Archives for September 2015

If you would like to personalize your wedding, the following tips can assist you in your goal as you plan for your special day at Paradise Cove’s outdoor wedding venues in Fort Worth.

Personalize Your Cake

Ask your baker to recreate flowers, ruffles or other favorite features of your wedding gown and/or veil on your wedding cake.

Plan an ice bar with flowers or fruit, frozen in the bar. Lay colorful LED lights near the bottom edges, for a super cool bar during an evening reception.

Personalizing Your Wedding Program

Include a who’s who on the program, explaining your relationship to each member of the wedding party. Photos from a few your travels and adventures together, or the engagement party will be enjoyed. A favorite verse or lyrics from a song the two of you enjoy will add a touch romanticism. In addition, you can have your .wedding program printed on fans, providing a dual purpose in warm outdoor wedding venues in Fort Worth.

Substitute the Bridesmaid Bouquet

Substitute the bridesmaids’ bouquets will silk fans or parasols in your wedding colors (this one will be appreciated in an overly warm wedding ceremony at outdoor wedding venues in Fort Worth. Increase ambience in an evening ceremony with the bridesmaids carrying candles or lanterns. However, its best to use battery operated mood candles to ensure no one receives a burn from hot wax.

Personalize Your Processional Music

There is no rule that says you have to play the “The Bridal March” as you walk down the aisle. Select a favorite tune appropriate for the mood.

Write Your Own Vows

Write your own vows, and listen to your heart, saying what you feel. Think of today, tomorrow and the golden years to come.

Fun Favors

Blown glass, and glass favors are super low cost at 99 cent stores. Buy them up in wedding themes, and attach a small photo of the two of you attached with glue dots. Guests will love them, and can easily remove the photo for use in their home. However, supplies may be limited for individual themes, so start stocking them up several months prior to the wedding.

Make VIPS Feel Important

Provide colorful slip covers for chairs in one of your wedding colors. You do not have to spend a fortune to cover 200 chairs. Simply cover chairs for the VIPs among your guests, and matching ribbons or flowers on the end of aisles. In addition, place name cards to reserve seating for your VIPs.

Hand out thank you cards, personalized for guests thanking them for sharing your special day.

Duo Delicious

If the two of you are at odds on the flavor of the wedding cake, choose a different flavor for each layer, that way you and your guests get to pick their favorite. Marriage is often about compromises, this is a great way to take that first step.

Use Fans

Protecting food from pests can be a full time job at outdoor wedding venues in Fort Worth. Place fans with ribbon streamers in your wedding colors to keep flying pests away and brighten the display. If it is a hot day, you can bet guests will gather there!

Remember Those less Fortunate

After the wedding is over, and guests are gone, ask a family member or friend to deliver the wedding flowers to a nursing home or hospital. The flowers will continue to provide pleasure to others for days to come.

In addition, consider donating properly refrigerated leftovers to a homeless shelter. Ask ahead if they can accept them, if not invite guests to take food home with them.

Paradise Cove offers romantic outdoor wedding venues in Fort Worth beside Lake Grapevine. Our meticulously landscaped grounds offer a stone gazebo beside the lake, the old oak tree, a stone patio surrounded by flowers, an arched path, an indoor reception area with a stone fireplace, spacious bridal suite, and much more. Contact us for additional information, to schedule a tour, or for questions regarding our outdoor wedding venues in Fort Worth. The staff of Paradise Cove would love to assist you in the goal to personalize your wedding, and developing the wedding you dream of, as you take the first steps on the journey of your lifetime.

The brilliant colors of natural fall foliage and temperate weather set the stage for great fall weddings in Paradise Cove’s outdoor wedding venues in DFW. However, for all the wonderful potential of a fall wedding, there are a few special considerations to consider when planning a fall wedding in outdoor wedding venues in DFW.

Cool Evenings

First, keep in mind that outdoor wedding venues in DFW that extend into the evening hours is likely to experience a drop in temperature. Some ideas to keep guests cozy include:

Arrange bins of inexpensive wraps, hand warmers (the disposable type hunters use), inexpensive one-size-fits all gloves, or set up heat lamps in outdoor areas where guests will relax and socialize.

The Bridal Bouquet

The bridal bouquet and flowers are often a disappointment for autumn brides. Many popular wedding blooms are not in season during the autumn, but beautiful flowers and solutions are available for autumn weddings. Dahlias, sunflowers, mums, calla lilies, columbine, peonies, and roses are popular flowers for a fall wedding. In addition, many popular wedding flowers that are out of season in the fall are available at a higher cost as hothouse grown.

