The Venue
Whether you're saying "I do" with your toes in the sand or on a rooftop with city views, choosing your venue is the first big decision in your wedding planning journey.
So you’re engaged — congrats! Now it’s time to start planning the big day. One of the first things to lock in? Your wedding theme and venue. These two go hand in hand — the overall vibe you’re envisioning should help guide where the magic happens. Whether you're dreaming of a romantic vineyard, beachfront ceremony, or rustic barn bash, your theme can help narrow down the perfect space.
That said, wedding venues book up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don’t wait too long to make your move. As you explore your options, keep these key questions in mind:
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Is there on-site or nearby lodging for out-of-town guests?
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Can the venue comfortably fit your expected guest count?
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Does it align with your budget and priorities?
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Are you getting good value for the venue cost and what's included?
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Do they require you to use their preferred vendors for certain services?
Nailing down your venue early sets the stage — literally — for the rest of your wedding planning journey.
The Ceremony
Forget the rulebook — your ceremony should reflect you. This is your day, your love story, and your chance to do things exactly the way you want.
Most weddings include some form of ceremony — whether religious, spiritual, or totally personalized. Not your thing? That’s totally fine! But if you are planning to include a formal ceremony, here’s our take.
This is the moment where your closest friends and family gather to witness your commitment to each other. Whether it’s short and sweet or rich with tradition, your ceremony sets the tone for the entire celebration. It usually wraps with the exchange of rings, that all-important “you may now kiss the bride/groom” moment, and then… it’s party time!
Put some thought into the kind of ceremony that feels right for you as a couple — and don’t be afraid to make it your own.
A few things to keep in mind:
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Book your officiant early (if you're using one)
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Decide on the ceremony location (church, beach, venue, backyard, etc.)
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Explore unity rituals or special moments that feel meaningful to you
[Click here to see a few of our favorites]
The Entertainment
The Heartbeat of Your Wedding Day
What’s a party without great music and lighting?
(Okay, we might be a little biased...) but entertainment really is the heartbeat of your wedding day. From the Master of Ceremonies keeping the timeline on track to the DJ packing the dance floor, your entertainment team sets the tone from start to finish.
At Charles Westcott Entertainment, we go beyond just DJs and MCs. We offer a full suite of enhancements like event lighting, photo booths, special effects, and more — making us your one-stop shop for an unforgettable wedding experience.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when choosing your wedding entertainment (and yes, we live by these ourselves):
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Choose a company that’s responsive and communicative from start to finish
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Make sure the pricing reflects the value and scope of services
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Read the contract carefully to ensure everything is clear
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Check out reviews from real couples — [read ours here!]
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Book early — top-tier entertainment teams book fast
It'll all be worth it.. eventually!
Weddings are full of joy — but let’s be honest, the lead-up can be a lot.
While your wedding day should be one of the happiest moments of your life, the road to getting there can come with its fair share of stress. That’s why we’ve broken it all down — to help you stay organized, stay sane, and make sure every box is checked on the way to your big day.
Wedding Planners & Day Of Coordinators We love!
Caitlynn from Planning with Pedana is the real deal.
With years of experience under her belt, she’s proven time and time again that there’s nothing she won’t do to make sure every last detail is flawless on your big day. From timeline wrangling to vendor coordination, Caitlynn brings calm, clarity, and serious dedication. Be sure to tell her Charles Westcott Entertainment sent you!
Celebrating love, laughter, and happily ever after. We can't wait to join you on your special day!