Black Iris Estate Wedding Planner

We loved helping Hayley & Brian plan their Black Iris wedding! From finding the perfect location for their wedding to picking out all the beautiful details from floral draping the staircase to water color envelope liners. We loved helping them craft their perfect day! See some of our favorite images below from Vow & Forever.

Vendors:

Wedding Planner: Plum & Poppy Weddings

Photographer: Vow & Forever

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Black Iris Estate

Florist: Accent Floral Design

Hair & Makeup: Something Blue Stylists

Caterer: Thomas Caterers of Distinction

Wedding Gown: Marie Gabriel Couture

Bakery: Classic Cakes

Ceremony Music: Deoc Ensemble

Paperie: Noteworthy Expressions

Calligrapher: Laura Reily Calligraphy

How To Change Our Date Due to Covid 19: A Wedding Planners Guide to Navigating a Date Change

COVID 19 causing chaos with your wedding plans? We’re here to help! Let us walk you through the necessary steps below.

We’ve helped a dozen or so clients reschedule their weddings until later in 2020. If you keep you wedding in the same year you likely won’t incur any fees with your vendors. Postponing until the next year can come at additional costs.

Where to start?

  1. Work with your venue to find dates they still have available. Being flexible and maybe selecting a Friday or off peak month like November will help to ensure that all your vendors can make the change with you.

  2. Reach out to all your vendors to make sure the new date works for them.

  3. Formally switch the date with your venue then follow suit with your vendors. You will likely need to sign new contracts or addendums with each vendor to secure the new date. Don’t forget your rehearsal dinner too!

  4. Inform your guests. Depending on how soon your wedding is will determine the best way to inform your guests. We’ve had clients send formal printed information like what’s below. We’ve also had clients whose weddings were very soon so they let people know via phone and email. Do whatever makes the most sense for you and your guests.

  5. Change your hotel block. Most hotels are allowing you to transfer hotel blocks if they have availability without penalty. There may be a different rate but you can usually still keep your rooms with them.

  6. Update your timeline with any needed changes based on the date change. Did you pick a Friday instead of a Saturday? Maybe you are having a later ceremony or the mass time is different?

  7. Communicate any pertinent changes to your vendors.

  8. Take a break! Once all the immediate work is done you should have time to take a break. This is all so stressful and we appreciate how challenging it was so give yourself time to breath and relax. Plan a “stay at home” date night or Zoom and drink wine with your bridesmaids. You deserve a break and with a later wedding date you should have plenty of time to take one.

Find out more about what wedding insurance is the best here.

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Black Iris Estate Wedding Planner

We had so many beautiful Summer wedding at Black Iris Estate this year and we fell more in love with the property each time we were there! Amanda, Joe and their families were so incredibly sweet and we had the best time helping them bring together their wedding while they lived in Washington, DC. See their beautiful images below.

Vendors:

Photographer: Jen Clark Photography

Wedding Coordinator: Plum & Poppy Weddings

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Black Iris Estate

Caterer: Thomas Caterers of Distinction

Florist: Mother of the Groom

Makeup: Julia Wadsworth

Cake: Classic Cakes

Crowne Plaza Union Station Downtown Indianapolis Wedding Planner

We had the best time helping Katrina + John with their beautiful Summer wedding at Crowne Plaza Union Station in downtown Indianapolis! It was the perfect day for this sweet couple. They were so gracious and kind, we were sad for their wedding to be over. See all the stunning wedding day details below from Ian Borgerhoff Photography!

Photographer: Ian Borgerhoff Photography

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Crowne Plaza Union Station

Wedding Coordinator: Plum & Poppy Weddings

Cake: Cakes by Donna

DJ: Lakeside Entertainment

Florist: Lilly Lane

Ritz Charles Chapel & Garden Pavilion Wedding Planner

We loved helping Elyce + Austin with their beautiful Summer wedding in the Ritz Charles Chapel and Garden Pavilion! See their lovely video below from Bliss Video Memories!

Marriott North Indian Fusion Wedding Planner Video

We loved helping Anisha + Thomas plan their big fun Indian Fusion wedding at the Marriott North this past Spring. We helped them select every single vibrant detail of the day and it was such a joy to work with both their families! See their beautiful video below from Cotangent!

Biltwell Event Center Wedding Planner

We grew to LOVE Ellis, Mitch and both of their families through helping them plan their wedding! They were so lovely and had such fun and unique ideas for their wedding at the Biltwell Event Center. See the sneak peek images below.

Vendors:

Photographer: Arielle Peters Photography

Planner: Plum & Poppy Weddings

Ceremony Venue: Redeemer Presbyterian Church

Reception Venue: Biltwell Event Center

Caterer: Hoalgin Fine Catering

Video: Marshall Movie Maker

Hair: Tangled Up

Makeup: Olivia Rodriguez

Florist: The Empty Vase

Rental: Atmosphere’s Indy

Band: Bluewater Kings

Linens: LGI Linens

Chairs: Wow Factors

Chatham Hills & Lindley Farmstead Wedding Planner

Abbie + Dylan had the most stunning wedding day at the Golf Club at Chatham Hills and Lindley Farmstead! We loved working with Abbie and her mom to plan their beautiful wedding! There was no detail overlooked and Abbie along with her mom have impeccable taste. See all the gorgeous details below from Joni Bilderback!

