Ruthe Tuesdays

• Talk to your venue.

If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony and/or reception, weather is a huge factor. Talking to your venue (the earlier the better) about their contingency plan will help put your mind at ease if weather becomes an issue. Some venues have an alternate indoor ceremony location, some can flip the reception space to hold both the ceremony and reception, some have the room to put up a tent if that’s the direction you want to go. It is best to know these things ahead of time so you’re not stressed at the last minute. Here are the top 5 questions to ask while venue shopping (spoiler alert: “What is your backup plan?” is one of them.)

• Keep your guests comfortable.

Rain or shine, you want your guests to have a good time. Supplying umbrellas, blankets, towels, etc. will allow your guests to be comfortable even if they’re exposed to the elements. You can also add some hot drinks to the menu like coffee or hot cider. A warm cup of Joe can make a rainy day a lot cozier.

• Make the most of it.

Rain doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Some of the most amazing pictures have come from a rainy photoshoot. Ask any photographer, the lighting is perfect on an overcast day. Plus, umbrellas make for a super cute photo op. Your wedding day photos will be unique and memorable. It’s one of those “we’ll look back on this and laugh” kind of moments. Not to mention, a kiss in the rain? SO romantic!

Rain on your wedding day is no reason to panic. There are practical ways to stay dry, but also fun ways to embrace it! Hopefully these tips will help calm your nerves and make for a romantic, rainy day to remember.

Summer is just around the corner. If you’re a Texas native like us, it’s going to be HOT! But we’re not just talking about the weather… we’re expecting some hot trends in the wedding industry forecast this summer that you will definitely want to copy.

• Outdoor Weddings

The heat has never stopped Texans from hosting a beautiful outdoor ceremony and this summer will be no different. With COVID still in effect, the idea of an open air space for a ceremony is more appealing than ever. We have plenty of advice on how to have the perfect outdoor garden ceremony. If you’re in the market for a DFW Wedding Venue for your outdoor ceremony, our beautiful Wedding Garden is the perfect spot!

• Colorful Tuxes

Brides have always been able to express themselves using their dress. This year, we’ll see more grooms doing the same. Expect to see more colorful, loud, fun tuxes. Grooms deserve to show their personality too

• Balloon décor

Balloons have been a fun element to event décor for a while now, but they have only just started to tiptoe into the wedding world. Don’t think one-year-old’s-birthday-party style, think way more elegant! There are endless possibilities for balloon décor including arches, walls, centerpieces, etc. Not to mention, they always create a great photo op.

• Wedding Insurance

This “trend” is less exciting, but way more practical. With COVID (sorry, we’ll stop talking about it eventually) ruining so many weddings this past year, we have seen a rise in Wedding Insurance Policies. This summer, where a lot of rates increase due to high demand, insurance will be a must. After a year like 2020, you never know what can happen. Better safe than sorry!

• Summer cocktails

Aesthetically pleasing cocktails are all the rage and what better season than summer to choose a fun, refreshing drink for your guests to enjoy. This is another way to add a little bit of character to your reception. Guests go crazy over a Bride’s choice and Groom’s choice cocktail. My personal fav? Spicy watermelon sangria!

Any of these trends are sure to be a hit at your summer wedding. We might all be sweating through our dress clothes, but at least we’ll be having a good time. We can’t wait to see which of these trends pop up here at the RJC!

The Details

• Bride: Shavonne
• Groom: Justin
• Venue: Ruthe Jackson Center
• Wedding date: February 27, 2021

Questions for the Bride

How did you and your husband meet?

We met at an adult small group at church.

How did he propose?

He actually proposed on Christmas day, in front of both of our families while we were opening gifts that morning.

What was your favorite part of the wedding day?

My favorite part of the wedding day was after ceremony, right before our Grand Entrance. At that point it was just a huge sigh of relief seeing that everything we had planned had come together and I could finally just relax and enjoy.

What was the most stressful part of the planning process?

Probably COVID. We want back and forth between postponing or not, then when we finally decided to just limit our guest count that made things super stressful because we didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings.

How long was the planning process for you?

14 months – Christmas of 2019 to February of 2021

Did everything go exactly as planned on your wedding day?

