Or for better clarification, what kind of bride am I? A question consistently asked by silly bridal magazines, wedding coordinators, my wedding party, and my mom. “You have to figure out what look you’re going for!” (yes, thank you) is the constant rumble from the peanut gallery.
(Left to right: Naeem Khan, Angel Sanchez, Watters, Dennis Basso, Mark Zunino. Check these out and more on my Pinterest board)
The problem is, while typically an opinionated, pragmatic realist, wedding planning has turned me into a non-discerning, idealistic dreamer. I want it all. I want an all-night beach party and a dress adorned with handmade beadwork. I want grilled cheeses and a 7 layer cake. I want a grand entrance down a marble stairway and a ceremony among the vineyards of Napa.
There is just no way to have it all. I have learned this, all too painfully, over my past 5 month engagement. The first box to check on any bride’s to do list is the venue. Myself being a native Californian presiding in New York City, I have a lot of options available to me. Somewhat selfishly, and also due to where Mr. R and I started dating, I knew I wanted to be a California bride. And he loves wine. And I love wine. And the family business is a Napa/Sonoma media company. Easy enough, right?
Wrong.
While vineyards are gorgeous, so is a ceremony on Crissy field in front of the GGB (Golden Gate Bridge for you newbies). Oh and we feel such peace by the ocean so can we find a location on the beaches of Marin and have Hog Island Oysters cater the appetizers? But oh wouldn’t it be convenient for everyone to stay in the city and we can show them our favorite SF restaurants and bars? This is the constant whirlwind that has filled my brain since Mr. R proposed. I thought engagement = bliss but apparently it equals a bottle of Sonoma Pinot and an advil.
So I guess you could say I created this little quiz to help you, oh let’s be honest, help me decide what kind of bride I am. Because choosing the venue is unfortunately not a decision in a silo- different style venues can have specific rules and restrictions, venues can give out ‘vibes’ that counter other ‘vibes’ you may want to give, and convenience sometimes matters more than you think. Unfortunately I think the best way to decide you venue is to think about some of the other important aspects of your big day. Hopefully this quiz helps both of us decide what kind of bride we are:
On your big day, you will be consuming:
A.Wine braised short rib paired with organic vegetables wine pairing
B. Fried Chicken and grits with locally brewed beers and Whiskey
C. Herb roasted prawns with a sweet corn and mango salsa, jalapeno margaritas
D. Filet Mignon with butter poached lobster, French 75’s and Macallan 18
E. Layered cucumber salad, miso cod and sake cocktails
Your Bridal Look:
A. Organza mermaid with hair in low chignon
B. Head to toe lace and hair in soft curls
C. Layers of gauzy tulle and a flower crown
D. Beaded ballgown with statement earrings, hair in high bun
E. Pink. Or Blue. Or Ombre. With killer heels and a pompidour hairstyle
Photography:
A. Romantic- we are so in love!
B. Out-doorsy- we are such adventurers!
C. Photojournalistic- we are informal and unscripted!
D. Classic/Boudoir- This is my day and I want to look SMOKIN’
E. High Fashion- It’s all about the composition people!
Guest Attire:
A. Warm weather Chic
B. Casual Cool
C. Linen and Flats
D. Black Tie
E. Theme – All white or 1920’s
Table Décor:
A. Wine bottle candelabras, garlands of oregano and sage, market lighting
B. Single flower arrangements in mason jars, burlap runners, market lighting
C. Spiky plants and succulents, DIY votives
D. Towers of peonies and roses, Monogram logo napkins
E. Bowls of brightly colored fruit and water immersed florals
So what did you get?
Mostly A’s: Vineyard
Mostly B’s: Ranch
Mostly C’s: Beach
Mostly D’s: Grand Ballroom
Mostly E’s: Modern Museum
I think I answered my own quiz poorly with one of each letter. How did you do? I would love to hear about your dream venue or your wedding venue process. What was the process like for you?
All venue images from StylemePretty – click on images for reference