Vendors:

Photographer: Joni Bilderback

Wedding Coordinator: Plum & Poppy Weddings

Videographer: Ian Borgerhoff

Hair & Makeup: Something Blue Stylists

DJ: Jim Cerone

Florist: Graceful Hands

Decor: Detail & Design

Dessert: Nothing Bundt Cake

Ceremony Venue: Golf Club at Chatham Hills

Reception Venue: Lindley Farmstead at Chatham Hills

Plum & Poppy Weddings Video

We’re so thrilled to share this little video to give you insight into what we do from Ian Borgerhoff Cinematography! Check it out below with clips from some of our favorite weddings with his team. At venues from the JW Marriott, a private estate tent wedding, Indianapolis Central Library, the JW Marriott, and Lindley Farmstead.

Alexander Hotel and Newfields Nigerian Wedding Indianapolis: Wedding Planner

We have been enjoying every minute of helping Patience & Muyiwa plan their wedding from Washington, DC! They will have a fun filled two day celebration beginning at the Alexander Hotel on Friday and ending at Newfields at the IMA on Saturday! We’re thrilled to work alongside Danielle Harris Photography who took their beautiful engagement pictures. We can’t wait to share more of their wedding!

Indiana Barn Wedding Planner: Sarah & Ashraf

We had the pleasure of helping Sarah + Ashraf with their beautiful summer wedding at The Barn in Zionsville! The couple lives in DC and Ashraf is out of the country regularly for work so we made the most of their valuable time and helped them plan a flawless wedding! We loved helping them blend their two cultures by bringing in the Chicago Zaffa for a fun “bharat-like” moment into the reception entrance. See all the stunning images from Gabrielle Cheikh Photography below!

Vendors:

Photographer: Gabrielle Cheikh Photography

Wedding Coordinator: Plum & Poppy Weddings

Venue: The Barn in Zionsville

Florist: Blue Flower

Caterer: A Cut Above Catering

Hair & Makeup: Rachelle Robinson

DJ: DJ Kinetic

Band: Chicago Zaffa

Best Groomsmen Gifts: Indianapolis Wedding Planner

We’re thrilled to have Vow to Be Chic as our guest blogger this week. See their top groomsmen gifts to fit any budget below.

Choosing the right gift for your groomsmen isn’t always an easy decision because of varying personalities and likes.

However, there are plenty of options that will please all of your groomsmen without question. Each gift is a unique choice that will commemorate the day and give your groomsmen something to hold onto forever.

Often when you think groomsmen gifts, you think that you need to set aside a good sum of finance to get this gift.

That isn’t the case.

Check out these latest gifts that you can get your groomsmen without spending a fortune.

1.  Blue Panda Party Shot Glasses

               From: Amazon.com

The Blue Panda party favors shot glasses are a great choice for your groomsmen.

The set comes in a group of five and is printed in classic tuxedo to commemorate the day. Each glass is appointed a position at the wedding party and there is even one included for the groom.

Have a shot with your groomsmen before the “I do’s” and let them keep the glass as a memento of the day.

2.  Zippo Lighter

               From: Dodoburd.com

 

Who doesn’t love to have a classic Zippo lighter?

A great groomsmen gift idea is being able to get the special men in your life a personalized zippo that is engraved with their names and the wedding date.

These lighters are fun for any man to have and they are made of high-quality materials that make them a foolproof gift.

3.  Personalized Notebook and Pen Set

               From: Groomsmengiftsource.com

A handy and personalized memento for your groomsmen is a notebook and pen.

Both items are the type of item that is used regularly, and that makes them a nice choice for a groomsmen gift.

Have their names and the date of the wedding inscribed on both the notebook and the pen for a continuous reminder of that special day.

The notebook has fine stitching that is both durable and classy.

4.  Bottle Breacher

               From: Bottlebreacher.com

The bullet bottle breacher is a great choice for groomsmen.

It is a sincerely masculine gift that will please anyone of your groomsmen on your wedding day.

You can have them personalized with their names and the date of the wedding to give your groomsmen a more unique gift that has meaning.

These bottle breachers are made to last.

5.  Personalized Wallet and Keychain

               From: Groomsmengiftideas.com

One excellent gift that will work for any of your groomsmen is this combination of wallet and keychain.

Both are personalized with the name and wedding date to commemorate the day, and they are practical gifts that can be used every day.

Made of high-quality materials, this gift is an excellent and safe choice for even the picky groomsmen.

