
Our Expert Blog
Behind the Bliss
Welcome to the Elizabeth Bliss Events Blog—your go-to resource for expert wedding planning tips, industry insights, and behind-the-scenes advice from professional planners. Whether you're newly engaged or in the final stages of planning, our blog is packed with helpful guides, creative ideas, and practical tricks to make your wedding planning process smoother and more enjoyable. From budget breakdowns to timeline tips, styling inspiration to vendor advice, we cover everything couples need to plan a beautiful, stress-free celebration. Start exploring and let us help you bring your dream wedding to life with confidence and ease.
Top Wedding Venues in Cedar Rapids & Iowa City: The Ultimate Planning Guide
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.
Top Bridal Shops in Des Moines and the Surrounding Area
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 Appetizer Ideas to Wow Your Guests
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.
Top Quad Cities Restaurants for Hosting Your Wedding Rehearsal Dinner
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.
10 Best Wedding Venues in the Quad Cities for Your Dream Day
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.
Kid-Friendly Wedding Ideas: 5 Ways to Keep Children Busy
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!
Wedding Bar Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Drinks, Cocktails & Costs
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.
How to Keep Guests Cool at Your Summer Wedding: Tips to Beat the Heat
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.
Wedding Seating Chart 101: A Beginner’s Guide for Couples
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!
Wedding Hotel Room Blocks: Everything You Need to Know
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!
10 Unique Wedding Cake Alternatives Your Guests Will Love
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!).
The Ultimate Guide to Your Marriage License
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.
The Right Questions to Ask at Venue Tours
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.
30+ Late Night Snack Ideas That Make an Impact
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!
Best Wedding Venues in Des Moines & Central Iowa
I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite wedding venues in the area, as a Des Moines wedding planner who knows all the best spots ;)
“Into the Woods” a Dark Woodland Wedding
Every couple should have the feeling of a fairytale wedding, and that’s exactly what I wanted to capture in this styled shoot. I’m a big fan of the renaissance festival and a fantasy book lover, so it should come as no surpprise when I decided to make my fairytale wedding dreams come true.
Explore the Best Wedding Venues In and Around Iowa City
There are so many amazing venues around the Iowa City area, to the point where it can get a little overwhelming! But don’t worry, I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite wedding venues in the area.
The Beginners Guide to Creating a Wedding Website
I always recommend that couples create a wedding website since you’re able to share so much more information about your wedding day than you are on your save the dates and rsvp’s. However, if this is your first wedding, it can be a little confusing where to start when it comes to creating your website.
How To Go About A Kid Free Wedding
It’s pretty common nowadays for couples to opt for a “Child Free” wedding, but how should you go about no kids allowed?
10 Bridesmaid Gift Ideas
Here’s my ultimate list of unique and creative bridesmaid gift ideas that go beyond the conventional and ensure your bridesmaids will remember your special day with a smile.