Wedding Trends We Are Loving This Year

Explore The Top Wedding Trends of 2024

Gone are the days of cookie-cutter wedding ceremonies. Modern wedding planning has introduced many creative ways to personalize the look and feel of your big day. To inspire your upcoming wedding, La Princesa in Phoenix, AZ, is here to share the top wedding trends of 2024.

Incorporating the Latest Wedding Trends Into Your Big Day

With the finale of 2024 on the horizon, now is the best time to start planning the details of your wedding ceremony and reception. Wedding trends are ever-changing. However, understanding this year’s crowd-pleasers can inspire you to incorporate new ideas into your upcoming wedding, making sure that your wedding is modern and stylish.

Aesthetic Dress Codes

Color-specific and cohesive wedding party attire is not a new concept. However, aesthetic dress codes are now replacing this approach. A top trend in 2024 weddings, aesthetic dress codes consist of looser formal wear outlines such as mix-and-match bridesmaid dresses and less specific color requirements, fostering a more authentic and candid feel.

Farm-to-Table & Wellness Elements

In the era of sustainability and wellness, it’s no surprise that fruits and vegetables have taken center stage in the wedding trends of 2024. Stepping away from traditional flower assortments and table décor, many brides opted for a farm-to-table aesthetic, using local produce and seasonal greens as centerpieces, and offering guests refreshing wellness cocktails and mixers.

Branded Welding Pieces

Sticking with the theme of sustainability, branded welding pieces were a booming trend this season. Cutting back on paper waste and doubling as a cherished keepsake, these custom crests and monograms can take on many roles, including:

• Save-the-date cards
• Invitations
• Seating charts
• Venue signage
• Photobooths

Outfit Changes

Historically, multiple wedding-day outfits were not part of the plans. However, this growing wedding trend of 2024 has changed this. Whether it’s to demonstrate their cultural heritage or showcase statements of self-expression, many couples have shifted to multiple outfit changes.

Disposable Film Cameras for Candid Pictures

Staged photographs were overshadowed by an old-time favorite this year. Among the most common wedding trends of 2024 was the return of disposable film cameras. These retro-inspired additions allow guests to capture candid shots that display the essence of the ceremony in its most authentic form.

Wedding Theme Customization

The “White Wedding” is no longer the standard. If we’ve learned anything from the wedding trends of 2024, it’s that themed receptions are the move. Custom wedding themes involve strategically decking out the venue with decorative elements that work in unison to reveal a cohesive theme.

Customizing Wedding Venues

This year welcomed the dawn of customizing wedding venues. Rather than settle for the impersonal air of conventional venues, make a statement with a venue that awards you a creative canvas to make your own, such as La Princesa. These scenic settings can host both the vows and reception or be paired with traditional church ceremonies.

Late-Night Bites

Most guests find themselves hungry by the end of evening wedding receptions. According to modern wedding trends, fast-food drive-throughs are no longer the only option after dancing the night away. In recent years, late-night bites and snack buffets have emerged as a crowd-pleasing addition, giving your guests the energy boost they need to carry on the party.

Plan Your Dream Ceremony With Our Wedding Trends Experts

You deserve the wedding of your dreams, and La Princesa is here to make it happen. Discover how you can pull off the best wedding trends of 2024 by partnering with our wedding planners at our exceptional venue in Phoenix, AZ. Contact us today or make an appointment to get started.

Bachelorette Party Activities For The Bride

Bachelorette Party Ideas the Bride-To-Be Will Love

Your last days before taking on your new role as a married woman deserve a celebration. That’s why La Princesa is here to help you plan the ultimate bachelorette experience. Discover our collection of exciting bachelorette party activities for brides in Phoenix, AZ.

Your Guide to an Unforgettable Girls’ Night

Whether you’re planning your own bachelorette party or you’re hosting for a loved one, La Princesa is here to guide you toward curating an unforgettable girls’ night. Catering to brides of all ages and backgrounds, our selection of party venue activities eliminates the guesswork of pulling off an engaging and action-packed event.

Bachelorette House Party

Bachelorette party activities do not have to be costly or time-consuming to plan. Bachelorette house parties have emerged as a laid-back yet fun-filled way to celebrate the bride-to-be. To make the most of the evening, pick a theme, make a list of wedding-related games, grab the karaoke machine, and get together with your best girlfriends.

Bachelorette Cruise Party

Despite our dry climate, Arizona is home to many stunning lakes. Better yet, we have immediate access to boat rentals and marinas. To put a creative twist on your bachelorette plans, plan a day or night-time cruise complete with bride-to-be décor, delicious food, a fully-stocked bar, and your close-knit group of friends.

Organize a Dance Party

If the bride-to-be is also the life of the party, send her dancing into the next season of life. Spending the night dancing is among our favorite bachelorette party activities. Hosting a dance party may include a night out at the clubs or planning a private dance class with an instructor.

Winery/Brewery Tour

A winery tour is an excellent bachelorette party activity for the chic bride in your life. Classy and elegant, wineries set the tone for an afternoon of laughs, memories, and, of course, scenic photo opportunities. However, if the bride-to-be is more of a beer girl, you can swap out the winery for a day of brewery hopping.

