Day #19: Don't stress over the favors!

After speaking with a lot of my couples, after their wedding, the most common advice I heard from them was: "Don't stress over the favors. Your guests don't care that much!"

We had a lot of great ideas for wedding favors this year. What I loved the most about some of the favors is that I saw a lot that were more sentimental versus the most expensive gift they could find. We had a couple who put together a CD of their favorite songs, they named the CD: "The Soundtrack to our Love Story". We had a bride whose grandma's jam was famous within their circle, so everyone received small jars of grandma's jam! There wasn't one jar left behind! Other couples personalized mugs, mason jars and coozies!

Day #18: Golf

Did you know Grooms (or Brides) can Golf for free! Before you say "I do" enjoy a round of golf with your friends and family! Guests are $65/per player (cart & range included).

Contact our Golf Pro Shop at 703-631-9560 x118

Day #17 of KISSmas goes to another KISS

Today we go back to July 18, 2015 when Emily and Jed had their first KISS as a married couple.  They had the LARGEST wedding with us this year with a guest count of 256 and what fun those guests were.  Both Emily and Jed work at a local High School so they knew a lot of our staff here at Chantilly, making the day feel like we are all part of one big happy family.

We thank you Mr. & Mrs. Williams for hosting your wedding here with us - come see us soon!

Day #16: Invitations!

Day #16 of KISSmas is ALL about invitations, and paper goods for your wedding day. Invitations are one of the first things that your guests formally receive with information about your wedding, so it is the perfect opportunity to bring in personal touches and set the stage for the look and feel of the celebration you are planning. Brides often receive many questions leading up to their wedding about their reception, and a guest's understanding of the nice meal that will be provided can be unclear. Use your invitations as an opportunity to communicate to your guests about what to expect. There are several ways to do this, whether you're having a heavy hors d'oeuvres cocktail reception, or a formal plated dinner. Caitlin Creative Works provided this concise infographic to help our brides navigate this important step in the planning process. 

Caitlin designs custom and semi-custom Save the Dates, Wedding Invitations and Day-of Details to brides in the Washington, DC Metro area. www.caitlincreativeworks.com/contact

Day #15: Place Card Ideas!

Place cards are used to tell your guests where they are sitting but it is also a way for our servers to know what their guests chose as their meal (ex: filet vs salmon). At Chantilly National, your cocktail hour is outside.  It is windy outside so those classic place cards don't work best outside. So most of our couples prepared for that - they put together boards, picture frames, wood pieces and more.  Place cards are still made for each guest to indicate their meal choice but they are preset at the tables so they will find their names when they find their seat.  It is also a great way to help assign seats for that table of "singles" - you never know, maybe you'll help your friends find their match.

Day #14: It's time for another KISS!

After 17 years, Alena & Jeremiah still have "butterflies" for each other.  They had their first KISS as a married couple on November 7, 2015 at a local church and came to Chantilly National to celebrate their love.  We are wishing you many more years of happiness.  Thank you Mr. & Mrs. Andrew's for spending your special day with us.

Photographer: George Street Photo & Video

Day #13: Centerpiece Ideas

Flower, books, teraniums, candles, lanters or all of the above.  Centerpiece ideas can be found just about anywhere but my advice would be: You can choose Centerpeices or Linens.  If you have a simple centerpiece, maybe upgrade your linen.  If your centerpiece is extravagant, maybe stick to a simple table linen and napkin color.

Day #12: Uplighting Advice From Wyatt From Y it Entertainment

Today, Wyatt from Y it Entertainment is going to explain a little more about uplighting!

Click Here for his video

They also also offer DJ, Photo Booth and Lighting services. One stop shopping for all your event needs.  Y it Entertainment is one of CNGCC Preferred Vendors!

Y it Entertainment 

DJ~Photo Booth~Lighting

571-305-2015

www.YitEntertainment.com

Day #11: Signature Drinks!

Signature Drinks are FUN to have at your wedding. Sometimes they show off your favorite drink, maybe a drink you all enjoy together.  But make sure to keep it simple!

Most Popular Drink for 2015 at Chantilly: MOSCOW MULE!

Day #10: Bridal Shows are upon us!

I have been a vendor at a lot of these and I have seen many overwhelmed brides so I have put together a list together of the top 3 tips for attending a show. 

