Greetings from Moonlight Planning!

Welcome to the July edition of our newsletter! As the days grow longer and the warmth of summer embraces us, we’re excited to bring you fresh ideas, tips, and inspiration for planning your dream wedding. Whether you’re a future bride, groom, or just a wedding enthusiast, we’ve got something special for you this month.

Top July Wedding Planning Tips

With the warmer months here to stay, keeping cool is essential for late summer and early fall events, especially those held outdoors. Here are our top 5 budget-friendly ways to keep yourself and your guests cool.

1. Hydration Stations
   Set up stylish hydration stations with a variety of refreshing drinks to keep guests hydrated. Offer options like infused water with fruits and herbs, iced tea, lemonade, and electrolyte drinks. If you are having a bartended ask if this is a package they offer as another option for guests or you can easily set this up on your own!
   2. Shade and Shelter
   Provide plenty of shaded areas where guests can escape the sun. Rent tents, canopies, or large umbrellas to create cool spots around the venue. For an extra touch of elegance, drape fabric over pergolas or use natural elements like trees to create shaded lounging areas with comfortable seating.
   3. Cooling Accessories
   Distribute cooling accessories to your guests to help them stay comfortable throughout the event. Hand out fans, parasols, and cooling towels as they arrive. You can personalize these items with your wedding colors and themes for a coordinated look.
   4. Ice Cream and Popsicle Stations
   Ice Cream for Cocktail hour? Depending on the time of your ceremony and Ice Cream or Popsicle hour maybe a cute edition while also keeping guests cool. Skipping the traditional cocktail hour food can also add a fun twist to your wedding and make it feel more like you and your partner.
   5. Evening Ceremony and Reception
   Consider scheduling your ceremony and reception during the cooler parts of the day. Late afternoon or early evening weddings can avoid the peak heat, offering a more comfortable temperature for guests. A later Ceremony time also gives you time to do sunset photos without having to add extra time to your photography package.
   

Trending Wedding Ideas

• Minimalist Decor: Less is more with minimalist decor, focusing on clean lines, neutral colors, and elegant simplicity.
• Interactive Guest Books: Create a unique guest book experience with interactive elements like Polaroid photo stations or message-in-a-bottle notes.
• Grazing Tables: Elevate your catering with beautifully arranged grazing tables featuring an array of cheeses, fruits, charcuterie, and more.
• Alternative Toss: Don’t want to do a bouquet toss but still want to include a fun activity? Try an alternative toss! Buy a stuffed animal or a toy to toss instead. For example, “the person who catches the stuffed plant is the next to buy a plant!” Choose something personal to you for a fun twist on a traditional reception activity that many couples are now skipping.

Expert Advice from Our Lead Planner, Mallorie

Q: What’s your favorite wedding trend right now? A: I love the trend of couples doing what they want for their wedding. I am seeing a lot of couples take a step back from tradition and find what works for them and their families. It’s amazing to see couples talking together to plan the day they both dream of instead of what they should be doing through social or family pressures.

Q: How do we choose our wedding vendors?  A: Research and reviews are great ways to find an amazing vendor; however, there are a few other key things to look for too. If they have an invoicing system, that is a great sign. It’s also beneficial if they are fairly active on an online platform, be it social media or a website. Additionally, they should be willing to do video calls, phone calls, or even in-person meetings to consult before signing a contract or committing to your event. All of these factors will ensure you are getting a legitimate vendor that will provide the service you are paying for. The most important part of bringing a vendor in is making sure they have a contract. Be sure to read the contract thoroughly to ensure it benefits both parties.Connect with Us

Follow us on social media for more inspiration, wedding planning tips, and behind-the-scenes looks at our events!

• Instagram: @moonlightplanning
• Facebook: Moonlight Planning

Thank you for being a part of the Moonlight Planning family. We are here to help you create the wedding of your dreams!

With love,

Moonlight Planning Team

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For any questions or planning assistance, feel free to contact us at moonlightplanningevents@gmail.com or call (513)-410-5374.