There no place like home: for an event or wedding!

If you’re thinking about holding your wedding, a bridal shower or any wedding-weekend event such as the rehearsal dinner—know the limitations of the house.

Here are some more helpful hints to hosting an at-home event, and if you’re planning on making a call to an event planner to handle the details for you (this may be the most cost-effective and hassle-free way of handling an at-home party)

Location: First, take a look at your home and property and decide if it’s equipped to handle the size of your party. Are there spacious rooms like a living room and den where people can gather? Will there be enough space for tables and chairs? Will you have to remove furniture to fit the rentals, and if so, do you have a storage space available? Where would a buffet table go? A bar? Have a planner map out your home to see where everything would fit, allowing for plenty of walking space for guests. Remember to allow space for servers to pass through. If you plan on having musicians or entertainment, keep that in mind for space.

Tented: If you’re envisioning an outdoor-tented wedding, be sure your backyard is spacious enough for the tent that covers tables and dance floor. You don’t want to get too small of a tent and have some tables outside of the tent.

Bathrooms: Keep in mind that two or three bathrooms in your house will not be able to handle 150 guests. Renting portable bathrooms is advisable. There are even bathroom trailers that are modeled after household bathrooms.  Also make sure you know where the septic system sits and BE SURE to have it pumped right before the event.

Parking: What are the parking restrictions in your neighborhood? Alert the police that an event is taking place, prior to the event.

Permits: Make sure you apply for proper permits, if a tent is being erected.

Sound Restrictions: If you are planning on taking the party outside, make sure you know the sound ordinances in your area, before the police make a surprise visit that evening.

No Access: Mark rooms that you do not want to have guests access with  “No Entry” signs on private rooms. For a tented wedding, do not be afraid to put a “No Entry” sign on the entrances to the house if you don’t want anyone entering the house.

Kitchen: Is the kitchen capable of producing an event in a timely manner? Caterer’s trays are often oversized, so they need to have access to ovens and refrigerators that will accommodate them. A hired caterer will want to tour your kitchen ahead of time to be sure he/she can work well there. He/she will want to make sure that there’s plenty of counter space for staging and plating. They may require you to rent a separate tent in the yard where they will work their magic.

If you have a small kitchen, do not worry; a great caterer can produce magic from the garage or a cook tent.

Finally, hire a planner who has the vast experience with at home weddings or events, they will know what questions to ask and allow you actually be a GUEST at your own home.

Questions to Ask When Picking: Videography

Videography, also known as Cinematography, is a method of moving pictures telling a story. Be sure to ask the following questions:

1. Check to see if you can find their videos on Vimeo.com (this is sort of like Youtube but meant for more edited works). Most videographers post their newer videos on there.
2. How many cameras will you have on the day? How many assistants?
3. How early will you arrive at the ceremony to set up the equipment?
4. Will you bring backup equipment?
5. How soon can I see the final cut?
6. What will your attire be?
7. Is my wedding the only wedding being shot that day? This question is super important. Sometimes the people you meet with may not be the people who will be shooting your wedding...
8. How will you capture sound during the ceremony? Will I need to wear a wireless mic?
9. Can I select the music for the final cut?
10. Can you install a stationary camera in an area where your presence isn't interfering with the ceremony?
11. What type of cameras do you shoot with?
12. Do you shoot any super 8 film? (if this is important to you)
13. How long is the typical final edited version? There is a trend now where the final versions are not 20 minutes long and they are more like 10 minutes long. Don't panic. Many videographers include full toasts and ceremony on the same DVD or another DVD.

This should help you in the interview process! Happy Wedding Picking :)

Grand Velas Riviera Maya

Grand Velas Riviera Maya sits on the pristine 1000 feet of white sand shores of Playa del Carmen, Mexico. The newly opened Grand Velas sits on over 400 acres. The property sits on over 80 acres of mangroves, jungle, and natural freshwater wells locally known as cenotes. Beautiful luxury accommodation options include uniquely exotic garden suites, oceanview suites for guests ages 12 and up with private plunge pools overlooking the Mexican Caribbean.

