Wedding Room Blocks - Portland, Oregon - Tip of the Month

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You may not know, but confirming a hotel room block should be the second thing done after securing your venue. According to Bee Talmadge at the Hilton, “You’ll secure a better rate the further out you book. If your wedding’ is big or has lots of out of town guests, consider two blocks at different level hotels so there’s something available for different budgets. Be aware, you’re going to want to span the block to cover arrival 1-2 days prior to the wedding and up to one night post wedding.” When you begin the process of getting a block of rooms, be sure to have an estimate of how many you will need. The more rooms are you able to confirm, the more benefits received. These may include complimentary wifi or room night, free upgrade for your wedding suite, or a welcome amenity. Once the contact is signed, the Hotel will provide you with a code to use. This information should be shared with guests in your Save-the-Dates, Invitations, and Wedding Website.

Photo credit: Wayfarer Photo Studio - First Look at Hotel Vintage Downtown Portland

Wedding Budget: How to Build One

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Weddings are fun and exciting, but costs can add up quickly. To ensure you get what you desire, make a priority list. Place the two most important items (location, entertainment, food, floral, etc) at the top of your list and focus on those elements first. Personally I love florals and entertainment. Then again, you can’t go wrong with desserts, food, great cocktails…the list goes on.

Wedding Flowers: How to Preserve them - Tip of the Month

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One of my favorite details in any wedding is the floral. Many couples, especially brides spend lots of time and money ensuring they have the perfect bouquet. Wheat happens after the day is over? Ever think of preserving those lovelies and creating a keepsake? There are many ways to go about this. My favorite option is to freeze dry and then place them in a frame or glass container. Jordan from Blum Floral Designs loves the idea of pressing flowers as opposed to drying them whole. “The best flowers to press are either flat in shape or more delicate (i.e. sweet peas work better than roses). Good old fashioned parchment paper in a heavy book works great and you just leave it there for a few weeks. Once they’re dried you can frame them pretty easily.” Another one of Jordan’s favorites is to send a photo of your floral to a painter and have them preserve it in art form. Regardless of whatever option you choose, you can’t go wrong.