6.  Lock-Back Knife

               From: Amazon.com

A lock-back knife may not be entirely practical, but it is a great choice for any groomsman.

The fine stainless steel of this knife makes it durable and elegant.

You can have the names of your groomsmen engraved on the knife. This knife is cased in a metal case for safekeeping and to help keep the knife in pristine condition.

7.  Groomsman Survival Kit

               From: Amara.com

 

The groomsman survival kit is a humorous way to bring on your wedding day with the boys.

The groomsmen will love this memento box that is filled with a variety of survival items for the day of the wedding.

There is a steel comb made for the pocket, a toothbrush, a masculine handkerchief and even shoe cleaner. Furthermore, in case your best man forgets the ring, there is a novelty wedding band.

Your groomsmen will find the humor and love in this kit.

8.  Bottle Opener

               From: Amazon.com

A simple but practical gift that the men in your wedding party can enjoy this personalized bottle opener. Not flashy or large, this gift is a great choice for a subtle memento of your special day.

A bottle opener is a handy tool to have for anyone, and this one is center wrapped in vegan leather for a touch of uniqueness and that can be personalized by getting them engraved.

9.  Bourbon Infused Coffee

               From: Johnconti.com

 

Unique is always a great way to go, and this bourbon-infused coffee is definitely unique.

For those how to love both coffee and bourbon, this gift is one that can’t be matched. Your groomsmen were chosen carefully and so should their gift.

These coffee beans have been infused in small batches with Kentucky’s classic aged bourbon that adds a touch of bang to the blend. A great gift for the men closest to you.

10.                Personalized Stainless Steel Beer Mugs

                      From: Groomsmengiftideas.com

A beer mug is a classic and timeless gift. Your groomsmen will sincerely enjoy an engraved stainless steel mug that they can use for years to come as a reminder of your special day and their part in it.

Beer mugs are a gift that any man will like to use a conversation piece while they sip their favorite brew. This high-quality mug comes in a wood gift box to make it even more special.

Choose the best groomsmen gifts you can possibly find for the special men in your life as a commemoration for your special day.

You can choose unique or personalized gifts that your groomsmen can hold onto for years to come. Say thank you with any of these gifts that will cost more or less $30 apiece.

Kelli + Libby Spring Barn Wedding: Same Sex Destination Wedding Planner

When we got the email from two brides living in Australia wanting a super fun barn wedding we jumped at the chance to help clients from the other side of the world! Other than a few oddly timed phone calls due to the crazy time difference it was a breeze thanks to these two sweethearts and their families! See their stunning wedding below including a yellow school bus which is apparently the “most American thing” which all the Aussies loved!

Photographer: Amanda DeBusk Photography

Wedding Coordinator: Plum & Poppy Weddings

Venue: The Barn in Zionsville

Florist: Accent Floral Design

Hair & Makeup: Go Ahead and Blush

DJ: Tracey Cantrell

Caterer: Jacquie’s Gourmet Catering

Omni Wedding: Engagement Pictures

We have loved helping Lauren & Matt plan their upcoming wedding at the Omni! We helped Lauren’s sister years ago plan her wedding and it’s always such an honor to get to work with a family again. See their stunning engagement pictures below from Traci + Troy!

Palais Royale Wedding: South Bend Wedding Planner

Photographer: Josephiney Photography

Wedding Coordinator: Plum & Poppy Weddings

Ceremony: St. Anthony Catholic Church

Reception: Palais Royale

Caterer: Navarre Catering

Videographer: Vibe Videography

Florist: Poppy's

Band: Rod Tuffcurl & The Benchpress

Bakery: Marci's Italian Bakery

Hair & Makeup: Bang's

Transportation: Tim's Tours

Lighting: Pro Show

If I Have a Venue Coordinator Do I Need A Wedding Coordinator As Well?

This is such a great question that we get all the time! The simple answer is Yes! Many venues come with a venue coordinator but their role is different than ours. Their focus is on the venue and their direct responsibilities (tables, chairs, their staff). Our responsibility is your entire day: from communication with your vendors, entire day timeline creation, scheduling your vendors, confirmation of vendors week of wedding, managing your rehearsal, communicating final details to vendors the day before (your hotel room number or any last minute changes), confirming vendor arrival on wedding day, ensuring you’re ready on time, setting up any needed decor, confirm things are as they should be (we refold a lot of napkins that are not folded properly), helping solve any day of issues (we sew a lot of wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses), orchestrating your ceremony, keeping you fed and with a cocktail in hand during photos, keeping your reception on track and prompting all involved just before their role so they’re prepared (caterer, DJ, family, and bridal party), packing up your personal items, doing your bustle, and keeping you smiling all day!

These are just a few of the things we typically do at a wedding. Each wedding is unique and requires different elements so we adjust as needed. Our extensive role is not covered by a venue coordinators list of duties. We promise you’ll be so glad you had someone whose first priority is YOU! (not giving tours on your wedding day)

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