For the most part, yes. The only thing we didn’t end up having time for was the bouquet toss, which I was okay with. Overall, I had no complaints. I was so stressed beforehand but everything went really smoothly on our wedding day. It was really a perfect day!

Is there anything you would have done differently?

The only thing I would have done differently was add a videographer. I didn’t think it was going to make a big difference but even on that day, I was thinking it would have been nice to have one.

What made you choose the RJC?

One of the main reasons we chose the Ruthe Jackson Center was because we didn’t have to search for any outside vendors like catering, security, bartenders, etc. We liked that we could do it all through the venue. Also, at first our guest list was huge (close to 300) and the RJC was able to accommodate that. We also really liked how easy communication was from the very beginning. It was such a smooth process, they were very thorough, and I felt comfortable the whole time. We just loved the whole ambiance. In fact, I didn’t originally want an outdoor ceremony but I changed my mind after I saw the Garden. The Bridal Suite was also a plus.

Actually, my fiancé (now husband) fell in love with the venue too and he is not usually very easy to impress!

Advice for couples planning their wedding?

Try to enjoy the experience! I was so stressed from the day I started planning to the day of the wedding. My advice is to take it all in because wedding day goes by so fast. Oh, and get a videographer!

Shavonne and Justin’s wedding was gorgeous and we were so glad to have them at the Ruthe Jackson Center! If you’re looking for a Dallas-Fort Worth wedding venue, call or stop by to schedule a tour. We will do everything in our power to make sure your day is as perfect as Shavonne and Justin’s.

It’s date night! We know that trying to plan a date can be challenging for some, so we did all the work for you (you’re welcome). We have rounded up some of the best date ideas in DFW – from romantic to casual to just plain fun. Whether you’ve been dating for months, married for years, or just met each other on Bumble yesterday, we’ve got something for you.

First things first, FOOD!

Going for more casual?

• Katy Trail Ice House – 3127 Routh St, Dallas, TX 75201
  The Ice House is an Austin style beer garden and restaurant, located in the heart of uptown Dallas on the Katy Trail. (Their “Summer Beer” alone is worth the trip!)
• HG Sply Co – locations in Dallas, Fort Worth, and Trophy Club
  Simple, clean food, classic drinks and humble hospitality
• Truck Yard – locations in Dallas and The Colony
  Come-as-you-are beer garden and adult playground
• Joe T. Garcia’s – 2201 N Commerce St, Fort Worth, TX 76164
  Tex-Mex icon serving fajitas, margaritas & more in a casual atmosphere with a gorgeous patio for outdoor dining

Looking for something romantic?

• The French Room – 1321 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75202
  Destination French fine dining amid rococo decor in the historic, luxe Hotel Adolphus
• Waters Restaurant – 301 Main St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
  Owned by acclaimed Chef Jon Bonnell, offers signature menu of fine, fresh seafood
• Pappas Bros. Steakhouse – 10477 Lombardy Ln, Dallas, TX 75220
  Carefully crafted, flavorful steaks using only dry-aged, prime beef
• Reata Restaurant – 310 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
  This ranch-themed upscale hot spot has Southwestern fare & a rooftop bar with views of Fort Worth.

Don’t want a full on meal? Want to keep the night going after dinner? How about DRINKS!

For the wine connoisseurs…

• Messina Hof Winery – 201 S Main St, Grapevine, TX 76051
  Immense selection of award-winning, Texas wines suitable for any palate
• Times Ten Cellars – 6324 Prospect Ave, Dallas, TX 75214
  Stylish winery & wine bar offering tastings of local vintages paired with global small plates
• Larue Winery – 1491 N Kealy Ave Suite 1, Lewisville, TX 75057
  Home of natural wines, no sugars and unnecessary additives

For the beer lovers…

• Deep Ellum Brewing Co. – 2823 St Louis St, Dallas, TX 75226
  Quirky craft brewery, home of the famous Dallas Blonde and Deep Ellum IPA
• Martin House Brewing Co. – 220 S Sylvania Ave #209, Fort Worth, TX 76111
  Craft brewery known for their wide variety and unique selection (if you haven’t tried the pickle beer, you’re missing out!)
• Hop and Sting Brewing Co. – 906 Jean St, Grapevine, TX 76051
  Small-batch brewery known for its clean, crisp, approachable atmosphere

Dinner and drinks sound boring? Try something a little more FUN!