Top 3 Tips for Attending a Bridal Show:

1. Have a plan.  If you still need a cake, find cake, don't go toward the flowers

2. Bring water - there is a lot of food tasting, not a lot of beverages!

3. Print Address Labels at Home - vendors will want your information, 

have these ready instead of having to write your name 1000 times :)

Day #9: Rain, Rain, Won't Always Go Away...

On Day 9 of KISSmas, Natalie Seng from Perfectly Designed talks to us about what happens when the weather doesn't cooperate the way we hoped...

"Tiffany and Justin were the absolute sweetest couple to work with. We had an amazing day planned for the two with a beautiful outdoor ceremony and a cocktail hour overlooking the greens. But mother nature had other plans for them. The day of their wedding and the days leading up to it, Hurricane Joaquin, was bringing us category 4 strength winds and rain. But not to worry we simply transformed the ballroom into a romantic and candle lit ceremony space that had an incredible view of the golf course. After all getting married to each other was the most important thing and it didn't matter if we implemented plan A or B. So even Joaquin couldn't prevent the two lovebirds from getting married. By the end of the night, the rain held of enough for a few shots in the drizzling rain (by the amazing Marirosa!) as well as a sparkler send off. Congrats again Tiffany & Justin, love really does conquer all!" - Natalie Seng

Both Natalie and Marirosa are Preferred Vendors at CNGCC!

Natalie Seng

Owner & Creative Director

Designed Perfectly Events, LLC

Direct: 703.867.7384

www.designed-perfectly.com

Photography by Marirosa
703.307.7074
www.photographybymarirosa.com
www.facebook.com/photobymarirosa
www.photographybymarirosablog.com

Day #8: Let's Enjoy a "KISS"

Jessica & Jason Ahn were married at Chantilly National on May 9, 2015.  

It was a gorgeous day full of love and laughter. 

Thank you Mr. & Mrs. Ahn for spending you special day with us!

Leslie Moran, Photographer, captured their love and is one of CNGCC's Preferred Vendors

Leslie Maron Photography

www.lesliemaronphoto.com

hello@lesliemaronphoto.com

571.306.3029

Day #7: Advice From Wanda's Cakes

Coordinate your Wedding Cake with your Dress Design:

My son was getting married in June and I was searching for a new and fresh idea for their wedding cake.   After a few sleepless nights, I decided to create their wedding cake to coordinate with the bride's gown.   Working with the dress photo, the bottom tier of the cake (photographed here) coordinated with the puffy skirt of the dress, the middle tier with the pleats of the top of the gown and the top tier just delicate and pretty to coordinate with my beautiful daughter-in law's lovely personality.   The neckline of the dress was trimmed with glistening stones and thus the same trim was used between the top two tiers.   Working off the dress design allows your cake baker the opportunity to maximize  their creative talents to create a truly unique cake and all of your guests will be amazed when they see the resemblance.   

All Couples get FREE Delivery with their Cake with Wanda - Contact Wanda at Wanda's Cakes:wandascakes@cs.com

Day #6: How to incorporate the Sport you Love...

It's Football Sunday and as we get ready to cheer on our favorite teams, we remember how our couples incorporated their alma mater, their favorite teams or the sport they enjoy playing together. 

Incorporate your team with your theme, your linen colors for the tables, grooms cakes, wedding cakes and more!

Day #5: Have a little Trust...

We are going to dedicate our 5th Day of KISSmas to Michelle and James Chu.  They were our Wedding of 2015! I recently asked her what advice she would give future couples and one was to "Trust Aleks".  Well she did, she trust me and the Chantilly Team a LOT.  

Knowing renovations were to be complete in January-February timeframe, they still decided to book their wedding on March 28, 2015.  Now, I have worked with a lot of couples, but these two were calm, cool and collected the ENTIRE time...there is a chance that I was "freaking out" more than they were.  But as we expected, renovations completed, they got married at a nearby church and came to Chantilly National to dance the night away.  

Michelle, your advice is flattering but really...Michelle and James...Thank YOU for trusting us but also just being you. 

It was our pleasure to be your host.