Daytime Bachelorette Party Activities

No two brides have the same lifestyle habits. Fortunately, bachelorette party activities don’t necessarily mean you have to have a wild night out on the town. La Princesa has compiled a selection of relaxing daytime activities for the more laid-back and understated brides-to-be.

Host a Scenic Picnic  

First, photo ops are a major element of any good bachelorette party. This makes hosting a scenic picnic the perfect way to celebrate a bride-to-be. Choose from one of Arizona’s many breathtaking natural landscapes, work with a caterer, or plan a pot-luck-style get-together surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors.

Pamper Yourself With a Bridal Party Spa Day 

To say that wedding planning is hectic would be an understatement. To allow the bride to relax and recharge before her big day, pamper her with a bridal party spa day. This may involve reserving appointments at a nearby spa or scheduling a mobile masseuse and/or aesthetician for an at-home self-care day.

Plan a Staycation

Tap into girlhood with the ultimate sleepover party to celebrate you or your loved ones last days of being an unmarried woman. Plan ahead to ensure all members of the bridal party have the same days off, rent a hotel or Airbnb, and get together with the girls for a weekend staycation.

Experience Wedding Planning Bliss With La Princesa

Satisfy every detail of your dream wedding with La Princesa. As one of Phoenix, AZ’s premier wedding venues, our celebration specialists are here to help you achieve a blissful wedding planning experience. To secure a full-service wedding planning experience, contact us today.

How To Plan Your Short-Term Wedding

Your Guide to Short-Term Wedding Planning

Wedding planning can be overwhelming. This is especially true for those navigating less-than-ideal wedding timelines. Although wedding planning on short notice can be extra challenging, La Princesa is here to set you up for wedding-day bliss with our guide to short-term wedding planning in Phoenix, AZ.

How to Organize a Wedding on Short Notice

From surprise engagements to whirlwind romances and unexpected circumstances, there are many reasons to speed up your journey towards tying the knot. Fortunately, contrary to popular belief, pulling off a short-term wedding is not as challenging as it may seem. All you need is a well-structured, short-term wedding checklist.

Ideal Short-Term Wedding Planning Structure

La Princesa has helped countless couples achieve their dream wedding with as little as five months’ notice. Now, we are here to share our knowledge and resources to help you do the same. Our structured, month-by-month checklist is the key to staying on track toward your dream celebration when dealing with an unforgiving timeline.

Five Months Before the Altar

Select your wedding date five months before the date you hope to get married. To solidify this date, you must hurry to book the right venue, vendors, caterer, and photographer or consolidate these demands by securing a wedding planner. However, as these factors often require down payments, it’s important to develop a budget to help you stay on track.

Four Months Before the Altar: Guest List Preparation

Once your date, venue, and details are secured, it’s time to start considering what you need to do for your guests. Depending on your guest list, this may include travel coordination, room reservations, and other accommodations for loved ones coming from out of town.

Wedding Rings/Bands

If you’re opting for customized wedding rings or bands, it’s important to get ahead of potentially drawn-out wait times. To ensure you and your partner have the perfect wedding day, we recommend purchasing your rings in advance. For short-term wedding planning, this should occur at least four months before your wedding day.

Purchase Your Wedding Cake

Just because you’re working with a limited timeframe does not mean you should miss out on a wedding-day staple. To take part in the tradition of a wedding cake, book your cake tasting four months before your big day. This allows you to taste-test flavors and match your cake design with your projected venue and wedding-day décor.

Three Months Before the Altar

Three months before your trip to the altar is often when the stress sets in. To stay confident with wedding preparations, remain calm and refer to this checklist. At this point, you should have the majority of your decorations purchased, making it a good time to review your inventory and pick out any additional décor or accessories.

Finalize Your Ceremony Script

No matter the length of your wedding planning experience, you deserve a day filled with magic. To ensure your ceremony meets and exceeds your expectations, take the time to finalize your script approximately three months before your wedding day.

Two-Months Before the Altar

As your wedding gets closer, your to-do list may seem to get longer. Some of the tasks to cover two months out from your wedding day include:

• Order your marriage license
• Get started on your vows
• Mail out invitations
• Buy wedding favors, a guestbook, and other optional details

One Month Out: Cover Your Bases & Get Excited

One month out is when the excitement really sets in. This period of short-term wedding planning is also known to be the most fun aspect of the process. However, before the good times begin, cover your bases by following up on missing RSVPs and confirming details with your wedding venue and vendors.

Wedding Dress & Bachelor/Bachelorette Party

One month before your ceremony is the perfect opportunity to find your dress. It’s important to look for a dress that does not require any alterations or opt for a retailer that offers same-day alterations to avoid timeline discrepancies. This is also a good time to throw together an exciting bachelor/bachelorette party.

Two Weeks Out

Two weeks before your wedding marks the beginning of crunch time. For a seamless experience, reach out to your guests, venue, and vendors for final confirmation and map out your seating plan using escort cards or a seating chart. Then, to ensure you feel your best on your big day, schedule a hair and makeup trial.

