Today, more than ever couples are sharing the wedding planning process. Surprisingly, I’ve met a few Grooms that were more into the details and planning than the Bride. It makes the process fun having both Bride & Groom involved and getting to spend quality time together deciding what’s important on your big day. From exploring venues together, going to tastings, planning your wedding should be fun and exciting just like the big day! You can make wedding planning a fun date night!

The first dance is such a special moment between you and your new Bride/ Groom. If you’re unsure if you want to do a choreographed dance, just watch videos at home and practice a few basic steps to find a flow. Even learning the basics can help on the wedding day. This should be fun, don’t stress too much about it. If you both have two left feet, just laugh it off. If you decide you want professional help with an amazing, choreographed dance you should reach out to Carol Borjas. She and her partner Ken Hansen are amazing and can help you pick out music and choreograph a first dance that’s simple to dancing with the stars.

If you are doing an open bar and getting a bartender where you provide all the alcohol, here are a few fun date night ideas. You can have a wine tasting night. Buy a few different bottles of wine and find the one you’d want to serve at the wedding. If you want to have a signature cocktail, buy all the ingredients, and have a mixology night at home. Drinking it at the wedding you will remember the fun time you had making it. Some bartenders will work with you to create your signature drink. The Sippin’ Sidecar offers an In-home Cocktail class which is a great option. Have an intimate date night, invite your parents or have the Bridesmaids & Groomsmen join. www.thesippinsidecar.com

Are you having a hard time deciding between a band or DJ? Find a band you’re interested in, see if they’re playing somewhere local, and go check them out. Hearing the band play live will help you decide if you like them and if it’s the vibe you want for your wedding. Make this a date night or invite another couple to join. I’m not a huge band person but one of my brides had C’nergy, they were amazing and I enjoyed listening to them! www.cnergymusic.com The positive about having a DJ is you can give them a list of songs to play and a do not play list. But it’s time-consuming putting that list together!

Picking wedding flowers can be so difficult. Especially when you can scroll forever on Pinterest getting a million different ideas. There are so many gorgeous options to choose from it can feel impossible to narrow it down. A few things to think about before setting a wedding date. If you’re in love with a specific flower make sure it’s in season so you can have it for your wedding, if not you’re going to be upset to find this out. The best thing to do is have your favorite inspiration pictures handy when meeting with your florist. When you do a design meeting with them, you may discover some options you never knew existed. The most beautiful floral arrangements I’ve ever seen are when the Bride gives their florist creative freedom. One of my favorite florists is Marco Van Beek, https://www.themagicofmarco.com/about Photographer is Earnie Johnson, ejohnsonphotography@hotmail.com, Venue is in Seffner, FL. https://millpondestate.com/