Music and dancing is sure to keep the night lively!

• Billy Bob’s Texas – 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth, TX 76164
  Iconic country music honky-tonk with mechanical bulls, dozens of bars, and live music
• Lava Cantina – 5805 Grandscape Blvd, The Colony, TX 75056
  A rock n’ roll themed Creole-Mexican fusion restaurant and premier concert venue
• House of Blues Dallas – 2200 N Lamar St, Dallas, TX 75202
  Rock- & blues-themed live music venue

Need something a little more thrilling?

• Six Flags Over Texas – 2201 E Road to Six Flags St, Arlington, TX 76011
  Dallas/Fort Worth’s largest, most exciting theme park
• iFly – 8380 TX-121, Frisco, TX 75034
  Indoor skydiving experience
• Andretti Indoor Karting – 5752 Grandscape Blvd Suite 100, The Colony, TX 75056
  Amusement center featuring indoor Go-Karting, bowling, laser tag, and more

If you’re wanting more chill than thrill…

• Top Golf – locations in Dallas, Fort Worth, Allen, and The Colony
  Entertainment venue with a high-tech driving range & swanky lounge with drinks & games
• Painting with a Twist – locations all over the metroplex!
  Live painting events accompanied by BYOB wine or cocktails
• Texas Tulips –  10656 FM2931, Pilot Point, TX 76258
  Over 6 acre tulip field where you can pick your own tulips to create your own tulip bouquet
  (Only open February-April)

It’s no secret that one of the biggest frustrations when to comes to planning your wedding is nailing down your guest count. You have to rely on your guests to RSVP in a timely manner and let’s be honest, they aren’t always the most reliable. While we can’t guarantee a 100% success rate, we can give you a few tips and tricks to help make sure your guests RSVP.

• Timing is everything.

The timing is very important when it comes to sending out wedding invitations. Save the Dates, which can be sent out about 6 months before your date, are a helpful tool to make sure your wedding is on your guests’ calendar. Whether you decide on Save the Dates or not, your actual wedding invitation should be sent out about 8 weeks before the big day. This gives guests plenty of time to make arrangements and check their schedule to determine if they will be able to make it. Too short of notice makes it harder on everyone, but sending invites out too early poses the risk of your guests putting off their RSVP until later and then completely forgetting altogether. About 8 weeks is the sweet spot.

• Go digital.

It’s 2021, does anyone even keep stamps laying around anymore? Make your RSVPs digital. This doesn’t mean you have to send out digital invitations (though, that is an eco-friendly option). It just means you can add a link or QR code to your wedding website on the invitation so guests can RSVP online. Guests are more likely to RSVP in a timely manner if it is easy and convenient for them. In fact, most of them will probably pull it up as soon as they open the invitation. Most wedding website services like Zola and The Knot have this option readily available.

• Be flexible.

While digital RSVPs are convenient for you and most of your guests, that shouldn’t be the only way to allow RSVPs. After all, Great Aunt Martha still has a flip phone and a collection of stamps she’s dying to use. Providing alternate ways to RSVP will ensure that all your guests, technologically challenged or not, will be able to respond.

• Have clear expectations.

Make sure the RSVP date is clear and prominent. You want your guests to know how important it is that they RSVP in a timely manner. If you decide on digital RSVPs, you can send out automated reminders as your RSVP date approaches. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your guests that haven’t responded.

No matter what stage you are in, RSVPs will inevitably be a huge part of the planning process. Hopefully these tips and tricks will help make your life a little easier. If you’re stressed about other aspects of the planning process, don’t sweat it, we got you covered.

If you are a DFW bride in the market for a phenomenal florist, we have got you covered! The Blooming Bride will provide you with the flowers of your dreams, stress free, regardless of your budget.

We had the honor of speaking with Tami, the owner of The Blooming Bride and she gave us some great information and advice. Whether you’re still searching for the perfect florist, already have someone you love, or you’re newly engaged and haven’t even thought about flowers yet, you’ll love hearing what Tami had to say!