Final Touches: Three to Four Days Out

The last three to four days before your short-term wedding will fly by. As such, it’s essential to make a checklist in advance. This checklist should include:

• Final headcount for your caterer
• Final dress fitting and pick-up
• Honeymoon packing

Plan Your Short-Term Wedding With La Princesa

If you’re gearing up to say your vows without much notice, you’ve come to the right place. Discover short-term wedding planning made easy with La Princesa, a premier wedding venue destination in Phoenix, AZ. Contact our friendly team today to get started on your short-term wedding checklist.

7 Surprising Reasons to Plan a Sunday Wedding

The Benefits of Planning a Sunday Wedding

Friday and Saturday are popular wedding dates, but recent years have welcomed a significant rise in Sunday weddings, and with good reason. To help you with your wedding date selection, La Princesa unveils eight little-known reasons to choose a Sunday wedding in Phoenix, AZ.

The Rise of Sunday Weddings

At first glance, the idea of a Sunday wedding might seem unconventional, but many savvy couples are quick to embrace its unique appeal. In contrast to conventional weekend celebrations, Sunday weddings are linked to many practical advantages, making this often-overlooked day a rising wedding date option.

1. Affordability Without Sacrificing Quality

Your wedding date does not influence the quality of your celebration. Your dream venue will still be your dream venue no matter what day you schedule your wedding. However, your wedding may be even dreamier on a Sunday as vendors, venues, and out-of-town guest accommodations will be more affordable.

2. Increased Availability

Choosing a Sunday wedding is far less popular than Friday or Saturday events. This gives you another competitive advantage: increased availability. Venues and vendors tend to have increased availability and time-slot flexibility on Sundays, and guests seldom have subsequent Sunday plans, which leads to easier wedding planning and coordination.

3. Simplify Accommodations for Out-of-Town Guests

If your loved ones are coming from out of town, accommodations will become a focal point of your wedding planning. Budgeting can be challenging when coordinating flights and hotel stays for the busiest days of the week. Sundays are less in-demand travel days, so Sunday weddings simplify accommodations by avoiding logistical and financial constraints.

4. The Possibility to Extend Celebrations

A Sunday wedding doesn’t have to mean a shorter celebration. On the contrary, Sunday weddings welcome the possibility of extending your celebrations. For instance, festivities may begin the day before with a Saturday rehearsal dinner, or perhaps you start your Sunday wedding early to ensure a full day of celebrations without infringing on Monday work schedules.

5. Intimate & Relaxed Atmosphere

Sundays are a day of relaxation before the hectic work week sets in. Avoiding the stress of busy Friday and Saturday evenings is an excellent way to maintain laid-back wedding-day energy. When you choose a Sunday wedding, you can uphold the intimate rest-day vibe and foster a relaxed atmosphere.

6. Unique Timing Opportunities

Friday weddings typically occur in the evening after work, whereas Saturday weddings are known to be full-day events. On the other hand, Sunday weddings introduce unique timing opportunities. At La Princesa, we love hosting late-morning wedding ceremonies followed by tasteful brunch receptions that carry into the late afternoon.

7. Creative Catering Options

Sunday is often synonymous with brunch. The same rings true for Sunday wedding ceremonies. Choosing a Sunday wedding allows you to get creative with your catering plans. Rather than stick to conventional dining options, accentuate Sunday traditions with a delicious wedding day brunch.

Bypass Competitive Wedding Seasons

Seasonal weddings are a major trend. This makes securing a reputable venue and vendors extremely challenging during certain times of the year. When you choose a Sunday wedding, you may be able to bypass the competitive wedding landscape without compromising your seasonal celebratory aspirations.

Additional Sunday Wedding Perks With La Princesa

At La Princesa, we recognize the significance of wedding date selection. To make confident and informed wedding-day decisions, entrust your Sunday wedding planning to our event planners. With ample availability and a network of vendors eager to contribute to your special day, we’re here to bring your dream celebration to life.

Get Started With Sunday Wedding Planning

Choose a Sunday wedding that exceeds your expectations with La Princesa. Whether you’re seeking an intimate celebration or a large-scale event, our event planners are here to guide you through every facet of your Sunday wedding planning. Contact us today to get started with a personalized consultation.

Seasonal Wedding Color Trends

Exploring Wedding Season Trends & Color Palettes

Your wedding day should reflect your character and style. However, when it comes to wedding aesthetics, there is another incredibly influential factor to consider: the season. To put the finishing touch on your wedding planning, explore popular wedding season trends and season-specific color palettes with La Princesa in Phoenix, AZ.

The Cornerstone of Your Wedding Aesthetic

In many cases, every aspect of your wedding day aesthetic will be rooted in your color palette. This makes color scheme selection the cornerstone of wedding planning. However, while this decision may seem simple, impactful wedding design calls for more than just picking out your favorite colors. That’s where La Princesa comes in, offering tips to help you select the perfect palette.

