How to Politely Say No Plus Ones To Your Wedding

Every couple wants their wedding to feel special and intimate. But what happens when your guest list starts spiraling out of control? Suddenly, you’ve got a venue bursting at the seams, a budget stretched thin, and a lot more faces than you anticipated—many of whom you don’t even know! While you may feel obligated to say yes to everyone bringing a guest, setting boundaries is perfectly okay. 

But how do you do that without sounding rude or mean? Saying no plus ones can feel a bit awkward, but don’t sweat it too much. Let’s walk through some helpful ways to handle this delicate situation with grace.

Be Clear on Your Reasoning

First things first: you need to be clear with yourself and your partner about why you’re limiting plus ones. Maybe it’s budget constraints or maybe your venue only holds a certain number of people. Or, you might just want a smaller, more intimate wedding with close friends and family. Whatever the reason, it’s important to have a clear rationale so you can explain it calmly and confidently when the time comes.

For example, if you’re working with a smaller venue, simply saying, “Our venue has a strict capacity, and we’re only able to invite those closest to us” will usually be enough. If your budget is the driving force, you can explain, “We’ve decided to stick with a smaller guest list to ensure we can create the day we’ve envisioned.” It’s all about communicating your decision thoughtfully and making sure people understand where you’re coming from.

Address It Directly in Your Invitations

Once you’ve decided on your guest list policy, the next step is to make sure it’s clearly communicated in your invitations. Instead of leaving things open-ended, address the invitation only to the person or couple invited. 

For example, use their full names and leave out “and guest” to prevent any misunderstandings.

Here’s a gentle way to word it:

“We are thrilled to celebrate with you. Due to limited space, we are unable to accommodate additional guests, but we are so excited to have you join us.”

This sets expectations right from the start, letting your guests know that the invitation is just for them and no plus ones are included. Personalizing the invitation can also help soften the message.

Adding a handwritten note or a little extra flair (like a cute sticker or fun RSVP card) can make the guest feel extra special, despite the plus-one restrictions.

Prepare for Questions

Even after being clear in your invitations, it WILL happen, you will still get questions. Some guests might reach out and ask if they can bring someone along, especially if they’re in a newer relationship or feel uncomfortable attending alone. In these cases, it’s important to stand firm but kind in your response. You can say something like:

“We would love to have more people, but we’ve decided to keep our celebration intimate with just close friends and family.”

Keep your explanation short, sweet, and consistent. If you feel comfortable, you could also offer a little reassurance. For example, if a guest is worried about not knowing anyone, you could say, “Don’t worry, we’ll be seating you with [mutual friend], and it’s going to be a really fun table!”

By staying confident in your decision while also acknowledging their concerns, you can reduce any potential awkwardness and make them feel included, even if they’re coming solo.

Use Your Wedding Website to Reinforce the Message

Another helpful way to reinforce your guest list policy is through your wedding website. Do not sleep on your wedding website! This is especially useful if you want to avoid any confusion or last-minute questions. 

Adding a FAQ section to your website allows you to communicate things clearly without singling anyone out or making them feel awkward. Here’s how you could phrase it:

“We are keeping our celebration intimate, so we are unable to offer plus ones. Thank you for understanding!”

Or:

“To keep our guest list manageable, we are only able to extend invitations to those listed on the invite. We appreciate your understanding as we work to make this day special!”

The tone here is SO important—you want it to be warm, friendly, and appreciative. You don’t want your guests to feel like they’re being left out; instead, you want them to know they are an important part of your special day.

Consider Exceptions Thoughtfully

While it’s great to have a no-plus-ones policy, there are always exceptions to consider. If a guest is in a long-term relationship or traveling from far away, you might want to allow them to bring a plus one. It’s all about balance—making sure you stay true to your vision while also being mindful of specific situations where a plus one could make sense.

For example, if your best friend is in a serious relationship, it’s probably a good idea to extend the invitation to their partner. Similarly, if someone is coming from out of town and doesn’t know anyone else, offering them the option to bring a guest could help them feel more comfortable.

Just make sure that if you do make exceptions, you’re consistent. If one close friend gets a plus one, it may be harder to justify not giving one to another friend in a similar situation. Think it through ahead of time, so you don’t end up in a tough spot down the line.

5 more polite ways to respond to the “Can I bring a plus one?” question:


“We wish we could invite everyone, but we’re keeping things small to make it really special! Thanks for understanding—we can’t wait to celebrate with you!”

“Our venue has a strict guest limit, and we’re doing our best to stay within it. We’re excited to have you join us and hope you understand!”

“We’ve decided to keep our wedding really intimate with just close friends and family. Thank you for understanding—we’re looking forward to celebrating together!”

“We’d love to have more guests, but we’re keeping things within our budget to make sure the day goes smoothly. I hope you can understand, and we’re really excited to have you there!”

“We’re not able to accommodate plus ones, but don’t worry! We’ll make sure you’re seated with some awesome people, and it’s going to be such a fun day!”


Remember, it’s your day! The people who love and support you will understand, and they’ll be excited to celebrate with you, whether they’re coming with a partner or flying solo. After all, the most important thing is that you’re surrounded by people who care about you—and that’s exactly what will make your wedding day so magical.

Planning a wedding is full of details like this, and it helps to have someone by your side who knows the ins and outs. If you’re looking for expert guidance to make sure your day runs smoothly, we’d love to help! Book a consultation today, and let’s start planning a celebration that’s uniquely you. 

Pic Credit: DMV Pix

Everything to Know About Planning a Spring Wedding

As the blossoms bloom and the days grow longer, spring unveils itself as a romantic canvas for couples envisioning their dream wedding. However, orchestrating an unforgettable springtime celebration requires careful consideration of the season's unique elements. From unpredictable weather patterns to vibrant floral arrangements and seasonal culinary delights, there are several factors to keep in mind when planning a spring wedding. Here's everything you need to know to ensure your special day unfolds flawlessly:

  1. Embrace the Rain: Spring showers are a hallmark of the season, making a rain contingency plan essential for outdoor ceremonies. While it's tempting to hope for sunny skies, preparing for inclement weather demonstrates foresight and ensures that unexpected showers won't dampen your joyous occasion.