First, a little about yourself…

Tell us about your business and what you have to offer

We do flowers for all kinds of special events and parties, but we primarily focus on weddings. We are located in Fort Worth, so our concentration is the Dallas-Fort Worth area, but we do travel all over Texas. Our main goal is to make our clients happy!

How long have you been in the business?

I am a second generation florist so I have been doing this for 25+ years, but I have been focused on wedding florals for about 12-15 years. So, a long time!

How did you get into the business?

Growing up, my mom was a delivery driver for a local florist and after school I would go help her with the deliveries. Eventually, she opened up her own floral business in the 90s. That’s when I really started to learn the craft. I didn’t see myself doing this as a career, I actually had my sights set on photography. I mean, it took me a year to learn how to tie a bow. But I fell in love with it and here I am, over 25 years later!

My mother pushed me to invent my own ways of doing things and I have always really appreciated that. It instilled so much creativity in my work.

What is your favorite part about the job?

Wedding day – no doubt. Particularly, handing the bride her bouquet on her wedding day. I always say that brides are in their “wedding bubble” on the day of, and when we hand them that bouquet, we get to step into that bubble for a minute. You can see their faces light up and it makes it all seem real when they have the bouquet in their hands. It is just a really beautiful moment.

A little about your business…

What is the average size of weddings you do?

We don’t typically focus on huge weddings, but we can if that is what our client wants. Our weddings usually average around 20-30 tables, but we can do more and we can do less. We always want to work within our client’s budget. I think the largest wedding we’ve done so far was 42 tables.

How far in advance do you generally like couples to book you?

The further the better! We usually like to book at least 6 months out, but we average around 6-9 months out. The further out you book, the more likely your date will be available and you will have more freedom to order specialty items. We have, however, done some decent sized weddings in as little as 2-3 weeks. We strongly advise against that, though.

Do you require a minimum floral budget?

No, we do not require a minimum budget. However, we can’t always work with an extremely small budget. For instance, it is really hard to do just a single bouquet. The cost involved might be double what you would pay for a bouquet if you also did more bouquets plus centerpieces. Typically, we have to order flowers in bulk so it will be cheaper per item if you have more items. It all depends on scheduling and inventory, but my philosophy is “If I can, I will.” I never want to exclude people who don’t want to or can’t spend that much.

What kind of arrangements do you offer? (bouquets, arches, crowns, etc.)

You name it, we can do it! We’ve done anything from bouquets and centerpieces to flower crowns and huge floral arches.

How long do you generally need to set up? 

It varies, depending on the size and complexity of the arrangements. On average, it only takes us about an hour but with larger, more intricate arrangements it can take anywhere from 2-5 hours. We do not design on site, though.

What sets your business apart from other vendors in the industry?

I think there are 2 things that set our business apart and that’s our ability to work within a budget and our flexibility. We do not require a minimum budget and we do everything we can to bring our clients’ vision to reality, regardless of their financial situation. I also go out of my way to make sure I am available to clients whenever they need. I offer a lot of evening appointments because not everyone can take the whole day off for wedding planning.

Advice and opinions from a seasoned professional…

What is the biggest wedding day challenge as a florist?

Right now, COVID. With social distancing and masks, it adds a new layer of complexity to everything we do. Other than that, the only thing I can think of is hunger… sometimes I forget to bring a snack and it makes for a very long day. Oh, and tracking down the groomsmen!

What is your favorite trend in the industry right now?

I really love the looser trend right now. I am personally fond of the vintage look with a boho feel. The greenery and dried products add some texture but are still soft overall. It’s so beautiful and adds a nice element. We’re also starting to see more colorful palettes again, which I love. (Check out our Old Wedding Trends that are Making a Comeback in 2021 blog post to see what other trends we might see returning this year.)

Do you have any advice for couples when picking out flowers?

Don’t stress and don’t overthink! Trust your vendors – the good ones will do the work for you. Most importantly, PIN PIN PIN! Pinterest is your best friend when it comes to your wedding flowers. Pin things you like, and make specific notes about what you like about it. Also pin things you don’t like, even if you aren’t sure why you don’t like it. A good florist will be able to look at your Pinterest board and figure out your style based on your likes and dislikes you’ve pinned.

