

8.    Shorts

During summer, some couples opt to travel to a different destination for their wedding. For couples who prefer traveling to a country with hot climates, the groom can opt to wear shorts and avoid sweating that comes with a full suit.  Check out our list of pop-up wedding locations and let us plan your destination microwedding.

Summary

The warm weather and sunny skies during summer call for relaxed styles, especially for the groom. Several attire options are available to break the monotony of traditional dark suits that come in black, dark grey, and navy blue.

As you look for the outfit, let us worry about the venue for your pop-up summer wedding. We will supply you with all the critical elements of your wedding, from an officiant, photographer, to bouquets at an affordable price. Contact us today to get a quote on our elopement packages.

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5 Austin Elopement Venues for a Spring Wedding

Finding the perfect venue for any wedding takes an inordinate amount of time and energy. Especially when it comes to spring, you want to maximize your time outdoors in an area worthy of a romantic ceremony. If you live in Austin or plan on hosting a destination ceremony in the area, we’ve put together a list of the best Austin elopement venues for the outdoors. These gorgeous settings combine the wide-open spaces of Texan gardens with intimate wedding ceremonies. And all of them are available through Pop the Knot! To get some elopement inspiration for where to elope in Austin try these top five garden venues first.

The Secret Courtyard: For Rustic Outdoor Venue Vibes

If you enjoy the rural classics of the outdoors, this first pop-up venue is the one for you. The Secret Courtyard offers a unique look and feels to any outdoor ceremony. Complete with wood furnishings and buildings, as well as incredible cactus plants, the venue provides a distinctive feeling of the rustic Texas-style. 

The location hosts up to 25 guests, with seating available for up to 10 people. It also comes with a large cheese and charcuterie board to serve guests and sparkling wine options with which to wash it all down. 

The Charming Garden: For Stunning Flowers and Topiaries

The best part about a spring wedding is getting to enjoy all the flowers. The Charming Garden location in Austin offers a gorgeous spring setting with tailored hedges and a quintessential cottage in the background. There are several outdoor areas on the property that make the area a wealth for photo opportunities. Yet, the most prominent feature, and the most beloved, seems to be the beautiful gazebo set amidst expertly manicured columnar trees. Upgrades for these elopement packages include a rose petal aisle and even a stay in the bridal suite. 

The Central Austin: For Gorgeous Backdrops and Floral Arches

There’s nothing quite like nature to symbolize the testament of new beginnings. And there’s no better symbol for families or withstanding the test of time as trees. One of the most stunning Austin elopement venues is The Central Austin. 

Not only does it boast a ceremony beneath the winding branches of massive oak trees, but it also comes with a round floral arch. This gorgeous addition makes for striking photographs and uniquely encircles the couple in imagery that reflects their unity. Indoor seating is also available for guests. They may also incorporate other pop-up wedding add-ons to further enhance the ceremony. 

The Museum Garden: For Enchanted Fairytale Garden Vibes

Tiny weddings continue to take the population by storm. It’s much more cost-efficient than a larger wedding with people you barely know and allows the couples to prioritize their money for other things, like saving for a home or a honeymoon. While all these venues make the ideal setting for Austin microweddings, the Museum Garden offers the most private of ceremonies.

Hosting up to 13 guests, this standing-room-only venue is a dream for couples looking to host a private minimony for a select few. The enchanted forest feeling allows for relaxed bridal fashion and makes the couple feel as though they’ve been transported to a fairytale garden. This setting is perfect for informal options and intimate weddings. 

The Waterfall: For Charming Austin Elopement Venues

Another epic elopement locale you’ll find in our pop-up wedding packages is the Waterfall. This quaint little spot comes with plenty of picture-perfect opportunities that you and your guests will love. Not only is it located in an area with spectacular vistas of the rural forest, the center point for the ceremony is also something to behold. 

Set against a lovely collection of stones and trees, it’s the perfect arena for outdoor lovers. Like many of the venues, it offers seating for up to 25 guests and includes cushioned chairs for a comfortable ceremony. 

How Pop the Knot Can Help

These incredible venues boast the ability to host unique weddings for both you and your guests. Rather than spending all your time searching for venues, hunting down all the necessary vendors, and preparing the guest list, we alleviate some of the pressure that goes into organizing a wedding.

