Welcome to The Hampton Roads Wedding Guide Newsletter where you can plan the wedding of your dreams from start to finish. From inspiration to checklists and planning articles, to the best wedding professionals in Hampton Roads, it's all here!

April 2020 Newsletter
View Our Website
An Unexpected Season of Change

Antonia Christianson Events, Hilton Norfolk THE MAIN

It's been so amazing, in this time of really unexpected changes, to see our vendors rallying, supporting each other, and coming up with creative ways to be engaged with their clients. We're excited to share some of these with you in this newsletter but also wanted to share some tips if you are in the middle of trying to reschedule a wedding.

Tip 1: Hire a planner! If you don't already have a wedding coordinator, now is a great time to hire one. They can help you call vendors and coordinate a new wedding date. Then, when your new wedding date approaches, you'll have an amazing wedding coordinator to help pull it all together. Here are some of our favorite wedding coordinators in Hampton Roads:

Tip 2: Find a new venue if yours isn't available. We know, you had your heart set on a venue. Luckily, Hampton Roads is FULL of amazing venues to fit every style of wedding. And they are more than willing to work with couples to find a date for their weddings. They know that this is a season of change and frustration, and they are more than happy to help you as you navigate this new climate. Here is a great list of venues to check out:  Hampton Roads Wedding Guide Preferred Venues

Tip 3:  Account for additional costs. With dates being moved, your original vendors may no longer be available. You may have to spend more (or less) on a different vendor who is available on your day. Just know in the back of your mind that it is a possibility that you may need to spend more and start saving now.

Tip 4: Let your guests know! You can let everyone know informally through an email or phone call, but another fun way is with a Change the Date card! Here are some fun ideas from  Brides.com

Tip 5: F ind time to spend together doing something you love. Play a game together, watch a fun movie you've been dying to see, or cook a 3 course meal together! Have an at home date night to reconnect and put the wedding stress aside for a night.

How Can You Support Your Bakery



Many of the HRWG bakeries are still open and selling treats to go! This is a great way to support the bakery making your wedding cake. If you've already booked a great baker, show them your support by purchasing something for take-out. Scratch Bakery is selling out of their famous cinnamon rolls! The Cake House and Gigi's Cupakes are open for take out orders.  Carolina Cupcakery is holding virtual baking classes for kids and selling cookie decorating kits! 



Your Caterers are Still Cooking!

Restaurants and caterers are still doing what they love to do most- cooking and serving the public! If your caterer is also a restaurant or food truck, chances are they are still selling take-out orders. Sweetwater Cuisine is offering Family Meal Deals and Mobile Pig-Nic is selling the Family Pig Pak, which looks amazing! You can support your caterer by ordering take-out or booking them for your rescheduled wedding date!

Sweetwater Cuisine

Mobile Pig Nic


Plan Your Wedding Style

From wedding gowns to tuxes to florals, your wedding style can still be obtained, even while maintaining a social distance! Many vendors, like Avenir Bridal Boutique, Studio I Do Bridals, and  Ava Clara Couture Bridal are holding virtual appointments. Salons like Truly Yours Bridal and Silk Bridal Studio are still having appointments, one bride at a time! 

You can still shop online with Philip Michael Fashion for your menswear. They are even offering a 20% off discount on their entire inventory with the code SPRING20. 

Courtney Timms Photography, Studio I Do Bridals

Your favorite florists, like Jeff's Flowers Of Course and Norfolk Wholesale Floral are offering curbside pick up! This is a great way to support these businesses, by ordering flowers for your home or for a loved one. Vivid Expressions LLC has been offering virtual classes that you have to take advantage of!

Vivid Expressions LLC

How You Can Support Your Photographer

Heather Hughes Photography

If you're looking for a way to support your photographer during this season, here are some great tips:

Buy gift certificates for gifts- Give the gift of a maternity session or senior portraits!
Schedule a family session- You're going to need photos for your Christmas cards, so get on your photographer's fall schedule now! Booking with them now helps them plan for their year, both logistically and financially. 
Try to reschedule for a date they have available- We know your new wedding date is contingent on so many things, but trying to make it work for both your venue and your photographer, as well as your family is an added bonus!
Follow them on social media- Make sure you're checking their social media for updates and special deals. Heather Hughes Photography has several weekends  available this July, August, September. & November and most of 2021, so she is offering 10% off AND a FREE Engagement Session!
But What About a Venue?

Jami Thompson Photography, The Water Table

You might think that your venue or another venue in the area will be free on your new wedding date or your 2021 wedding date if you're just now planning, but because so many couples are rescheduling and trying to find new venues or new dates with their current venue, 2021 dates are filling up FAST. 

Venues like The Water Table and Deep Creek Landing's Keffer Hall are offering virtual tours! If you're wondering about your venue, give them a call or send them a message on social media. You would be surprised how much you can learn through a FaceTime call!
David Schwartz Photography
Check Out Our Latest Issue!

The latest issue of Hampton Roads Wedding Guide is available in  over 50 locations throughout  Hampton Roads as well as digitally on our website. For a complete list of where you can find a copy check out our website! 

In our latest issue you can learn more about all of the incredible vendors we have featured, from venues to photographers to delicious catering options. Plus, you can learn some great tips for your big day!



"You have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you. I never wish to be parted from you from this day on." - Pride and Prejudice
STAY CONNECTED: