We are delighted to welcome guest blogger and award winning wedding planner, Ashley Murray of charming Carolina to our blog page. thank you for this brilliant and helpful essay ashley!

Weddings are beautiful celebrations filled with love, laughter, and heartfelt moments, and one of the highlights of the reception is undoubtedly the toasts. Whether you're the best friend, sibling, or coworker, delivering a memorable toast can be a daunting task. But fear not! We've compiled a list of do's and don'ts to help you nail your wedding toast and leave a lasting impression on the newlyweds and guests alike.

Photo courtesy of Aurelia Baca Photography.

DO'S

Keep it Concise: With the excitement of the wedding day and the anticipation of hitting the dance floor, guests are eager to keep the momentum going. Keep your toast between 2-4 minutes to ensure it's engaging and impactful.

Establish Your Relationship: Introduce yourself and briefly touch on how you know the couple. Share a sweet anecdote or memory that highlights your connection but remember to keep the focus on the couple.

Speak to Both Members of the Couple: Even if you're closer to one person, acknowledge both members of the couple in your toast. Share stories that celebrate their relationship and what makes them a perfect match.

Photo courtesy of Rebekah McClure with The Family Films.

Balance Humor and Emotion: The best toasts strike a balance between humor and heartfelt sentiment. Share funny anecdotes that will have guests laughing, but also include touching moments that tug at the heartstrings.

Incorporate Meaningful Quotes: If you're struggling to find the right words, consider including a beautiful quote or scripture that resonates with the couple. Avoid generic advice and opt for something personal and meaningful.

End on a High Note: Conclude your toast with a joyful and hopeful message, inviting guests to raise their glasses in celebration of the couple's love and future together.

DON'TS

Don’t Drink Too Much: While it may be tempting to calm your nerves with a few drinks, it's important to maintain composure during your toast. Avoid causing unnecessary stress by delivering your speech while intoxicated.

Don’t Start with Negativity: Refrain from beginning your toast by expressing nervousness or dislike for public speaking. Find your inner confidence and focus on delivering a heartfelt message.

Don’t Wing It: While spontaneity can be charming, it's best to have a plan for your toast. Outline key points or jot down notes to ensure a smooth delivery.

Photo courtesy of Chelsea Renay Photography.

Avoid References of Past Relationships: Keep the focus on the couple's love story and avoid mentioning past significant others or relationships.

Steer Clear of Embarrassing Stories: Remember, this is a wedding, not a roast. Avoid sharing stories or making comments that may embarrass the couple, especially in front of family and friends.

Respect Their Family Planning Choices: Avoid assuming or referencing the couple's plans for children unless they have explicitly shared them. Respect their privacy and focus on celebrating their love.

With these tips in mind, you're ready to deliver a heartfelt and memorable wedding toast that will be cherished by the newlyweds and guests for years to come. Cheers to love, laughter, and happily ever after!

Thank you Ashley!

For more information on hosting your toast-worthy event at The Barn at Reynolda Village, visit us at our website, Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook page. Or give us a call at 336.758.BARN.

Fabulous photo of Ashley Murray courtesy of Alexandra Scott Photography.

The Barn at Reynolda Village is happy to welcome guest bloggers, Jennifer and Jessica from Green Bee Floral Designs. Jenn and Jessica have been a part of The Barn family since day one and we are grateful for the many ways they have enhanced our space with their amazing floral talents! Read on to enjoy a terrific perspective on 2024 floral wedding trends!

Bouquets + Personals 

Gone are the day of heading to Pinterest and creating an overload of bridal bouquets pins on a board that has no thoughtful intent toward style, silhouette and overall design of your wedding gown. You spend so much time and money toward picking out your bridal gown, why would your not do the same selecting the one item you hold that highlights it?

Your bouquet should be the perfect compliment to your wedding gown. We want to see you walking down the aisle, not just what you are holding. 

Your bouquet should be light, airy, and easy to carry and move around for pictures. Think beyond your bridesmaids' dress colors, and be more intentional about size, color contrast (including greenery), and weight.

If you are considering stronger colors in your bouquet, know that in most cases, the contrast against any shade of white is going to give you a lot of impact, so often a smaller bouquet is suitable. Consider mixing in shades of muted tones, pastel, or white and ivory to bridge that stronger color and soften it. 

The same holds true for bridesmaids' bouquets. As a rule, we like to go smaller in general. Should they have darker dresses, lighter florals are going to give more bang for your buck, so no need for a larger bouquet here. 

