Ways to Honor Lost Loved Ones at Your Wedding

Ways to Honor Lost Loved Ones at Your Wedding

Losing a loved one is one of the hardest experiences someone will ever go through. It can feel like such a punch in the stomach. That blow feels extra hard when those special people can’t be there to experience the big milestones in life, like getting married. Since those loved ones can’t be there, it’s important for them to be honored and acknowledged on the day. Here are a few ways you can honor lost loved ones at your wedding.


A Saved Chair:
This is one of the most common ways to honor lost loved ones. You leave an empty chair in the first row at the ceremony to represent those who couldn’t be there. Putting a sign on that seat is a good way to make sure people know what that seat is saved for.

Shout out in the Ceremony: Discuss with your officiant when would be a good time to call attention to lost loved ones during the ceremony. The officiant can say a few nice words about those missing on that special day or even just read a list of names of those that couldn’t be present. A moment of silence can be so insanely powerful and make everyone stop to remember those who we have lost and are missing on your special day. This is always a huge tear jerkers and one of the most respectful way to show your respects for a lost loved one during the ceremony.

Memory Table: Create a table in a prevalent place at the ceremony or reception with your favorite photos of your favorite people. This can be a good way to show off your grandparents vintage wedding photos or old photos of you with the person that couldn’t be there. Having their photos around can make it feel like they’re not so far away.

Something Written in the Program: At the bottom of the ceremony program is a good place to say something about those who could not be present on the wedding day. This is a good way to honor your lost loved ones even if you might not be able to say the words aloud.

Take A Shot: This is one of my all time favorite ways to remember a lost loved one. At Kourtney & Tanner’s wedding they took a shot of Kourtney’s dads favorite tequila, Patron, to celebrate their new marriage with their dad that couldn’t be there physically. He was obviously the cool dad! They had custom shot glasses made that went along with the Patron to complete the shot set. This is a little thing that they get to keep with them even after the wedding day. This is a light hearted and more fun way to remember a lost loved one and everyone loved it.

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5 Wedding Myths

5 Wedding Myths

If you couldn’t tell we do things a little differently at Promise Event Planners. We are a non traditional wedding planning company that has a love for doing things outside of the box of tradition. As much as traditional weddings fit for some, we prefer to throw out the traditions that don’t work for you so you can have the day you have always imagined. We know your parents, grandparents and friends are probably in your ear telling you what things were like in their day or at their weddings but those things don’t have to be the same for you! Here are a 5 Wedding Myths that we just don’t think are true:


30% of Invited Guests Won’t Attend: I’m sure you’ve heard this number before! While it is sometimes true, Colorado is a true destination and out of town guests will want to come here and stay a while. When sending out invites assume that everyone will attend so your numbers don’t get out of hand. It is also good to have a B list of guests you would like to invite that you can send invites to if a large amount of people RSVP no.

You Cant See the Bride Before She Walks Down the Aisle: It has been said that it’s bad luck to see the bride before you walk down the aisle. Well in the past 10 years or so we have said screw that and introduced First Looks. A First Look is when the couple see each other for the first time before walking down the aisle! This is usually in a somewhat secluded place with just the couple and the photographer to catch all the feels and raw emotion. I am personally a HUGE fan of first looks! I think there are so many upsides to doing a first look with the only downside being that its not traditional. I think first looks help the couple shake their pre wedding jitters and can allow the couple to show their true emotions without worrying about what on lookers think or looking cool in front of all of your friends and family. It also is a huge timesaver and gives the couple the opportunity to handle all their photos before the ceremony so they can spend more time with their favorite people during cocktail hour. We are all for it!

Rain on Your Wedding Day is Bad Luck: It’s NOT! Although it may not be exactly what you planned for, rain on your wedding day is not bad luck. Some even say it symbolizes cleansing and fertility which could be such a positive omen for your relationship and marriage. If you are seeing rain in the forecast the week of your wedding, we can rent umbrellas for every guest and we will discuss our back up plan in detail. Don’t let anything rain on your parade! You are marrying your best friend and that is all that really matters.

You have to have a wedding cake: This is definitely not true! Not everyone likes wedding cake so why would you spend money on one just to have one! If you think your guests will be craving something sweet at the end of the night, you can provide something you and your partner actually do like! Maybe you could provide ice cream from Little Man Ice Cream or serve pie instead of cake! We’ve seen it all from S’mores bars and hot coco stations to chocolate covered strawberries and waffle cakes. This is a place where you can customize your wedding and add a small surprise element that will leave you guests on a (sugar) high note!

You have to do all the traditions: There are so many traditions that surround weddings. Like so many. Things like something old, new, borrowed, and blue, having a bridal party, wearing a veil, and the list goes on and on (and on). You don’t have to toss the bouquet or do a garter toss if it is just not for you! Just because it’s a long running tradition doesn’t mean you have to do it at YOUR wedding! It is your day! Do what you want!


Need help sorting through all the noise? Contact us to set up your free consultation where we are more than happy to tell you all the dos and donts of wedding planning and wedding traditions!

The Best Months For A Colorado Wedding

The Best Months For A Colorado Wedding

The Best Month For Weddings In Colorado

This little blog is going to be short and sweet! I will tell you what my favorite months to get married in Colorado. Whether you are going for a warm day or a winter wonderland, our beautiful state always seems to pull out all the stops for every season. So here are my favorite months for weddings here in Colorful Colorado.