Day #4: Ceremony Programs

Ceremony Programs are not necessary but if you DO have them, 

remember your wedding is OUTSIDE :)  

Chalkboards & Fans were the most popular choices in 2015

Day #3: Let's Enjoy A "KISS"

Today, lets reminisce a Chantilly National "First Kiss"

Rachel and Joe Norcio got married here on a perfect summer day in June, 2015.  

They are expecting a baby boy in March of 2016. Congratulations to the newlyweds! 

We are looking forward to seeing pictures of the little one soon!  

Thanks again for hosting your wedding here with us!

KRISTI MCKEAG PHOTOGRAPHY

Day #2: Unique Wedding Guest Book Ideas

A wedding guest book is one of the things you physically get to take away from your wedding day.  It contains sentimental notes from your loved ones wishing you happiness, good luck and endless joy.  A guest book is a great way to tell a story about the two of you, give them an idea of what you all like to do together.  It is a way to make it a little more personal and something you'll see more around your house versus a book you might put on a shelf.  

Here are some fun ideas from our 2015 Brides

Board games:  Do you and your perfect match enjoy playing board games?  What if every time you played Jenga with your friends you were reminded of your special day?

Benches: We had a couple this year that actually MADE their  bench (shown in picture, top photo) but you can easily buy a bench for your guests to sign.  Can't you just imagine drinking a nice cup of coffee in the morning reading the sweet words from your family and friends?

Something for the wall:   You can take a photo of the two of you for guests to sign around or do a cool shadow box where your guests sign hearts and drop them into the box.  These are things that can be displayed in your house for all guests to see.  One of my favorites was when a couple incorporated the fact that they were from two different states.  The states were printed and their guests were able to sign all around the states.  It was like two states became one that day!  I am sure it is hanging on their wall now.

Polaroid Picture: Shake it like a...yeah we all want to sing it and boy do your guests actually sing it!  I have watched this option be a great way to "break the ice" and get your guests ready for the party.  Want to see what happens when you give your guests the camera?  This is the option for you!

Day #1: Holiday Weddings Dos & Don'ts

With Thanksgiving kicking off the Holiday Season, I thought a Holiday Wedding DOs and DON'Ts would be a perfect way to start our 25 Days of KISSmas!  So if you are thinking about or already saying "I do" on a Holiday/Holiday Weekend, here are a few things you should think about.

1. Save the Dates are VERY important  - DO them and DO them early! 

People plan vacations in advance, sometimes have a yearly beach trip that they may need to change.  So the more notice they have, the better. Save the Date magnets work great for these because they look at their fridge daily, multiple times.  It won't just get thrown in that "mail pile" we all shamelessly have.

2. DO incorporate the Holiday but DON’T go overboard with the theme. 

You can tie in the theme by making a signature drink, centerpieces, favors or even your color scheme.  However, DON'T do them all and please stay away from playing seasonal holiday music at your reception. As much as we all love holiday carols, you want your guests to feel they are at a wedding, not a holiday party.

3. Is the venue of your dreams a little over budget? DO pick a Friday or Sunday on a holiday weekend.

Now all venues and vendors are different BUT sometimes you can find great deals on a long holiday weekend.  A lot of your guests are already taking off a day or two to travel for your wedding so why not give them the extra day that they may have off anyways?  Travel Friday, Rehearsal Dinner Saturday, Wedding Sunday, Travel Monday.  DO remember your guests are spending a holiday weekend with you instead of maybe relaxing or going on vacation with their family, so an extra 'thank you favor' may not be a bad idea to show them how much you appreciate them.

25 Days of KISSmas!

Hello All,

My post from yesterday was accidentally deleted so I wanted to get it back on here because it was an important one!  SO please see below...

Long time, no blog - I am sorry about that.  The summer got very busy and the blog took a back seat.  But we want to get us back up and running so starting December 1st, we will be doing 25 Days of KISSmas!  Every day we will post something wedding related.  We have reached out to vendors, past couples, current couples and employees to get the tips, photos, love stories and more!  You are NOT going to want to miss this KISSmas fun!

For the wonderful couples who have not been highlighted on the blog yet, I promise you will be!  The New Year will bring many photos of the 2015 summer, fall and winter weddings we hosted here at Chantilly National.

Thank you all and Happy Holidays!
The Chantilly National Team!