Important Read

Note From Ronelle:

Hey everyone, I’m just going to be bold…

Here’s the thing. It breaks our hearts seeing bummed brides and upset grooms after pouring their heart & soul (plus spending thousands of dollars) to create the wedding of their dreams. Only to see the dance floor empty & guests clear out all too soon. (We’re talking 8pm) It's heartbreaking, but it doesn't have to be that way! 🥂 However, I can only do so much…

I have spend HUNDREDS of hours creating documents, hacks, tips, tricks, timelines, etc for our couples. Yet I can’t ultimately force anyone to put that knowledge & insight into play. I assure you, I am not just grasping at straws. As of 2024 I have been bartending for 18yrs, been a wedding photographer for 15yrs, was a Wedding Planning assistant for 6yrs & have owned a venue for 3yrs. Typically hosting 3 weddings a weekend. I may not have “seen it all” but WOW, have I seen a lot!!

So let's talk about something that often gets overlooked: Keeping that energy alive, ensuring that your guests stay, dance, and revel in the magic of your special day. {If that is something you want.}

If you want to keep the party going & make a celebration for the ages! 🥳✨

There are some key, simple, but crucial details: Timeline, Music & Beverages.

• Photos done BEFORE ceremony: This way, you can flow straight from the ceremony to the celebration, without long pauses. 📸

• Timeline: It's a long day for people when the ceremony is at 3pm, food isn't until 5/6pm & the dance floor doesn’t open/fun for them isn’t until 8pm. I KNOW, it's YOUR DAY & Oehme Oasis is ALL FOR THAT & we will back you in whatever you decide. This information is simply for those wanting guests to stay longer than dinner. Unfortunately people are selfish & can only be made to "sit-down" for so long before they just leave.

  >>>>>>> Ceremonies starting at 4:30pm (at the earliest) or 5pm is our professional suggestion. Especially if any guests are utilizing hotels sine they can’t check in until 3 or 4pm. Ceremonies typically last 15-20 minutes.

  >>>>>>> Social Sips immediately following the ceremony (and really, it only needs to be long enough for everyone to grab a drink and find a seat.) typically 45minutes, max.

  >>>>>>> Grand Entrance at 5:45pm *for a 4:30 ceremony. Or 6pm *for a 5pm ceremony, then blessing, if applicable.

  >>>>>>> Dismiss head-table 5 minutes after grand entrance. Speeches start once everyone is through the line.

  >>>>>>> Dance floor opens approximately 90 minutes after the start of dinner dismissal. Do special dances RIGHT AWAY so your guests can be on the dance floor as you sneak away for sunset photos.—Your WEDDING PARTY should get the dance floor going in your absence.

  Your guests are here to SEE YOU!

  Timeline suggestions can be found HERE

  You may also send a direct message to us via your WEVEN account for a FREE suggested timeline, customized just for you. NOTE: Your photographer may give you a timeline suggestion for the day as well. As a wedding photographer, I caution you to blindly accept it. When we give you a timeline, we are ultimately thinking about what WE need to do & what timeline would work best for what we prefer need to capture. For this reason, we have started including custom timeline suggestions with all our bookings, simply reach out.

• DJ. A great DJ isn't just about playing music; it's about reading the room, keeping the energy up, and knowing just what song to play to keep everyone moving. Finding the right DJ can be a game-changer, just has hiring the wrong one can be a night-ender. 🎧💃 I strongly encourage you to reach out to the vendors we have within your WEVEN account. After 100+ bookings, those are the ONLY ones I am willing to connect my name to. >>> For more information on music & DJs, click HERE

• Social Sips short & sweet. {As stated above} While a good cocktail hour may sound nice, it actually can make guests restless. Cocktail hour was created when the ceremony & reception were at two different locations. That is not the case for most of our couples. Your cocktail "hour" should be 45minutes, tops. Reminder: If your social sips is MORE than 45minutes, you will need to have a CATERED appetizer. *Many of our couples have more success with the strategy above, having guests head into the venue, grab a drink and find a seat, then move right into the Grand Entrance so you can see your people*— The WHOLE RECEPTION is really “cocktail hour.”

• BEVERAGES. Having a good bar menu with a variety of options is key to keeping guests sticking around. {This does NOT just mean alcoholic beverages, you NEED to have a non-alcoholic Beer and/or Wine option}🍹— Remember: This is not the time to allow your parents to name 3 relatives that “only drink *blank*” and customized your menu around them. If someone throws a fit about your bar menu because it’s not about THEM, that says more about that person than you. When it comes to the BAR MENU, sticking with the “most common items” is your best-bet. >>> You can visit the bar/beverage page HERE

• Activities going on during the reception is a huge bonus. – Whether it's a fun photo booth, yard games, or surprise pizza delivery. These little touches can keep the excitement high and guests entertained throughout the evening. Think about skipping the “wedding favors” (that are usually left at the end of the night or found all over the property the next morning) and add a Dominos delivery or the PhotoBooth. —-Couples usually make an announcement that they are going to go back to the booth for 15 minutes and anyone who wants a photo with them should head on back. Every guest then gets an instant print and the couple gets a digital gallery later. Having a pizza carb overload at 9:30pm is not only a nice treat, but it can help absorb alcohol as well.

• You and your wedding party need to be on that dance floor, leading the charge! — This is thee most important thing. Your energy is infectious, and when people see you having the time of your life, they'll want to join in. 🕺💃 What to REALLY make it a party? Add FOAM GLOW STICKS. {Just make sure before your wedding day that you open them all and remove the white tab.}

****Remember: It says more about “the person” if they put a “stipulation” on helping financially with your wedding, than you for receiving it. It’s one thing for someone not to be in a position to help. It’s a whole other scenario if someone CAN help, but doesn’t if they can’t have control. This goes for all things wedding planning… We do not want any of our couples living with the same, constant regret Austin & I do for allowing others to create our day. You don’t get a do-over.****

At the end of the day, it's about creating an experience that feels seamless, joyful, and full of love. If you have any questions or want to chat specifics, please don’t hesitate to send us a message.

We here to help make your wedding day unforgettable! 💌