Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, an occasion where you and your loved ones get to celebrate and share in the love you have for your partner. However, weddings can be a significant expense, and it can be easy for couples to quickly overspend their budget. While flexibility is important and things do not always go as planned, trying as much as possible to stick to the budget you have decided upon can help you prioritize the elements of your wedding you care about most and avoid unnecessary spending on elements you don’t.

At Villa Tuscana, our goal is to provide every couple with a luxurious wedding experience at an unbeatable price. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when planning your dream wedding to ensure your special day is one to remember, without breaking the bank.

Be Realistic

When setting a budget for a wedding, it is important for couples to be realistic about how much they are able to spend and allocate funds accordingly. While a wedding is a momentous occasion that will provide memories that will last you and your spouse a lifetime, overspending or not accounting for specific expenses can quickly get you into trouble. You should not have to sacrifice elements of your dream wedding just to save money, but by being discerning and planning well ahead of time, it can be easy to get a grasp on how much everything will cost and what you can really afford.

The time of year your wedding is held can also play a large role in the cost of your wedding, as particularly in the Arizona climate it can be challenging to find availability in the cooler months or have to brave the heat during the summer months. Often an indoor ceremony can be a cost-effective choice, giving you greater flexibility when planning and allowing for a more intimate setting for you and your guests.

Prioritize Expenses

One of the main advantages of a detailed and thought-out budget is that it gives couples the flexibility to decide what aspects are most important to them and plan accordingly. For many, there are elements of a wedding that are essential and they can’t imagine doing without, but others are not as crucial. By making a list of items that you and your partner agree are necessities, you can better gauge ways to cut costs without sacrificing the wedding you have always dreamed of.

One popular trend many couples utilize is serving a signature drink instead of stocking a full bar. If there is a cocktail you and your partner really enjoy, it can be a fun idea to share it with guests, giving you a creative way to cut down on beverage costs without sacrificing guests’ enjoyment.

Be Discerning with the Guest List

One of the biggest expenses for a wedding is the guest list, and while many couples want as many friends and family as possible to be there to celebrate with them, the costs of a large guest list can quickly add up. While it can be discouraging to have to be more selective with whom you choose to invite, prioritizing close friends and family can have a huge impact on allowing you to stay within your budget. Many couples prefer a smaller, more intimate wedding, but even if your dream is a huge ceremony, going without even a few guests can make it easier to stay on track.  

Be Flexible

An important consideration when planning and budgeting a wedding is that sometimes things may not go as planned. Weddings often include a lot of moving parts, and even if you have planned your special day down to the smallest detail, sometimes things go wrong that you can’t account for. Part of a successful budgeting strategy is being willing to amend and adjust your plans when necessary, and staying open to new opportunities and substitutions if called for. At the end of the day, even if not everything goes entirely to plan, you can still enjoy a beautiful and memorable occasion with the person you love.

Why choose us?

At Villa Tuscana, we offer spacious outdoor and indoor ceremony and reception options sure to provide the perfect backdrop to your big day. Our indoor reception halls are highlighted by beautiful Tuscan décor and can comfortably accommodate up to 300 guests. We also offer over 40 color themes to choose from, ensuring we can bring your dream wedding to life. Our courtyard and park make for memorable photo shoots and serve as the perfect outdoor environment for your wedding or reception. Be sure to check out our wedding packages and contact us today if you are looking for the perfect venue for your big day at an unbeatable price.

For wedding planners and other industry professionals, 2022 was one of the busiest years ever, as couples who had delayed tying the knot during the pandemic finally got the chance to celebrate with friends and family. As the days of COVID-related restrictions begin to fade from memory, experts are now excited to identify the trends that will characterize weddings in 2023.

