The Wedding Blog
For Brides and Grooms
Planning the Ultimate Outdoor Wedding in Oregon: Tips for Every Season
Oregon's natural beauty makes it a dream location for outdoor weddings. From lush spring gardens to golden fall foliage, each season brings its own magic – and a few planning challenges. Whether you're envisioning a summer celebration under the stars or a cozy winter...
Top Wedding Songs of 2025: First Dance, Reception, and More
Your wedding playlist isn't just background noise. It's the soundtrack to one of the biggest days of your life. Years from now, you'll hear your first dance song and instantly be back in that moment. So, how do you get it right? Let's break down the key moments and...
The Best Month to Get Married in Portland: Weather, Availability, and More
Oregon is a beautiful place to get married! One thing to remember is that timing can make all the difference for your special day. Here's a realistic look at what each season offers to help you pick the right date for your Portland wedding. Spring (March-May) The...
How to Create Your Wedding Guest List Without the Stress
Planning your wedding should be fun, right? But let's face it – putting together your guest list can be tricky! Who you invite affects your budget, venue, and the whole feel of your special day. Here's how to make a guest list that works for you and your partner,...
You’re Engaged! Here’s What to Do Next
First of all, congratulations! Getting engaged is such an exciting time. Wedding planning doesn’t have to be a stressful process. By breaking it down into steps, it becomes a lot easier. Here’s where to start: Call Friends and Family Get the word out! Before you post...
Four Words You Should Never Say to Your Wedding Musician
Musicians listen carefully to song lyrics and often are "walking encyclopedias" of songs. They also have a sense of humor or irony. For those reasons, you might want to avoid these four words when talking to your wedding musician or DJ. Hey, Kathy! Thanks for sharing...
Are There Any Outdated Etiquette Rules for My Reception That I Can Ignore? Yes!
Rules often change. Decades ago, you didn't have to wear a seat belt or put a child into a child seat. Rules in etiquette change too. Find out which rules you no longer have to follow for your wedding reception. Hey, Christie! Are there any outdated etiquette rules...
Why You Can Ignore These 8 Outdated Etiquette Rules for Your Wedding
Times change; rules change. Find out about eight etiquette rules for your wedding that your grandmothers and mother probably obeyed but you don't have to! Whew! Hey, Kathy! Are there etiquette rules or traditions for the wedding ceremony itself that we don’t have to...
Are There Any Outdated Rules for Wedding Planning I Don’t Have to Follow? Yes!
Over time, certain laws–once deemed necessary for civilization–are no longer enforced. For instance, in Massachusetts, there was a law that you can’t eat peanuts in church while in Maryland, there was a law that you can’t swear while driving. Luckily, neither law is...
Where Do the Bride and Groom Sit at the Reception?
Depending on the year the wedding occurred, the bride and groom could be seated at any one of several locations throughout the reception hall. Read on to find out where! Hey, John! Jordyn and I are helping our friends plan their wedding next year at Ainsworth House...
Be Our Guest…Book!
What's trending in wedding guest books? Plenty! Whether you want a classic volume or a video kiosk or a rotary phone to record your guests' messages to you, you have options! Read on to find out more! Hey, Christie! We’re getting married at Ainsworth House &...
When Did Wedding Guest Books Start?
Why did people want a wedding guest book in the first place? The answer might surprise you! Hey, Kathy! I’m planning my wedding next year at Ainsworth House & Gardens and questions came up: When did having a wedding guest book start? Why? Are there any trends in...