Choosing a location is perhaps one of the most difficult parts of planning a wedding. Luckily, there are endless possibilities when choosing a venue.

Mansions, churches, beaches, country clubs, resorts, hotels, public gardens, museums, yachts, and private homes are still the most popular locations for weddings.

Truly, there’s no “wrong” place to choose—it all depends on the vision, creativity, and budget of each couple.

According to 50 brides, the top venues* in Columbia, MO are as follows:

1. Cherry Hill Event Center
2. Columbia Country Club
3. Stephens Kimball Ballroom
4. Country Club of Missouri
5. Elm Street Ballroom
6. Forge and Vine Grill
7. Hampton Inn and Suites
8. Holiday Inn Executive Center
9. Hilton Garden Inn
10. Les Bourgeois Vineyards
11. Missouri Theater
12. Shelter Gardens
13. Peachtree Banquet Center
14. Stephen’s Lake Park
15. Tiger Hotel

*Based on style, size, elegance, professionalism and staff. Listing is random.

One of the best ways to get information on venues is from others who have used them—so don’t be afraid to ask around with those you know who have been recently planning a wedding!

Having trouble picking the perfect color combination for your upcoming wedding? The table below includes popular wedding color choices for the upcoming seasons:

The colors you choose for your event set the style and tone for your entire wedding day. Color can be highlighted in your bridesmaids’ dresses, decorations, flowers, invitations, cake, and even grooms’ outfits.

Choose colors that have meaning to you, but also consider the following:

1. Where is the wedding and reception located? Choose colors that complement both settings. Consider the carpeting, furniture, decorations, etc. for all event locations.
2. What mood do you want to create? Vibrant colors can add drama and flair, while soft or muted colors evoke a more light and romantic atmosphere.
3. What time of year is your wedding day? Seasons or even specific days may influence your color scheme. Spring and summer colors tend to be lighter and less dramatic, while fall and winter colors are generally darker. The placement of holidays may also influence the colors you choose!

Whatever colors you choose for your big day, remember not to get TOO hung up on this detail. Go with colors you like that will complement your event, but don’t go overboard. Try to limit your main colors to two or three so as not to look too “busy,” and once the colors have been chosen, stay consistent.

Why are candy buffets so popular these days?

It’s simple—candy buffets serve as an inexpensive party favor and provide a “wow” factor for the guests.

When it comes to candy buffets, it’s all about the nostalgia. Two people are joining as one to enter into adulthood together. The candy buffet allows couples to reconnect to fond memories of childhood by choosing treats and candies they enjoyed when young.  Candy is powerfully reminiscent, drawing the bride, groom, parents, and guests together around feel-good food and memories.

Buffets can also accent the reception or event by providing a fun opportunity for color coordination. For example, if the wedding colors are red and yellow, each candy variety can be easily matched to one of the wedding colors and tie in the overall theme. No candy buffet is ever the same—they are easily tweaked to fit the personality, tastes, and theme of each couple.

Candy buffets are big hits at events like weddings, birthdays, baby showers, and other celebrations. The possibilities are endless when it comes to this current and extremely “sweet” wedding trend.

White is the most popular color for wedding gowns in Western culture. In the 19th century, wearing white gained popularity and became the standard of correctness in traditional bridal apparel in the United States and England. Falsely associated with virginity, white dresses can actually be worn by any bride.

History
In Western culture, white has religious associations and often symbolizes purity and youthful simplicity. Before white became popular, brides wore the best dresses they had or could make, and often used other colors for their meaning such as blue for constancy or green for youth.

Setting the Trend
In 1840, Queen Victoria of England married Prince Albert in a stunning white gown that sparked a new ideal of what a bride should wear in the Western world. Many wealthy brides followed suit and wore white gowns made of fine fabrics such as silk and lace.

Recent Custom
Since the late 1920s, brides have been more open to wearing other colors, but white is still the most popular. Today, influenced by its association with purity, white is still most commonly worn by first-time brides. Brides who are getting re-married tend to wear other colors.

Over the years, we have been faced with fancy cookbooks and elaborate entertainment guides.  So much so, we’ve become overwhelmed, developed false pretenses and a fear of entertaining. We’re led to believe that we must have fancy decor, expensive wine and the ability to cook gourmet meals when dining.

The truth of the matter is we live in a hectic, money conscious and time-starved society.  We shouldn’t feel the need to cook from scratch or prepare the most expensive meal.  Proper dining is about “guest care” rather than trying to impress by how much money we spend.

The true secret to everyday dining is surprisingly simple:

1.  Create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
2.  Order from a local caterer.
3.  Prepare a buffet style  table.
4.  Encourage your guests to help themselves.

Last, know that your guests are grateful for the invitation to attend dinner.  They are not there to judge but to enjoy being with you.  Once they’re treated like members of  the family, they become more relaxed.  And the sooner they’re relaxed, the sooner you are!