Overall, you will find that smaller, more delicate and thoughtful bouquets and personals are always more appreciated over large and bulky that covers everyone up.

Photo courtesy of Julia Wade Photography.

Timeless Ceremony Decor

Your ceremony florals should always frame and highlight the main event and never take away from it. If you are going big and bold with your florals early in the event, we will always encourage you to have a secondary focal place to have those florals later on. 

Going big doesn't mean over the top and distracting to the bride and groom's presence. We want a lot of impact, with not a lot of focus taken away from the couple. Sometimes that means less florals, sometimes not.

As long as big impact, large budget flowers still convey quiet elegance, with purposeful intent to the overall floral budget, then we are all in! 

Photo courtesy of Julia Wade Photography.

Bold Focal Cocktail + Reception Pieces

As florists, we understand the transformative power of flowers. They have the ability to elevate any space, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. When it comes to the wedding reception, we see more brides making a move toward bold floral arrangements  at some focal area of the night. 

Make a dramatic statement right from the start with a stunning floral piece that greets guest at cocktail hour, whether it's a floral chandelier over the large bar or a massive escort card display with vibrant blooms or minimalist and modern. A bold cocktail hour installation sets the stage for the festivities to come.

Large scale florals that anchor the room full of blooms, branches, and foliage in tall glass or metals stands are always show-stoppers. These larger-than-life centerpieces are beautiful whether pin-lit or glowing by candlelight. 

Dance floor and band stage florals are the ultimate splurge, helping create a photo-worthy backdrop for so many of your reception moments. Whether it's a full-scale living wall covered in greenery and flowers, a simple display of loose greens, or rambling planters along the dance floor;  each option provides the perfect aesthetic for capturing lasting moments with your loved ones.

Remember, your wedding day is a reflection of your unique style and personality. With the right floral arrangements, you can turn your wedding reception into an unforgettable experience that will be remembered for years to come.

Photo courtesy of James Piedad Photography.

As wedding florists, we are honored to bring our clients' visions to life and create magical moments that will be cherished for a lifetime. Whether it's an intimate garden affair or a lavish modern celebration, flowers have the power to transform any space.

Here's to celebrating love in all its forms, and to the endless possibilities that lie ahead in the world of wedding flowers. Cheers to a spring wedding season filled with what we do best, a abundance of exquisite flowers. 

We are so glad you are here!           

Jennifer + Jessica

Photo courtesy of David Howell Photography.

Ready to see how florals can play a part in your celebration at The Barn at Reynolda Village? Give us a call at 336.758. BARN or send an email to tabatha@reynoldabarn.com. Find prices and packages on our website and enjoy beautiful images on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. Hope to see you soon!

Typically at this time of year, we would take advantage of the plethora of information available about the hottest, newest, latest, trendiest trends for weddings in the New Year!  If you follow any of the wedding bloggers or resource webpages you know that there is no shortage of information and opinions about wedding trends.  They are fun to peruse and read about.

However, as I set out this year to cull through the trends and provide our own “top five” or “top ten” list, I was actually taken aback and found myself asking the question:

Has it all gone a bit too far?

Here are the items that made me think that way.  A quick disclaimer before I share them:

I am not against any single one of these and if it’s your thing and you love them, go for it!  This article is not a judgement of the actual items, it’s more a reflection on wedding day priorities. 

With that said, here are examples of real, honest-to-God published 2024 wedding trends that had me scratching my head:

·       Permanent jewelry stations as favors

·       Secret cocktail menus that require a password

·       Laser show exits

·       A day-after recovery lounge with IV drips

·       Live tattoo artists giving guests tattoos

Whatever happened to simple trend alerts like “pastels are really in this year” or “Grandmas make great flower girls”?

At the risk of seeming old-fashioned and out-of-touch, I’d like to take a step back and suggest that a few other wedding day moments step forward and reclaim some of the focus and energy that has been devoted to new trends. Doing so will create a little extra magic for your celebration."

Photo courtesy of Adornment Photo.

Private Vows

What if the words of promise and devotion that you proclaim to each other happen away from everyone, ahead of your ceremony? Combined with a first look moment, this is an especially nice option for introverts or those who tend to be highly emotional and worry about the distraction of speaking in front of dozens of people.  Private vows allow for an intimate and extremely personal experience for just the two of you. Your officiant can lead the ‘til death do us part’ portion at the ceremony after letting guests know that private vows were already exchanged.

