April 09, 2024

Benefits of Having a Spring Wedding in Minnesota

April 09, 2024/ Diane Hartinger

Photo by noah hedlund - https://www.instagram.com/noahhedlundspics/?hl=en

UNLOCKING THE MAGIC OF SPRING

Springtime in Minnesota brings new beginnings and an air of hope. For many couples, choosing to tie the knot during this vibrant time of year has a multitude of benefits. We have collected some insights on why and how a spring wedding might be a great choice for you.

COOL TEMPERATURES

After a long winter, everyone in Minnesota is excited to get back to warmer outdoor activities. Spring provides ideal cool temperatures to enjoy outdoor time, plus it provides the excitement of budding beauty all around. Being able to exchange vows amidst a backdrop of freshly bloomed flowers and trees with the gentle warmth of the sun is undoubtedly a top contender of many couples’ first choice for a spring wedding. This is especially true for weddings with the hope of having an element of the day outdoors, like the ceremony, first dance, or social hour.

FRESH BLOOMS

Spring blooms are some of the favorites for floral arrangements. Highly desired peonies, delicate tulips, joyful daffodils, garden roses, poppies, carnations, and hydrangeas are some spring favorites. Cherry blossom trees also bloom in the spring if you are lucky enough to have one at your venue. There's something truly enchanting about the natural beauty of fresh blooms surrounding you that enhances the sacredness of the ceremony.

THE OPENING OF “EVENT SEASON”

Spring is typically the start of “busy season” for most vendors. Passionate about what they do, vendors are often full of fresh energy and excitement to see event plans come to life at the start of event season. You may find that you get the best from your vendors in the spring.

For instance, photographers may not yet have a stockpile of events for which they need to edit photos, so yours will likely be edited and returned to you quickly!

Plus, by getting married earlier in the year, you get to enjoy the summer and fall as a married couple instead of spending it planning.

TRENDS

As the beginning of “event season”, spring sets the tone for trends of the year, and you get to be the first to put them into action. Try something new, show off your style, be a trendsetter, and make a mark on your wedding year. We love how this spring bride had a dress that transformed from white during the ceremony to colorful blooms during the grand entrance of their reception. The “blooming”skirt represented the colorful transformation of the season as well.

SPRING SAVINGS

You may find significant savings by planning a wedding in the spring. In March, April, and May vendors tend to have less busy schedules, and potentially discounted rates. Additionally, some vendors offer package deals or discounts for booking multiple services with them. Be sure to inquire about any available promotions or special offers that can help stretch your budget further.

We are currently offering a Spring Bundle Special for our spring 2025 couples! Twelve of our partnering vendors are offering discounted rates on their services if you book with them vendors during April-May this year! Reach out to us to find out more details about : http://www.charlestoneventcenter.com/contact

PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS

While spring weddings come with many benefits, there are also practical considerations to keep in mind. Be prepared for potential rain showers by having a backup plan for outdoor ceremonies, and consider the allergies of your guests when selecting flowers and outdoor venues.

Check out our previous blog about how to prepare for rain/inclement weather on your big day: http://www.charlestoneventcenter.com/blog/2023/8/1/preparing-for-minnesota-weather-during-your-wedding

A spring wedding is not just a beautiful backdrop to your celebration of love but a tribute to the beauty of new beginnings. From blooming flowers to warm sunshine, this season offers a myriad of benefits that can elevate your special day to new heights of enchantment. So, as you embark on the journey of planning your dream wedding, consider the magic of spring as the backdrop for your love story.

March 12, 2024

7 Spring Wedding Trends

March 12, 2024/ Diane Hartinger

1. Embrace Soft Hues: Spring sets the perfect stage for delicate pastel color schemes or charming floral arrangements. Pastels are making a comeback this season making them an ideal choice for your wedding palette.

Photo from Envato Elements - elements.envato.com

2. Al Fresco Vows: Springtime exudes a warmth that beckons outdoor ceremonies and celebrations. With longer daylight hours and a sense of renewal in the air, extend your festivities outdoors. Make choices that can accommodate outdoor celebrating throughout the day - battery operated candles and lanterns to set outside for ambience, blankets for when the Spring evening air rolls in a cool breeze, or potted plants to decorate the outdoor space.

3. Chic Sundresses: From bridesmaids to mothers of the couple to attendees - opt for colorful patterns with flowing skirts and sweet details (Bows are in and we cannot wait to see all of the sweet details this season!). There are also plenty of options for lengths from beautiful maxi skirts to shorter hems that twirl on the dance floor to fit your aesthetic.