For a warm weather wedding, I think late September is the best time to get married in Colorado! This time of year is usually super warm with a chance of the first fall colors. The weather will be nice and warm during the day with a cool breeze at night that everyone will be craving as they kill it on the dance floor. All your friends will have had their spring and summer weddings and you get to come in right before the rush of Fall weddings that are so popular here in Colorado.

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For winter weddings I think that February is the best month to get married in Colorado. If you are wanting to get married in the winter, you are most likely wanting snow and in February you can almost guarantee that there will be beautiful white snow all around, especially in the mountains! People are typically more available after the holiday season and will be excited that your wedding isn’t in the summer like everyone else!

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Are those the months you thought I would say? Of course each planner will have a different opinion on this but September and February have a special place in my heart. Do you need assistance planning your dream wedding? Contact us now for your free consultation!

How to Deal with the Emotions That Come with Changing Your Wedding Plans Due to Covid 19

How to Deal with the Emotions That Come with Changing Your Wedding Plans Due to Covid 19

Today we have a guest post from Zola about how to cope with your emotions that come with changing your wedding plans due to the Corona Virus.


There is so much planning that goes into making your wedding day as perfect as possible. While planning is important for things to go smoothly, life also happens. It’s something we just can’t control! Many engaged couples have needed to postpone their weddings this year as a result of COVID-19

If you find yourself in a similar situation, know that it’s ok to feel upset and overwhelmed. The last thing any bride wants is something ruining her special day. Rest assured that whenever there is a problem, there is also a solution. Continue reading for some tips on how to go about unexpected wedding changes that come your way.

Let Out Your Emotions

You’re likely feeling a wide range of emotions at the news of the unexpected change. When feeling stressed and upset, the last thing you want to do is bottle that in. Ignoring your emotions may seem like a quick fix, but it won’t do much to help you later on. The more you disregard them, the higher chance they’ll come back at you with a higher intensity. Dedicate the time to take a breather and allow yourself to accept how you feel. This will help you move forward.

Ask Yourself What You’re Grateful for

As things are negative, it’s important to remember what we are grateful for. After you’ve allowed yourself time to cope with your emotions, make a list of things that make you smile. This might include your partner, family, and friends. In times where we feel defeated, it’s important to look towards the positives in life. Believe it or not, listing what you’re grateful for is known to increase your well-being.

If you’re struggling with getting started, feel free to use our printable as a guide for your list. Our gratitude map’s layout can help you brainstorm who and what you’re grateful for.

Besides the COVID-19 pandemic, you might also run into some other unexpected changes. Changes can come in all shapes and forms, such as a change in weather or an overbooked venue. Whatever it is, remember that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. It’s ok to let yourself feel upset, but know that you have so much to look forward to as your wedding gets closer. Check out Zola’s guide for more ways to cope with unexpected wedding changes.

Below are additional Printables for you to check out:

Self Talk Mantras

Gratitude Coloring Pages

STOP Stress Method


Coti & Kyle's Devils Thumb Ranch Winter Wedding

Coti & Kyle's Devils Thumb Ranch Winter Wedding

Coti & Kyle's Devils Thumb Ranch Winter Wedding

This Louisiana Duo were married this January at Devils Thumb Ranch. These two had traveled to Colorado several times during their relationship and decided that Devils Thumb Ranch in Tabernash, Colorado would be the perfect place to say "I do". They invited all of their closest friends and family to celebrate their big day! As we set up the Broad Axe Barn with tons of wildflowers provided by AFlore, a full cookie bar by The Dessert Stand, and hanging white sheers that draped from the ceiling, the couple got ready in the near by cabins. The couples ceremony was set up in front of the barn doors. The barn door remained shut and then were slowly opened just as the bride and her father made it down the aisle exposing the breathtaking mountain views in the background. It was a dramatic entrance that left everyone stunned in the best way.  The party got started after the ceremony where guests enjoyed premium cocktails and Colorado Craft Brews. Cocktail Hour took place outdoors on the deck and in the nearby Timber House while the couple made their way to the vast snowy spaces on the property to take their portraits with my fave Alchemy Creative! The best part of this wedding was that all of their guests were from out of state and many had never seen snow before (especially the kids)! After the ceremony tiny little flakes began to fall from the sky and everyone was beyond excited! Being a Colorado native I cant say that i have the same obsession for snow, but it was so cute to see everyone so excited! The guests were brought back into the barn for dinner where they were served a huge gourmet meal by Devils Thumb and their incredibly accommodating catering staff! The party got started when Hipster Mama Productions and the Radio Band hit the stage! all the guests were up and dancing all night long! The ranch doesn't allow sparklers on site so we had to improvise on what we would use for the grand exit. Coti bought these amazing light up batons and battery powered sparklers that we passed out as the band finished its last few songs! We lined the guests up out on the back deck while the snow continued to fall and they cheered on their newly weds as they went off into the night! These photos are absolutely to die for y'all! Scroll down to see all the photos from this day! 

Vendors:

Planning: Promise Event Planners

Photography: Alchemy Creative

Florist: AFlore

Venue/Catering/Bar/Lodging: Devils Thumb Ranch

Cake & Desserts: The Dessert Stand

Band: Hipster Mama and the Radio Band

Videographer: Olena Films

Stationery | Hadley Designs

Photobooth | Picture Perfect Photobooth

Dress | Calla Blanche at Blush Bridal Baton Rouge

Hair + Makeup | Lanie U. at Hue Salon Lafayette, LA

Promise Event Planners offers a variety of services in Colorado, including