All of our Austin elopement venues offer the following:

  • An officiant to conduct the ceremony in your style
  • A professional photographer for one hour and high-resolution photos available through our online gallery
  • A bouquet and boutonniere
  • Exclusive use of the venue, including seating (as available)

We also offer numerous upgrades to make your wedding even more spectacular. These upgrades include music, additional time at the venue or with the photographer. They also offer the option to add a videographer and so much more. Simply contact us for more information about how to customize your wedding venue. 

To get started with one of our minimony, elopement, or pop-up wedding packages contact us at Pop the Knot today!

 

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Irish Wedding Traditions: Elopement Inspiration for St. Patrick’s Day

Irish Wedding Traditions

Photo by Kari Bjorn Photography (https://www.karibjorn.com)

Wedding traditions have been around for centuries, with most of us unclear about their true origins. Customs such as wearing a ring or carrying a bouquet originated in Ancient Rome, while the adage of “something borrowed, something blue” comes from Victorian Era England. With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, it inspires the need to uphold certain Irish wedding traditions, as well.

Some of us already use these traditions or allude to them in sayings like “tying the knot.” This phrase references the Celtic handfasting ceremony, which is performed in other cultures, too. The first sound we hear when we think of weddings is the melodious trill of church bells. The ringing of bells at weddings also arose from Irish rituals as an attempt to scare away evil spirits. To find out how you can include these customs in your pop-up wedding ceremony, check out these fantastic elopement ideas.

Use Some Good Luck Charms

Weddings are full of tidings of good fortune and promoting wealth, health, and happiness for the new couple. Irish traditions are no different and incorporate numerous good luck symbols to bring about this vein of prosperity. While we all may know the shamrock’s role in bringing about increased fortunes, other symbols include the horseshoe and even a sixpence. 

Traditionally, the bride would wear a sixpence in her right shoe as a way to usher in good fortune as she walked down the aisle. Equally, carrying a horseshoe right side up ensured their luck would never run out. Nowadays, all three act as symbols of heritage and good fortune you might easily add to any bridal fashion or ceremony.

Wear Traditional Irish Colors

The primary color to wear to an Irish wedding is not what you might think. Instead of the customary white for innocence or the vibrant green that we associate with Ireland, blue is the color of choice. In the past, wearing blue as a wedding dress was an acceptable hue, symbolizing purity long before the contemporary white. It also represented loyalty and a bride’s commitment to her husband.

This color choice is a throwback to the original colors of the Irish flag in the 1500’s. In fact, it’s considered back luck for the modern bride to wear green to her wedding. Doing so is said to attract mischievous fairies who might play tricks or kidnap the bride on her wedding day. The actual interpretation varies depending on the location, but either way, it doesn’t bode well for a happy wedding day. 

Buy Traditional Jewelry for the Ceremony

You’ve probably seen those rings with two hands holding a heart in a center. These traditional pieces of Irish jewelry are called Claddagh rings and carry a host of sentiments behind them. The more traditional appearance is a plain silver ring, though some add gemstones to the center or along the sides to give it a more ornate appearance.

The way a person wears these rings signals whether they are single or taken, usually by which hand bears the ring. The direction the ring faces also speaks a language all its own, signifying whether he or she is looking for love or that someone has already captured his or her heart. So make sure to put it on the right way to avoid any miscommunication. 

The Handfasting Ceremony

Didn’t think we were going to forget about this one, did you? The handfasting ceremony is a tradition that dates back over 2,000 years ago and served to unite a couple through both literal and figurative ties. It starts with the officiant explaining the ritual, then binding the bride and groom’s hands with a long cord or ribbon. Some use all four hands during this part of the ceremony, but many just use their right hands instead. 

As the officiant continues binding the hands, he reads from a set of vows the couple agrees to as part of their commitment to one another. Saying additional vows after the officiant is finished is also an option. If you’re not sure who to go with for this Irish tradition, your Pop the Knot elopement wedding planner knows who to call. Our elopement packages include an officiant who is willing to customize your ceremony to fit your unique style.

Uphold Irish Wedding Traditions with a Blessing

You may have heard the traditional blessing of “May the road rise up to meet you.” But there are hundreds of Irish blessings to incorporate into your ceremony. There are toasts for the best man to the groom, a maid-of-honor blessing, even one that honors the joining of two families. Below is a general blessing about happiness.   