Your Music

Whether you hire a fabulous DJ that came recommended by friends or a wedding band that will have everyone on their feet, spend some time curating your playlist.  Have an in-depth conversation about your favorite and most sentimental songs and make sure they are timed on the playlist so that you hear them!   Did you meet at a Justin Timberlake concert?  Then make sure your hear Can’t Stop the Feeling as you and your new spouse enter the reception.  Was a certain song playing during the proposal? It might be nice to hear that when you’re seated at your sweetheart table, having your first meal as a married couple!

Photo courtesy of Jeremy Russell Photography.

The Menu

Speaking of your first meal together – how about making your reception menu something really special?  Choose foods that connect to the two of you!  This doesn’t mean it has to be high-end!  However a menu that relates to YOUR story will be enjoyed by guests and talked about for years to come.  One black-tie wedding had a hot-dog station and a crab cake station!  Weird combo right?  Except the bride was from Maryland and the groom was from Chicago and there was adorable signage at the stations that said so. Very memorable and who doesn’t love a good hot dog?

Photo courtesy of Adornment Photo.

Last Dance

Bubbles, cold sparklers, bird seed, pom-poms all make for a festive departure for the two of you at the end of the night.  Yet there’s an opportunity for magic just before that too!  Your last dance of the night.  Months of planning and preparation has gone into this amazing day that was just for the two of you, to rejoice in your new chapter in life as a married couple.  Slow it all down…. Look around… take it all in! Choose a special song, clear the dance floor and as you hold each other, you will be reminded of what brought you to this moment in the first place.

Trends come and trends go but the memories from your wedding day are your treasures to keep and revisit for decades to come! With some careful thought and reflection, you will know exactly what’s most important to you about that day and we wish you all good wishes and joy in bringing it together!

Photo courtesy of Jeremy Russell Photography.

For more information on how your wedding day can happen in historic Reynolda,

visit our website, Instagram and Pinterest pages, or email us at tabatha@reynoldabarn.com.

And give us a ring at 336.758.BARN!

Photo in Reynolda Gardens courtesy of Adornment Photo.

Let’s face it, there are only 52 Saturdays each year. 

You begin planning your wedding and naturally the day that immediately comes to mind is Saturday. you’re planning a year in advance so you should have your choice of dates, right?  Not always.

If you have been dreaming about a perfect, sun-kissed spring day or a golden-glow autumn celebration, you may be surprised to find the Saturdays in your dream month have been sold out.  In the spring, wedding events compete with proms and graduations for venue space; and in the fall, regional events and reunions. Do not panic!  For every Saturday, there’s a lovely Friday and Sunday on either side just waiting to be your anniversary! 

Here are a few considerations if you find yourself struggling to find an open Saturday at your favorite venue.

• Friday weddings allow guests to have their entire weekend to do other things.  Maybe they traveled in from out of town and want to explore the area.  Some couples take advantage of having family in town by hosting a casual get-together the day after the wedding.

• Your out-of-town guests can spread out their flights and not feel like they’re coming into town for a few hours only to leave again a few hours later.

• Many venues offer different pricing on Fridays and Sundays.  Choose a non-traditional wedding day and you just might find yourself with some extra cash left for that honeymoon!

• By considering a day other than Saturday, you are likely to find that more of the vendors you desire are available!

Photo in Reynolda Gardens courtesy of Adornment Photo.

Photo in The Meridale Room courtesy of Alayna Kaye Photography.

• Some couples like to plan for DIY wedding décor the day before.  You’ll have a much better chance of being able to rent a few hours at your venue for decorating on a Thursday than on a Friday!

• Rehearsal dinner options are more plentiful on Thursdays than Fridays.

• A non-traditional day might help with your honeymoon plans.  Airfare tends to be less expensive on Saturdays and, if you are thinking about a cruise, there are many fabulous itineraries available with Saturday and Sunday departures!

• Something about Sunday creates a sense of relaxation, so if you are hoping for a more casual, laid back wedding celebration, take advantage of that Sunday afternoon mojo!

• Who doesn’t love a Sunday Brunch? Serving brunch might be a fun option that you don’t typically see at other weddings and a hearty brunch is often less costly than dinner.  Made to order waffle station?  Yes please!

• Sunday weddings tend to have lower levels of alcohol consumption. Since most people will be returning to work the Monday after a Sunday wedding, they may be more inclined to keep alcohol-related shenanigans to a minimum.

• Hosting a Friday, Sunday, or even a weekday wedding might garner you more guests!   During the peak wedding seasons, people are often invited to multiple weddings, some on the same day! The odds are higher that there will not be a conflict with a non-Saturday wedding.