Planning to get married this year and looking for some inspiration for your special day? Here are ten of the top wedding trends that experts are predicting for 2023:

1. While weddings have come back in full force over the past year, many couples are rethinking the traditional ceremony and being more intentional about planning celebrations focused on what’s most important to them. For instance, they might opt for non-traditional attire that reflects their unique style, or do away with standard rituals like the bouquet toss in order to make time for things that will contribute to a more enjoyable guest experience.
2. Multi-day destination events. Another lingering side effect of the pandemic is a pent-up demand for travel. For couples getting married this year, this could manifest in a desire for destination weddings, featuring events that span two or more days. For example, these celebrations may launch on a Friday with a festive welcome party and continue through the weekend with a schedule of optional activities in addition to the wedding ceremony and reception.
3. Many people are striving to be more eco-friendly in their day-to-day lives, from taking simple steps like recycling to purchasing electric vehicles. Therefore, it’s not surprising that sustainability is emerging as a major trend in wedding planning. This could translate to a wide variety of measures, such as using online save-the-dates and invitations, serving a plant-based menu, avoiding the use of balloons and other non-biodegradable decorations, or using live, potted plants in lieu of cut flowers.
4. Ceremonies held earlier in the day. Many couples plan their wedding over the course of several months or even years—all for the celebration to take place over just a few hours. In addition to opting for multi-day events, couples are spacing out the ceremony and reception. With a ceremony in the morning or early afternoon, guests will have adequate time to rest up before the evening’s festivities.
5. While the preference for incorporating color into wedding décor and attire is not brand-new this year, many wedding planners are excited to see it continuing. Weddings have taken on a bolder aesthetic, often featuring patterned textiles, vibrantly colored flowers, and bridal gowns that stray from the traditional white and embrace unique colors (pastels are particularly popular), embroidered messages, and patterns.
6. Smaller ceremonies. In keeping with the theme of personalization and keeping the focus on the couple, many people are opting for smaller, more intimate ceremonies that include only close friends and family members. While they may invite more people to the reception, lengthy guest lists with hundreds of attendees seem to be falling out of favor.
7. Nontraditional guest books. A classic staple of weddings is a book, typically placed at the entrance to the reception, where guests can jot down their warm wishes for the couple. Today’s newlyweds are taking a creative spin on this concept, inviting guests to record their messages on the back of Polaroid pictures or by leaving voice messages on an old-fashioned telephone.
8. Dramatic ceiling installations. Though guest lists may be shrinking, it doesn’t mean that couples are toning down the aesthetics of their weddings. One emerging trend is to create eye-catching ceiling installations featuring large-scale lighting, florals, drapery and more, setting an elegant and dramatic tone that guests are sure to remember.
9. Speakeasy-themed afterparties. An afterparty is a great way to stretch out the festivities—at least with guests who have the energy to continue celebrating the new couple long into the night. Given the widespread popularity of speakeasy-style cocktail bars, many couples are adopting the theme for their wedding afterparties, often featuring secret doors to a hidden lounge or a special bar serving a menu of craft cocktails.
10. Private last dances. The couple’s first dance together as newlyweds is one of the most exciting parts of the wedding reception, with friends and family breaking out their cameras to capture the occasion. However, some couples are planning a special dance together at the end of the night and inviting only their professional photographer to capture them as they reflect on the events of the day in a quiet, intimate moment of joy.

At Villa Tuscana, we understand that your wedding will be one of the most important events of your life, and our team is here to help make your day as special as possible. Whether you’d prefer to incorporate the latest wedding trends or stick to tradition, we can assist with the planning process and provide a beautiful, fully equipped venue with both indoor and outdoor spaces. Contact us today to get started!

A quinceanera is an important tradition marking the journey your daughter has taken towards adulthood. If you are a parent looking to plan the perfect celebration for your daughter’s big day, Villa Tuscana is here to help. There is a lot that goes in to planning and throwing the perfect quinceanera, so here are a few tips for ensuring your daughter and guests will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

What Is Your Budget?

Quinceaneras are major events but can also be costly as many parents want to provide the ultimate experience their daughters will remember forever. Whether you are looking for a basic package or an all-inclusive, deluxe experience, Villa Tuscana has options for you. Take a look at our packages and for a more accurate estimate, reach out to our team. We help you coordinate the entire process, from setting the theme to making sure the DJ, photography and catering are all taken care of.

Giving your daughter a day where she feels like a princess doesn’t have to come at a huge expense, and whatever your budget, we want to make sure all your needs are met.    

What is Your Timeline?

