Cocktail hour is one of the most important parts of your wedding day — and one of the easiest to overlook. While it gives couples time for photos and vendors time to flip the space, it’s also the first impression guests have of your reception. When planned well, cocktail hour feels fun, relaxed, and intentional. When it’s not, guests notice… and boredom sets in fast.

If you’ve started planning your wedding, you’ve probably heard the terms venue coordinator and day-of coordinator used interchangeably — and honestly, it’s confusing. Many couples assume they’re the same role, or that having one means they don’t need the other. Unfortunately, that misunderstanding often leads to stress, missed details, and a lot of last-minute questions on wedding day.

Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner with immediate family or a lively evening with out-of-town guests, Iowa City offers rehearsal dinner locations that balance atmosphere, accessibility, and budget flexibility. We’ve rounded up some of the best rehearsal dinner restaurants in Iowa City to help you find the perfect spot to start your wedding weekend on a high note.

If you’re newly engaged and searching for the perfect wedding venue in Dubuque, Iowa, you’re in the right place. Nestled along the Mississippi River, Dubuque offers a stunning mix of historic ballrooms, scenic outdoor spaces, riverfront venues, modern event halls, and charming countryside estates — making it one of Eastern Iowa’s most underrated wedding destinations.

Building a realistic wedding budget is one of the most important steps in the planning process — and one of the biggest challenges for Iowa couples. With rising wedding costs, fluctuating vendor pricing, and varying venue fees across cities like Des Moines, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, and the Quad Cities, it’s no surprise couples feel overwhelmed before they even begin.

This guide breaks down the average cost of wedding planners in Des Moines, what impacts pricing, and what you can expect to invest if you want a smooth, stress-free wedding experience.

Trying to find a wedding venue for your big day can be so exciting, but it can also be a little  overwhelming and stressful. It sets the tone for your entire celebration — from the vibe to the style — and can influence every other decision you make.

One of the most magical moments in wedding planning is finding the dress—the gown that makes you light up when you see yourself in the mirror. It’s more than just fabric and lace; it’s a memory in the making, a feeling, and the beginning of your walk down the aisle.

Cocktail hour is one of the most memorable moments of a wedding day. It’s that magical in-between time when guests can relax, mingle, and start celebrating before the reception officially begins. The right appetizers set the tone for the evening.

Planning your rehearsal dinner in the Quad Cities? We’ve rounded up the best restaurants for celebrating the night before your big day—from upscale steakhouses to cozy cafés, elegant Italian spots, and even nostalgic soda fountains.

Your wedding day should feel like magic—every moment, every detail, every backdrop. And in the heart of the Midwest, the Quad Cities offer some truly breathtaking venues that turn dreams into reality. Whether you’re envisioning a grand ballroom affair, an intimate riverside ceremony, or a rustic-chic barn celebration, there’s a place here that will speak to your heart.

Including kids on your wedding day can be fun, but how do you help to keep them entertained during the reception? Because if we’re being honest, weddings can sometimes be boring for kids, but NOT if you follow my 5 go to tips and tricks for couples who will be having a kid friendly wedding!

The biggest dilemma when it comes to your wedding, is figuring out what the heck to do for your bar. Do you have a fully hosted bar? Host beer and wine with liquor being cash? Do you include signature cocktails? In this blog post, we break it ALL down, so you can make the best decision for YOUR day.

Having a summer wedding is not for the faint of heart, especially when you have outdoor events and activities for guests, such as an outdoor ceremony or cocktail hour.

There’s a lot of talk about seating charts on the wedding day. Should you make one? Do you need one? What kind of display should you make? Rest assured, we created a blog post to answer all the important questions about making a seating chart for your wedding day, along with some pictures for insporation!

Booking room blocks for weddings can be daunting, stressful, and take more time than necessary, which is exactly why we offer room block assistance in our Full Service Wedding Planning package! However, if you need room block assistance but haven’t booked our package, we’re still here to help you!

Not a fan of traditional wedding cake? You’re not alone! Maybe you’re not a fan of the taste, you want something more unique, or you’re just looking for a dessert that feels more you. The good news? There are plenty of creative, delicious alternatives that can make your wedding just as memorable (and even more fun!).

Wedding planning is all fun and games, but let’s not forget the most important part: The Marriage License! Without it, you can’t be legally married, so it’s really important to take the time to do your research at least 90 days out from your wedding day to be sure you have everything in order.

Touring wedding venues is a tiring process, especially when you don’t know the questions to ask. My best recommendation for you when it comes to the touring process? Is to hire a wedding planner. Now hear me out, it’s because we listen to your vision and understand your aesthetic to find the venue that best matches your needs.

Late night snacks have become a fan favorite at weddings over the years, but where do you even begin when it comes to planning it? We’ve compiled a list of our fav late night snack food options into multiple catergories, for you to be able to find what fits best for you on your big day!