Avoid Holiday Conflicts

There are many holidays during the fall, including Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Jewish holidays. Avoid planning your wedding around these holidays to prevent conflicts. On the other hand, a Thanksgiving Wedding may be opportune if all of your family, cousins, and friends gather for the holiday each year. As long as it is convenient for both families, and must-have guests, it saves out-of-town-guests from making a second trip.

Fall Wedding Cakes

Wedding Cake Flavors

Indulge in the season by selecting cakes with distinct fall flavors. Consider an applesauce, pumpkin cake or spice cake with cream cheese frosting. Sweet potato cake with maple frosting is also a fall favorite! For a lighter cake with a touch of the fall, choose a lemon cake with lemon frosting and filling, or vanilla bean/almond cake with vanilla bean buttercream frosting.

Fall Wedding Colors

Color counts when you are designing an autumn-inspired cake for your wedding in outdoor wedding venues in DFW, and you cannot go wrong with a wedding color palette of burnt orange, brown, yellow, gold, purple and red. It is also perfectly acceptable to choose simple chocolate or ivory with color matching flowers, and/or fall leaves or acorns if you do not care for a profusion of fall colors.

Fall Wedding Flowers

Your cake and bouquet can match by asking the baker to create sugar versions of your fall wedding flowers, if you want to keep it simple with just a few flowers, when placed to one side of the cake, it provides a stunning, yet simple effect.

Choose Sides

Whether your cake will match the season or be a traditional wedding cake, consider adding an autumnal side to serve with the cake. Offer baked pears or apples with ice cream, or caramel candies on each plate for fall themed outdoor wedding venues in DFW.

Autumn Wedding Favor Ideas

Send guests home with these popular autumn-inspired wedding favor ideas:

Caramel Apples

Treat your guests to a uniquely American fall indulgence, caramel apples, or candied apples. Have them packaged individually and tied off with a ribbon that matches your wedding colors.

Soy Candles

Send guests home with a touch of autumn with soy candles in shades of burnt orange, yellow, gold, or brown. They can double as place cards, or pack them into attractive boxes in your wedding colors.

Shaped Chocolates

Chocolate is always a popular favor among guests. Chocolates in the shape of maple leaves and acorns add a distinct autumn flavor. Display them in attractive boxes at each place setting or on trays near the dessert table of your outdoor wedding venues in DFW.

Mini Maple Syrup Bottles

Few things represent autumn better than maple syrup and apple cider. Give mini bottles of maple syrup and apple cider mix to your guests, or include them in thank you bags after the reception, and in welcome bags for out of town guests. Include a few cinnamon stirring sticks with the cider.

Individual Apple Tarts

Mini apple tarts and apple bran muffins are a great way to say thank you to guests who attend your wedding in outdoor wedding venues in DFW.

Fresh Candied or Butter Pecans

Warm pecans coated in brown sugar, or butter and sea salt and lightly roasted will wow your guests and leave them satisfied. Have your caterer arrange to give out the snacks toward the end of the evening.

Apple Butter

Whether homemade or purchased, apple butter is a favorite fall favor, and tastes great too. Package the sweet spread into mini jars; cover each jar lid with fabric to match your wedding day colors; and tie them off with a thin piece of raffia or ribbon, and a small thank-you note. Your guests will love you for it!

Our knowledgeable staff specializes in providing personalized luxury weddings, and wedding receptions in Paradise Cove’s outdoor wedding venues in DFW. Contact us to schedule a tour, to book your waterfront wedding, or for questions regarding our venue. We will provide a tour and discuss our various options and features with you. When planning fall weddings contact us today fo book yours in luxurious Paradise Cove.

Overlooking Lake Grapevine, Paradise Cove offers landscaped grounds, enchanting gardens, and stately elegance to complement your romantic wedding ceremony in our outdoor wedding venues in Dallas.

Our goal is to provide the wedding experience you dream of, and memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you exchange vows in the shelter of our elegant stone gazebo, beneath the expansive branches of the old oak tree, or other of our location options, Paradise Cove has a special place to speak to your heart.

One our professional coordinators will assist with the wedding arrangements, leaving you free to focus on your special day. Our expert wedding specialists will work with you throughout the experience to coordinate all of the details, services, and the selected menus. Our friendly staff will provide your ceremony with the magic you desire, in our outdoor wedding venues in Dallas .

In addition, Paradise Cove offers catering, and a variety of menus. Furthermore, our indoor dinner reception area offers a cozy, ambient setting before the stone fireplace. You may prefer outdoor dining on either of our elegant patios surrounded by nature. Our catering options at Paradise Cove are certain to provide a warm memory for you and your guests.