May you be poor in misfortune,
 Rich in blessings,
 Slow to make enemies,
 Quick to make friends,
 But rich or poor, quick or slow,
 May you know nothing but
 Happiness from this day forward.

No matter which one you choose, it’s a fantastic and simple way to pay tribute to your Irish heritage. 

If you’re ready to start planning your elopement or pop-up wedding, Pop the Knot is here to help! Not only do we assist you with finding the perfect officiant for the job, but we also match you with stunning venues, a photographer, and more.

To find out more about microwedding packages, contact us today!

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Epic Elopement Planning for Travel Without the Transit

epic elopement planning

epic elopement planning

 

Travel may be high on your list of priorities when it comes to your dream destination wedding. But whether COVID put your plans on hold or the price tag of such an endeavor is out of reach, you’re not alone. Many of us envision that spectacular ceremony overseas, in the Highland castles, or even on the shores of a Caribbean beach. It’s enough to make any moment memorable. Still, you don’t need a far-off destination to make your epic elopement planning a success. Sometimes, all you really need is a little creativity, some resourcefulness, and a little help from the Pop The Knot.

Choose a Local Destination with Unique Charm

Finding the perfect location for your wedding is the first step on your list to a travel-themed wedding at home. So where do you start? Research the types of venues in your area, particularly anything outdoors or sites with unique architectural structures. You’d be surprised by the difference taking your ceremony outdoors makes.

Stunning gardens have a special way of transporting you to another place and time. The statues and gorgeous pops of color make incredible backdrops while making you feel like you’ve stepped into a lush English garden. There’s no place where this is more prevalent than The Wellesly in Boston. This Pop the Knot Venue makes any happy couple look like they’ve just stepped off the pages of a Jane Austen novel. And it’s not the only place to find incredible gardens with a touch of whimsy.

Whether you need a New York microwedding planner or tips for where to elope in Dallas, we have some of the best venues already in our pop-up wedding packages. All of which offer the feeling of being out of the country without the extravagant price tag.

Try a Beach Ceremony for a Tropical Feel

Another great way to get the feeling of traveling to an exotic location is by hosting a beach pop-up wedding. It’s still considered a destination ceremony, though with less travel involved than a pricey trip to the Caribbean or Hawaii. There are many advantages to hosting an epic elopement at the beach. You get all the fresh air from being outdoors, the luxurious experience of a tropical escape, and fabulous views for photographs.

Pop the Knot works with several elopement venues that use the ocean as its principle setting. San Francisco boasts dramatic views of the coastal bluffs, Pacific Ocean, and the Golden Gate Bridge from its venue on The Outlook, as well as many other breathtaking locations. Los Angeles offers many of the same atmospheric conditions as the city to its north but with a little twist. The venue known as The Tropical gives off the same beachy vibe as the Outlook. But it adds all the allure of the boardwalk and a fancy hotel.

Dress Up the Décor with Exotic Flowers and Embellishments

Even if you can’t score a venue with all the fringes and florals of a distant country, adding a few enhancements to the décor makes a significant change. A bridal bouquet comprised of plumeria, lilies, or hibiscus makes an impressive statement piece that sets the scene right away. So imagine the entire venue complete with centerpieces and garland featuring the same types of floral enhancements.

Flowers aren’t the only way to drive home a travel theme. Maps make wonderful table décor, while globes are the perfect complement to any flowery centerpiece. There are several fantastic ways to showcase a travel theme at your wedding on a budget. So don’t be afraid to get creative with the options.

Incorporate Travel Themes in Your Elopement Planning

When running with a travel-themed wedding, here are a few ideas that might help. If you are planning a casual reception after the pop-up wedding, make every table a different destination. Doing this allows you to play with multiple styles and motifs while adding the novelty of safely “sending” your guests to a far-off location. Another great idea is to showcase the many places you’ve already been as a couple. Tell the story of your journeys from the past and how they shape your excitement for the future. Include fun collages, keepsakes, and mementos from previous trips to help guests feel like they’re part of the story, too.   

Besides globes, there are other types of imagery to signify that vintage travel look. Decorating tables with stacks of leather-bound books and old cameras add a touch of good old-fashioned adventure. Dress up outdoor areas with novelty suitcases and steamer trunks wrapped in lovely flower displays. You can also incorporate other iconic travel symbols like lanterns and cages or employ ceremony traditions found in other parts of the world.

How Can Pop the Knot Help?