Tami at the Blooming Bride is AWESOME at what she does. We are so lucky that she shared some of her wisdom with us. If you’re a bride in Texas and you’re looking for a florist, we cannot recommend The Blooming Bride enough!

Happy New Year! Okay, so it’s already February but the important thing is: 2020 is over! We’re all sighing in relief. It was an unprecedented year for life in general, but especially for weddings. If you were a COVID bride, we salute you. Thankfully, we’re learning how to better navigate COVID wedding planning and we’re excited to see what 2021 has to offer! (We won’t mention the “C” word again, I promise.)

There are plenty of past trends we hope are gone for good (donut walls…been there, done that, donut want to see it again). However, there are some old trends we are pleased to see making a comeback in 2021!

• Gold Rings

Throughout the past decade, colorless metals like white gold and platinum have been couples’ first choice for engagement rings and wedding bands. This year, expect to see more of the timeless yellow gold on couples’ fingers. It’s a classic look and we’re so here for it.

• Baby’s Breath

This trend dissipated around the 90’s when it got the reputation of being a “cheap filler,” but it is making a comeback in a big way. While it is typically less expensive, it is being used to create gorgeous, elaborate floral arrangements. Beautiful and affordable? Yes, please!

• Vintage Dress Styles

Dress styles vary tremendously and what’s trendy changes from year to year. This year we’re expecting to see a lot of brides in vintage inspired dresses. Think balloon sleeves and high necklines. We’re talking high fashion here, ladies.

• Bold Colors

For the longest time now, neutrals have been in and color has been out. From décor to bridesmaid dresses, nudes and golds have been the go to. This year, we anticipate more vibrant colors like ‘60s-inspired chartreuse and peach, and ‘90s rainbow-inspired color schemes to make their appearance. A classic neutral palette is always a safe option, but we love to see the personality of the bride shine through her color selections

• Buttercream Icing

We saved the best for last because who doesn’t love wedding cake? Fondant has been all the rage the past few years, but buttercream is making its way back onto the cake table. While the most extravagant wedding cakes you’ve seen were most likely made with fondant, buttercream can be just as stunning. Not to mention, when it comes to taste, buttercream “takes the cake.”

We are excited to see what trends you guys incorporate into your weddings this year! The Ruthe Jackson Center has space for all your ideas, new and old. Call to schedule or stop by for a tour anytime!

If you’ve looked at a lot of DFW wedding venues lately, you’ll realize that the bridal suite trend is everywhere! Brides no longer get ready in their house or hotel. Now they are looking for a dream bridal room to spend hours in leading up to their ceremony. But before you go falling in love with that venue, make sure you know exactly what you’re getting with that bridal hangout…

• Does the Bridal Suite Have Enough Space?

This is probably the biggest concern when it comes to bridal suites. Is the room actually going to fit all of your bridal party? What about your mom, mother-in-law or flower girls? Consider just how many people need to fit comfortably. You and your girls might get a little frustrated getting dressed in tight quarters. Luckily, the Ruthe Jackson Center checks off this box! We’ve hosted bridal parties as big as 15-20 people!

• How Much Time Do You Get in the Bridal Suite?

No one likes to be rushed, especially not on your wedding day. Make sure to ask how long the bridal suite can be used for. What is your access time? If you only have two hours of bridal suite time included in your rental rate, you might need to find other options. This short window might not be practical for you or your makeup artist…especially if you have a large bridal party.

• Can You Bring in Outside Food and Drinks?

Everyone says you need to eat before the ceremony. And it’s definitely true! You don’t want to have an empty stomach standing at the alter. So make sure you and your bridesmaids have lunch in the bridal suite. Ask your venue if outside food and drinks are allowed. This is also important as your girls will likely want to celebrate with you that morning. Champagne or mimosas are probably going to happen! Connect with the Ruthe Jackson Center staff to see what drinks we can take care of for your morning in the bridal suite!

• Does the Bridal Suite Have Mirrors?

