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If you're considering the great outdoors as the backdrop for your big day, you've come to the right place. We're here to spill the beans (or should we say, scatter the flower petals?) on how to plan the most unforgettable outdoor wedding, Texas-style. In this blog, we are skipping the typical checklist of wedding planning and getting straight into the practical tips that everyone forgets to tell you! 1) Offer Water. Texas is hot, y’all. Having a water station at the ceremony is the greatest gift to your guests! 2) Footwear Advisory. Let your guests know that the ceremony will be outside so that they can plan accordingly and wear appropriate footwear. This is also a good time to think about your own bridal shoes and what will be most comfortable. Some of our brides have opted for chic sneakers and we are in full support!  3) Have a Back-Up Plan. If the weather decides to not cooperate, you should have a back-up plan for how the ceremony and day will look. One of our ceremony locations, The Saloon, is a perfect example, as it has an easy indoor-outdoor option in the event of ‘iffy’ weather! It is also a good idea to rehearse the back-up plan with your bridal party so that there are no last minute surprises.  4) Plan the Timing. When you prepare your wedding day schedule, make sure that everyone is on the same page about when the festivities will be moving indoors. Your team at Diamond A can help facilitate this transition to make it an easy flow! 5) Wait on the Flowers. If it is a hot Texas day, flowers will wilt in the sun. Plan on having a coordinator put your ceremony flowers out at the last minute so they are fresh for tying the knot.  6) Plan for Safety. Depending on where you choose to have your ceremony, you will want to make sure there is a plan in place for helping your elderly and/or disabled guests get to the site easily and safely. At Diamond A, we can help you prepare for transportation needs. 7) Wind Control. The wind can come and go, so if you are planning an outdoor wedding, make sure your hairstylist knows, so that they can pin and spray your hair appropriately. You may want to consider strong pins for your veil too, so that nothing goes flying away mid-ceremony! 8) Use Outdoor Lighting. Hanging outdoor lights, lanterns, or mason jar “candles” can create a magical atmosphere, almost like having fireflies at your beck and call!  9) Set Up Lawn Games. Your guests will love some outdoor games for extra entertainment during the reception or cocktail hour. Some examples are cornhole, giant Jenga, mini golf, or giant Fast Four. 10) Hot or Cold? Depending on the time of year, having some temperature regulation can be helpful. In the summer, it can be fun to print your wedding program on a fan so that your guests have a built-in cooling option during your ceremony! It can also be cute to offer wedding-themed sunglasses as a wedding favor. In the winter, you may want to have some outdoor heaters during cocktail hour. 11) Bring the Bug Spray. Keep pesky insects from crashing your wedding with cute, personalized bug spray bottles! These can even double as wedding favors. 12) Work With the Light. Our beautiful Texas sunsets are one in a million. Work with a photographer who understands ‘magic hour’ and the Diamond A venue to create memories that will truly last a lifetime.  Diamond A Ranch is a luxurious countryside wedding venue located in the DFW metroplex. With four ceremony locations available, our 2,000 acre venue is perfect for your outdoor Texas wedding. Book your tour of our unique venue today!
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 We get it – your wedding day is like that dream vacation you've been planning forever, and you want every moment to sparkle. And who needs stress on their big day? Not you! That's where we come in. From the 'OMG, I can't believe it's here!' morning prep to the 'We're dancing like nobody's watching!' evening bash, your wedding day is your time to shine. This is your ultimate wedding day schedule to help you plan an unforgettable day, starting at the first cup of coffee and ending with the final DJ drop. Morning Wake Up Call The wedding day will be action-packed, no matter how it is planned. We highly recommend having family members assigned to certain tasks, hiring a wedding day or event planner, and/or working with a highly experienced wedding venue, such as Diamond A Ranch. *Please note that this is a sample schedule and may change based on your individual wedding. 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Vendor Arrival and Setup
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Venue Setup
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Ceremony Area Setup
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Reception Area Setup
Afternoon Preparations 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM: Bride and Groom Preparations
 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Catering Set-Up and Venue Walkthrough
1:00 - 1:30 PM: Photographer Arrives
2:00 - 2:30 PM: Couple is Dressed
3:00 PM: The Wedding Band Arrives
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM: First Look and Pre-Ceremony Photos
 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Pre-Ceremony Refreshments
Evening: The Main Event 5:30 PM - 6:15 PM: The Wedding Ceremony
6:15 PM - 7:15 PM: Cocktail Hour
7:15 PM: Reception Entrance and Dinner
 8:00 PM - 8:30 PM: Toasts and Speeches
8:30 PM - 8:45 PM: Cake Cutting
8:45 PM - 9:00 PM: First Dances
9:00 PM - 10:30 PM: Dancing and Entertainment
10:30 PM: Bouquet and Garter Toss
10:45 PM - 11:00 PM: Late-Night Snacks and Dessert Bar
11:00 - 11:30 PM: Farewell and Departure
 We hope this helps give you a starting point to your dream wedding day! With some careful planning and thought, the day will be stress-free and memorable. At Diamond A Ranch, we are here to help you coordinate all the details so that you can enjoy your big day with loved ones.