If you aren’t sure where to start with your elopement planning, we have all the tools here to help. Not only do we offer a ton of venues for both outdoor and indoor weddings, but many of these locations are also ideal for recreating a destination wedding in your hometown.

We also make planning your microweddings or meeting your elopement goals even easier by setting up a photographer, finding you the officiant, and more. For additional information on how we can help, contact Pop the Knot to get started.

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Planning a Mardi Gras Pop-Up Wedding

 

There’s nothing quite like the allure of Mardi Gras to get your guests into the party spirit. The jazz music, the food, and the wonderful array of colors are more than enough to make anyone celebrate. The often-informal style of pop-up weddings makes them the ideal setting for a ceremony draped in fun and entertainment, while the rich purple and gold colors make it fit for royalty. 

You don’t have to go overboard to turn your service into one reminiscent of a Mardi Gras parade. In fact, the key to a stunning pop-up wedding is in its simplicity. We’ve put together a few ideas you can use to bring all the excitement of the Big Easy to your wedding without the overwhelming crowds. 

Use a Mardi Gras Color Scheme

The traditional colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green, and gold and stand for justice, faith, and power. When you think about it, we already see these colors in other wedding themes. Since purple also represents royalty, it’s a favorite eye-catching color in all shades for many modern brides. Most use it for their bridesmaid dresses but may also employ gorgeous wisteria, hydrangea, and lilacs in their flower arrangements.

Gold features are in the more traditional category, covering everything from bridal fashion ribbons to embellishments and much more. The color green is practically everywhere thanks to the contributions of our elopement florist, who would also know all the best ways to incorporate these three colors harmoniously. Not to mention, green is one of the top color choices for 2021 wedding trends. Use these ideas when determining your decorations and bridal bouquet inspiration.

Set the Scene with Jazz Music

Smaller performances are taking the reigns during the COVID era, and there is no genre better suited to that task than jazz. Even hiring one jazz musician can still make one jamming party. Jazz is all about emotions and improvisation, which means it adapts to just about any situation with ease. It’s the perfect background music for people who just want to talk during the reception but is also engaging enough to get people up on their feet. Plus, it just as effortlessly delivers a soulful, heartfelt medley for calmer downtimes of the ceremony. 

Serve up New Orleans Style Food

Delicious food found primarily in Louisiana should definitely be a part of your elopement goals. In addition to the wedding cake, desserts like beignets and individual king cakes make the perfect grab-and-go treat for guests without making them share with others. Choose caterers that specialize in Cajun food and make planning the food portion of these unique weddings even easier. Imagine dishes like jambalaya, gumbo, creole shrimp, and a mountain of other mouth-watering delicacies lining the rows of your ceremony’s food table. So go ahead and take your guests on a culinary journey with these yummy menu items. 

Add Touches of the Mardi Gras Spirit to the Décor

You’d be surprised what you could do with some beads and a handful of masks. Mardi Gras masks and feathers make fantastic centerpieces at tables and add a light touch to the décor without much alteration. They’re also fun to add to invitations and little keepsakes for guests. Beads also make easy additions to any area. You can dangle them from chandeliers, use them as embellishments and garnishes around food, or simply decorate tables. Instead of throwing rice, you may also consider throwing beads. Their difference in size is actually what makes them so much more environmentally safe than rice. It’s way easier to pick up any fallen beads after throwing them, but rice? Not so much. 

How Pop the Knot Can Help

Now you know how to plan a pop-up wedding Mardi Gras style, but do you know how Pop the Knot can help? We take care of all the important things, leaving you with extra time to put together your Mardi Gras masterpiece. These ideas give the already fabulous venue of your choice a touch of the Big Easy through a quick and easy setup. Pop the Knot can help with some decor, such as a stylish bridal bouquet and boutonniere from our incredible selection. Everything else we do to make your pop up wedding even easier is listed below.

  • Officiant: There’s no need to search for someone to perform the ceremony. We’ve got you covered. 
  • Professional Photographer: Capture the wedding and portraits after the ceremony, then receive a collection of your favorite photos through an online gallery. Note: There is an option to upgrade for pictures before the ceremony or to hire a videographer.
  • Venue: You don’t need to be in Louisiana to host a spectacular Mardis Gras wedding. Pop the Knot works with venues all across the country and can help you find the happily ever after setting of your dreams. See a complete list of all our locations here. 

