Wedding Tips with BRIDES
Simply Charming Socials and Atlanta Wedding Planner Kristine Cholakian Cooke frequently offers expert wedding tips on go-to resource BRIDES magazine, found at Brides.com. Keep up with planning suggestions, wedding etiquette, and our best advice for recently engaged couples, brides & grooms, and newlyweds. Read the most recent articles.
ARE FORMAL SIT-DOWN DINNERS A THING OF THE PAST?
“We've had brewery weddings where food trucks park outside and guests enjoy local beer tastings as they chow down on three different street food offerings like banh mi, tacos, and mac and cheese. This is a more laid-back event, where you can also expect lawn games and karaoke.”
HOW MUCH DO WEDDING FLOWERS COST:
MAKING THE MOST OF A FLORAL BUDGET
"We always find that brides who are more open-minded going into initial floral meetings can truly learn about flowers and options they didn't know existed," says Cooke. "In the end, the results can be beautiful and unexpected."
GALLERY: 20 WAYS TO USE QUOTES
[See two of our favorite collaborations with friend Lairsey Paper Co., including the beautiful stepping stones we created for our Sonnet XVII Editorial, also seen in our portfolio.]
WEDDING DECOR TREND: POTTED PLANTS
“Live trees add a grand and lively touch to any reception area. Potted citrus trees or olive trees are a favorite for their true green leaves, fantastic aroma and narrow trunks, plus they add height and interest in the corners of the room or in a lounge."
Photo: For the Love of Juneau
Photo: JB Marie Photography
BIGGEST BLACK TIE MISTAKES BRIDES MAKE
“For the beach loving bride who simply has her heart set on black tie, a venue overlooking the water with an air-conditioned or breezy indoor reception as opposed to tables right in the sand could be a good compromise, offers event planner Kristine Cholakian Cooke, owner of Simply Charming Socials.
[We love a good Black Tie Wedding and here’s how to host one.]
Atlanta History Center | Photo: Lance Nicoll
The Foundry at Puritan Mill | Photo: Kat Braman
Sugarboo Farms | Photo: Sawyer Baird
5 THINGS ALL INSTAGRAM-WORTHY WEDDING VENUES HAVE IN COMMON
“When planning such a special day, brides want a special location, so we always look for that one thing that makes the venue stand out.”
HOW TO PICK THE PERFECT WEDDING SEASON
“If your heart is set on bright pink peonies, you’ll want to choose spring. Although our resources are wide ranging, we always suggest going with the season for the freshest and most affordable florals,” she says.
[See more of our tips for Choosing the Wedding Season for You]
THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BOOKING YOUR WEDDING NIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS
Kristine Cholakian Cooke, Event planner and owner of Simply Charming Socials, suggests choosing a relaxing, convenient, and special option. “Remember that you will be tired after such a long day, so opt to stay somewhere close enough to reach easily after your send-off, and if you can afford it always splurge for a big, comfy bed,” she advises.
NATURALLY BEAUTIFUL WEDDING VENUES THAT DON’T NEED MUCH DECOR
“We always look to the environment for inspiration, especially in non-traditional venues,” she explains. “There’s something so thrilling about whisking guests away to an unassuming location and have them be wowed.”
7 THINGS GUESTS GO BANANAS FOR AT WEDDINGS
Whether it’s a bride/groom DJ battle, fire dancers or a late night food truck pulling up, anything that surprises your guests will make them go bananas, says event planner Kristine Cholakian Cooke, owner of Simply Charming Socials.
6 WAYS TO GET A MAGAZINE-WORTHY WEDDING
It’s got to be different or it won’t do! As event planner Kristine Cholakian Cooke, owner of Simply Charming Socials, puts it, magazine features are meant to inspire brides and designers to create something new and one-of-a-kind.
[Learn more about creating the Ultimate Wedding Pinterest Board]
DESTINATION WEDDING FAVOR IDEAS
Event planner and designer Kristine Cholakian Cooke of Simply Charming Socials recommends looking for any form of tasty edibles that the town is known for, such as taffy by the sea, hand pies in the south, or jams and honey harvested from local farms.
WHAT TO PRACTICE BEFORE THE BIG DAY
As event planner and designer Kristine Cholakian Cooke of Simply Charming Socials points out, every guy could use a refresher on tying a tie or bowtie before the big day.
Photo: Sawyer Baird
Photo: Sawyer Baird
FILL THE POST-WEDDING VOID
Become the hostest with the mostest! Once you’ve planned a wedding, coordinating any other small event will feel like a piece of cake, notes newlywed and event planner and designer Kristine Cholakian Cooke of Simply Charming Socials. “Put your Pinterest boards, registry gifts and entertaining skills to use by hosting gatherings at your home. Take advantage of smaller ‘holidays’ such as awards season and the Super Bowl or invite friends over for a just-because dinner party.”
WINTER WEDDING MYTHS
Fortunately, heaters, heated tents and even sunrooms and solariums allow you and your guests to be one with nature, even in the coldest climates, says event planner and designer Kristine Cholakian Cooke of Simply Charming Socials. If you plan on taking photos outdoors, and you absolutely should, she recommends being weather-ready from the get-go (something you’ll need to instruct your friends and family to do as well).
AVOID REGISTRY CLUTTER
While registering in-store can be a blast, it can also lead to forgotten items, duplicates and a whole lot of excess, notes event planner Kristine Cholakian, owner of Simply Charming Socials. She recommends utilizing online resources for accessing and amending your registry. “Once you start the initial process, you can log in to edit quantities, remove items or add things as you go.”
[Here is our Wedding Registry Run-Down]
LAST MINUTE WEDDING TIPS
Organize all your wedding items and décor in clear, plastic bins and label them for the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception, says event planner Kristine Cholakian, owner of Simply Charming Socials in Atlanta. “This way, you can keep all the items you accumulate over the course of your engagement in one place.”
For more wedding tips, planning advice or inspiration, visit The Journal!
Simply Charming Socials is a full-service event planning and design company, specializing in weddings and socials. We offer a wide range of services including creative direction, logistical planning, wardrobe styling, event production, custom décor creation, unique rentals, venue consulting, and more. Each package is tailored to meet the needs and style of the individual client. They receive nothing less than what they desire and so much more than they could ever imagine.
Our main focus is the details. We work side-by-side with our clients to uncover their vision and bring it to life. And when you take a closer look, it’s the details that shine. We think of everything, we style to the tee, and we always go one step further to create events that are personal, beautiful, and magical. Inquire about our services for your wedding or social event today!