Grand Velas Riviera Maya is just 5 minutes from downtown Playa del Carmen and a short 35- minute drive from Cancun International Airport. This property also received AAA’s highest award rating of a five-diamond property.

This is the only resort in the area to offer a culinary tour. The restaurants span the globe in 8 locations including the internationally-acclaimed Cocina de Autor restaurant. Other include:

Piaf – French cuisine

Sen-Lin – Asian inspired

Frida – Mexican

Azul – International

Bistro – French

The resort Spa offers guests a magnificent 75,000 square feet spa dedicated to the body and soul, with a re-hydrotherapy circuit and a cutting edge menu of treatments inspired by the ancient healing practices of Mexico and distinct world cultures. The spa is comprised of the following therapies:

Sauna, color therapy steam room, clay room, ice room, sensation showers, hot tub and cold plunge pool.

Sensations pool offers: sensory pebbly walkway, cascades, bubble beds, neck-massage jets, bubble geyser and warm chlorine free pool.

All suites offer personalized butler concierge services, a convention center, and a modern Kids Club.

The resort is divided into 3 sections:

The Zen Grand Section: sits in the natural environment of the Mayan Jungle, this family-friendly section features 206 elegantly exotic suites, each with over 1,000 square feet of space, private terrace and interior Jacuzzi. It is located ¾ of a mile from the beach, but the hotel offers shuttles that run continuously to the beach.

The Ambassador Section: family-friendly area of the resort that includes 195 spacious 1,200 + square foot ocean-view suites with a terrace, a sitting area, and some with private plunge pool. All of our beautiful suites offer interior Jacuzzis and terraces to enhance the experience in paradise. These suites are conveniently arranges around the main infinity pool.

The Grand Class: adult-only area of the resort designed for optimum privacy and relaxation and features 90 sophisticated ocean-view suites with private plunge pools, in-room massage tables, two Jacuzzis and modern conveniences such as wireless Internet ($), a DVD/CD/MP3 player and a plasma screen TV.

Wedding receptions can be held in a variety of locations, offering your guests world class experience and fine dining choices.

Rosewood Tucker's Point Hotel, Bermuda

As you approach the island of Bermuda, just a short 90-minute flight from the NY Metropolitan Area, you are instantly mesmerized by the gorgeous color of the water, pink sand beaches and pastel painted homes that dot the landscape.

Then just a short 15-minute car ride you arrive at the most amazing location of all in Tuckers Point. Once you arrive to your suite, most rooms are ocean view, room service offering you the makings for a Dark and Stormy greet you - this creation consists of Ginger Beer and Rum -- very tasty and very potent.

Rosewood Tucker's Point offers some of the finest accommodations on the island of Bermuda. Each of the resort's 88 guestrooms and suites are decorated in classic British-seaside style with distinctive artwork, elegant fabrics and furniture, luxurious five-fixture bathrooms, marble bath/shower, stand-alone deep soaking tubs "fit for two", unique stone and wood finishes. All of the rooms are suites are gorgeously appointed with plus carpeting, wonderful comforters and mattresses.

As you walk the grounds, you are greeted by the wonderful croquet lawn, where you will most likely see guests, dressed in white playing a game or two. This resort also offers Bermuda's finest golf resort experience, a stunning private beach club on the island's famous pink sands and world-class tennis facilities.

Tuckers Point's Award-winning Executive Chef Serge Bottelli and his world-class team provide the finest culinary experience in Bermuda at The Point Restaurant & Terrace. Renowned for superb international cuisine infused with fresh local ingredients. I had dinner at the Point overseen by Chef Bottelli, the wonderful fireplace was warm and inviting as you sat in the plush-armed chairs and enjoyed the twinkling lights of the harbor. You also have a choice of dining at the Cafe, poolside, or at the Beach Club or Grille Room.