There are a lot of factors that go into making sure your daughter’s quinceanera runs smoothly. A quinceanera celebration is more like a ball than a birthday party, so ideally as a parent you should be planning out all the elements of the celebration at least 9 to 12 months in advance. In the first few months of planning the quinceanera, be sure to go over any design elements and theme for the event and start looking for times to reserve a venue and choose caterers. This is also the time to dress shop and discuss who you want in your daughter’s quinceanera court. The court is a great way for your daughter to share in her special day with close friends and family.

By the six-month mark, you should have a lot of the details finalized, including booking photographers, DJs, florists and other professionals who make sure your event runs smoothly. The weeks leading up to the quinceanera should be about finalizing smaller details like hair and makeup and making sure that invitations have been received.

A quinceanera is an important milestone in your daughter’s life, so it is imperative that you plan ahead and make sure a lot of the logistics are taken care of. By working with our professional team at Villa Tuscana, we take a lot of the stress off you by going above and beyond in ironing out these details.  

What are Your Decoration Ideas?

Whether you are looking for a more traditional, timeless aesthetic for your celebration or more modern elements, with over 40 color themes to choose from, our team makes your dreams a reality. Whether minimal or lavish, decorations are essential in celebrating quinceanaras. Themed decorations are also a great addition to a celebration – whether choosing a common overarching theme like Under the Sea or Old Hollywood, or basing the decor on a specific color palette.

A dress is one of the most important parts of a quinceanera and allows your daughter the chance to wear a beautiful dress in celebration of her milestone. Every parent wants their daughter to feel like a princess, and so finding and fitting a dress is a priority. Popular choices include dresses in more traditional colors like white and pink, but there is also room for variation depending on what your daughter wants.

Who is on Your Guest List?

Many families have different preferences when it comes to who they want to celebrate their daughter’s quinceanera with. Maybe you want a more intimate gathering with just family, or an all-out party with hundreds of people. At Villa Tuscana, we have the space for whatever size celebration you have envisioned and know how important it is to make sure you and your guests have a space where they can enjoy themselves.

Whether for pictures, dancing or cutting the cake, our staff wants to be sure your daughter has enough room for her loved ones to celebrate her on her big day.

Why Choose Villa Tuscana?

Celebrating a girl’s 15^th birthday is an important but often stressful event for parents. From guest lists, to catering, to seating arrangements and dress choices, working with a professional venue relieves a lot of the stress and allows for additional benefits that make planning and throwing your event a breeze.

At Villa Tuscana, we offer plenty of space for your daughter’s big day. Our indoor reception halls can accommodate up to 300 guests, so whether you and your family want a big party or more of an intimate celebration, we have room for anything. Whatever your decoration or design needs, our team will make sure everything is taken care of. Photo opportunities are an essential part of any quinceanera celebration, and our courtyard and park provide the perfect backdrop for special photos of your daughter with friends and family. Our park has great views of the natural beauty of Arizona, and our courtyard includes greenery and wood elements that make a perfect background for your photos.  

Quinceaneras are a wonderful way to celebrate your daughter’s journey to maturity, and at Villa Tuscana we want to make sure all your needs are taken care of so you can worry less about the details and more about your daughter’s special day.

Whatever your plans are for your celebration, make sure to check out our packages and contact us today if you need a luxurious venue for your daughter’s quinceanera at an unbeatable price.

When it comes time to deciding where to hold your wedding reception, there are many factors to consider. Summer is a popular time for weddings, but in Arizona in particular, the heat can be a key factor in deciding between enjoying dancing outside on long warm nights or opting for a more intimate and temperature-controlled indoor space if the weather gets too unfavorable.  

Indoor Receptions

Indoor receptions are always a popular option, and in Arizona especially are often mandatory because of the heat or other weather conditions. But indoor receptions can still be wonderful options for your wedding in their own right, and allow less worry when it comes to weather, electricity or decorating. If a more formal aesthetic is what you are going for, indoor receptions are an easy choice. Indoor reception spaces provide ample room for decorations and design motifs and have a more classic and timeless appeal than outdoor receptions.

If you really want to get the party going during your reception, it is hard to beat the acoustics and lighting capabilities of most indoor spaces. With a good DJ and lighting rig, indoor spaces are often the best for dancing the night away and allow for light shows and ambience that would not be possible outdoors. And because you are inside, you can turn the music as loud as you want and not have to worry about noise ordinances or complaints. 