  2. Time Changes and Sunset Photography: With the transition to daylight saving time, couples must adjust their wedding timelines to accommodate the shifting sunset. Consulting with your photographer and scheduling key moments to coincide with golden hour ensures breathtaking sunset photos that capture the enchantment of your spring wedding day.

  3. Seasonal Florals: Springtime heralds an abundance of blooming flowers, offering a myriad of options for stunning floral arrangements. Collaborate with your florist to select seasonal blooms that complement your vision, infusing your wedding decor with the vibrant colors and fragrant blossoms synonymous with spring.

  4. Consider Allergies and Pests: For outdoor celebrations, mitigating allergies and pesky pests is paramount to guest comfort. Communicate any potential allergens and inquire about pest control measures with your venue to create a serene outdoor environment where guests can revel in the beauty of nature without discomfort.

  5. Mindful Scheduling Around Spring Holidays: Spring is punctuated by various holidays, including Mother's Day, Memorial Day, and Easter, which may impact guest availability. Sending save-the-dates well in advance and strategically planning your wedding date can maximize attendance and ensure that loved ones can join in your celebration.

  6. The Palette of Spring: From soft pastels to vibrant hues, spring offers a diverse color palette to suit every couple's aesthetic preferences. Whether you opt for romantic blush tones or bold, saturated shades, embrace the season's versatility to create a visually stunning ambiance that reflects your unique style.

  7. Delectable Spring Cuisine: Indulge in the culinary delights of spring with a menu inspired by fresh produce, bright flavors, and seasonal ingredients. From refreshing salads to savory skewers and decadent desserts, springtime fare offers endless possibilities to tantalize your guests' taste buds and elevate the dining experience.

Planning a spring wedding is a delightful journey filled with endless possibilities and seasonal splendor. By embracing the unique characteristics of the season and incorporating thoughtful details into your wedding plans, you can create a magical celebration that embodies the essence of springtime romance.

Busting Myths About Wedding Planners

When the planning becomes overwhelming and stressful, every bride’s mind runs to a wedding planner. The “fairy godmothers” of the wedding industry are lifesavers to many couples who at first thought they could do it themselves. Every bride wants the wedding of their dreams, but few want to do all it takes to accomplish this. 

Despite the many testimonies from brides of the “lifesaving planning skills” of their wedding planner… There are still so many myths about what a wedding planner does and “do you really even need to spend the money and hire one?”

“Wedding planners are only for extravagant weddings”

We know you have probably heard about wedding planners that specialize in insanely expensive and over the top weddings. However, most planners, including us at JRE, take on many weddings with a range of budgets. JulieRupertEvents takes on brides in need of planning help in order to create their dream wedding on the budget they have already set. No matter how “normal” or “inexpensive” the wedding is, wedding planners still have their purpose. 

“Hiring a wedding planner means giving up control of what I want”

At JRE we say one thing very often, “Whatever the bride wants” or “ We will do whatever we can do to make you happy!”

Wedding planners LOVE making your vision and dream come to life. We share the same passion you have for your big day! Our goal is for the bride to be overjoyed with how the wedding turns out - all while being stress free on her special day.

A wedding planner's job is to oversee all the vendors, decor, people, budget, and all other details in order for your day to run smoothly. We will make any recommendations and suggestions we can create the experience you want, but it is all still your call! Wedding planners will be by your side, guiding you from the moment you hire them until the party is completely over and packed up. 

At JRE we love going through the planning process with you and getting to know you and your vision. Our job is to take care of any and all issues that arise on the wedding day in order for your day to be all you have dreamed of. At the end of the day, you are the couple and IT IS YOUR DAY!


“Wedding planners will bust my budget”

One of the responsibilities of a wedding planner is to keep you on the budget you have set and oversee what you are spending. Wedding planners will present you with budget friendly options and vendors. The job of wedding planners is to present you with all the options they can for your budget. If the wedding planner has been in the industry long enough, they might even be able to find better deals or negotiate prices.

Wedding coordinators want you to spend money on what matters most to you. If one vendor or thing is more expensive than you were planning, we can help find other areas to save money on things.  If you ever feel like you are spending too much or the price is just not worth it to you, let your planner know. Always speak your mind and share what matters to you and what you want to spend money on.


“Wedding planning is easy and a frivolous job”

On the wedding day alone… wedding coordinators spend 12 hours or more on their feet, running around - while looking calm - taking care of crisis after crisis, setting up the entire event and every detail needed. They also keep track of vendors, making sure they are doing their job and on schedule, helping them with whatever they may need; corralling all your family and friends and wedding party, while trying to keep everyone happy. Wedding coordinators do all of this and more, all while in formal clothes in the heat, the rain, the freezing cold, etc. And this is just the day of the event, not the weeks and months in advance. There are hours of planning, meetings, walk throughs, etc., in order for the day to be as stress free and put together as possible, even for us.

You also have to consider, wedding coordinators have one shot to get it right. Your wedding is only one day - and one of, if not the biggest, day of your life. You have spent years dreaming of it, invested resources, and everyone you care about is watching and experiencing it… talk about PRESSURE!  Our goal is to keep calm and collected, all while taking care of the details - so that all the couple experiences is a magically smoothly run event, with everyone they love! 

There is a lot that goes into planning such a grand event and lots of experience behind planning and coordinating one. We promise that you will notice the difference when hiring a professional wedding planner. 

 

“Wedding planners are unnecessary: friends and family can handle everything”

This is one of the most common myths we hear all the time. After reading #4 above, you probably began to realize how difficult wedding planning can be… imagine asking and expecting your friends and family to do this for you. Your friends and family are going to want to experience the day with you, not be taking care of all the planning and day of crises. No matter how much planning you do, there are going to be things that go wrong and you do not want your family and friends to have to deal with that. They have not been prepared and trained to deal with these things… and you and your partner DEFINITELY should not have to deal with them.