The one thing I loved about this property is the variety of locations to host events. If you select one selection, they always offer a rain back up plan - which is very rare for an island hotel to offer, I have included the list below of the locations available to host a variety of wedding events.

At The Resort

CAMDEN BALLROOM: Perfect for formal wedding receptions and catered events, the ballroom accommodates up to 400 persons. Situated in a stand-alone wing, it offers the utmost privacy while our staff delivers personalized attention. The Ballroom may also be divided into three soundproof rooms — the Verdmont Room, Soncy Room and Chelston Room. State-of-the-art A/V, lighting and climate controls as well as WiFi, image projection, and HD monitors are available throughout.

THE GALLERY: This space offers the perfect venue for a variety of dining experiences, including plated luncheons and cocktail receptions. Expansive windows overlook the Palm Court and manicured Croquet Lawn. Custom loomed rugs, white marble floors and glimmering chandeliers create a light, yet refined atmosphere.

BOARDROOM: The Boardroom is handsomely appointed with seating for 14 persons at a handcrafted mahogany table. The high-tech capabilities found throughout the resort are available in the Boardroom.

WINE ROOM: The Wine Room at Tucker’s Point Restaurant may be reserved for private dining to accommodate 18 persons. Over 3,000 bottles of fine wine fill the walls from wood-plank floor to barrel-vaulted brick ceiling. Petite sconces and candlelight create an intimate atmosphere for rehearsal dinners and anniversary celebrations.

WALSINGHAM SUITE: The resort’s premier suite provides spacious accommodations and the capacity for gracious entertaining. The living room has a service entrance and pantry, study, powder room, wet bar, fireplace and dining area. A broad balcony overlooks a beautifully landscaped pool with views of Castle Harbour.

THE POINT TERRACE: Perfect for cocktails, the terrace features twin outdoor fireplaces and gorgeous views of Harrington Sound.

CABANA & PERGOLA TERRACE: The Pergola Terrace is located a step above the Palm Court Horizon Pool. Dine al fresco in brightly colored cabanas comfortably furnished or under a pergola with a softly cushioned banquette. This is a perfect location for outdoor receptions.

CROQUET LAWN: The Croquet Lawn suits a wedding ceremony or cocktail party with the Palm Court as a dramatic backdrop.

At The Beach Club

HORIZON POOL: Enjoy a spectacular vista of the Atlantic Ocean with waves breaking on the reef 300 meters from shore. The shaded pergola provides an excellent venue for a casual or formal dinner party up to 30 persons (available after 7 p.m.).

FOUNTAIN POOL: Overlooking the private pink-sand beach, the Fountain Pool area makes an evening cocktail reception or seated dinner extra-special (available after 7 p.m.). Fountains of water arch over the pool and Italian string lights illuminate this beautiful seaside setting where as many as 100 guests can be accommodated.

EAST BEACH: The Beach Club is home to the largest private beach in Bermuda and is ideally suited for ceremonies, barbeques and bonfires on the sand (beginning at 7 p.m.).

At The Golf Club

The Golf Club offers a variety of options, from the casual Grille Room & Bar to the grand Ballroom and Terrace with panoramic views of the golf course and Castle Harbour. The Private Dining Room and Clubhouse Boardroom provide ideal settings for a more intimate gathering. Cocktail gatherings may also be hosted on the course — the "Old 12th Tee" provides

What To Consider When Planning: A Tented Wedding

Tented weddings give the couple an opportunity to really take their own visions and work from there. Tents are an empty canvas ready to be painted by the vision created by the couple. Tented weddings are, by far, my favorite weddings. As a planner you may feel like a general contractor building a home because there are so many things to consider when planning a tented wedding.

When you consider a tented wedding the cost of these types of weddings are usually more expensive than the ballroom wedding or destination wedding.

