Are There Any Outdated Rules for Wedding Planning I Don’t Have to Follow? Yes!

Red letters "No Rules" on a white background from Pixabay.com.

Over time, certain laws–once deemed necessary for civilization–are no longer enforced. For instance, in Massachusettes, 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 enforced anymore. The same holds true for weddings–etiquette rules once thought necessary … Read more

Be Our Guest…Book!

2 white books with a pink rose Pixabay

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 & Gardens in 2025. We really enjoyed reading about the … Read more

2026 Wedding Trend: Get Married in a Garden!

Ainsworth House wedding in Oregon City

Looking ahead to 2026, two wedding trends appear on the horizon: Getting married in a beautiful garden and having a smaller, micro-wedding. At Ainsworth House & Gardens, you can have both! Read on to find out about our fabulous wedding venues! Hey, Christie! My friend, April, was married at Ainsworth House & Gardens and she … Read more

2025 Wedding Trend: Branding Your Wedding

a beach in Portugal Pixabay

How can you brand your wedding to make it unique and memorable? In this blog post, we explore specific ways you can identify your theme/motif, colors, and other ways to make your wedding stand out from the crowd! Read on and find out more! Hey, Christie! We’re getting married at Ainsworth House & Gardens next … Read more

“Unexpected Reds” at the Wedding? Yes, Please!

apples in a bow and flowers in a vase Pixabay

Trending for weddings in 2025 are the “unexpected reds,” a shade of red selected by the couple as an accent color to zhuzh up their wedding. Let’s explore how–and where–you can add unexpected reds to your wedding! Hey, Christie! My friend, Jenna, just asked me to be her maid of honor at her wedding next … Read more

3 Amazing Ways to “Produce” a Great Wedding!

A white rectangular bowl is filled with red ripe tomatoes and fresh green basil. Pixabay

For weddings planned for 2025, we are seeing lots of innovative ways to use produce–fruits and vegetables–in decorating. Let’s explore three ways we see this wedding trend unfolding! Hey, Christie! I heard from a sorority sister that produce (fresh fruits and vegetables) are going to be featured at weddings next year and not just for … Read more

The Hidden Meaning of Pearls

a strand of white pearls Pixabay

Pearls, the gifts from the sea, have long been associated with weddings as a symbol of purity and innocence. Are there deeper meanings to each color or pearl? Indeed, there are! Read on to find out more! Hey, Christie! Thank you for helping us plan our wedding at Ainsworth House & Gardens! You are amazing! … Read more

2025 Wedding Trends: Put a Bow on It!

brown tabby ct wears a bot tie Piexaba6

For the last few years, bows appeared at weddings in the groom’s bow tie or a bow on the wedding cake. For 2025, bows are expected to bloom at weddings in innovative new ways! Read on to learn more! Hey, Christie! You have been so amazing helping us plan our summer wedding.You;ve taken the time … Read more

7 Questions to Ask a Professional Wedding Photographer before You Hire Them

man taking a photo Pixabay

Whether you are hiring a wedding caterer or photographer, there are questions you should ask as a savvy consumer before hiring that person or company. Let’s explore what you should ask any professional wedding photographer before you sign a contract with them. Hey, Christie! After your last amazing blog post, we’ve decided to hire a … Read more

Squashing His Hopes

broken pumpkin Pixabay

Around the world, there are many customs which dictate how a young person would ask his beloved’s family for her hand in marriage. This tradition governs what the family did if they refused his request. Luckily, this custom is no longer followed and pumpkins are only used to celebrate Oct. 31. Read on to find … Read more

Super Cool Gifts for Your Bridesmaids!

Looking for a creative way to thank your bridesmaids and maid or matron of honor for being integral members of your “I Do Crew” at your wedding? We;ve got great ideas that focus on Oregon-crafted personal care products that your crew will love! Read on and find out more! Hey, Christie! Thank you for your … Read more

5 Fabulous Demure Designs for Bridal Bouquets!

Bride holding bouquet of wedding flowers

Since “demure” is trending on social media, let’s explore the wedding bouquet designs (or shapes) which fit this aesthetic that combines mindfulness, clean design, and a whimsical sense of cuteness! Hey, Christie! Help! I am really confused. On social media, the word “demure” is being tossed around regarding fashion and now it applies to bridal … Read more

7 Showstopper Bridal Bouquet Shapes

red and white winter bridal bouquet

Looking for a way to wow your guests! Your wedding bouquet is the perfect way to do so! Here are 7 different bridal bouquet designs or shapes you might consider. Hey, Christie! When my sister married five years ago at Ainsworth House & Gardens, she carried a denure bouquet.  Now that I’m planning my wedding … Read more

New Wedding Trend: Officiant Stands to the Side!

Wedding at Ainsworth House & Gardens at which officieant stands to the side.

One exciting new trend we are seeing at the weddings here at Ainsworth House & Gardens is that wedding officiant is standing in a slightly different location. Read on to find out where! Hey, Christie! Dallas and I are getting married at Ainsworth House & Gardens later this year. We’re so excited!!!!!! Last night, I … Read more

Why Does the Bride Stand on the Left? And 2 Other Renaissance Wedding Traditions You Can Ditch!

A knight in silver armor holds a lance and a shield with a green background and a white horse rampant. Unsplash.com

There are dozens of wedding customs from the past which are no longer required today. In this blog post, we’ll explore 3 Renaissance wedding traditions which you may wish to keep, drop, or update. The choice is yours! Hey, Christie! Last week, I was a bridesmaid at the Ainsworth House & Gardens wedding rehersal for … Read more