“All wedding planners are the same”

Just as every human is different, so is every planner. You can hire a planner with little personality that will stay stoic and calm under any circumstance, or you can hire an energetic planner that will never stop smiling. Every planner has strengths and weaknesses, get to know whoever you hire and make sure you mesh well together. Every planner has their own speciality and personality that makes them good at what they do. Planners also all offer different packages, so you will want to pick a package that matches your specific needs. Some prefer grand weddings and some prefer very low key weddings… others may love to manage it all! Some planners know certain venues better than others. 

Here at Julie Rupert Events, we have many package options - all the way from full planning to just “day of” coordination. We love doing grand events, classy events, rustic events, low key events… we love it all! We want you to have the options and the wedding planner that is right for you. We would love to get to know you and see if we are the right fit for you and your partner.

We’re engaged… now what???


AHH it happened, you are engaged! Congratulations! But here it comes… the stress of where to even begin with all of this “wedding planning!” Your mind is full of ideas and you want to scroll Pinterest for hours! There are so many things on the to do list, but what is most important and what is the best way to begin? 

Don't worry, we are here to help, and we have walked through this journey with many brides. We know it can be overwhelming and very intimidating, so let us break down for you what we think the first few “To Do’s' are - post engagement.


Stop and enjoy the moment

It is easy to get bombarded with questions, ideas and planning, but with all of that comes stress and anxiousness. It seems like the second you get engaged, you have to know exactly what you want, when you want it, and how you want it… but you will thank yourself in the future if you take a few days (or even weeks) to enjoy the present moment of being engaged to your best friend! This is a dreamy and joyful season of life, so do not wish it away. Celebrate the moment and take it all in.

Sit down and talk

In the midst of all the celebrating, go find your fiance. Sit down with them and discuss. Communicate with your partner FIRST, before planning anything. You do not want to be frustrated months down the road because you are not on the same page when it comes to the wedding. Yes, you have a wedding to plan, but more importantly, you have a marriage you will be beginning with your partner. Ask all of the questions each of you can think of and answer honestly. Do you want a large wedding? What are your thoughts about location? What have you envisioned this day to be like? Are there things you know you want? What do you not have an opinion on? It all boils down to what YOU TWO want. It is the day to celebrate the relationship you have and the life you are beginning together.

Decide on a budget

Before you make any decisions or even schedule an engagement shoot with a photographer, you will want to sit down with your fiance (or family) and discuss a budget. Finances can cause extra stress, uncertainty, and frustration, so start there. Figure out who will be contributing financially for the wedding, so you will know this at the start. Come to a conclusion on a SET budget and decide how you are going to keep track. Find a clear way to monitor expenses, so that paying for things and keeping an ongoing budget is doable.


Pick a date/venue

The reason these two things are in the same step is simple. They go together… your ideal wedding month or weekend might not be available at the place you desire. Our advice is to narrow down a wedding season or month that you desire to get married in… then search for venues with openings (starting at your top venue choice) in that time frame. Popular venues are often booked sooner than people may realize, so you will want to work on this step soon after getting engaged. There may come a point where you have to compromise on a date to get your dream venue or vice versa… decide what will work best for you in order to make your wedding day vision come true. The biggest thing to consider is what season you’re planning for, as seasons play a large role in what your wedding day will look and feel like.

Some things to consider: seasonal weather (indoor vs outdoor: venues look very different throughout seasons and some venues do not have different weather options), colors (flower colors are seasonal for what is in bloom), day of week (Thursdays and Sundays are cheaper than Friday and Saturdays), and travel (Will close friends and family that are priority on the guestlist able to come or is there another big event going on that weekend?).

Schedule an engagement photoshoot

Engagement pictures are not only enjoyable, but they are so useful when it comes to getting practice with your partner in front of the camera and also capturing those beautiful moments you might want to send out on your ‘Save the Dates.’ Engagement pictures are a great way to get the word out and are also a special memory for you and your partner for years to come. Engagement pictures can be used for: Save the dates, invitations, “Get to know you” with your wedding planner or other vendors, decor for bridal showers/bachelorette parties, etc. You will need to find a professional photographer for your wedding, this could be a good way to secure a well-priced package with a photographer (by including an engagement shoot) and it could also be a way to try out a photographer before deciding on who will capture all of the moments on your wedding day.


Pick a wedding party

Not everyone wants wedding attendants, but if you do… Now is the time to ask them. Think about who has been a part of you and your partner's lives - individually and together in your journey. Think about having an honor attendant - and who you would like that to be. Think about the responsibilities of honor attendees and make sure that whoever you choose can execute them. This is your day, pick who you want standing next to you, getting ready with you, experiencing it all with you. You get to choose! You want this to be a pleasant experience for everyone involved, so make sure you think it through. Bridal parties can make or break the day.


Gather all the wedding inspiration

This is a fun one! Gather all the decor, attire, traditions, experience, floral, and color inspiration.  Make a place for you and your partner to add all of your ideas (vision board, document, file, etc.). In order to plan your perfect day, you will want to show others your vision, so that everyone involved can make your vision come to life!


Create a draft of your guestlist

This is where you will be thankful you have already created a set budget. To a great extent, the guestlist is dependent on the budget. The general rule is that you and your partner split the guestlist, each getting half. If you are having your family pay for the wedding (parents, siblings) it is courteous to ask them if there is anyone they would like to invite. Each guest will add to the number of plates for the caterer to prepare, chairs for rentals, cake to be baked and served, end of night favors, etc. Every venue will have a maximum capacity, your guestlist should be under the max capacity. If you fill up the venue to the max capacity, it will be too tight to be enjoyable. Pick a headcount that will fit into your budget. If there is extra room later on and you can afford it, you can add more invitees later.

Tip: Typically 20% of the guest list will decline to RSVP. Another 5% who did RSVP “YES” might not show up. Plan for about 60-75% of your entire guestlist to attend… then watch the RSVPs closely. 