One important thing to remember is that you don’t have to have your wedding or reception outside to make the most of the beauty of the desert — photos outside before and after your ceremony still mean you can get some amazing shots, without worrying about you or your guests not being able to handle the heat. The bulk of your ceremony and reception being inside while also being broken up by photos or other activities outside is an ideal compromise if an entirely outside reception isn’t feasible.

Outdoor Receptions

There’s always been something magical about outdoor wedding receptions, even if Arizona summers often make them a little less desirable in reality. But it is often hard to beat the beauty of desert landscapes, and especially if you have a lot of guests or family from out of town, it is often worth braving the heat to enjoy the views. Outdoor receptions also make the need for decorations a lot simpler, as the natural backdrops and other elements already do most of the work for you.    

The last few years have led to a lot of uncertainty and cancellations in the wedding industry, so if you finally have a date set and have the option of inviting a lot more family and friends than you could in 2020, outdoor receptions are great for accommodating any sized guest list. Outdoor receptions also free up your photographers to use natural light and have a lot more mobility, ensuring your pictures will look amazing.

The inclusion of fans with programs, or programs that double as fans, go a long way in ensuring guests stay comfortable and can address their own cooling needs. And with summer also being monsoon season, the concern isn’t always just the heat — rain, lightning and dust storms can be just as much if not more of a concern. That’s why if you are counting on having your reception outside, it’s paramount to have a “plan B” in case of variables, and account for a potential increase in your budget if the worst does happen. The last thing you want on your wedding day is to be enjoying the outdoors and have a haboob roll in. Insects can also be a concern if you opt for an outdoor reception, as you want your guests worrying more about their dance moves and less about mosquitoes.  

Both outdoor and indoor reception venues have pros and cons, and even in the heart of the summer it not always an easy choice. Indoor receptions allow for air-conditioning, which helps ensure your guests are always comfortable, and allow for a lot of decoration and music options to really set the ambience you want. But outdoor receptions also provide a totally unique experience, and if the heat is not too bad and no inclement weather is expected, make for a fun and carefree experience. Depending on your needs, maybe even a mix of the two would be the ideal situation for your special day.

The Benefits of Villa Tuscana

At Villa Tuscana, we offer plenty of space for indoor or outdoor ceremonies and receptions. Our courtyard and park make for great ceremonies and photo shoots, and our ballrooms and reception halls are a great way to beat the heat when the weather warms.

Our indoor reception halls are highlighted by beautiful Tuscan décor and can comfortably accommodate up to 300 guests. With over 40 color themes to choose from, our team makes it easy to bring your most elegant dreams to life. With plenty of room to dance and a DJ taking care of any and all formalities, our all-inclusive packages mean you can enjoy dancing the night away as we take care of everything. With incredible music and lighting effects, we want to make sure your reception will be one to remember.

However, if dancing under the stars or sky is more to your tastes, our outdoor reception spaces can also accommodate you. If the weather permits, why not enjoy long summer nights in our beautifully designed courtyard? Our outdoor reception spaces include a lot of greenery and expertly designed wood elements, making them the perfect place for pictures or partying.   

Whether you choose an indoor or outdoor location for your reception, be sure to check out our wedding packages and contact us today if you need a luxurious venue for your big day at an unbeatable price.

From sunny days and beautiful flowers to delicious seasonal produce and lighter evenings, it’s no surprise that the summer is prime time for wedding planning. But if you’re looking to get married in Phoenix during the hottest season of the year, there are lots of pros and cons that come with planning a summer wedding.

Before you get too deep into the planning process, take a well-deserved break and read on. At Villa Tuscana, we’ve put together a detailed guide on the do’s and don’ts of planning a summer wedding and how to ensure your special day is one that you and your guests will remember for all the right reasons.

Do Send Save-the-Dates Well Ahead of Time

Many people choose to take a vacation during the summer. Sending save-the-date notes or cards well ahead of time will ensure your guests have plenty of time to mark their calendars and plan their time around your big day.

