•  Decide on the type of party and the number of guests. The larger the guest list, generally the more time that should be set aside to prepare.
•  Choose a theme and follow it through invitation, table settings, decorations, menu, etc.
•  Based on the guest list, check that there are enough tables and chairs, linens, plates, glasses and silver. Clean everything!
•  Write down the confirmed guest list. It is helpful to have numbers on paper to confirm there is enough food, decorations, ice, etc.
•  If hiring a caterer, musicians or renting supplies, call to reserve the date before sending our invitations.
•  If sending out written invitations, time is needed for printing and mailing. For weddings, it is customary that invitations be received about six weeks prior to the wedding day (or eight weeks for those who will be travelling). For all other occasions three to four weeks is plenty of time.
•  Plan the menu, if selecting specialty items; make sure they will be available on the day. The same applies for flowers; daisies and roses are usually in stock but check prices and availability for anything unusual or seasonal.
•  Order beverages, wine liquor and sodas for children and drivers.
•  Make as many items ahead of time as possible, whether it is writing place cards, recipes that suggest being made early or decorations that will keep.
•  When rentals arrive, inventory them just in case! Better to know ahead of time if the numbers are not exact.
•  For evening gatherings, make sure the stairs are well lit.
•  On the day, ensure staff arrives well in advance. Be sure to have a check list, whether entertaining alone or with hired help.
•  Set tables, assemble decorations, and finish cooking.
• Just before guests arrive, light the candles, uncork the wine and have a glas with your spouse. Enjoy your own party!

WOW! It has been weekend after weekend of rain for our weddings. Fortunately, we have wonderful brides with great attitudes, and several different contingency plans to offer them for the inclement weather.

Next time you say you are "tying the knot," perhaps you will have more of an appreciation as to what that actually means. Inclement weather the day of your wedding is a sure sign of good luck. The reason for this goes back to the 14th century, when the groom would wear a tunic with a rope "belt." The rope was tied in a knot. When the rope got wet, it was impossible to untie the knot! Thus comes the saying "tie the knot." It was a surefire sign for a strong and grounded marriage!

During the Roman Empire times, the Bride wore a girdle that was tied in knots. Before the couple consummated the marriage, the Groom would untie the knots on the girdle in order to undress his new Bride. So then, wouldn't it be called "untying the knot?" Im confused. Just a little tidbit I thought you would find interesting!

Over the years I have collected snippets from thank you notes and  our guest book at the Inn of the compliments about our weddings and wedding coordination. There definitely is an art to making it all look easy and go seamlessly smooth the day of a wedding. Many times we forget to "toot our own horn" about our accomplishments. Today, I want to post our accolades in tribute to the Black Horse Inn staff--particularly Joyce, in charge of Innkeeping & Sales, and Jennifer, our Event Coordinator. They are a joy to work with and greatly appreciated.

Accolades – from our brides, grooms and guests!
 
Everything and everyone was way beyond excellent! It was a remarkable, stress free and fun weekend. I couldn’t say enough how wonderful it was. The elegant but comfortable Inn…Joyce and Jennifer having all the vendors coordinate for us…delicious breakfast... the beautiful Gilded Fox and all the grounds. We will be back for our other daughter’s wedding J. THANK YOU! -- Cindy July , 2009
 
I attended the wedding on June 7, 2009, I wanted to let you know that the experience was spectacular! It was truly a “storybook wedding”. I could not be any happier for my family to pick your venue for their nuptials. Furthermore, your staff really went above and beyond in being available for the wedding party and the guests at the Inn. I am very thankful for them and their service throughout the weekend. They really made our stay relaxing as everything went off without a problem. Thank you again for all your wonderful service. -- Thaddeus   June 7, 2009
 
Lynn and her staff were friendly, professional, and helpful and a real joy to work with. We couldn’t be more pleased with how the planning went. The communication was excellent for all phases of the wedding. We especially appreciated the fact that contingency plans were in place in case they were needed. There were no surprises, no extra costs or charges and that made for a happy bride and groom and parents of the bride and groom. All went as planned.  Lynn, you were fabulous! Your warmth and charm made the special day even more special. We won’t forget all your efforts. Fondest regards, -- Angela & John; Jenny & Bob June 27, 2009
 
Thank you for making our day very beautiful and special! You have great staff! --    Katie, May 30, 2009
 
Thank you for opening up the Black Horse Inn to immediate family and friends. Your staff went above and beyond in service and kindness…--Elaine (mother of the bride), May 23, 2009
 
We want to thank you for MAKING our wedding day perfect. Being wedding photographers ourselves, we have consultations with brides that sometimes don’t have their locations picked yet. We always tell them to check you guys out!-- Lisa & Ian, SoftBox Media Photography September 27, 2008
 
Thank you so much for everything you have done for us over the last six months. You have been so amazing to work with and we had such a wonderful experience. We couldn’t have done it without you. -- Brett & Holly September 20, 2008
 

Check out the bride on U-Tube. She can't stop laughing! Too funny!!! This couple definitely has a sense of humor! :)

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clw7SAJs_6w&feature=player_embedded

Wedding Countdown
 
A wedding is a complex event to arrange. Here is some advice to help you stay organized.
 
