Wedding Wisdom
Top Exclusive Wedding Venues for Your Perfect Day
Mackenzie Witt
When it comes to tying the knot in style, some couples dream of saying "I do" in the most exclusive, breathtaking, and unique venues in the world. From castles perched on hills to private islands surrounded by turquoise waters, these venues offer more than just a ceremony—they provide an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. Here are the top 10 Exclusive Wedding Venues Around the World that promise to make your wedding day a true fairytale.
1. The Palácio da Pena – Sintra, Portugal
Why It's Exclusive: Set in the mystical hills of Sintra, the Palácio da Pena is a 19th-century Romanticist palace that offers an atmosphere of royal grandeur and old-world charm. With its vibrant colors, lush gardens, and panoramic views, it’s an idyllic setting for a luxury wedding.
Highlights:
- Stunning architectural beauty with sweeping views of the town and surrounding mountains.
- Access to the lush parkland for an enchanting outdoor ceremony.
- A truly regal atmosphere perfect for couples...
Proper Etiquette: Addressing Wedding Invitations with Elegance and Grace
Angela Menlove
Sending out your wedding invitation is a pivotal point in the planning process. We typically recommend sending them out 12-8 weeks prior to the wedding. The exact timing is mainly dependent on the deadline for final guest counts for various vendors you have booked (catering, rentals, remaining stationary needs, etc.). You’ll want to give yourself time to track down lingering RSVP's from guests and work through table assignments.
Addressing wedding invitations is an important task that should be done thoughtfully and in line with etiquette. A formal wedding invitation usually includes an outer envelope with a more personalized inner envelope. Is this completely necessary? No. However, it is always better to err on the formal side instead of informal. If you choose to forego an inner envelope, simply focus on properly addressing the outer envelope. Here is a guide on how to properly address the envelopes:
1. Addressing the Outer Envelope
The outer envelope is the more formal one, and it's important to be proper and respectful when addressing...
moreA New Year, A New Chapter in Love
As we ring in the new year, we reflect on the magic of love, the beauty of union, and the joy of new beginnings. For couples embarking on their journey of marriage, the start of a new year offers a fresh chapter full of endless possibilities and exciting adventures together. Whether you're planning your wedding, celebrating your first year as newlyweds, or continuing to build a life filled with love, we wish you a year of laughter, growth, and cherished memories.
May this year be filled with love that only deepens with time, moments of joy that fill your hearts, and a bond that strengthens with every passing day. Here’s to new beginnings, new memories, and a beautiful love story that only grows more incredible with each passing year.
Happy New Year to all the couples celebrating love!
moreHave a Merry Christmas!
Dear Brides, Grooms, and Wedding Lovers,
As we reflect on this magical year, we are filled with gratitude for the love, joy, and inspiration we've shared with you all. It’s been a year of breathtaking weddings, unforgettable moments, and heartwarming stories, and we’re so thankful to be part of your journey.
This Christmas, we wish you a season filled with love, laughter, and the warmth of those you hold dear. Whether you're planning your big day or already celebrating your happily ever after, may this festive season bring you peace, happiness, and cherished memories to last a lifetime.
Here’s to a new year full of exciting wedding trends, beautiful celebrations, and of course, love! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us at Hoopes Events.
With love and joy,
The Hoopes Events Team
Tonya, Mackenzie, Angela, Kenzie and Lori
more"Uncovering the Best-Kept Secrets: A Yucatan Honeymoon Guide"
Mackenzie Witt
With its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and world-class resorts, Yucatán is a dream destination for couples seeking both adventure and relaxation on their honeymoon. Whether you’re lounging on the beach, exploring the region’s rich cultural history, or indulging in world-class dining, Yucatán offers everything you need for the ultimate honeymoon experience.
Here’s your guide to planning a luxurious, unforgettable honeymoon in Yucatán, Mexico, with Yucatan honeymoon tips and tricks to make it a dream come true.
1. Choose the Right Resort for Ultimate Relaxation
When it comes to luxury in the Yucatán, you’ll have a hard time choosing between some of the finest resorts in Mexico. Many of these properties offer all-inclusive packages, private villas, and exclusive services to make your stay as indulgent as possible.
Chichen Itza and Cenote Adventures: For those seeking a combination of history, culture, and relaxation, check out Chable Resort & Spa located near the iconic ruins of Chichen Itza. This serene resort...