Hire a wedding photographer

If your engagement photographer was not who you wanted for your special day, now is the time to get a wedding photographer booked. When deciding on a photographer, think of the aesthetic you would like. Every photographer has a different style and look. You want to get one that matches you and your partner. Yes, you will have the memories of your big day, but besides that… the photos will be what you will look back on for years to come. Get one that you know will capture exactly what you want.

Tip: Get a “wedding” photographer! Just because they are a photographer does not mean that they can photograph weddings well. “Wedding photographers” know what they are doing and are worth the money!

Do I need to hire a coordinator?

This is where we come in! If all of this is overwhelming and makes you anxious just thinking about it… hire Julie Rupert Events! While some planners try to fit your vision into their style, we take our cues from you. We customize our planning style to what you need and handle the details to the exact vision that you ask for. Whether it's full scale planning, partial planning, or just event management, let the JRE team handle the details so you can relax and fully enjoy your incredible day. “Julie was truly a life saver when it came to planning my wedding. She went above and beyond to bring my dream to life, and made sure I had fun with the process.”- Alexandra M

5 Moments You Do Not Want to Miss on Your Wedding Day

Weddings are full of special moments… The day in its entirety is special and unforgettable!

However, there are some moments that you do not want to miss.

A moment before the ceremony…

Before the ceremony, it is so special and important to have a moment, either alone or with just your fiance to slow down and remember what the day is all about. The preparation, getting ready, and final details of the day can be stressful and high energy, so take a moment to slow down and think of your fiance before the aisle. 

Best ways to do this: 

  • First look: this is a special moment with just the two of you to take each other in, reveal the dress/hair/makeup, say a few words in private, exchange notes/gifts in person, and calm the nerves before the ceremony.

  • First touch: if you do not want to see each other before the aisle, a first touch by holding hands around a corner/door is a creative way to still connect physically and get to have those few moments alone to exchange words in private, pray together, exchange private vows, or just talk and calm the nerves without spoiling the ceremony first look.

  • Exchanging notes/gifts: if you do not want to have a first look or touch, we still encourage you to do something to get your mind and heart in the right place after the full day of preparation for the ceremony itself. A way to do this is by writing each other a private note to read alone before the aisle. A member of your wedding party can deliver these to each of you when you are ready to have this moment alone. This is a special moment to reminisce on your relationship and get out those final words to your partner before you see them at the altar. 

Reception peek…

It can be hard to stop and appreciate all of your hard work in planning and envisioning your reception space. We encourage all brides to take a moment to peek at the reception area to take it in before it is full of people. A beautiful reception takes months of preparation to become all that you imagined it would be, so do not feel guilty for sneaking in there once it is all prepped, and enjoy it for a moment before the guests arrive. Be sure to communicate with your coordinator, maid of honor, or parents that you want to do this so that they can help you sneak in without being seen and without many other people in there.

First dance….

Even if you are not a dancer… Dance for at least a minute with your spouse. You will not regret it, we promise! First dances can be intimidating, especially if you do not like being the center of attention, or hate dancing… but do it anyway! Practice dancing with your partner before your wedding, even if it is just “swaying slowly” for a minute or two. This is such a special moment that you will remember forever!

Dinner…

In the rush and excitement of the reception, it is easy to forget to eat that yummy catering you spent time and money deciding on. We know you want to talk to everyone, take all the pictures, and enjoy the night fully, but take a moment, sit down, and eat. Even if you feel like you do not have time, keep taking those bites of food. Even if you are not super hungry at the moment, you will be in an hour or two; so eat while you can. Your body, energy levels, and mood will all thank you if you sit down and enjoy your reception dinner for a few moments.

Last dance…

A last dance is becoming a popular trend and for a good reason. We have so many brides who say it is the best part of their night. At the end of the reception, when everyone is getting ready for your exit, take a moment to do one last dance alone on the dance floor with your spouse. This is another special opportunity to slow down and remember what this day was for, take in what the day has held, and bring the attention back to just your partner. Your spouse is the reason you are there, and the reason you just shared the day with all your loved ones, so spend that last moment of your wedding with just them.


Do not forget to put time for these in your “day of” timeline, so that there is plenty of time to enjoy these moments and let your photographer/videographer know what moments you want captured.

How to Request a Child Free Wedding

So, you’re wanting to have a child-free wedding but you’re scared about what your friends and family might say? In addition to that, you’re probably wondering what is the easiest way to tell people they can’t bring their kids without offending them. Look no further! We’ve got some tips here for you!

Julissa Martinez Photography

  1. Be specific when addressing your invitations

Make sure you specifically say who is invited. If it is your best friend from high school and his wife, say “Mr. and Mrs. John Doe”. Do not say, “The Doe’s”, this will imply that the whole family is invited. On the inside of the invitation, list their first names just to make it double clear.

2. Make the RSVP clear

“So excited to see you there!

Please RSVP by June, 18th, 2023

We have two (2) spots reserved in your name.”

This way, they (hopefully) get the memo that only the two of them are invited, and not their children. 

3. Straight up tell them

If you’re a very straightforward person, just tell them! Saying things like this make it polite, but still very clear:

“Please join us for an adult-only ceremony and reception!”

“Due to limited space, adults only please, unless specifically stated on your invitation.”

“The couple requests that this is an adults-only reception.”

“To allow everyone a night of relaxation and fun, we ask that no children attend the reception. Have a nice night off!”

“Children of immediate family only, please.”

Courtney Timms Photography

There are so many ways to tell people to leave their kids at home, and it doesn’t have to be awkward! Depending on your crowd, make it funny! Tell them to hire a babysitter and have some fun! You know your crew the best, so say whatever feels the most comfortable for you. 

Have fun at your child-free wedding!

Like these blogs and need help planning your wedding? Click here to schedule a meeting with us and follow us on Instagram @julierupertevents and Facebook at Julie Rupert Events.

Marriage License Tips

Benjamin McLean Photography

One of the slightly less fun parts of getting married is all the paperwork. The marriage license is arguably the most important part of the wedding…because it's the thing that makes you legally married!!! So if you are about to have your wedding in Virginia, this blog is for you! Keep reading to make sure you have all the correct information regarding obtaining, signing, and submitting your marriage license.