Book a tour today to come check out our beautiful ranch wedding venue!  Uplighting refers to a lighting technique commonly used to enhance the ambiance of a space. It involves placing lighting at the base of walls or other structures and directing the light upwards. Rather than a spotlight, uplighting is lighting around the room that can help create the vibe you are dreaming of on your wedding day. Uplighting can be accomplished using various types of lighting fixtures, such as LED lights or specialized uplighting fixtures. These fixtures are typically placed on the floor or mounted on the ground, facing upwards. The light is then directed towards the desired surface, creating a soft, indirect glow that washes over the area. By strategically placing uplights around a venue, event planners can transform the space and set a specific mood or ambiance. Uplighting can be used to create a range of effects, from subtle and romantic to vibrant and energetic, depending on the color and intensity of the lights used. How Can I Use Uplighting at My Wedding? Uplighting can be a fantastic addition to your wedding decor, as it can help create an enchanting atmosphere. Here are a few ways uplighting can be used at a wedding:
Remember, it's important to work with a professional wedding venue and/or event planner who has experience with uplighting. They can assist you in choosing the right fixtures, placement, and lighting effects to achieve the desired look and feel for your wedding.  Can I Use Uplighting at an Outdoor Wedding Venue?
Yes, uplighting can certainly be used in outdoor wedding venues! In fact, outdoor spaces provide a wonderful canvas for creative uplighting designs. Here's a few ideas about how to use uplighting in outdoor wedding venues:
When planning uplighting for an outdoor wedding, it's important to consider the power source and weather conditions. Make sure to work with a professional event planner who can provide appropriate outdoor lighting fixtures and address any technical considerations specific to outdoor environments. To Sum it Up: The Dos and Don’ts of Wedding Uplighting Do's:
Don'ts:
By following these do's and don'ts, you can effectively incorporate uplighting into your wedding design and create a visually stunning and memorable experience for you and your guests. We love offering advice and assistance for wedding uplighting as part of your overall wedding experience! Come book a tour today and start planning those lights.  As you plan your wedding day (and the rest of your life together!), it is very easy to overlook the rehearsal dinner. We put together this blog to help answer some of the most frequently asked questions we receive from brides and grooms about the night-before-the-wedding. We hope this helps guide you in planning a fun, low-stress rehearsal dinner experience! 1) What is a wedding rehearsal dinner? We know this seems obvious, but there are truly no dumb questions when it comes to planning your wedding experience! And remember, there are no rules, you can create your experience exactly how you want it to be. Generally speaking, the wedding rehearsal dinner is held the evening before the wedding ceremony. It brings together the couple, their immediate families, the bridal party, and sometimes close friends, to rehearse the ceremony, followed by a celebratory dinner. 2) Who should be invited to the rehearsal dinner? The rehearsal dinner usually includes the couple, their parents, siblings, grandparents, bridal party (including bridesmaids, groomsmen, and their partners), and any other key individuals involved in the wedding ceremony. It can be a nice touch to welcome out-of-town guests who have traveled a long distance to attend the wedding, depending on your personal preferences and the size of the dinner you are looking to host. Additionally, some couples choose to invite close friends or extended family members who are not part of the immediate wedding party. 3) Who traditionally hosts and pays for the rehearsal dinner? Traditionally, the groom's parents host and pay for the rehearsal dinner. However, in modern times, the responsibility and expenses may be shared between the couple and their families, or even taken on entirely by the couple themselves. There are no rules here, you must decide what is best for you and your groom. 4) What is the purpose of a rehearsal dinner? The primary purpose of a rehearsal dinner is to practice and iron out the details of the wedding ceremony, ensuring that everyone involved understands their roles and responsibilities. It also serves as a beautiful opportunity to gather your closest friends and family in a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere before the big day. 5) How long does a rehearsal dinner typically last? The duration of a rehearsal dinner can vary based on the schedule of events. Generally, it lasts for a few hours, including the ceremony rehearsal, followed by a dinner or reception. 6) Should the rehearsal dinner have a theme? It is not necessary to have a specific theme for a rehearsal dinner, but some couples may choose to incorporate elements that align with their overall wedding theme or personal interests. The focus is often on creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere for guests to socialize and celebrate. We suggest adding some games or entertainment to help enhance the celebratory spirit! Live music, a photobooth, lawn games, or even a small dance floor can add an extra touch of fun and enjoyment to the evening. You can also add personal touches, such as custom-designed menus and table settings to sentimental photos or mementos. These thoughtful details will make your rehearsal dinner truly unforgettable.  7) What type of food is served at a rehearsal dinner?