The Significance of Color Schemes

Colors set the tone in any space. This is particularly true for weddings. From contrasting palettes that spark a laid-back, cheerful mood to rich hues that boast sophistication and luxury, the options are virtually endless. However, to ensure your color scheme provides the desired impact, it’s imperative to consider the seasonality of your wedding date.

Choosing Wedding Colors for Seasons

At La Princesa, we’ve mastered the art of creating wedding palettes that beautifully reflect the essence of each season. Whether you’re envisioning a warm and vibrant summer wedding, a cozy and rich autumn celebration, a crisp and elegant winter affair, or a fresh and blooming spring ceremony, our expertise ensures your colors harmonize seamlessly with the time of year. To help inspire your wedding planning, we’ve curated a collection of season-specific color ideas, complete with the latest trends and timeless combinations, to ensure your special day is as stunning as it is memorable.

Dreamy Winter Weddings

Winter weddings offer peak romance. Often held just before the holidays, these dreamy celebrations boast a timeless and classic essence. This marks the perfect opportunity to incorporate rich burgundy, gold, and into your wedding theme, showcasing the warmth of your celebration.

Floral Spring Weddings

The season of rejuvenation, spring marks the close of gray winter skies, welcoming the arrival of fresh blooms and sunshine. To accentuate this colorful season, we recommend a wedding dress code defined by light grays, baby blues, and creams paired with dramatic floral décor and plenty of greenery.

Bright & Vivid Summer Weddings

Summer color schemes vary slightly from those associated with spring. To maximize the glow of your summer wedding, take your floral hues a step further. This may include incorporating vivid yellow or more dramatic color combinations, such as dusty rose or mauve, into your palette.

Rich & Sophisticated Fall Weddings

Fall exudes a bohemian edge. This is especially true when observing wedding season trends. To infuse your wedding with the best of the autumn season, prioritize warm colors and rich hues that offer an air of sophistication, such as terracotta paired with deep reds and burnt orange or velvety cream colors blended with emerald green.

Wedding Theme Considerations

Seasonal colors are not the only consideration for your wedding design. It’s equally important to align your color scheme with your intended wedding aesthetic or theme. This may include:

• White and turquoise for coastal or beach-themed weddings
• Natural, wood-inspired neutrals for rustic celebrations
• Pops of pink for fairy-tale weddings
• Champagne and dusty rose for an upscale wedding vibe

Colors That Complement Your Venue

Your wedding venue is another key factor that may influence your color palette. If your venue is defined by an existing color scheme or aesthetic, select your colors accordingly to maintain a cohesive feel.

Discover the Perfect Colors & Wedding Season Trends

Eliminate the guesswork of wedding season trends and color palette selection with La Princesa. As Phoenix, AZ’s premier wedding destination, our wedding design experts are here to help you curate your dream wedding aesthetic. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our event planners.

Wedding Favors Your Guests Will Want to Take Home

Crowd-Pleasing Wedding Favor Ideas

Gone are the days of uninspired wedding favors. It’s time to embrace creativity, practicality, and impact with La Princesa, Phoenix, AZ’s preferred wedding venue. To help you provide crowd-pleasing tokens of appreciation, we’ve compiled a collection of wedding favors ideas your guests will want to take home.

The Role of Wedding Favors for Guests

Wedding favors for guests are a long-standing tradition. Typically provided at the end of the reception, these small gifts are a way to thank your loved ones for attending and celebrating your matrimony. La Princesa has collected wedding favor ideas that exude a personalized touch to ensure your special day stands out.

The Impact of Wedding Favors

Wedding favors play an integral role in the way guests remember your wedding. Not only do these gestures display your appreciation, but they also contribute to the thought and effort you put into planning your wedding. Moreover, they serve as a symbol that loved ones can look back on and rejoice.

Wedding Favor Ideas That Your Guest Will Want to Take Home

Over the years, wedding favors have gradually lost their charm, often feeling more like an afterthought than a meaningful gesture for guests. To avoid missing the mark, prioritize creativity and practicality. Empowering inspiration, La Princesa is here to take you beyond monogrammed koozies with a selection of impactful wedding favor ideas your guests will want to take home.

Homemade Cookies & Treats

No rule book states that wedding favors should be long-lasting. In fact, after an evening of dancing and libations, your guests are likely swooning for a sweet treat. Opt for homemade cookies or cupcakes complete with custom bags as wedding favors to close out your celebration with a tasteful end.

Miniature Candles

As a symbol for your ever-burning love, candles are an excellent way to bid farewell to wedding guests. Rather than trying to find space for standard, bulky candles, consider a dainty approach with miniature, travel-sized candles. If you enjoy getting crafty, you can outfit these gifts with custom labels that mirror your wedding décor.

Pressed Flowers

Work your wedding favors into your ceremony with pressed flowers. Blending sustainability and charm, framed, pressed flowers complete with guest names are a striking alternative to conventional seating arrangements and a beautiful sentiment for guests to enjoy long after your wedding concludes.

Chocolate Bars With Custom Labels

In the same vein as home-baked sweets, chocolate will surely be a hit among your guests. Choose dark, milk chocolate, or a combination of candy bars blanketed in personalized labels to add a touch of sophistication to a time-honored wedding favor.