We are pulling information specifically from Henrico County and Loudon County, but most Virginia counties follow these same rules. However, CHECK FOR YOURSELF! 

To start, your officiant must be authorized to perform the rite of marriage within the Commonwealth of Virginia by a Circuit Court for a VA county or city before the ceremony occurs. Just because someone is a minister or Civil Celebrant in another state does not mean they are qualified to perform one in Virginia automatically. 

They must sign BOTH copies of the marriage license and return both copies to that Circuit Court within 5 days after the ceremony. The date must be the actual date of marriage, not the date it was issued or a future date. It must be dated within 60 days of being issued. If for some reason the marriage license is not used within 60 days of being issued, you will still need to return it to the Clerk’s office. 


Here’s some clarification on what some of the sections of the license mean:

OFFICIANT CERTIFICATION - complete each section.

• SIGNATURE OF OFFICIANT - your signature

• TITLE OF OFFICIANT- your officiant title o Example: "Reverend"/ "Priest" / "Civil Celebrant"

Note: "Mr", "Mrs" etc. are not acceptable titles.

• AUTHORIZING CIRCUIT COURT - name of the city or county Circuit Court that authorized you to perform marriages and year of authorization

• NAME OF OFFICIANT - your name

• ADDRESS OF OFFICIANT - your current mailing address


Once you are legally married and your license is returned, there are other steps you will need to handle. Check out our blog on changing your name after getting married! Additionally, check all financial statements, address changes, voter registration, health insurance through employers, and estate planning, to name a few. 


Remember to contact your specific Clerk’s office to ensure you are following all the right steps and not missing anything! Congratulations!

Out of Twig Photography

Wedding Day Emergency Kit

Emily Hancock Photography | Madi and Nathan | 10-1-22

If you’re anything like us, you’re always ready for a last-minute emergency. Whether it is a ripped dress, flowers that won’t stay together, or a sign that won’t stay up, we’re always ready to fix it. Here’s a list of things we carry in our wedding day suitcase (Yes…suitcase. We are always ready)!

Set-up Supplies

  • Safety pins

  • Nail glue

  • Double-sided tape

  • Superglue

  • Zip ties

  • Floral wire 

  • Lighter

  • Pens/markers

  • Scissors

  • Sewing kit

  • Phone charger

  • Hand sanitizer and wipes

  • Umbrella

Beauty and Personal Care

  • Deodorant

  • Lip gloss

  • Q-tips

  • Tissues

  • Powder

  • Perfume

  • Bandaids and first aid supplies

  • Ibuprofen 

  • Mints

  • Liquid IV (you’ll thank me later)

  • Sticky bra or fashion tape

  • Feminine products

  • Stain stick

  • Steamer

  • Tweezers

  • Floss

  • Lint roller

  • Hair ties and bobby pins

I’m sure there are things I forgot to mention on this list, but nevertheless, you guys get the point. There are A LOT of things you might need on a wedding day. Having a coordinator (like us) can help ensure you are well-prepared on your wedding day. You won’t have to worry about making an emergency kit or bringing extra supplies. This is one of the MANY things we do for you!

The more you prepare for, the less that can go wrong. That’s always our philosophy. We make extensive lists, detailed timelines, and big emergency kits so that the day always goes as smoothly as possible!

Check us out on social media @julierupertevents or click the header above to chat with us!

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Ways to Incorporate Your "Something Blue"

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Ray Photography

“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in your shoe.”

We’ve all heard this rhyme or some variation of it. However, the “something blue” is probably the most commonly done part of the rhyme. It can be a beautiful touch to your wedding because there are so many ways to incorporate it. From your detail shots to shoes, your florals to your dress, there are so many different ways you can have “something blue”. In this blog, we’re going to have some of our favorites we’ve seen!


Whole Heart Studios

Shoes

A blue shoe or shoe with blue detailing is a beautiful way to bring in this tradition.



Jewelry

A blue necklace, bracelet, or hairpiece is simple and so elegant. (We want to see this more! We don’t even have a picture!)

Luke and Ashley Photography

Bouquet

We see brides incorporate a blue item into the stem of their bouquet. We’ve also seen this be something old or borrowed!

Mom’s dress or bridesmaids’ dresses

The most popular color dress of the mother of the groom or bride is a variation of blue…and it is always gorgeous. Make all your girls your something blue!

Benjamin McLean Photography

Detail shots

Detail shots are a great way to showcase your blue from your wedding. This could include something from your family (which is also something old or borrowed), your flowers, shoes, or jewelry.

We love seeing unique ways of including something blue. It adds a beautiful personal touch!

How To Be The Best Maid of Honor

Luke and Ashley Photography

Being a maid of honor is a big responsibility! But, it's also a huge honor, which makes it all worth it. There are many physical things you’ll be in charge of, such as the bachelorette party, helping the bride go dress shopping, or even hosting the bridal shower. Keep reading to see what kinds of things you’ll be responsible for so that you can make your best friend’s day the best it can be!

  1. Communication

You’re in charge of getting all the girls to be one big family. If its a large bridal party, the bride is probably going to have friends from all different times in her life. She’ll do her best to make sure everyone becomes friends, but you should take charge and get everyone to connect. 

Additionally, lead the group chats and keep people accountable for getting the stuff they need for the wedding (dress, paying for things, important dates to remember, etc.). You should also be in charge of handling budgeting for bachelorette activities and working with the girls to make sure plans work for everyone.

2. Deal with conflict

Dealing with bridal parties can often lead to drama. People from different friend groups all come together to make this a special time for their friend, so it can result in tension. Be the one to eliminate that tension and get everyone to get along. Don’t let the bride be in charge of dealing with that.

3. Planning bridal events

You’ll be majorly in charge of planning things such as the bachelorette party, bridal shower, or other fun things for your friend. The bride will want a say, but you should be the one to handle details and the “not fun” stuff so that the bride doesn’t have to. 

