We asked Mississippi wedding vendors, “What’s the biggest piece of advice you would offer your clients?” Their answers provide lots of helpful hints that will make the big day go better – and even some good advice for the marriage itself.
Photo by Taylor Square Photography Co.
The Chapel at Livingston
Since opening the Chapel at Livingston as a wedding venue in 2017, we have had many brides seeking advice. Given the fact that the venue is typically the first stop on bookings for weddings, I am often asked this question: “What do I do next?”
I would say my biggest piece of advice has consistently been to find a coordinator for the wedding day. Having a wedding planner is ideal, but even just hiring a day-of coordinator is key. I have watched so many weddings where the mother of the bride or an aunt or friend is frantically running around trying to direct all the moving parts of the wedding day, and it ends in an exhausted person who missed the joy of the day. Brides and their loved ones should not have to miss out on the sweet moments that happen throughout the day. Hiring a coordinator is my best piece of advice to help ensure that the day runs smoothly and that the bride, her friends and her family get to experience it all! Throughout our years as a venue, we have formed relationships with many wonderful wedding coordinators. They bring a sense of peace to the whole experience.
The other greatest piece of advice we might add is to “just go with it” as unforeseen things happen. The main goal is to marry the person with whom you’ve chosen to spend the rest of your days. One of my fondest memories of this being put into play was on a stormy wedding day, a bride’s mother sweetly took a jar and captured rain water in it. She then told everyone that this water would one day be used to christen the bride and groom’s children. She turned the bad into the beautiful and focused on the true reason for the wedding … love!
Cypress Point Resort
Photo by Followell Photography
Embarking on the journey of choosing the perfect wedding venue can feel overwhelming, but our advice is to start the venue search early and ask yourself a couple of key questions. This gives you a better chance of finding a place that meets your needs and is available on your desired dates. Good communication that conveys information clearly and efficiently between the venue and the client is imperative. Here are a couple of key questions to consider.
What is your wedding theme? Ensure that the venue aligns with your chosen theme. Nestled amidst lush greenery and a beautiful lake, Cypress Point Resort offers a captivating backdrop for your wedding. Boasting elegant architecture and stunning landscapes, our resort exudes a sense of timeless charm and sophistication.
How many guests will be attending the wedding? Avoid choosing a venue that is too large for a smaller guest list, as it may feel empty, and likewise, avoid overcrowding by exceeding the venue’s capacity. Having an estimate of your guest count helps with table arrangements and optimizing available space. At Cypress Point Resort, our versatile event spaces accommodate any size of wedding, ensuring your vision comes to life. From intimate ceremonies to grand celebrations, we can meet your needs.
What does the surrounding area have to offer? Think about the venue’s location overall. Having airports and accommodations nearby is important for out-of-town guests. Cypress Point Resort has just opened beautiful new accommodations for guests and the wedding party to enjoy a wonderful stay onsite. Our main cabin and individual guest rooms feature new and comfortable luxury amenities.
Do you need additional amenities? Factors such as catering options, parking availability, event coordination, and whether they provide tables, chairs, and linens all need to be communicated between the couple and the venue. Let our catering and design professionals help create a uniquely memorable experience by handling everything from hors d’oeuvres and meal to cakes and party favors.
Can you come for a viewing of the venue and amenities? Yes! Our impeccable services, breathtaking views and attention to detail make Cypress Point Resort the place to say “I do” and begin your happily ever after. Be sure to take photos at the viewing!
What have other couples experienced at this wedding venue? By reading online reviews and talking to other couples who’ve utilized the venue, you might find information about aspects of the venue you hadn’t even thought to consider. Visit the venue’s website and Facebook page, and read magazines where they advertise. You will get a better insight into their reputation and professionalism. Readers in the 2024 Hometown Rankin Magazine Red Carpet Best of the Best named Cypress Point Resort their Best Event Venue.
Strong communication between the couple about to get married and the venue is the key to success. The only wrong question is the one not asked. Trust your instincts and select a venue where you can envision celebrating your special day with joy and happiness. Cypress Point Resort is located in the picturesque city of Brandon, Mississippi, providing the perfect setting for your special day. We would be honored to help your dreams become reality.
Contact Cypress Point at 601-829-1101, ext. 4, or visit CypressPointMS.com.
Elle James Bridal
Elle James Bridal knows that with anticipation and excitement come stress. Our suggestion is to eliminate the stress of finding the perfect wedding dress by booking an appointment with us – early. We recommend you begin looking for your wedding dress a minimum of eight months before your wedding to allow plenty of time for alterations.