Photo at The Barn at Reynolda Village courtesy of Wyeth Augustine Photography.

Friday/Sunday Tip: take advantage of a Save-the-Date mailing to encourage all travelers to make their travel arrangements!

In the end, Your wedding date is your wedding date and that makes it special in and of itself! There is no one day that is inherently “best” to choose. It’s all about what is best for the two of you.

To learn more about wedding package options for every day of the week, visit our website or call 336.758.BARN.

Book wedding venue -  check!

Book wedding planner – check!

Book a caterer – hmm… where to begin?

For many newly engaged couples, hiring a caterer is a new experience and can seem daunting. Good news!  It is not as challenging as you might think. And the benefits far outweigh the effort.  First and foremost, you remain in control of your food and beverage budget while also having the benefit of professionals working for you who can create a turn-key catering package, complete with bar service, linens and creative menu options.

So, where to begin?

Photo courtesy of Ally & Bobby Photography.

Your Venue

Chances are, your wedding venue has an approved list of catering partners that they rely on to do an amazing job for you.  Trust this list!  A reputable venue is not going to have a less-than-stellar caterer on their approved list because it’s the venue’s reputation on the line.  Also, your venue’s approved caterers have extensive experience in the spaces you have rented and they know what works best there.

Photo courtesy of The Barn at Reynolda Village.

How much will it cost?

As you work on the budget for your wedding celebration, it’s important to understand that catering and beverages will likely be your biggest expense. According to the Real Wedding Study conducted by The Knot, most couples will pay $75.00 per guest on catering.  A few ways that you can save on your catering without compromising a quality food and beverage experience for your guests are:

1.       Limit your bar to beer and wine.  Liquor is costly and couples often find themselves with a lot of nearly full bottles to take home at the end of the night.

2.      Consider non-traditional menus such as breakfast, brunch or lunch!  Items on the menu for meals earlier in the day tend to be less expensive than dinner and who doesn’t love an omelet station?  

3.      Keep passed appetizers simple.  Having wait staff strolling through your guests as they mix and mingle always makes an event feel special. As long as the appetizer they are offering is tasty and good quality, it doesn’t have to be high-end.  Your friends and family will be just as delighted with a bruschetta as they would a salmon tartlet!

Photo courtesy of Him & Her Photo.

All the menus look amazing!  How do we choose?

Looking at websites and Instagram photos of all the tasty options your local caterers present can be mind-boggling!  Take a break from it and try out these steps for narrowing down your choices:

1.       Read reviews on wedding websites, Google, the caterer’s own site and social media platforms.

2.      Talk to the operations team at your venue.  They won’t play favorites and are very skilled at matching a couple’s style with the caterers they work with.

3.      Ask your other vendor professionals!  Your planner is a terrific resource of course but your florist, photographer, and even your DJ might also have helpful suggestions.

4.      Have you been to a wedding recently?  Did the meal knock your socks off? Ask your newlywed friends who catered for them.

Photo courtesy of Him & Her Photography.

Ready to meet some real foodies?

You are ready with your list of 2-3 favorites and they are all available on your wedding date.  Time to book an interview with each caterer to help you get closer to the *big* decision. Here’s a helpful list of questions for your time with the caterers, courtesy of The Knot.

• Tell us about your event catering experience.

• What's included in your packages?

• Are menus preset or can we create a custom menu?

• Do you provide rentals, such as linens, glassware, etc.?

• Can you provide a wedding cake?

• Can you work with certain dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.)?

• Are you licensed to serve alcohol or will we need to hire separate bartenders?

• Do you offer menu tastings and if so, how do they work?

Photo courtesy of Him & Her Photography.

Sign, Sealed, soon to be delivered!

You’ve done your homework and enjoyed the process of choosing the caterer who will be an important part of your guests’ wedding day experience! When you receive the contract, as with all contracts, read, read, and read it again.  Make sure you are 100% comfortable with it and understand the payment structure and deliverables.  Now is your opportunity to ask questions and you shouldn’t hesitate to do so. Your catering pros understand that they might need to clarify some of the language for you.

Book a fabulous caterer -  check!  Now you can enjoy the remainder of your planning season as you anticipate enjoying one of the most memorable meals of your life!

The Barn at Reynolda Village is proud to partner with ten amazing caterers who offer a full range of menu options.  For more information, visit reynoldabarn.com or give us a call at 336.758.BARN.