4. Support the bride

Be there for her when it comes to planning. Go with her dress shopping, help her pick out things for decor, and shower her with love and support! On the day of, work with the planner so that she can relax. And especially, be her advocate when it comes to the day of decision-making. Lots of people like to get involved in wedding planning, whether it be moms, dads, aunts, random relatives, etc. Be the one that advocates for the bride so that things are going the way she wants them and not just the way someone else does.

Being the maid of honor is truly….a big honor! Help your girl have the best wedding ever and be the one to take lots of stress off her shoulders. Have so much fun!

Raegan Buckley Photo

Getting Ready Do's and Don't's

Getting ready for your wedding can feel never-ending. Hair, nails, spray tan, facials, pedicures, and more! It can feel like there are so many things you need to do. 

First– let's make something clear. You don’t NEED to do anything! And anyone who tells you otherwise is wrong. If you don’t like spray tans, don't get a spray tan! If you don’t like facials, then girl, you don’t need a facial! Do what makes you feel beautiful. It’s YOUR wedding.

Now that that’s out of the way, let's get into our list of rules for getting ready for your wedding!

DO’s

  1. Have a hair and makeup trial

Hair and makeup artists know what they’re doing, but make sure you know what you want! Having a trial ensures you’re getting exactly what you want for your look. Something you thought you would really like could turn out completely different than you thought. Having a trial helps avoid this!

  1. Test out your spray tan a few times to find the right color for you

  2. Ask your hairstylist if you should wash your hair the night before or the morning of, or if it matters for them!

  3. Ask your makeup artist if you should come bare-faced or do your regular skincare.

  4. Eat breakfast

No if’s, and’s, or but’s. Eat. Something.

  1. Stay hydrated

Dehydration will be a party pooper. So drink your water! All day!

DON’T’s

  1. Wear a bra or socks, or anything that will leave indents

These will leave lines on your skin from the tightness of the straps. Sure, they’ll go away eventually, but you don’t want them in your getting-ready photos either!

  1. Try new skincare products

Stick to what your skin is used to. You don’t want to be broken out in hives the morning of your wedding!

  1. Finally, don’t feel like you have to do anything you don't want to do. As we’ve already said, it’s your day. Do what makes you feel most beautiful! 

Congratulations! You’re going to look fabulous.

Wedding Songs You Should Have

We’re all well aware of the first dance at weddings and many of us know the difficult process of picking out the song song. Well, we’re here today to tell you that there are actually a lot more songs you should pick out for your wedding day! Yippee! 

In all seriousness, there is no rule that states that you have to assign songs for all of these wedding day traditions, but they sure can be fun to have!

Photo by Courtney Timms Photography

Songs to have:

  1. Processional - What song is the bridal party walking down the aisle to? The families? You?

  2. Recessional - What song is everyone leaving the ceremony to?

  3. Introductions - Song for parents, bridal party, and you. These can all be different!

  4. First dance as a couple

  5. Father-Bride dance

  6. Mother-Groom dance

(Or any variation of these two!)

7. Cake cutting - Having a fun song during cake cutting because … why not!

8. Song to open up the dance floor - Know a song that would get your crew hyped? Play that to start the night off strong!

9. Private last dance - While your guests are getting ready for your big exit, a private last dance is a very sweet moment to take in the day and talk to your partner privately and get excited about being married! These hold some of the sweetest moments we see on wedding days.


If there’s something scheduled on your wedding day, then there’s an opportunity to intentionally play songs. It can always be nice to have music playing while you’re having photos taken. Getting photographed can be awkward for a lot of people, so having music playing in the background can not only set the tone for the photos, but it can also ease any awkwardness so that you get the best pictures possible! This can include your first looks, sunset photos, getting ready pictures, or bridal party photos (it can also make it even more fun). 


Music is such a great way to enhance the vibes on your wedding day. It sets the tone for how you want your day to go, eases nerves, and helps you celebrate with your new spouse. Assigning songs like this can also help give your DJ an idea of the music you want playing all day. Great DJs will send you a questionnaire that does this too!

Need help planning your wedding? Book a free call with us to see if we can help you plan your big day!

Tips for a Great Wedding Speech

Photo by Julissa Martinez

Let’s be honest. We’ve all heard a bad speech at a wedding. It's always someone who got too drunk before their speech telling a story that makes no sense!!!  Well, we’ve got a few tips for you to give the perfect speech at your friend’s or family’s upcoming wedding! 


  1. Keep it around five minutes long

The welcome speech usually takes place before dinner, so remember that the guests are going to start thinking about the amazing food they’re about to eat if the speech goes on too long. If you’re giving a toast, people are about to dance. Tell your story and talk about how much you love the couple, but don’t overdo it! 


2. Introduce yourself

Always introduce yourself to the guests. Most people will probably know who you are, but for those that don’t, they’ll want to know how you know the couple. Your story could include how you first met one of them (unless you’re a family member… in which case it is probably a given). 


3. Don’t roast the couple the whole time

A speech where you are making fun of them the whole time can get a little awkward. Sure, make a joke or two about them, but don’t spend the whole time talking about past relationships, or completely embarrassing stories, and especially don’t get sexual. Please. It's awkward for everyone. If you’re going to roast the couple, do that at the rehearsal dinner! It's a much more laid-back dinner and that is the time for roasting.


Giving a speech at a wedding may seem really daunting, but don’t overthink it! You were asked to give a speech for a reason because you’re important to the couple. You are their closest people and they want you to give a toast to them. Don’t stress and just have fun!

Photo by Julissa Martinez

3 Ways To Include Your Furry Friend in Your Wedding Day

We all love our pups, right? However, it can be hard to incorporate our furry friends on our wedding day due to venue restrictions, logistical problems, or your pet not being able to leave the house. Here are three ways to include your pets in your wedding both physically and in spirit!



  1. Do a first look with them

If your furry friend can’t attend the wedding all day, find out if you can have your dog on site for an hour or two to take pictures! Doing a first look or portraits with your dog can help to document your bond for them with your partner.