For more ways we can help make all your pop-up, microwedding, and elopement planning dreams come true, contact us at Pop the Knot for more information.

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How to Host the Perfect Outdoor Pop-Up Wedding

A pop-up wedding is a great way to merge flexibility with all the traditions of weddings you love. It offers an effortless ceremony that takes on more of an elopement mentality than a full-blown service. This relaxed approach means you get to pick and choose the best parts of a wedding to host without all the extra, costly fluff. It’s an ingenious solution during a time when a global pandemic continues to wreak havoc on our plans. 

Because of its flexibility, pop-up wedding pair perfectly with outdoor settings. You may worry that hosting an alfresco service means subjecting your guests to unpredictable circumstances. However, the adaptability of these unique weddings is ideal for anything Mother Nature might throw at you. Even with this versatility, there are a few tips to keep in mind when planning your outdoor pop-up wedding to prevent any unforeseen issues.

Plan for All Weather Conditions

Weather is the greatest enemy of any outdoor event. No matter the time of year, there’s always something to prepared for, be it rain, snow, or the scorching summer rays. For light rain, utilize tents large enough for shelter and try décor that is not easily drowned out by the added moisture. Having weather-resistant furniture and items that can quickly be brought indoors is another step worthy of taking in the preventative sphere. 

Putting up tents and having plenty of shade in your surroundings also reduces the risk of heatstroke. Especially when hosting a summer wedding, take issues of sun-related complications into consideration. Even if you love the sunshine and handle it well, that doesn’t guarantee all of your guests feel the same. When it comes to winter weddings, add outdoor heaters even if there isn’t any snow on the ground. In any case, it’s critical to always have a backup plan with an indoor location as your alternative setting. This strategy not only ensures you and your guests’ comfort but also your health. 

Dress Accordingly and Let Your Guests Know Too 

One of the best trends arising from pop-up and microweddings is the emergence of more informal attire. Rather than tuxedos and full-length trains on gowns, many modern brides and grooms opt for comfortable statement pieces that allow for more mobility. This wardrobe change is certainly something to take into consideration when planning for your outdoor wedding. Wearing shorter skirts decreases the likelihood of you and your guests getting mud on your hems.

Beyond complications associated with maintaining your appearance, there’s a general comfort to keep in mind. You don’t want your guests wrapped in shawls and coats during 100-degree weather any more than you want them sporting tank tops and skirts in 20-degree conditions. Informing your guests of the proper shoes to wear also allows them to navigate the terrain safely. Even the flattest and easily managed locale causes a headache for anyone wearing heels. Heel stoppers make great bridesmaid gifts and are a wonderful little tidbit to pass on to the other guests coming to your wedding. 

Stay Hydrated and Stay Warm

When it comes to preparing for weather conditions, one key ally to have on hand is a stellar selection of beverages. Staying properly hydrated makes all the difference between a trip to the dancefloor or a trip to the ER. Despite how dramatic that sounds, it happens much more than we’d like to imagine. Especially when hosting a destination wedding outdoors, in unfamiliar surroundings and climates your guests are not used to, having plenty of water available is crucial.

In colder climates, maintaining warmth is equally essential for your pop-up wedding. Even if your guests don’t want to drink the hot cocoa or delicious coffee roast you have on hand, some may appreciate the feeling of a warm cup of something steamy between their palms. The point is to have it there period, even if it’s just a reminder to your guests of how to remain safe outside.

Planning for Bugs at a Pop-Up Wedding

The appeal of any winter or fall wedding is the absence of creepy-crawly creatures that ruin many events. But since most of us prefer the warmer weather spring and summer brings, dealing with bugs outdoors is inevitable. Bug spray is your first line of defense when it comes to keeping yourself free of these pesky pests. Pass on a little of this wisdom to your guests by supplying them with items like individual bug spray in their welcome bags.

Other things that help keep the bugs at bay during your wedding are the types of decorations you employ. Start with plants that repel pests, such as marigolds, peppermint, and lavender. While most humans love these plants’ fragrances, the scent muddles the insect’s receptors for finding food. This power keeps spiders, ants, and mosquitos far away. Adding fans is another incredible way to keep creatures like flies away while also providing your guests with added comfort. Citronella candles and tiki torches add a gorgeous nighttime glow while giving ravenous mosquitoes the boot.

