We had made a plan and it was in motion! I had lived at the lake house for 26 summers; I knew what to look for. Right? It’s amazing when you know what you should look for, but totally forget when you are the one in the driver’s seat planning everything!
Before I could make any detail a definite I needed to invite the experts to check out my location. I invited Dan (our new GM) and Eric to come check out one of my favorite spots in the world. Little did they know that I had already planned which tent I wanted, where I wanted it to go, and how everything would be set up. It was easy, I told myself…I am in the ‘biz!’
We walked down the hill and I pointed out a large rock that Casey said we could move and a concrete fireplace pad that can be taken care of…and then I heard those fateful words. “Crystal, do you see anything else that could be an issue?” Ummm, I’m sorry, what did you say?! I was hoping it was a trick question. Then I looked up. The electrical, cable, and telephone wires were directly above us, right where I had wanted to put the tent. I was determined not to let this stop me. I said, “No problem, I’ll bury them!” I mean the best part about having an event at your family member’s home is that any upgrades can be enjoyed after your big day. It couldn’t be that bad. My man can fix anything!
Now What?!
He sure can fix anything, but once I found out the cost, I knew we couldn’t do it. A ballpark quote for the work was $4,000 to $6,000. What?! To have the same amenities we had before, but underground?! No thank you. I remembered that during our visit, Eric and Dan had mentioned using a smaller tent that could fit under the wire and connect two larger tents. After the few nights it took me to get over the change in vision, I created a layout for myself. I had made hundreds for clients. After tweaking it countless ways, I got some input from Eric and Dan, and I finally came up with an option I love. The whole thing completely reminded me why I love what I do and how my company can help people create one of the most important days in their lives.
Now I think of the brides who call or e-mail with many little tweaks before their events. I was happy to help before, but honestly, I now have a whole new appreciation. It is probably worse for me because I do this sort of thing every day, so I constantly come up with new and different options. The hardest thing I am learning about wedding planning is this: As soon as you think you have something figured out, a new option pops up!
How We Made it Work
My layout consists of two sail cloth tents; one 32’ x 70’ and one 44’ round tent with a marquis as a connector. Talk about working backwards! Now I need to look at how many people we can fit, and then decide on a guest list. Our ceremony site will be on the dock, which Casey will reconfigure into a rectangular pad off the beach. Family will sit in chairs on the beach and rest of the guests will stand on the patio.
No one likes to think about a rain plan, but at this point I think if there’s bad weather, we will get married under the tent on the dance floor and guests can sit at their seats. As long as I have a plan for rain, my goal is to only think thoughts of sunshine until the big day! Everyone asks if I have looked at the Farmer’s Almanac, but at this point I just laugh and remind them that the Almanac said we were supposed to have a warm and mild winter! I’ll stick with my sunshine thoughts! Oh, and I might bury some bourbon – have you heard of this Southern folklore?
Bourbon and Weather?
It is inconclusive as to where this tradition started, but Southern folklore says that if you completely bury a full bottle of bourbon upside down, exactly one month before your wedding date then it will keep the rain away! Are you a believer? What did you or would you do to ensure the perfect weather for your big day?!
One Final Tip
Go for it! Do you best to plan your perfect day, but work with vendors who have experience! If you get stumped it is ok to ask their advice. They do this a lot more than we do. Most times vendors will not give their advice because it is your day. Just ask and they are more than happy to help!