The food served at a rehearsal dinner can vary widely depending on the couple's preferences and the style of the event. It can range from a formal sit-down dinner with multiple courses to a casual buffet, barbecue, or even a themed cuisine. 8) Should there be speeches or toasts at the rehearsal dinner? Rehearsal dinners often include speeches and toasts, offering an opportunity for family members, close friends, and the couple themselves to express their love, gratitude, and well wishes. These speeches are typically shorter and more intimate compared to those given at the wedding reception. 9) When should I send out rehearsal dinner invitations? Invitations for the rehearsal dinner are typically sent after the wedding invitations have been mailed out. This allows you to prioritize the main wedding event and ensure that guests receive the necessary information well in advance. Aim to send out the rehearsal dinner invitations at least 4 to 6 weeks before the wedding date. This provides your guests with enough time to RSVP and make any necessary travel arrangements, especially if they are coming from out of town. 10) How can a wedding venue help me plan my rehearsal dinner? Don't hesitate to seek professional assistance when planning your rehearsal dinner. Experienced wedding planners and/or venue coordinators can offer valuable guidance, assist with logistics, and bring your vision to life, allowing you to focus on enjoying this special time with your loved ones. When you book a wedding experience package at Diamond A Ranch, the rehearsal dinner space is included. We can help you coordinate logistics and get things set up so that you can relax and savor the moment. Our ultimate goal with every couple that comes to our ranch is to offer a magical wedding weekend. Book a tour today and start dreaming of your big day! Congratulations! If you're reading this, chances are you're planning your wedding ceremony, and we couldn't be more excited for you. While the exchange of vows and rings is the traditional centerpiece of any wedding ceremony, there are so many unique moments you can incorporate to make your ceremony even more special and personal. Whether you're looking for a way to honor your cultural heritage, celebrate your shared interests, or simply infuse your ceremony with a touch of whimsy and fun, we've got you covered. In this blog, we'll share some of our favorite unique moments to incorporate into your wedding ceremony, from handfasting to wine ceremonies, and everything in between. We hope these ideas will inspire you to create a ceremony that truly reflects your unique love story and leaves a lasting impression on you and your groom. So, let's dive in and explore some unforgettable moments to include in your wedding ceremony! To Start, What’s Typically Included in a Wedding CeremonyThere are several traditional moments that are usually included in a wedding ceremony, but ultimately the specific elements will depend on the preferences and traditions of the couple. Here are some common moments that you are likely familiar with, but always good to review!