How We Can Help Plan Your Outdoor Pop-Up Wedding

If you’re still not sure how to plan a popup wedding outdoors or you simply don’t want all the headache that goes into putting it together yourself, Pop the Knot is here to help. Even the smallest events take time and energy to put together. So let us be your pop-up wedding planner and bring your happily ever after to life.

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6 Reasons to Have a Microwedding in 2021

As we turn the corner into 2021, microweddings continue to dominate amongst many of the wedding trends we witnessed in 2020. These tiny weddings come packed with an elopement mentality that emphasizes the intimacy and affordability of smaller ceremonies with the same level of heart.

Even without a pandemic to put a damper on large get-togethers, many couples have quickly recognized the appeal for a microwedding in more ways than one. Not only do they eliminate some of the less than desirable wedding practices, but they also leave much more room for celebrating than traditional ceremonies. Still not convinced? We’ve put together the top 6 reasons why you should have a microwedding to help you make the decision.

Err on the Side of Caution with Smaller Ceremonies

Even with a new roll-out of vaccines, things are far from back to normal in the wake of COVID-19. Establishing a sense of normalcy takes time, which means hosting a large wedding puts many of your guests in an uncomfortable position. For the safety of you and your loved ones, it’s better to stick to a smaller gathering that limits the potential for exposure.

Fewer People Means More Flexibility

One of the most challenging steps to planning a large wedding is coordinating everyone’s schedules. You need to set the ceremony far enough out in advance to reserve a venue, make the necessary arrangements, as well as allow guests plenty of time to ask for time off of work and save money for travel. With a small wedding, there’s less of a hassle. You don’t need to accommodate upwards of a hundred guests, so your possibility for readily available venues opens up the time frame for when to get married. Having fewer guests also increases the likelihood of everyone having the same time off for the ceremony itself.

Avoid Family Drama by Inviting a Chosen Few

Having small, intimate weddings guarantees the people who are there with you are genuinely there to celebrate your big day. It eliminates the question of whether to invite extended family, coworkers and obscure family members you rarely even see except for the holidays. It also lessens the guilt of leaving someone off your invitation list due to capacity restrictions or uncertain family dynamics. Keeping it small and cozy is the most efficient excuse in your arsenal, no matter what prompts you to use it.

Save it for the Honeymoon…Or Your House

We’re talking about money. And let’s face it, weddings are expensive. The old tradition of the bride’s parents paying for the wedding is a thing of the past, with many couples handling all the expenses themselves. Along with this shift in responsibilities comes a reasonable turning point in priorities. Starting one’s future together under a mountain of debt is not the ideal jumping point for any relationship.

Instead of hosting a grand ceremony with an equally massive price tag, a mini-wedding eases the financial obligation associated with such conventional services. All the money you save with a smaller wedding venue, ordering less food, and only the necessary frills, now goes toward a down payment on a new home or even an elaborate trip for the honeymoon.

Lessen the Financial Burden on Others

Weddings aren’t just expensive for you. They’re expensive for your guests, too. Beyond the clothing, the bridal showers, and the wedding gifts, travel takes an enormous chunk out of your loved ones’ pocketbooks. If you have a destination ceremony in mind, it places a whole other level of strain for relatives who may not even be able to afford the most basic wedding expenditures.

With microweddings, the people involved are much more likely to be on board, no matter where you host the service. Parents, siblings, and best friends either live near you already or make the journey out to see you on a regular basis. So you know they wouldn’t feel put out making the extra trip for something as monumental as a wedding. Plus, you won’t have to feel as guilty about planning that destination wedding when it only involves those closest to you. After all, it’ll feel more like a family vacation for all to enjoy than a social commitment.

Save Yourself the Time

Another one of the most common issues with hosting a traditional wedding is all the time and stress that goes into planning it. The flexibility and size of a microwedding involve less worrying about snagging a venue substantial enough to accommodate a small army. Not to mention, all the time and effort that goes into food preparations, avoiding allergies, and selecting a menu worthy of a major celebration is enough to make anyone lose their mind.

Then there’s the decoration, the entertainment, and the list goes on. Long story short, an elopement style pop-up wedding may be just the thing you need to save you time, money, and ultimately peace of mind.

Planning any event is a big responsibility, no matter how small. Here at Pop the Knot, we are ready to help you through the process with one of our many amazing microweddings packages. Simply choose the package you love and we handle the rest. Contact us today to start planning the next step in your journey as a couple.

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