The following are some of the areas to consider:

1. Parking situation
2. Location of the septic system
3. Rain contingency plan
4. Sound ordinance of the area and don’t forget town permits
5. Level land
6. Bathroom situation
7. Power hookup
8. Lighting of the event site and surrounding areas
9. Bug spraying the land

Each tent should be treated as a separate entity from the existing house because most clients don’t want people walking in and out of the house.

My biggest challenge for a tent installation was a campground in the woods of Maine - where I had no running water or electricity. We literally had to build the site from ground up and bring in water tanker trucks to support the event, along with generators and pathway lighting to get the guests from point A to point B without getting hurt.

Tented weddings give freedom to the couple with design, themes, and other details. You don’t have to worry about an ugly wall color. You can choose any theme and put it under a gorgeous clear-top tent, which is great for stargazing. Tackling the scary tented weddings can be a handful, but knowing the things I’ve mentioned earlier will definitely help with the research. These weddings are always beautiful and stunning, and will probably always be my favorite.

It’s all about the details

For me a wedding has all the same motions: bride wears a white dress, walks down the aisle, marries her groom, goes to a party and ends
with eating cake and dancing. That is the typical wedding. How do you make your wedding memorable? It’s all in the details. It might be cliché, but it is very true that people appreciate the small things in life.

I find it important for the couple to always add touches that make the wedding their own. The details can be put into any area of the wedding that the couple feels is more important to them. Some of my clients are foodies so they put more detail into food presentation; others want décor to be what I call the “Wow!” factor. A wow factor is simple; it makes your guests go, “Wow!”

It does not matter how big your budget is, you can still have a wow factor. Some clients I meet with love the DIY little projects where they make the favors together, and those are things your guests appreciate.

The photos are from a wedding in Jamaica.

For this couple, the décor was the wow factor. With beautiful linens, we didn’t’ want the centerpieces to take away from amazing linens, but instead we wanted the centerpieces to compliment them. We had topiaries made to tie in their color scheme: green, yellow, and white.

A nice little detail, we had white chivari chairs for the guests, and put a matching chair cover only on the bride and groom’s chairs. We also had hand-written table numbers. I cannot stress enough that when planning your wedding, stay true you and your fiancé’s visions.

Get Married at a Gallery

Ok, this isn't a formal gallery of art but it has enough artifacts to be! And the owner does actually own galleries.

There are not many places for American citizens to go without a passport, obviously anywhere in the United States is fine, but it may not occur to many that Puerto Rico counts as U.S. territory. This means it’s an easy travel place for U.S. citizens: no customs!

When in Puerto Rico, there are many things to see and do, but my favorite spot is Old San Juan. This area attracts many tourists because of its old-world, classic feeling. At the end of Old San Juan, beyond the ancient fort, at the top of the hill, and overlooking the ocean sits a hidden yet exquisite inn: The Gallery Inn.

You are greeted at a wrought iron gate and as you walk through an open corridor filled with antiques, this setting transports you into an unknown era. Every piece in this Inn was hand picked by the owners to enhance their collection of fine art as well as showcase them. I fell in love with every detail of this place. It's hard to tell you about how this place makes you feel, so I'm including many photos that can help me say this.

The view is spectacular from the roof deck. For dinner, you can enjoy delicious tapas outside on the roof garden. The artifacts, paintings, and statues are unique and intriguing. The bedrooms are impeccably decorated and fit for royalty.

If you are considering an intimate wedding this is the best place. They can accommodate a small wedding or a large cocktail party. Your guests and you can enjoy everything the Gallery Inn has to offer. With the attention to detail, this place makes you feel at home (Fun fact: this boutique inn is the owner’s home).

The owner has her own kiln, which she uses to make all the dishes for the inn. She even makes custom chargers for the wedding.

It is definitely a place you won't forget. With this amazing decor and art you actually forget that you are in Puerto Rico. For more information on this place go to www.thegalleryinn.com