Just Engaged This Holiday Season? Here’s How to Soak It In (and When to Start Planning).

November 30, 2025Leave a comment

The holidays have a certain magic of their own – twinkling lights, cozy gatherings, and a feeling of togetherness that makes everything feel a little more special. So it’s no surprise that it’s also one of the most popular times of the year to get engaged.

If you’re reading this with a brand-new ring on your finger: congratulations! This is such an exciting moment, and you absolutely deserve to savor it.

Before you dive into checklists, contracts, and color palettes, take a breath. Here’s your guide to enjoying this season while still being mindful of when to officially press “go” on planning.

Step 1: Slow Down and Celebrate

A holiday engagement is already a built-in celebration. Take advantage of it.

Enjoy telling your friends and family in person as you hop between holiday parties.
Snap all the “just engaged” photos you want – the twinkle lights will do half the work for you.
Have a date night that’s just about being excited together, without any planning talk.

This moment only happens once. It’s okay to live in it for a bit.

Step 2: Don’t Feel Rushed – Your Planning Timeline Is Yours

Many couples feel pressure to begin planning immediately, but there’s no rule that says you have to. If you want to spend the rest of the winter celebrating, dreaming, and simply enjoying being newly engaged, that is perfectly okay.

Waiting a few weeks (or even months!) can actually be helpful – you’ll have time to think clearly about what you want instead of making decisions from excitement, pressure, or overwhelm.

Step 3: The Exception — If You Want a Popular Month, Start Earlier

If your dream wedding date falls in one of the peak months next year (think May, June, September, or October), starting the planning process sooner rather than later will give you a huge advantage.

Those months book quickly – especially venues, photographers, planners, and florists. Beginning early gives you:

The best selection of venues and dates
A smoother, more relaxed planning process
Time to secure your top-choice vendors before they fill up

You don’t need to jump into planning everything right now, but reaching out to your must-have vendors or booking your venue early will give you peace of mind and flexibility later.

Step 4: When You Are Ready to Plan, Start With These Two Things

Whether you begin next week or next spring, once you feel ready to start planning, these are the first steps to take:

1. Set Your Budget – This will guide every decision you make and help you understand what’s realistic for your vision.

2. Choose Your Venue – Most timelines fall into place once the venue and date are secured. Everything else can build from there.

Step 5: Remember – This Is Supposed to Be Fun

Wedding planning doesn’t need to feel stressful or rushed. With the right approach – and the right support – you can enjoy the process just as much as the celebration.

If you’re newly engaged this holiday season, I’m sending you so much love and excitement! And whenever you’re ready to take the next step, whether it’s next week or after you’ve fully soaked in this chapter, I’m here to help you bring your vision to life.

xo, Renee

Why You Should Love Your Rain Plan

November 7, 2025Leave a comment

(and how your planner helps make Plan B just as magical as Plan A)

When you picture your wedding day, you may be imagining blue skies, golden light, and the perfect outdoor ceremony. But sometimes Mother Nature has other plans – and that’s okay! A thoughtfully designed rain plan can be just as beautiful (and sometimes even more memorable) than the sunny-day version.

As wedding planners, we always say: your rain plan isn’t a backup — it’s part of the plan.

When touring venues, take a moment to really look at the rain plan spaces. Imagine how they could transform with florals, lighting, and thoughtful design details. If you can picture yourselves saying “I do” there and still feeling the magic, you’ve found a venue that truly works in all weather.

Making Plan B Feel Like Plan A

A professional planner can make all the difference here. We anticipate weather possibilities early in the planning process – from creating layout options and ceremony flow to ensuring your décor and vendor team can pivot seamlessly if needed.

Together, we’ll:

Develop a timeline that allows flexibility, so last-minute calls don’t create chaos.
Coordinate with vendors so everyone knows exactly how to shift gears if the weather turns.
Keep you calm, confident, and focused on what truly matters – marrying your person.

K. Rainier Photography

A Little Perspective

Rain on your wedding day might sound unlucky, but it’s often a blessing in disguise. The photos are romantic, the air feels fresh, and the story becomes uniquely yours. The best part? When you’ve worked with your planner and chosen a venue you trust, you can truly relax knowing that every detail – rain or shine – is handled.

Because the truth is: a great rain plan doesn’t take away from your dream day – it protects it.

Ready to feel confident no matter what the forecast says? Let RCC Weddings & Events help you design a wedding day that shines — rain or shine.

Contact RCC today to start planning a celebration that’s beautiful in every weather!

Elizabeth Mae Photography

Wedding Ceremony Tips: Let Your Party Stand or Sit?

September 9, 2025Leave a comment

You’ve chosen your wedding party – the ride-or-die friends and family who will hype you up, hold your bouquet, and maybe even wrangle your nerves on the big day. But here’s the question: once they walk down the aisle, do they stay up front with you like proud bodyguards, or do they take a seat with everyone else and enjoy the show?

Let’s break it down.

The Classic Route: Standing Beside You

Tradition says the wedding party stands up front during the ceremony, framing the couple like a living, breathing Pinterest board.

Perks:

Moral support: Nothing says “we’ve got your back” like literally standing behind you while you make life-altering promises.
Group photos: Your ceremony pictures will look full and fabulous with your besties lined up beside you.
Spotlight sharing: If you’re nervous about all eyes being on you, spreading the attention around can help.

Things to keep in mind:

Standing for 30 minutes in formal wear under the sun = not as glamorous as it sounds.
If your wedding party is large, your guests may need binoculars just to see you two up front.

The Modern Twist: Let Them Sit

Some couples say, “Thanks for the entrance, besties, but now grab a seat – we’ve got this.”

Perks:

Clean aesthetic: It’s just you, your partner, and your officiant. Minimalist couples, rejoice!
Guest experience: Your wedding party actually gets to relax and enjoy the ceremony instead of counting down the minutes until they can sit.
Photo magic: A simple backdrop can make for striking, focused ceremony photos.

Things to keep in mind:

Some guests may wonder if your bridesmaids and groomsmen missed their cue. (They didn’t, promise.)
With no one flanking you, all attention is really on you two – hope you practiced those vows!

So, Which Should You Choose?

At the end of the day, both options are wonderful. Want a grand, traditional look? Have them stand. Prefer something streamlined and intimate? Let them sit. Either way, your wedding party will still be cheering you on, whether from the sidelines or center stage.

Remember: this is your wedding. You make the rules. And whichever way you go, your wedding party will still be there for the fun part—the dance floor. 💃🕺

✨Need help figuring out what feels right for your ceremony? That’s where I come in – I’ll guide you through the details so you can focus on the “I do’s.”