With gorgeous, lakeside sunsets, Paradise Cove is the ideal setting for romance. With the special touches our staff provides, and a practiced attention to detail, our dedicated staff will customize your wedding to match your personal and unique style.

Whether your guest list is large, or simply an intimate gathering, the services, and planning are all exceptional at Paradise Cove. Exchanging your wedding vows beneath our stone gazebo on the scenic shore of Lake Grapevine is a popular option. However, if you prefer an indoor setting, our stone fireplace offers a cozy setting, and Paradise Cove offers additional locations for a romantic wedding ceremony. For additional information, contact our wedding professionals at Paradise Cove’s outdoor wedding venues in Dallas.

A number of couples have begun their life together on our scenic lakeside terrace, in the stone gazebo, under the oak tree, on either of our two patios, or inside our cozy reception area featuring a stone fireplace and backlit by the soft, romantic glow of candles. With Lake Grapevine in the background, imagine the romance of a moonlight wedding.

In addition, you need not be concerned for out of town guests. They can find ample activities while in the area. Our outdoor wedding venues in Dallas are just a quick drive from the city center, the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. Guests will find ample recreational activities such as golf, boating, camping, fishing, marinas, parks, nature walks, equestrian trails, and others.

Paradise Cove provides personalized luxury outdoor wedding venues in Dallas. Contact us for additional information, to schedule a personal tour, to book the perfect wedding, or for questions regarding our outdoor weddings. We anticipate hearing from you, as you take the first steps in a new life together in the timeless romantic wedding ceremony of love and marriage.

While Paradise Cove’s professional staff takes care of the details for our outdoor wedding venues in Dallas, utilizing a travel agent can provide the same convenience for the honeymoon. When it comes to planning your honeymoon, there are advantages of working with a travel agent. Travel agents offer travel experience, have insider discounts, offer package deals, itinerary options, and offer air, car and hotel reservations. If problems occur, they will be your advocate. Furthermore, while you are busy preparing for your outdoor wedding venues in Dallas, a travel agent will handle the details of the honeymoon.

Before beginning the search for a honeymoon travel agent, decide the type of trip the two of you are interested in, and the budget. The more specific you can be with the preferred honeymoon destination and activities, the better an agent will be able to serve you.

Good agents will be courteous and patient, ask questions, will be honest of the disadvantages, and have a genuine desire for clients’ feedback. He/she will present multiple options based on the information provided and your budget.

Agent Memberships

Search for an agent with membership in good standing with The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). Agents pay a membership fee and ASTA investigates complaints, and revokes memberships when warranted. Visit the ASTA website to find an agency member in your location.

Other desirable agent certifications include:

CTC (Certified Travel Counselor) certification indicates they have completed an 18-month course, and have been in business for at least five years.

DS (Destination Specialist) credentials are for Africa, the Caribbean, China, Hawaii, Latin America, North America, the Pacific Rim, Western Europe, and special interest travel. DS credentials indicate the agent has visited the location for which they hold certification.

An agent who has visited the destination, provides valuable insight, and advice. Furthermore, they may have insider connections to book difficult-to-get-reservations and other perks for an extra special honeymoon, following your wedding in Paradise Cove’s outdoor wedding venues in Dallas.

Stick to Your Budget

Set a honeymoon budget and stick with it. A reputable agent recognizes it is to their advantage to provide outstanding service. It is also advisable to check reviews from prior clients. In addition, do not allow consultation fees to be upsetting. There are clients who consult a travel agent to obtain itineraries and book the trip themselves, leaving the agent with nothing for their time. Agents may waive the fees once you have booked the trip and purchased the tickets. However, an outstanding agent is well worth the extra cost!

Set Priorities

If the planned activities in the destination are of greater importance than a luxurious honeymoon suite, tell your agent who will book an enjoyable trip. In addition, if you are a member of a travel club, airline, hotel, car rental or other programs let the agent know as they may have an alliance with them, and you may be able to cash in on programs.

Travel Agents Specialize in Travel

Travel agents have access to special rates and discounts that are not available in online deals. When you book your outdoor wedding venues in Dallas, remember that you will need to contact an agent at least six months in advance of the honeymoon.

Know the Details

Feel free to ask your agent questions, such as airport connections, currency conversion, passports, and if there are government issued travel advisories or warnings for the destination. Ensure you obtain a phone number for the agent in the event of after-hours emergencies. If you have booked a luxurious room, and given a budget room, the agent can straighten it out.