Before you come in for your appointment, you will chat with one of our bridal stylists about your wedding day vision. This allows us to pull dresses just for you that fit your style, body type, and budget. Once we get to meet you, you and your loved ones will have an appointment room and dressing room all to yourselves. Your personal bridal stylist will begin pulling dresses, and then the magic begins!
To make your wedding day look unique to you, your stylist will help you accessorize everything from a veil and jewelry to a sash, garter, and shoes. We invite you to bring any heirloom items to your appointment if you think you would like to wear them at your wedding.
Our intimate space is by appointment only because we intentionally have only two dressing rooms. We want all eyes to be on you while keeping the atmosphere comfortable and relaxing. Often, once a bride is headed out the door, we hear, “Well that was easy!” And every time, we smile from ear to ear, because that is why we created Elle James Bridal. Our stylists pour their heart and soul into each bride so your experience will be stress-free and filled with love.
Gina Diamond’s Flower Co.
At Gina Diamond’s Flower Co., we love working with couples as well as their family and friends, whether it be helping them with their bridal registry, small weddings, showers, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners or receptions. Our biggest piece of advice in planning a wedding would be to research the professionals you will be working with, whether it be a florist, a caterer, a photographer or a bakery. Often we see people nervous about ordering flowers, and we believe all professionals want to put you at ease.
In conducting research, there are several things to look for, including reviewing their website, reading their reviews, following them on social media, and getting an idea of the type of work they do. In addition, you can schedule a meeting and order something small to see how the order is carried to fruition. If you are inspired by their work, they have great reviews, and they are easy to work with, they could be a great fit. If you are unsure about any of the above, it may be time for you to move on. Confidence in the professionals you hire will give you peace of mind and allow you to relax and enjoy the process. If you have chosen the right professional, it is their job to make your dreams come true.
Being prepared to meet with the professional can help greatly. Ideally, by the time you begin scheduling meetings, you will have an idea of the size of your wedding, a color scheme, and some examples of things you like. All of this will be a great starting point. Allow the professionals to guide you. It is important to remember that they work in their industry each day and their guidance is an invaluable tool for you.
Your wedding day should be one of the most wonderful days of your life. By this day, all of your planning will be complete, and this will be the magical time that your wedding turns into your marriage. While we at Gina Diamond’s Flower Co. do not profess to be experts in marriage, collectively, we have hundreds of years of marital success. Upon asking some of our team members the best advice they would give a couple getting married, we received a mixture of serious as well as comical quips, including: Keep God first, always be humble and kind, apologize and compromise, never go to bed angry, have separate TVs, nobody is perfect, pray together, have separate bathrooms, and finally, respect and communicate with each other.
Honeysuckle Hollow Events by Design
Honeysuckle Hollow Events by Design is a wedding planning company based in Brandon. Boasting years of experience, this team of skilled professionals will ensure every aspect of your big day is perfect, down to the last detail. They’ll relieve your stress and make your planning process as easy, laidback and enjoyable as possible.
One of the biggest pieces of advice this team likes to offer is the structured focus on budgeting details. Budget plays the largest role in your wedding planning. Hiring a planner or coordinator who can assist with budgeting and decision-making will keep your wedding on track. These professionals know all the ins and outs of the process of providing guidance without sacrificing the integrity of your wedding. There is much more to budgeting than numbers on a spreadsheet.
To find out more about their services, contact Honeysuckle Hollow, LLC Events by Design today!
The Mill at MSU
Book your venue ASAP. Saying “yes” to your fiancé is the first task in this season of life. After enjoying the excitement of your engagement, one of the biggest decisions you will make is saying “yes” to your wedding venue. Your choice of location can determine so many factors, including your wedding date, dress, budget, and size of your guest list.
Choosing the right venue can set the tone for your special day. Once a wedding location is selected, you can narrow your task list and eliminate the stress of many decisions based on the venue. By setting the stage for your wedding, you can start planning one of the most significant days of your life.
At The Mill at MSU in Starkville, we offer multiple event spaces to meet your needs. The historic 90,000-square-foot building can accommodate anywhere from 10 to 1,000 people. Our dedicated event staff is here to help plan and organize everything, from ceremonies to showers and wedding receptions.
Call us today and allow us to coordinate your special events. Let us remove the stress of planning from your to-do list so you can focus on making this one of the most enjoyable events you will ever attend!
More info: Themillatmsu.com | 662.325.0355