While this might sound like a silly question, don’t look it over! Make sure your bridal suite has mirrors! You’ll need several mirrors or makeup stations as hair and makeup is being done. Make sure there’s at least a few. Most importantly, does your bridal suite have a grand mirror for you and your dress? We’re talking full size, multi-sided, grand mirror…not the kind you have in your closet! This kind of mirror is fabulous for final touches and last look before walking down the aisle. Photographers also love using these mirrors to capture sweet bridal suite moments.

We are loving this bridal suite trend and we really don’t think it’s going anywhere anytime soon. So make sure to do your research. Find a place that speaks to you and makes your wedding morning perfect. And as always, feel free to shoot RJC a message and see how you can tour our very own bridal suite today!

Like a lot of DFW brides, you might be dreaming of a beautiful garden wedding. Something that embraces the outdoors and southern style. Maybe you’ve already found your outside wedding venue. But what can you do to make sure it’s the perfect outdoor garden ceremony you’ve been envisioning?

• Do Your Research

Before you decide on your wedding date, it’s important to do your research on the best time of the year to get married in DFW…especially when it comes to outdoor events. Consider what months typically have safer weather. If you’ve already booked your date, consider what you can do just in case sunshine isn’t in the forecast. Which brings me to my next point…

• Prepare an Outdoor Wedding Backup Plan

Whether you’re getting married in April or August, you always need a plan B for your outdoor Texas wedding. Typically, your wedding venue should be able to help you with this. They have probably seen everything and they’ll know just what to do in case of rain or inclement weather. Some DFW wedding venues will even have indoor spaces or tents as backup.

• Consider Your Wedding Vendors

Not only do you need to think about the possibility of rain, but you also need to consider how your other wedding vendors will pull off an outdoor wedding. For example, will your DJ have access to speakers outside? What about a power source? Does your vendor have their own protocol for rainy weddings? The most important thing here is to hire vendors that you can trust to get the job done no matter the circumstances!

• Consider Your Guests

While your loved ones might weather through anything to see you and your fiancé get married, their outdoor experience matters too! If your wedding is in August, consider providing paper fans for your guests. You could even get creative and have the fan double as a ceremony program as well! On the other hand, if you are a December bride, you might want to use scarves or wraps as your wedding favor. It’s the little things that make the outdoor garden ceremony experience really shine!

Maybe you aren’t the bride I described earlier. Maybe you’re reading this and still searching through the dozens of beautiful wedding venues in Texas. If so, consider letting the Ruthe Jackson Center be that garden wedding venue that you say “I do” to. Rain or shine, we know how to create the perfect outdoor garden ceremony!

When it comes to desserts and cake flavors, we all have our favorites. So for a lot of us, choosing a wedding dessert can be pretty easy. Just choose your favorite, right? Well yes…and no. While I wholeheartedly believe you should choose the flavor you love the most, there’s a little more that goes into planning your reception dessert than your love for pie or chocolate cake.

• Find Your Baker

Finding the right vendor for your cake or desserts is very important. Like all other vendors, do your research and find someone that you can trust. Get their advice on designs, flavors and cost saving tips. If they’re an experienced baker like Cake-Aholics Bakery in Arlington (our local favorite), they’ll know what is best and what works!

• Don’t Overload

At this point in your planning you probably already have a more accurate guest count. Take that into consideration as you plan your desserts. This is really important if you’re planning on having more than one dessert. You don’t want to have a wedding cake to feed 150 and 150 slices of pie as well. Not everyone will eat both choices and you’ll end up with a ton of leftovers!

• Consider Your Guests

While you might be obsessed with lemon lavender cake, that flavor might not be a total crowd pleaser. Not everyone will take a piece. That’s why it’s also important to consider what flavors most people will enjoy. Make sure to still order your favorite flavor, but make sure to have a larger amount of something more common. This is where your baker can help as well. They will typically have a list of their most popular choices that never disappoint!

• Be Creative

If you’re a bride on a budget, you might need to get creative with your reception dessert. A huge seven-tiered, fondant covered, gold cake might not be feasible. Consider opting for a smaller, buttercream cake paired with other, more affordable desserts. Dessert tables filled with cookies, macaroons, pies, brownies, etc. are very trendy right now too!

While choosing your cake might not be the hardest wedding decision you’ll face, it is still important. Make sure to get advice from your local cake experts and have fun with it. After all, cake tasting appointments are really sweet!