Before a final date for the wedding can be set you must decide what sort of ceremony you would like and then check with the church, minister or register’s office for availability.
 
Booking a Reception
 
Spring and fall weddings are very popular and should be arranged well in advance. Many reception sites and caterers do not like to have more than one wedding on a day. Contact several locations for availability and estimates. Perhaps try a meal or schedule a tasting with various caterers to get an idea of what to expect. Caterers will provide sample menus and a list of beverages they will be able to supply. Obtain estimates and as soon as you have decided, make a firm booking.
 
Planning the Wedding
 
Organizing a wedding can be quite stressful on all those involved as everyone has strong opinions on every detail. Following is a checklist; alternatively, you may decide to hire a bridal consultant if your reception site does not provide planning services. They can be very helpful with organizing the details, acting as a mediator throughout the planning process and making sure that everything runs smoothly on the day itself.
 
Soon After the Engagement

• See the minister to arrange the ceremony date and time.
• Select the reception site and caterer for the reception.
• Make a guest list and work on a budget.
• Book a photographer, videographer, musicians and rentals.
• Organize the cake or cakes if the hotel or caterer is not providing them.
• Choose your bridesmaids, best man and ushers.
•  Take some dance lessons.
•  Organize all your wedding attire.
• Decide on clothes for your attendants.
•  Consult with and book a florist.
  

 
Three Months Before
 

• Register with a bridal gift registry.
• Consult with the minister and organize the details of the service.
• Finalize the guest list.
• Order invitations, personal stationary and extras for the reception (matches or napkins).
• Choose your wedding rings.
• Develop an agenda for the big day. Include activities for out of town guests including winery tours, golfing and horseback riding.
• Organize transportation to the ceremony and reception for you and your guests.
• Organize the honeymoon.
• Organize the rehearsal and dinner.
  

 
Two Months Before
 

• Select attendant’s gifts. Personalized gifts are always nice.
• Apply for the marriage license.
• Book hair and make-up appointments.
•  Send out invitations and make a list of acceptances and refusals as they come in.
  

 
One Month Before

• Check that your fiancé has chosen ushers and has organized the rings, his clothes, the rehearsal dinner and the honeymoon.
• Have a trial run at the hairdressers.
• Confirm arrangements with the florist, photographer, caterer, musicians, etc.
• Arrange for overnight accommodations for out-of-town guests.
• Have a night out with your girl friends.
  

 
Two Weeks Before
 

• Ø      Give the final number of guests to the caterer.
• Have a final fitting of your gown and try on everything together, including your shoes and underwear.
• Give a luncheon for your attendants.
  

 
One Week Before

• Finalize all the arrangements: church or register office, cake, caterer, florist, photographer, musicians, rentals, honeymoon, rehearsal and dinner.

 
 

Want to see a wedding couple that is head over heel's in love. It was Valentina and Federico, married on June 28th. Perhaps it was the multi-cultural, World Bank influence that made their program so unique...or perhaps it was the different cultures. While they had the typical timeline outlined, they also included:

The 7 reasons Valentina decided to marry Federico: 1) to practice Spanish 2) to learn how to cut hair (while she still can) 3) not to do laundry herself 4) to eat Argentine asados 5) to get internal datasets from Inter-American Development Bank to advance in her career 6) to have a good tennis partner 7) to have somebody to remind her that her legs are not hairy after all

And now...7 reasons why Federico decided to marry Valentina: 1) to get decent health insurance 2) to enjoy a wonderful kidney soup 3) to see the world through her work related travel pictures 4) to have someone help him to remember to put the toilet seat down 5) to improve his terrible dancing skills 6) to make his mother happy 7) Somebody had to do it....

You have to love the humor. What a fabulous couple with a great wedding program that keeps your interest! Photo credit:getty images.com

Steve Loving, Owner / Principal Photographer, SCC Photography conducted a photo shoot on property. He wrote us a note "First and foremost, I appreciate you allowing me to capture Brooke on your beautiful facility. We weren't there very long, but I managed to grab a few great images as well as a few dedicated shots of Black Horse Inn." I thought you might want to see the beautiful photographs he took.