Our knowledgeable staff specializes in providing personalized luxury weddings, and indoor or outdoor wedding receptions in Paradise Cove’s outdoor wedding venues in Dallas. Contact us to schedule a tour, and to learn how Paradise Cove’s outdoor wedding venues in Dallas can provide the perfect wedding. We hope our tips for planning your honeymoon were helpful, and anticipate meeting you.

Couples have many reasons for renewing wedding vows. You may be nearing your 10th, 25th, or 50th wedding anniversary. Perhaps the original wedding was less than ideal, or you may have made it through a rough time in your relationship. You may want the world to know you are committed to each other, or perhaps you want to keep the ceremony small with close family and friends. There is no wrong reason to renew your commitment to each other. Paradise Cove offers luxurious outdoor wedding venues in Dallas for couples young and old. We are committed to those just starting a life together, and those who want to renew their lifelong commitment to each other.

Because you are already married, some things are different. For example, you do not need a marriage license or a clergyman. You can simply state your vows, or a relative can read your vows. However, you can have the ceremony you desire, large or small in Paradise Cove’s outdoor wedding venues in Dallas.

There are few rules during the renewal ceremony for your outdoor wedding venues in Dallas.

Formal Invitations

The invitation is similar to a general wedding invitation, with the exception of there being no host at the top of the invitation. Mail the invitations at least two months prior to the ceremony. It should simply state the following for example:

Mr. and Mrs. John Doe (or Jane and Jon Doe) request the honor of your presence at the renewal (or reaffirmation) of the wedding vows…

However, if the children or grandchildren of the couple issue the invitation it could read, for example:

The children of Mr. and Mrs. John Doe (or Jane and John Doe) request the honor of your presence at the reaffirmation (or renewal) of the wedding vows of their parents…

Dress for a Wedding

If the bride is comfortable wearing the original wedding dress, wear it but omit the veil. A hat or even flowers in the hair can substitute for the veil. It is also perfectly acceptable to dress up in a formal evening gown, or a favorite cocktail dress. Perhaps the event is more of a garden party styled function than formal. Dress according to the style, and formality of the ceremony.

If the bride wears her original dress, the groom can wear the original tuxedo if it fits, or the military uniform. The groom can also wear a new suit for the celebration.

Attendants

Attendants are not necessary for a vow renewal, though it is acceptable to invite the original wedding party. A wedding party’s official position is as witnesses, and since you are already married, witnesses are not a requirement. They do not have to dress up, but it is acceptable if they do. A number of couples prefer to involve their children and grandchildren in the ceremony.

The Bridal Escort

The bride should not walk down the aisle alone. The couple may walk together, or a son or grandson can escort you.

The Ceremony

You can repeat the original vows, or write entirely new ones. New vows are common, where the two of you reveal what you mean to each other. Do not mention the hardships you have overcome, and do state what you mean to each other, and the future ahead. You will then exchange rings, and these can be the original rings, or new ones commemorating your renewal in our outdoor wedding venues in Dallas.

The Reception

A reception is part of the renewal ceremony, and can be formal or informal. Dancing and the wedding cake, delicious food, all of the benefits of a first time wedding are appropriate for the renewal reception. After all, a celebration is not complete without food in our beautiful setting by Lake Grapevine at our outdoor wedding venues in Dallas.

Photography

Definitely hire a photographer for your renewal vows, it will provide memories for you and your family for decades to come. Paradise Cove’s outdoor wedding venues in Dallas offer a number of lovely sites for stunning photography.

The Wedding Registry

A wedding registry is not appropriate for a vow renewal. If guests insist, request they donate to your favorite charity. Showers and gifts are for helping young couples just starting out to establish a household, and not for an established couple to upgrade furnishings.

However, if it is an official anniversary, such as your 25^th or 50^th wedding anniversary, you may register for gifts appropriate for an anniversary, and not a wedding.

Hosting a Vow Renewal

It is common practice to host your own ceremony and reception. Adult children and grandchildren can assist with the costs if they insist, otherwise etiquette demands you pay the costs yourself.

Select a Venue

Planning should begin 6 months to a year ahead of time. Once size and budget is decided, select the venue and book it. When you choose Paradise Cove for your outdoor wedding venues in Dallas, we can provide you with a professional wedding planner to assist you in the details for your vow renewal ceremony.

Paradise Cove’s wedding professionals can assist you with a ceremony for renewing wedding vows, and a dinner reception afterwards. Contact us for further details, or a tour of our facility. We offer a number of beautiful sites for the renewal of your wedding vows in our outdoor wedding venues in Dallas. Schedule a tour to view our facility, and to learn more about what we offer.