Again, these are just some common elements of a wedding ceremony, and couples may choose to customize their ceremony to suit their preferences. The Unique Ceremony Ideas You’ve Been Waiting For:Now that you have built the ‘bones’ of your ceremony with the pieces outlined above, let’s look at a few ways to really make the ceremony your own. These would commonly be added to the ceremony before or after the exchange of vows. 1) Handfasting Ceremony: This ancient Celtic tradition involves tying a ribbon or cord around the couple's hands to symbolize their union. 2) Get Creative with the Procession: Have fun with your wedding party! For example, maybe the ring bearer carries bubble machine guns down the aisle. Or maybe your grandmothers are the flower girls if you don’t have littles in your life. Make the ceremony your own, in every sense! 3) Ring Warming: During the ceremony, the wedding rings are passed around in a special box to each guest, who offers a silent prayer, blessing, or wish for the couple's future. 4) Unity Sandwich: This is the cutest idea! You and your groom make a PB&J sandwich together (or may we suggest a Texas barbecue sandwich?). Essentially, you make a slice of bread with peanut butter, your groom makes a slice of bread with jelly and you combine the sandwich to symbolize your union. 5) Wine (or Whiskey) Ceremony: The couple pours different colored wines into a single glass to create a metaphor for the mixing of their lives. You could share a toast (or a shot!) with a special bottle of your favorite Texas-made beverage during the ceremony. You can even bring this theme into your reception and have your guests participate in a wine or whiskey tasting during the reception. 6) Sand Ceremony: You and your groom pour different colored sands into a single container, which can then be used as a decoration in your home. 7) Plant a Tree: You and your groom plant or water a tree of your choice together during the ceremony and then plant it at your first home together. 8) Lantern Release: This is a beautiful (and fun!) way to celebrate your love and hope for the future. You and your groom release lanterns into the sky. 9) Foot Washing: You and your groom wash each other's feet as a sign of humility, respect, and mutual service. 10) Love Letter Ceremony: You and your groom write love letters to each other to be read on a future anniversary or during challenging times later on in life. 11) Surprise Vows: You surprise each other with personalized vows during the ceremony. This is always fun! Don’t forget to write a good ‘roast to romance’ ratio. 12) Branding Ceremony: One of our favorite Texas ranch wedding venue options! You and your groom can brand a piece of furniture, rug, etc. to be used in your home as a beautiful daily reminder of your marriage.  Remember, the most important thing is to choose ceremony elements that are meaningful and authentic to you as a couple.
Your wedding ceremony is a celebration of your love and commitment to each other, and it should be a reflection of who you are as a couple. By incorporating unique moments into your ceremony, you can infuse it with personality, meaning, and joy. We hope our suggestions have sparked your creativity and inspired you to think outside the box when planning your wedding ceremony. Diamond A Ranch is passionate about offering you a variety of choices for your ceremony location, as well as a wide range of amenities, so that whatever moments you choose to include, you can rest assured knowing that it will be able to become a reality. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding, and best wishes for a lifetime of happiness together! There’s so much to think about with your wedding, from choosing the venue and the dress to the food and guest list. Don’t forget, though, that your wedding is really all about the union of you and your groom. Arguably, the most important part is the ceremony itself! We’ve pulled together some of our best thoughts on planning your perfect wedding ceremony after years of watching couples wed. First things first, choose the ceremony site. At Diamond A Ranch, we offer 4 ceremony sites to choose from, so there is sure to be one to fit your unique couple personality. 1. Live Oak Grove: Nestled under oak trees that date back to the 1700s, Live Oak Grove is on grass, and offers unique lighting through the tree branches. Depending on the time of year you get married, the oak grove can offer some shade, which can be helpful, especially in those hot Texas summers!  2. Stoneway: Like its name implies, the Stoneway is a beautiful, handcrafted stone walkway and pad that fits the bride, groom and bridal party. Guests will be seated around the Stoneway in grass. This location receives direct sunlight, which can be lovely during the winter months and can give an intimate feel as guests are situated around the stone pad.  3. The Saloon: For those seeking an indoor ceremony, The Saloon is your spot! It also offers an outdoor turfgrass ceremony option with views overlooking the ranch’s greenery. After the ceremony, you can head straight inside to the reception with minimal movement of guests. The Saloon is the only option for ceremony location if you choose to move forward with Diamond A’s one-day wedding package; We know you will love it!  4. Lake: Finally, we do have a lake at Diamond A. Many couples choose to take some engagement and wedding photos here, but intimate ceremonies are also available in this location!  What Should I Consider in Choosing the Perfect Ceremony Location?
Your wedding ceremony location sets the tone for your entire day. Here are a few considerations that you and your groom may want to take into account to choose the perfect ceremony location:
Remember, we are here to help! When you book a tour at Diamond A Ranch, we can show you each ceremony site and offer suggestions based on your needs. Additionally, with our wedding experience packages, you will have full access to the entire ranch, so you can still take photos in one of these locations and have the ceremony in another. We look forward to having you and can’t wait to help you plan the perfect wedding ceremony for you and your man. The beauty is limitless! No one ever teaches you how to plan a wedding. After all, you are likely only doing it one time! Anytime you are trying something new, there can be a steep learning curve, and no one wants to experience that when planning the best day of your life. That’s why we put together this handy list of questions to help guide you in choosing a wedding venue. There are so many options out there, and details really matter when it comes to the location that meets you and your groom’s personality, style, and needs.  |
AuthorEmily Dickson |
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