Photo by Nikki Santerre

2. Have them walk down the aisle

To preface, we are in FULL support of your including your furry friend in your wedding. However, please please please do NOT actually give your dog the rings to bring down the aisle!!! Luckily, we have never seen it. But we all know the horror stories…. Anywho, having your dog walked down the aisle is such a fun and sweet moment that your, your guests, and your dog will enjoy! 

3. Include them in your details!

If your furry friend can’t be physically present at your wedding, have a cocktail in honor of them, include them on your cake, put them on your invitations, or more!

We love seeing your pups at your wedding! It always makes the day fun. Make sure you have someone to be your dog handler that day so that no one else has to worry about what your dog is doing and there’s never a question about who needs to be watching them. Enjoy celebrating your wedding day with your furry friend!

How to Incorporate Kids in Your Wedding

Do you have a lot of kids in your family and you’re wondering how you can incorporate them into your wedding? It can be challenging to incorporate children into a wedding, as some kids can be a handful. You may have your own kids, a lot of different cousins, or nieces and nephews that you want to be in your wedding. But, there are more ways to have kids in your wedding than having them be the flower girl or ring bearer. Here are a few fun ways to incorporate kids into your wedding!

Share a dance with them

If there is a child that means a lot to you, such as your own child or your new spouse's child, consider sharing a special dance with them. This is a great way to create a really sweet memory with them that will last a lifetime.

Take special pictures with them

This one is super easy. Take pictures of all the kids and take a picture with each of them so you can have a moment with each of them separately. 

Write them a note and read it to them

Get with your photographer and plan a moment when you could read them the note or they can read it themselves. This could be a really sweet moment that could lead to some great pictures and maybe a few tears! We don’t have a picture of this one but we want to see it!!!

Have them join the cake cutting

Cut the cake with them. If they have a big sweet tooth, they would love this! You will get some cute photos and lots of laughs from everyone!

There are so many other ways to include kids in your wedding, so don’t be afraid to try something out of the “norm”! Kids are such an important part of many people’s lives, so it is fun to find different ways to make them a part of your special day!

Need help planning your wedding? Click here to chat with us!

(All the photos in this blog were from Taylor and Gordon’s wedding last summer! They had the sweetest little boy that was the life of the party!)

How to Repurpose Your Flowers at Your Wedding

So you’re planning out the flowers for your wedding, but you don’t want the ceremony flowers to only be used for an hour! There is a simple solution, repurpose them! Flowers can be super expensive, but it is so worth it! Here are some of our favorite ways to repurpose flowers.

  1. Ceremony flowers in front of the head table

Putting those big aisle runners or other ceremony flowers on the ground in front of the head table is a great way to repurpose them. It brings lots of attention to the head table and gives them a beautiful photo opportunity (as shown above).

2. Bouquets as centerpieces for tables

Oftentimes, we go around and collect bouquets from everyone after pictures are done in order to put them in vases preplaces on the tables. This works great with long farm tables!

3. Bouquets laid around the venue

If the tables don’t need flowers, or you already have flowers for that, we usually lay all the bouquets around the venue to add accents. We will put them on the bar, tables in seating areas, the cake table, or wherever else needs it!

4. Bride’s bouquet on the head table

99% of the time, we put the bride’s bouquet at the head table with her if there is not already a designated centerpiece. Some people prefer it to be laid in the middle, and some like it to be in a vase. This is totally up to personal preference, but it's a great way to reuse it and showcase it for the rest of the night (as shown below)!

Photo by Whole Heart Studios

There are so many other ways to repurpose flowers during your wedding so that you can get full use of them, but these are just some of the most common ones we see!

Need help planning your wedding? Click here to chat with us!

The Do's and Don'ts of DIYing Your Wedding

Let's be real,  weddings can get expensive! A lot of people choose to DIY parts of their wedding in order to make it more cost-effective. This can be a great thing! But, only if you’re DIYing the right things. So what should you DIY for your wedding?

DO: Invitations and details

Small things like your detail shot items, invitations, and even signage are great things to DIY! They’re small but super effective on the big day. Signs can be a great option because there are endless possibilities and most of the supplies can be found at hardware and craft stores! Invitations are great if you’re good at stationary. You can add a big personal touch to this by making it yourself, and it can help represent you and your partner’s relationship. 

DO: Favors (if they’re useful)

Favors can get pricy when you’re buying dozens of them. So making your own favors are a great option if you’re choosing to give our favors at your wedding! But, make sure they’re actually relevant and useful for your guests. DIYing can also mean you’re less quality, so make sure if you’re doing this one, that you are making it good!

DON’T: Florals (to save money)

I know, this one is kind of a bummer. A lot of people think they can easily DIY their florals for their wedding, and sure, plenty of people do. However, some people find that when they start the process of DIYing their florals, it ends up being the same price as if they used a florist! A florist is going to know how to help you get the most impact at your wedding, while still staying within budget. They’ll help you reuse and repurpose flowers so that you get the most bang for your buck!

DON’T: Anything last minute

Lastly, make sure that anything you do choose to DIY is done well ahead of time. The last thing you’re going to want to deal with the week of your wedding is making stuff for the big day, such as the pressure of baking your wedding cake. If something went wrong, you would have to scramble to fix it, and that is not something you will want to be doing right before the wedding! Make sure you DIY everything with plenty of time in case you have to change it or get more supplies. 

Overall, we want you to be able to DIY your wedding because this day is about you! But not if means you will be under immense amounts of stress. Reach out to wedding pros to help you decide what you should and shouldn’t DIY based on your skills and the time you have. And remember that whatever you bring to your wedding, you have to take home at the end of the night too! Your wedding planning should be enjoyable, and not spent with you stressing to make everything.



Need help planning or DIYing your wedding? Click here to set up a free chat with us!

How To Change Your Name After You Get Married

Photo by Out of Twig Photography

One thing many couples look forward to when they get married is sharing their last name. While more couples are starting to move away from this tradition, it is still a huge part of marriage for a lot of couples. It can also be kind of stressful to figure out how to legally change your name. There are a lot of steps! But don’t stress, because we are going to lay it out for you all in one place!


