• 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.

    Studio Shot of a Newly Married Young Couple Sitting Together

    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.

    Candid Pictures of Married Couple Taken on Disposable Film Camera

    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

    Bride in a Hotel Room With Friends Set for the Bachelorette Celebration.

    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

    Wedding Checklist and Calendar on White Wooden Table

    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.

    A Person Marking Off Their Wedding Date in the Calendar

    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.

    Friends Party Gathering, Toasting Champagne Sitting on the Couch.

    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.

    Married Couple Posing for a Photo Wearing Nave Blue Clothes

    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 Photo of the Bride in a White Dress and a Long Veil standing with the Groom.

    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.

    Wedding Gifts for Guest Kept on a Table

    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.

    Candy Bar with Macarons, Cakes, Cheesecakes, and Cake Pops on Serving Tray.

    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.