We found a few links to floral bridesmaids dresses to jumpstart your search:
- Birdy Grey Apricot Sundress
- Lulus Green Floral Dress
- Amazon Spring Sundress

The Swanson’s Photography - https://www.theswansonfam.com/

4. Baskets: Incorporate baskets into your wedding decor for a touch of rustic elegance. We’ve seen a variety of ways people use baskets from flower girls and even bridesmaids, to holding the cards, to being used throughout the venue to hold blankets, snacks, or overflowing with beautiful florals as centerpieces.

5. A Touch of Nature: Celebrate the season by embracing the beauty of nature - even if you opt for a venue that is fully indoors, you can create charming backdrops for photo opts and bring in greenery to use around your tables. Using slices of wood for cake stands and coasters is a perfect way to bring in a rustic touch.

Photo By Bellagala - https://www.bellagala.com/

6. Aromatherapy Ambiance: Fragrant blooms throughout your decor will bring in the enchanting spring atmosphere. Edible flowers and delectable fruits can be incorporated into your desserts and even entrees as a great way to bring into wonderful flavors and colors.

Photo by Noah Hedlund Photography - https://www.instagram.com/noahhedlundspics/

7. Thoughtful Tokens: Send your guests home with seasonal favors that capture the essence of spring. From personalized wood coasters, wildflower seed paper and miniature potted succulents, or personalized tea bags to provide a memory of your blooming love story.

Here are some gifts to think about for your guests:
- Etsy Personalized Seed Paper Gift
- Creative Lasering Personalized Wood Coasters
- Etsy Personalized Tea Bags

February 02, 2024

Valentine's Date Night Ideas

February 02, 2024/ Diane Hartinger

Valentine's Day is not just a celebration of love; it's an opportunity to strengthen the bond between couples and create lasting memories. Dating, engaged or married, couples often find themselves caught up in life, making it essential to set aside time for intimate moments. In this blog, we'll explore creative and romantic Valentine's date night ideas tailored for couples in any stage of their lives.

Photo by Michaela lee Photography - michaelaleephotos.com

1. Candlelit Dinner at Home: Transform your home into a romantic haven with a candlelit dinner. Cook a special meal together or order from your favorite restaurant. Set the table with elegant tableware, dim the lights, and let the soft glow of candles create a warm and intimate atmosphere.

2. Starry Night Stroll: Take a stroll under the stars hand in hand. Whether it's in a local park or right in your neighborhood, the simple act of walking together can be incredibly romantic. It’s chilly here in MN, so grab a coffee or hot chocolate to keep yourselves warm and enjoy each other's company.

3. DIY Chocolate Tasting: Indulge in a chocolate-tasting experience at home. Purchase an assortment of high-quality chocolates and pair them with wine or champagne and an assortment of fruits. Create a cozy ambiance with soft music and explore the world of flavors together. It's a sweet way to connect and discover each other's preferences.

Photo By alysha rose photography - alysharosephotography.com

4. Spa Night for Two: Pamper yourselves with a spa night at home. Set up a relaxation station with scented candles, essential oils, and plush towels. Take turns giving each other massages, or simply unwind with face masks and your favorite drinks. This intimate experience will not only relax your bodies but also strengthen your emotional connection.

5. Memory Lane Movie Marathon: Revisit your favorite memories by watching a movie marathon of films that hold sentimental value for both of you. Whether it's the movie from your first date or a film that brings back shared laughter, this cozy night-in will be filled with nostalgia and love.

6. Outdoor Adventure: For the more adventurous couples, consider an outdoor activity like cross country skiing or snowshoeing! Connect with nature, breathe in the fresh air, and revel in the beauty of the great outdoors. There are a variety of places all over MN that offer rentals on winter equipment! End the day with a shared meal cooked over a campfire, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

photo by laura alpizar photography - lauraalpizar.com

7. Artistic Expression Night: Tap into your creative side with an artistic expression night. Set up a painting or crafting station at home and create art together. It's a fun and unique way to bond while exploring your artistic talents. The finished pieces will serve as lasting reminders of your special Valentine's Day. Follow along to a Bob Ross video, paint ceramics, or print pictures of each other and create a collage with stickers and fun pieces to add into a shadow box.

Valentine's Day is an ideal time for couples in all stages of their relationships to celebrate their love and strengthen the foundation of their love. Whether you choose a quiet night in or an adventurous outdoor activity, the key is to focus on each other and create moments that reflect the uniqueness of your relationship. By investing time and effort into these Valentine's date night ideas, couples can build a stronger connection and set the stage for a lifetime of love and happiness.