Step 1: File for your marriage certificate.

This one may seem obvious, but many couples forget this is even something they have to do until the end of their engagement. This document proves that you and your spouse are legally married. This is different than your marriage license! You get this before the wedding and it is signed by your officiant at your wedding (and JRE’s owner, Julie, is licensed to do this). 

Step 2: Get certified copies of the certificate

You’ll need these copies to give to the next few places you need to go. Always keep one official copy at home in safe keeping, and then get a couple to take with you to get everything else updated with your new name.

Step 3: Social security card

This should be your first “stop” once you have your marriage certificate. You can do this online or in person. This process is also free! You’ll just need proof of name change (the marriage certificate), proof of citizenship (driver's license, state-issued I.D., passport, etc), and your current social security card. 

Step 4: Driver’s license or I.D.

Next is your driver’s license, which you’ll need to update credit cards, investment accounts, and bank. This one takes a little more time, as you have to go to the DMV (which always takes forever…) so budget some time for this. You’ll also take a new photo! Bring your new social security card or the receipt if it hasn’t come in yet, proof of address (a bank statement, bills, etc), a copy of your marriage license (you’ll get this back), and multiple payment options in case they do not accept both card or cash. (You don’t want to show up with just your card when they only take cash or check)! 

Step 5: Passport

You can apply for this by mail, as it just counts as a passport correction. You can do this here. 

Step 6: Bank accounts

Every bank is different so reach out to your bank and see if they prefer in-person appointments or if you can do it online. All you need for this is a certified copy of your marriage certificate, your new Social Security card, and your new driver’s license or I.D. 

Step 7: Credit cards

Call the number on the back of your credit card to find out how your credit card company likes to do this. These companies have different processes, as with banks.

Step 8: Insurance

Update all your insurance information (home, auto, life, etc) so that you avoid any confusion or issues with your coverage. Many providers have different processes for doing this, but always assume they will need your marriage license and driver's license. See if you or your spouse can get on each other’s health insurance too, if that is something you are both interested in. 

Step 9: Update Payments

Update your independent payments such as student loans, mortgages, utilities, etc. 

Step 10: Work HR

Make sure they update your name at work on payroll and see what benefits they have for married employees, such as health insurance and 401(k).

Tips:

Our planner, Samantha, suggests not hyphenating your last name. Her family name was Mattox and her married name is Janiak, so she is Samantha Mattox-Janiak, and she gets a lot of confusion surrounding it. She recommends making your family name your middle name (either adding it as a second middle name or replacing it) so that you still have the family name but also the sentiment of your married name.

This list is in this order so that you don’t get turned around at certain steps. Some of these steps require the previous things to be done in order to continue, so doing it in this order will be the most efficient and least time-consuming! 

Whether you choose to change your last name after marriage is an incredibly big decision between you and your partner, but don’t let it be a big hassle! Congratulations!

Click here to chat with us!

Photo by Ray Photography

Weddings in Every Season

We’re based in Virginia, which gets a wide range of seasons. We get freezing-cold winters, scorching-hot summers, and literally everything in between. Therefore, we’ve seen a wedding in just about every type of weather imaginable. So we’re here today to tell you the pros and cons of each season!

Summer

Pros

  1. Everyone loves a nice warm summer day, so a summer wedding is a great choice for an outdoor wedding with beautiful scenery. Aside from the formalities of the wedding, the guests can choose whether they want to spend their time inside or outside during the whole day. You can do just the ceremony outside and then the rest of the day/night is indoor and outdoor, or you can do the whole day outside under a tent. 

  2. A summer wedding also means there are lots of flowers available for you to choose from! Summer can mean lots of bright and fun florals or any kind of style you love. 

Cons

  1. It can get TOO hot. Summer weather can’t completely be predicted months or a year in advance, so you can only make an estimate about the weather that day. But, this goes for literally every season or type of weather. You don’t want your guests overheating.

Fall

Pros

  1. Can be cooler. The weather in the fall can mean it's still warm, but not so hot that people are going to overheat. 

  2. Beautiful fall leaves. If you’re getting married in the mountains or near lots of trees, you can’t go wrong with a fall wedding. The tree lines will look absolutely gorgeous during this time of year. Think of all the floral options to pair with this!

Cons

  1. Vendors will be super busy during this time because it's peak season, so prices might be higher and fewer vendors will be available. Since fall is so popular, a lot of vendors may get booked out a year or more in advance, so they might not be available for your big day. Venues typically also charge more for peak season. 

Winter

Pros

  1. Snow! If you live in an area that gets lots of snow, think about how beautiful it would be to have snow in the background of all your wedding photos! However, this will also be covered in the cons section. 

  2. Think of all the winter fashion! Long sleeve wedding dresses, fur coats, shawls, and more! 

Cons

  1. Again, snow. Snow can be beautiful, but it could prevent some of your guests from getting to the wedding. If snow is a problem in your area and you want a winter wedding, keep a close eye on the weather in the weeks leading up to the wedding and make sure you have multiple backup plans for guests getting there. This way, everyone can make it for your big day!

  2. Most likely, your wedding will be inside. Not many people like to sit outside in freezing or almost freezing temperatures. But, if you want an inside wedding already, then this is probably a pro for you, not a con!

Spring

Pros

  1. Spring weather is amazing because it's beginning to get warm, so guests will want any excuse to get outside after being stuck inside for the last few months! 

  2. Bright, colorful flowers! Everywhere! If you love lots of colors and you want lots of flowers, a spring wedding would be perfect for you. You can incorporate this in not only flowers, but dresses, napkins, and decor too!

Cons

  1. Spring weather is awesome, but it also means rain. It is way more likely to rain on your wedding day if it's in the spring. However, if you make a backup plan for an indoor ceremony, this won’t be a dealbreaker. Rain is good luck on a wedding day anyways!

Every season has its pros and cons, so choose the best season for you! We are here to help you navigate the hard parts of your wedding, including the weather we can’t control (wouldn’t it be nice if we could?!?)!

Need help planning your wedding? Click here to chat with us!