The Proper Etiquette for Tipping Wedding Vendors
Tonya Hoopes
Tipping wedding vendors is a common practice to show appreciation for their hard work and to reward excellent service that made your wedding day perfect. The amount you tip depends on the type of vendor, the level of service provided, and your budget. Here's a guide on how to approach tipping different wedding vendors:
1. Catering & Food Service Staff
Who to Tip: Catering staff, servers, and bartenders.
Amount: Typically, 15-20% of the catering bill, or $2-4 per guest. If the tip is included in the contract, no additional tip is necessary, but if it's not, this range is standard. It can be given directly to the catering manager or the staff, depending on the contract.
2. Wedding Planner/Coordinator
Who to Tip: Your day-of coordinator or full-service wedding planner.
Amount: 10-20% of the planner's fee. This can range from $100-$500 or more...
Celebrating Marriage: A Joyful Reflection
Mackenzie Adams
Weddings are monumental moments in our lives — moments of joy, love, and celebration. In the whirlwind of planning, the stress of deadlines, and the excitement of the big day, it's easy to get caught up in the details. But amid the décor, the dresses, and the champagne toasts, there’s so much to be thankful for, and expressing gratitude can deepen the joy of the celebration.
As we celebrate the union of two souls, we should take a moment to reflect on the blessings that make this day so special, including our gratitude for marriage, and the things we should truly appreciate — not just as we walk down the aisle, but every step of the way.
1. The Love That Brought You Here - At the heart of every wedding is love. The kind of love that makes everything else seem insignificant. Whether you met in college, through mutual friends, or serendipitously at a coffee shop, your love story is the foundation of your wedding day.
Take a moment to appreciate the deep connection you share with your partner — the laughter, the challenges you’ve overcome together, the quiet...
moreWhat We Appreciate on Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving is a time for reflection, connection, and gratitude. Here are some things many people appreciate during this special holiday:
Family and Friends: Being surrounded by loved ones is often the top thing people are thankful for. Thanksgiving provides an opportunity to reconnect and enjoy each other's company, whether near or far.
Good Food: The Thanksgiving feast is a major highlight. People are thankful for delicious dishes like turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pies, as well as the opportunity to share them with others.
Health: Many people take a moment to reflect on their health and well-being, feeling thankful for being physically strong, mentally sound, or recovering from illness.
Home: Having a place to call home, especially when it’s a cozy, warm place filled with loved ones, is a top reason for gratitude.
Time to Rest: Thanksgiving often provides a much-needed break from the stresses of daily life, allowing for relaxation and...
Something Borrowed: A Look at Wedding Traditions
Weddings are deeply symbolic events, shaped by a rich history of cultural, religious, and familial customs. From the attire to the ceremony and the celebrations that follow, every aspect of a wedding carries its own meaning and significance. Wedding traditions vary widely around the world, but many share common themes of love, commitment, and the celebration of a new life together. Here’s a little refresher as to the meaning behind some of the traditions we practice, as well as, different traditions from other cultures.
1. The Bridal Attire
White Wedding Dress: The tradition of wearing a white wedding dress was popularized by Queen Victoria of England when she married Prince Albert in 1840. Since then, white (or ivory) has come to symbolize purity and innocence. However, today, brides may choose to wear any color that suits their personality, including red, blue, or even black, depending on cultural or personal preferences.
Veil: The bridal veil is another tradition that dates back centuries. In ancient times, it was believed that...
Luxury Wedding Catering
Luxury Wedding Catering is an elevated and exclusive service designed to create an unforgettable dining experience for couples and their guests. It's all about exquisite food, impeccable service, and attention to detail to make the event feel extraordinary. Here's an overview of what makes luxury wedding catering stand out:
1. Custom Menu Creation - Luxury wedding caterers often work with couples to design a personalized menu that reflects their tastes, preferences, and even cultural or family traditions. This can include:
Gourmet appetizers: Think caviar, foie gras, or truffle-infused dishes.
Main courses: High-end options like wagyu beef, lobster tail, or delicately prepared vegetarian or vegan dishes using premium ingredients.
Themed stations: Sushi bars, raw seafood stations, or interactive food stations like live cooking or carving stations.
Desserts: Decadent desserts such as custom-designed wedding cakes, gourmet pastries, or chocolate fountains.
2. Exquisite Presentation - The way the food is...
moreUnforgettable Impressions: Designing the Ideal Wedding Ceremony Backdrop
Mackenzie Adams
Is creating your own arch or backdrop for your wedding worth it? Sometimes yes, and sometimes no.
For one of our recent couple’s it was an astounding yes! The couple loved skiing together and so much of their time was spent in the mountains that they wanted to incorporate that into their ceremony. They decided to use a pair of vintage snow skis that are currently used as decor in their home as part of the backdrop for their ceremony. As their planner I had the opportunity to figure out the best way to make that happen.
I first went to google and pinterest to find some photos of what I was picturing in my head but the exact look we were going for didn’t exist. I looked both for inspiration photos and then ski structures to try to see if I could buy something pre-made. After a good amount of searching I knew we needed to do something custom to create the exact look the bride and groom were looking for.
After having them send over the dimensions of the skis they wanted to use, I got to work to create a structure that would hold the skis at an angle above the...
moreMicro Weddings: Pros and Cons
Mackenzie Adams
Micro weddings are in right now and we are obsessed. They take away the stress of a large wedding with lots of guests and can be the perfect solution if wavering between eloping and a traditional wedding. A micro wedding has a guest count of about 30 people, some more and some fewer than that.
There are so many pros and cons to consider when deciding your guest count and wedding vibe. Here are a few things to consider:
Pros:
Increased Intimacy - With fewer guests the bride and groom have increased time to spend talking and laughing with their absolute favorite people in the entire world. There aren’t as many guests to cater to and it can add to a more personal atmosphere. Everyone gets several moments with the couple and it truly turns the attention to them.
Cost-effective - smaller weddings = more savings! Now you can spend the money you saved, by not having an increased guest count, on other areas of your day that may be more important to you.
Flexibility - Increased flexibility...
Wedding Trends to Watch for in 2025
Mackenzie Adams
Planning season is here for 2025 celebrations! We are so excited to work on some masterful events next season and want to share trends we’re seeing as we head into the season.
Bold colors and patterns: we’re seeing more and more bold colors and jewel tones and less and less pastel or monochrome color palettes. Instead of having simple linens, people are leaning towards fun patterns and matching them with all kinds of colors and other patterns.
Interactive Guest Experiences: either through food stations or unique vendors, people are moving beyond a basic photobooth or buffet and are finding creative ways to engage their guests to create a wedding experience guests won’t forget whether through unique food stations, temporary tattoo vendors or something else unique!
Destination Micro-Weddings: Unique villas and destinations are in for a small group of guests. Couples are opting for a vacation with their favorite people with a ceremony that reflects their priorities and we are here for it!
Non-traditional wedding attire:...
What is the difference between coordination and planning assistance?
Angela Menlove
When you reach out to potential event planners, you may not initially know what level of assistance you are in need of. Many event planners offer both coordination and planning services so it is important to understand the difference between the two so you can determine the level of assistance that best suits your needs and budget.
The terms "coordination" and "planning assistance" are often used interchangeably in the context of wedding and event planning, but they refer to distinct roles with different responsibilities.
Planning Assistance:
Planning assistance typically involves helping the couple with various aspects of the wedding planning process from start to finish. These aspects may include guidance on budgeting, venue research, vendor selection, creating overall wedding design and theme, coordinating appointments with vendors, creating a timeline, managing stationary and RSVP’s… the list goes on and on.
Planning assistants often work closely with the couple to understand their vision and preferences, offering...
3 Things to Consider When Researching Venues
Angela Menlove
Finding the perfect wedding venues is an important step in planning your big day. A venue can set the stage for the entire event and is one of the larger budget items as well. Here are three important factors to consider during your search:
Capacity and Layout: Before visiting potential wedding venues, consider the number of guests you expect to invite. Look for venues that can comfortably accommodate your guest count. Consider the layout of the venue, including indoor and outdoor spaces, ceremony and reception areas, rental timeframes, dance floors, and amenities such as restrooms and dressing rooms. Ensure that the venue's layout aligns with your vision for the flow of your wedding day events. Ask them about exclusivity on the day of your event. Will you be the only wedding taking place that day or do they hold multiple events per day?
Services and Amenities: Inquire about the services and amenities offered by each wedding venue to determine if they meet your needs and preferences. Ask about packages and pricing options, catering...
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