Coffee Mugs or Teacups

Embrace wedding favor ideas that double as kitchen staples with custom coffee mugs and teacups. If you’re planning a rustic celebration, bespoke tin mugs are the perfect close-out. For those with a more elegant and upscale wedding aesthetic, consider swapping out the mugs for classic, vintage teacups.

Throw Blankets

Underscore the meaning of “to have and to hold,” with a cozy wedding ceremony close-out gift. Custom throw blankets are a great way to extend the evening and keep your guests nice and toasty. When thoughtfully designed, these wedding favors boast years of functional value in your loved ones’ living rooms.

Mini Picture Frames

Photography is a cornerstone of any wedding, so why not tie your wedding favors into your celebratory activities? From Polaroid pictures to standard photo booths, allow guests to preserve these core memories with mini picture frames.

Perfect the Details of Your Wedding With La Princesa

Plan your wedding day with confidence and peace of mind when you choose La Princesa. As Phoenix, AZ’s premier wedding venue, our event planners are available to perfect the details of your big day. Contact us today to discuss crowd-pleasing wedding favors for guests at your wedding.

Why You Should Choose a Vibrant Wedding Gown

Today’s wedding culture allows for a lot of creativity! Brides are coming up with unique ways to make their weddings memorable and reflect their personalities. Choosing a non-traditional wedding gown is a great way to create a standout experience.  Why not /opt for color over the traditional white? Here are ten great ideas to keep in mind when choosing a vibrant wedding gown.

Personal Comfort and Confidence
One great reason to choose a vibrant color for your wedding gown over the traditional white is your own comfort and confidence. Not everyone wants to wear white, and in today’s world, that is okay. It’s your special day, and you are the bride. You should feel as comfortable and confident as you can as you welcome your guests to help you celebrate the most important day of your life.

Venue and Theme Match
Many brides are now choosing to color coordinate with the venue and the theme. If you are having a quiet garden wedding, you may want to choose a dress complimented by soft pastels and floral shades. A dusty rose may blend in if you are having a desert wedding. Contrasts also work with this type of idea. In a wedding of neutral tones, a bold and vibrant wedding dress will stand out and create a dramatic effect.

Skin Tone and Color Coordination
Let’s face it. Not everyone looks great in white. You absolutely do not need to force yourself into the dress that other brides are squeezing into. Choose a dress that compliments your skin tone. Working with your natural hues will help you feel more confident on your special day.

Time of Year
Choosing a wedding dress that is appropriate seasonally will help complement the time of year and create a memory that reflects the moment. In the winter, you may want to choose a subdued color like blue or grey. Even an emerald green works for this season of dim and neutral tones. If your wedding is in the spring or summer, bright corals or even floral tones reflect the scenery in a way that is completely appropriate.

Accessories and Jewellery
How should you accessorize a vibrantly colored dress? When you wear a white dress, it seems only appropriate to wear subtle jewellery. Pearl studs and a simple strand of pearls are a good choice for a white wedding dress. However, with a vibrant color, the sky’s the limit. You can accessorize as boldly as the dress itself. Or you can pair it with the most subtle options and let the bold colors speak for themselves.

Photography Considerations
The color shows up on camera very differently from white. Before the wedding, you may want to do some test shots with your photographer. This way, you can choose the appropriate backdrop and photo composition to make the most of your bold color choices.

Traditions and Cultural Sensitivities
Some colors may be meaningful in different ways for various cultures and traditions. Particularly in culturally blended families, it is crucial to be aware of what each color symbolizes. In Chinese culture, red indicates prosperity and good luck. Other colors hold significance in other cultures. This is an excellent opportunity to do a little research into the traditions of your own family as well as your partner’s family. Choosing colors that bear significance in your new family can create a meaningful tribute and an instant bond.

Spouse Attire Coordination
You and your spouse-to-be are different people, but you work together perfectly; likewise, you can coordinate without being matchy-matchy. Even if you are sticking to tradition and not allowing your spouse to see your dress before the wedding, you can coordinate what you will be wearing by simply discussing the color scheme. This doesn’t mean that you wear exactly matching colors. Instead, find colors that complement each other and harmonize, just like your personalities do in life.

Quality of Fabric
Be sure to choose a gown of high enough quality that the color doesn’t compromise the general look of the dress. Various dyes can give a different look to certain fabrics, so you may want to check the fabric for a few things. Make sure you are comfortable in the dress and that the fabric is comfortable on your skin. Make sure that the quality of the fabric photographs well. Finally, check the fabric to see if it is flexible enough to let you move around as much as you intend to at your wedding.

Trust Your Instincts
Overall, trust your instincts. It’s your wedding, and you know what is appropriate and what will make you feel the most comfortable. Any former bride will tell you that the happiest brides make confident choices and their own decisions. Try not to be overly influenced by friends or family, while at the same time being respectful of their needs as well as family traditions and customs.

