The Wedding Vendor Spotlight is an interview series highlighting some of the best wedding vendors in DC, Maryland and Virginia. Find out what brings them joy, both professionally and personally, as well as their insights into emerging wedding trends for 2013.
Janice Carnevale of Bellwether Events has been helping couples plan fabulous weddings in the DC area since 2006. She recently released a comprehensive, free e-book, “The Elegant At-Home Wedding: A Guide to Everything You Need to Know About Hosting a Sophisticated Wedding… Right in Your Own Backyard.”
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Photo by Kurstin Roe Photography
How do you describe your “style”?
I’m classic with a side of punk rock. But that’s just on a personal level. When it comes to wedding planning, I help my client bring out their personal style, while focusing my talents on organization and logistics.
What keeps you passionate about weddings?
Its easy to stay passionate when each client I have is looking for something completely different from the last. And whether its modern minimalism or a barn wedding with chickens or a glamorous rooftop affair, they all end with a joyous event where everyone leaves happy, and that is what keeps me going!
You’ve just released a terrific resource for planning at-home weddings. What’s the #1 key to planning a smooth at-home wedding?
The key to planning a smooth at-home wedding is being flexible. You need to be flexible with what your home and/or yard can accommodate. You may need to change your menu plan or guest list based on your property’s set up. You may also need to be flexible with your budget, if you are really stuck on a certain guest list number, or a certain meal type. You will definitely need to be flexible when it comes to the weather. When it comes down to the final few days, and you are making choices about how to handle the weather, you need to be flexible enough to make the smart choice, and not get lost in emotion.
Are you seeing any trends emerging in 2013?
My clients are super diverse, so its not like I see a lot of the same things over and over again. Rectangular tables and farm tables are still very popular. And while emerald may be Pantone’s color of the year, more than a few of my couples are working with shades of fuchsia.
What is one piece of advice that you like to give couples?
I always encourage couples to personalize their wedding as much as possible. For example, a lot of folks hosting summer weddings will serve water or lemonade before their wedding ceremony. But if you shared a connection over your love of sweet tea on your first date, serve that instead!
Outside of weddings, what brings you joy?
So many things. Baseball games. Helping homeless dogs find new homes. Throwing parties for my friends and family. And generally helping others – I love to hang out with my peers and help brainstorm new ideas for our industry.
How can we find you online?
WEB: www.bellwetherevents.com and www.yourweddingathome.com
BLOG: www.bellwetherevents.
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/
TWITTER: @bellwetherevent
PINTEREST: http://pinterest.com/
INSTAGRAM: @bellwetherevent
Thanks for sharing Janice!
Have a question about planning an at-home wedding? Leave a comment below and we’ll be sure to follow up.
To recommend someone for the Wedding Vendor Spotlight, please email Stephen.
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