Conclusion

Ultimately, it’s your big day, and you want to stand out in a big way. White is a color that is completely appropriate for your wedding. But other colors are now relevant, too. It’s no longer necessary to wear white for your wedding. Wearing a vibrant color on your wedding day means adapting to a global perspective and embracing a universally encompassing worldview. Enjoy this process and use it as an opportunity to express your individuality.

Why Choose La Princesa?

In Phoenix, AZ, La Princesa provides the perfect venue for your dream wedding. We help you combine family tradition with innovation and individuality. We offer an elegant venue that will set the stage for your dream wedding. With three stunning locations, we can accommodate nearly any wedding celebration of any size and help make your fantasies come to life. Ready to book your event? Click here to contact us. Still have questions? Visit our website or call (623) 845-9000 for more information.

Ten Special Touches to Make Your Wedding Stand Out

Your wedding is the most important day of your life. Not only do you want to create special memories, but you also want it to stand out from the weddings of your friends and family members. What features will your wedding have that will make it different from the rest? You want your day to be as unique as you are. Here are some ideas to create the wedding of your dreams and cultivate an event that will really stand out.

The Venue
This is possibly the most essential piece of the puzzle. You will want to choose a venue that offers everything you need to make your wedding dazzling and unique. Many types of venues are available, but you will want to check a few boxes to ensure you have what you need. Make sure to choose a venue that is comfortable for you, as formal as you want, and provides the amenities you seek for your wedding. Some amenities to look for in a wedding venue are adequate dressing room areas, appropriate seating and dining areas, sound systems, bathrooms, and food and beverage options.
Most importantly, you need to choose a wedding venue that reflects your love for each other and your own unique story. Perhaps you’ll choose a beachfront venue, a cozy cottage, a majestic cliffside, or an intimate chapel. Whatever you choose should tell your tale and make a memory that reflects this story.

Personalized Invitations
Your day begins with the invitations you send to guests. Personalized invitations can be a fantastic way to create an event that’s all your own. Add your own flavor to the design of your invitations, and you’ll be inviting your guests into your wedding story from moment one.

Honor Your Furry Friend
Do you have a dog or a cat who is a special part of your family? One way to create a wedding that has a personal touch is to include your furry best friend. Some ways to include your pet are to use them as a ring bearer or flower girl, feature them in the engagement photos, add them to the ceremony, or even have them serve as the witness to your nuptials, sealing the deal with a paw print signature. No matter how you choose to include your best friend in your wedding, you won’t regret including your best friend on the most important day of your life.

Creative Seating Arrangements
Lounge areas, cozy couches, and curved seating areas for the ceremony are just a few examples of creative seating arrangements. Experiment with guests sitting closer to the bride and groom in casual configurations rather than just sitting in straight rows. This can create an intimate feeling to your ceremony that leaves a lasting impression.

Signature Cocktails
Nothing says “you” like your very own signature cocktails. Most caterers and bartenders will work with you to develop a signature cocktail specifically crafted for your special day. Choose flavors, colors, and other attributes you enjoy in a cocktail and create something that will make your wedding unique and exceptional.

Interactive Entertainment
The wedding of 2024 is more than just a buffet line and a dance floor. Today’s wedding guests enjoy a variety of interactive games and party activities. Outdoor games, photo booths, and build-your-own dessert stations are just a few ways guests can interact and enjoy themselves.

Storytelling Décor
One great way to tell your story is through décor. Let your wedding’s décor be unique to you and your spouse-to-be as you relive wonderful moments unique to you. Perhaps create a timeline of events that illustrates how you came together, so that your guests may see your beautiful love story.

Unexpected Favors
From personalized keepsakes to thematic goodie bags, give your guests something unique to just you two. Perhaps something that signifies your love story or a local treat that is available only where you are. Both are great ways to send your guests something unique to your wedding.

Choreographed Dance or Surprise Performance
Not that there’s anything wrong with the electric slide or the Cuban shuffle, but there are so many dance trends out there; why not show your guests what you’ve got by putting together a little choreographed dance?

Late-Night Snacks and Send Offs – Have munchie snacks available for your guests as the wedding is drawing to an end. A cute dessert bar or hot chocolate station is a great way to have a little snack while waiting to say goodbye to the happy couple. Sending them off with sparklers, fireworks, or streamer poppers creates a memory as unique as your extraordinary story, as you embark on this new journey together.

Visit La Princesa Today!

When you are looking for a wedding venue that will make your wedding stand out, La Princesa is the elite venue for your wedding needs. We provide a unique beauty and quiet elegance that will set your wedding apart. With three stunning locations, we can accommodate nearly any wedding celebration of any size and help make your dreams come true. Ready to book your event? Click here to contact us. Still have questions? Visit our website or call (623) 845-9000 for more information.

How to Include Your Dog in Your Wedding

Your dog is your best friend, and nobody else is more important in your life. So why not include them in your special day? There are many ways that brides and grooms are including their canine companions on their wedding day. This can be a fun way to pay tribute to your pet and experience the comfort that only they can bring on this most cherished occasion. Here’s everything you need to know once you decide to include your pup in celebrating your nuptials.

Creative Ways to Include Your Dog in Your Wedding

Ceremony Only
One option for including your dog in your wedding is to keep it simple. Include your sweet canine cutie in the wedding ceremony. Some dogs will do a great job walking down the aisle themselves. Others will need a little assistance. Make sure to come armed with treats and toys, whatever it takes to get Fido all the way to his mom and dad.

Engagement Photos
Featuring your dog in your engagement photos is another beautiful way to include them in your festivities. Some cute ideas include pictures of rings while petting the dog, setting the scene for adding a new member to their family, and just a casual walk together. Even the most straightforward photo ideas can create a moment with your favorite pooch that you will remember for a lifetime.

Timed Appearances
Another creative way to introduce your dog to the night of festivities is to give them their own timed appearance. Whether you bring out your dog to help with the cake cutting or feature them during the processional, it will bring a tear to your eye to see that fluffy child participate in your most monumental day.

Cake Design
Is Fluffy a little nervous in large crowds? One great way to include them is to create a cake that pays tribute to your dog. Putting your puppy’s face on a cake or having a dog-shaped cake made are both great ways to show that you care.

Signature Drinks
Care for a cocktail? Why not try a pooch-inspired beverage? A Fifi Cosmo or a Fido Martini will quench the thirst and give your favorite furry friend a great shout-out.

Personalized Items
There are many resources out there that will personalize items you use at your wedding, such as bridesmaid gifts, party favors, and more. A take-home koozie featuring your puppy or thank you cards with your dog’s face on them are perfect ways to honor your pup at your wedding. Some brides know their dog can’t make it to the wedding but have a favorite photo of their dog placed in the middle of their bouquets to keep that near and dear one close to their hearts.

Custom Artwork
Whether your dog can make it to the ceremony, you can commission custom artwork featuring your beloved pet. Some people feature portraits of their pets at their weddings. Still others feature pets at the engagement or the reception.

Photo Cutouts
Lifesized photo cutouts are super fun for a wedding. If your dog can’t come to the wedding, create photo cutouts of the happy couple featuring the dog. That way, guests can still feel like they’re including your best friend and fuzzball.

Practical Considerations

When you include your dog in your wedding, there are a few points to consider keeping everyone safe and happy.

Appointing a Dog Handler
Whether you hire your favorite dog trainer or appoint a sweet, dog-loving family member or friend, you will definitely want someone available to keep an eye (and possibly a leash) on your pup so that everyone stays safe and is accounted for at all times. Nothing would be worse than a runaway puppy on the biggest day of your life.

Time Limit
On that note, your dog may become a little too tired to be out and about for longer than an hour or so. It’s a great idea to set a specific time limit for your dog so that they have an opportunity to rest when their featured moment has concluded.

Considering a Dog’s Comfort
Remember that your dog will want to be comfortable throughout the celebration. It will be a good idea to keep a soft bed nearby. Another idea is to keep chews and toys available to provide that comfort for your dog. This will be a stimulating day for you both; you just want to ensure your dog isn’t overwhelmed.

Here are a few FAQs

Can My Dog Be a Witness at My Wedding?
Here’s a surprising and fun fact. Your dog can be your witness at your wedding. In the state of Arizona, the document can be signed with a simple paw print to seal the deal. What a fun way to include your favorite pooch!

Can My Dog Be my Ring Bearer or my Flower Girl?
Your dog can be your ring bearer or your flower girl. The best way to incorporate this into your ceremony is to ensure everything is safe. Make sure that you choose a method for your dog to carry the ring or flowers that is dog-proof. You don’t want your special day ruined by an emergency trip to the vet. So, this means being careful with the ring, so your dog doesn’t eat it. It also means using flowers that are nontoxic to dogs.

Can My Dog Come to My Reception?
Your dog may come to your reception, but you’ll want to keep safety at the top of your list. Make sure your dog isn’t getting overwhelmed by a large crowd or getting underfoot and tripping wedding guests. Small dogs may want to sit near the wedding party table, and larger dogs will need a crate or bed to retreat to when the party gets going.

Contact La Princesa Today!

In Phoenix, Arizona, La Princesa is the elite venue for your wedding needs. With three stunning locations, we can accommodate nearly any sized wedding celebration and help make your dreams come true. Ready to book your event? Click here to contact us. Do you still have questions? Visit our website or call (623) 845-9000 for more information.

Your Guide to a Stress-free Wedding Journey

Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting experiences but can also be a source of stress and anxiety for many newly engaged couples and wedding planners alike. With countless details to consider, emotions running high and a seemingly never-ending to-do list, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But fear not! This article is designed to help you navigate the wedding planning process smoothly and joyfully. Let’s dive into your roadmap for a stress-free wedding journey.

Establishing Priorities

Before diving into the nitty-gritty details, take some time to establish your priorities as a couple. What elements are most important to you? Whether it’s the venue, the guest list, or the cuisine, pinpointing your top priorities will help guide your decisions so your wedding reflects what matters most to you.

Key Steps:

• List Your Must-Haves: Each partner lists their top three non-negotiables.
• Discuss and Align: Have an open conversation about why these aspects are important.
• Set Clear Goals: Establish clear goals based on your priorities to keep you focused.

Creating a Realistic Timeline

A well-structured timeline is key for stress-free wedding planning. Breaking down tasks into manageable chunks helps you not feel overwhelmed and keeps everything on track.

Key Steps:

• 12-18 Months Before: Book your venue, set your date, and start researching vendors.
• 9-12 Months Before: Send save-the-dates, hire key vendors (photographer, caterer, etc.), and start shopping for attire.
• 6-9 Months Before: Finalize guest list, send invitations, and plan the ceremony details.
• 3-6 Months Before: Plan seating arrangements, finalize menu, and confirm all vendor details.
• 1-3 Months Before: Confirm RSVPs, conduct final fittings, and start any DIY projects.
• 1 Week Before: Confirm all details with vendors, start packing for the honeymoon, and enjoy some relaxation.

Budget Planning

Budget planning is essential for avoiding stress and making sure you don’t overspend. A clear budget helps you allocate funds effectively and keeps financial worries at bay.

Key Steps:

• Determine Total Budget: Discuss and agree on a total budget.
• Breakdown Costs: Allocate funds to each category (venue, attire, catering, etc.).
• Track Expenses: Use a spreadsheet or wedding planning app to track every expense.
• Include a Contingency Fund: Set aside 5-10% of your budget for unexpected costs.

Delegating Responsibilities

You don’t have to do it all alone! Delegating tasks to trusted friends, family members, or a professional wedding planner can significantly reduce stress.

Key Steps:

• Identify Key Helpers: Choose reliable friends and family members to assist with specific tasks.
• Hire a Planner: If budget allows, consider hiring a professional wedding planner for comprehensive support.
• Assign Tasks Clearly: Clearly communicate responsibilities and deadlines to your helpers.

Vendor Selection

Choosing the right vendors is one of the most important factors for a smooth and enjoyable wedding day. Take your time to research and select vendors who align with your vision and budget.

Key Steps:

• Research: Read reviews and ask for recommendations from recent brides and grooms.
• Interview Vendors: Conduct interviews or meetings with potential vendors to gauge compatibility.
• Request Proposals: Ask for detailed proposals and compare them.
• Read Contracts Carefully: Make sure you understand all terms and conditions before signing.

Self-Care and Relaxation

Amidst the planning, don’t forget to prioritize self-care. Taking time for yourself helps reduce stress and helps you enjoy the process.

Key Steps:

• Schedule Breaks: Plan regular breaks and downtime in your planning timeline.
• Practice Relaxation Techniques: Consider yoga, meditation, or other relaxation techniques.
• Stay Active: Regular exercise can help reduce stress and boost your mood.
• Pamper Yourself: Treat yourself to spa days or other indulgences to stay refreshed.

Communication with Partners

Effective communication with your partner is key to a harmonious planning process. Make sure you’re both on the same page and working together as a team.

Key Steps:

• Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular check-ins to discuss progress and any concerns.
• Compromise: Be willing to compromise and find solutions that work for both of you.
• Stay Supportive: Support each other emotionally, remembering the bigger picture.

Managing Guest Expectations

Managing guest expectations can be challenging but is necessary for creating a pleasant experience for everyone involved.

Key Steps:

• Clear Communication: Clearly communicate all details to your guests well in advance.
• Set Boundaries: Be firm about your decisions and boundaries to avoid unnecessary stress.
• Consider Guest Comfort: Think about guest comfort when planning logistics and accommodations.

Backup Plans

Having backup plans in place prepares you for any unexpected issues that may arise.

Key Steps:

• Weather Contingency: Have a backup plan for outdoor events in case of inclement weather.
• Vendor Failures: Identify alternative vendors in case of last-minute cancellations.
• Emergency Kit: Prepare an emergency kit with essentials for the big day.

Final Details Check

As the big day approaches, a final details check makes sure that everything is in place and ready to go.

Key Steps:

• Confirm All Details: Reconfirm all arrangements with vendors and the venue.
• Create a Day-Of Timeline: Outline a detailed timeline for the wedding day.
• Delegate Day-Of Tasks: Assign a trusted person to handle any last-minute tasks or emergencies.

Celebrating Your Journey

Finally, take a moment to celebrate how far you’ve come. Your wedding journey is a significant milestone, and reflecting on it can help you appreciate the experience.

Key Steps:

• Reflect: Take time to reflect on your journey and the memories you’ve created.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Celebrate small milestones along the way.
• Look Forward: Focus on the exciting future you’re building together.

Ready, Set, Go!

Planning a wedding can be an intricate process, but with the right strategies and a stress-free approach, it can be an incredibly rewarding journey. Remember to keep your priorities in focus, communicate effectively, and take care of yourselves throughout the process.

Ready to embark on your stress-free wedding journey? Visit La Princesa for more tips, inspiration, and expert guidance to help make your wedding dreams come true. If you have any questions or need personalized assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (623) 845-9000. Let’s make your special day unforgettable!