Don’t Forget to Follow Up on Invitations

It’s always a good idea to include an RSVP deadline on your invitations. This will help you to finalize guest numbers with your venue, plan catering, formulate your table plan, and start planning those little extras like wedding favors. People are busy and just because some of your guests haven’t replied, it doesn’t mean your wedding is unimportant to them. Giving them a little nudge with a friendly email, phone call, or message over social media is sure to get those last remaining replies signed, sealed, and delivered.

Do Consider a Backup Venue

If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, you may want to check whether your venue has a backup plan in the event of bad weather. You never know when a rainstorm may occur, and while it might be over as soon as it’s begun, a few minutes of heavy rain could be all it takes to ruin your carefully made plans. Wind can also be a factor and can wreak havoc on delicate floral arrangements, the bride’s hair, and guests’ hats. While you may not want to consider an alternative to getting married on a beautiful sunny day, having a backup room or area inside your venue will ensure everything else goes to plan even if the sun doesn’t shine.

Do Keep Your Guests Cool and Comfortable

Nobody likes to be uncomfortable in the heat, especially if the bride is fashionably late. You can keep your guests cool and comfortable before and during the ceremony by providing them with hand fans, bottles of water, and shade. Alternatively, you may want to go all out with electric fans placed strategically so that they blend in with your floral arrangements and wedding decor.

Don’t Forget to Keep Your Own Cool

Imagine spending hours having your hair and makeup perfected, only to have it ruined within moments of stepping out into the heat. From wilting updos to melting makeup, there are many ways a hot day can ruin your look. Getting ready in an air-conditioned bridal or groom’s suite will give you a great start when it comes to looking your absolute best and keeping your cool. Invest in a good deodorant, too, and keep wedding makeup light and natural. Ask one of your bridesmaids to keep some makeup in her purse for those pre-photo touchups.

Do Consider a Morning or Evening Ceremony

You don’t have to subject yourself or your guests to sweltering summer heat. By scheduling your wedding ceremony in the morning or evening, you can avoid direct sunlight and unbearable heat and keep everybody comfortable. A morning ceremony will also allow you to get the best light for your photographs and enjoy a longer wedding day.

Do Consider Your Wedding Dress

When shopping for your wedding dress, consider how you will feel wearing it on a hot day. If you have your heart set on a dramatic dress with lots of layers, you may regret your choice if you’re sweating from the moment you step into it. Airy and light dresses are always a safe bet for summer weddings. However, if you’re not prepared to let go of the princess dream, and we don’t blame you, you might want to consider changing into a cooler dress for your reception. You’ll certainly be glad you did once you hit the dancefloor.

Don’t Choose the Wrong Shoes

On a really hot day, the last thing you want is for your feet to swell, or even worse, sweat. If you can, choose shoes that allow your feet to breathe. Leather is always a good choice, but if you’d rather not wear leather for ethical reasons, choose a good pair of fabric or PU-leather strappy sandals. If you really love wearing heels, why not wear them to the ceremony and then change into more comfortable shoes for the reception? Ask one of the bridesmaids to slip some blister prevention pads, baby powder, and non-slip insoles into her purse just in case.

Do Choose Comfortable Bridesmaid Dresses

Your bridesmaids will be there for you throughout the day and at your side when you need them the most. Make sure they are comfortable and cool in dresses that are light, airy, and easy to move around in. Silk, cotton, and chiffon are all great choices. Look for dresses that are shorter in length, that are backless, or have slits up the side to allow plenty of airflow.

Do Choose Flowers That Can Survive the Heat

Flowers are beautiful, but some kinds can quickly start to wilt in the heat. If you are using the services of a florist, they will know exactly which blooms will do well on the hottest days. For example, orchids, calla lilies, and roses should last the whole day if they are of good quality and prepared and arranged properly. Instead of real flowers, you might want to consider silk or satin flowers. Not only will they stand up to the heat, but they also last for years and are perfect for your wedding bouquet.

Don’t Serve Hot and Spicy Food

When the summer is already serving up the heat, you might want to consider your wedding food selection carefully. Hot and spicy foods may only raise the heat even higher and cause your guests to feel uncomfortable. Instead, why not serve lighter foods that are cool, refreshing, and delicious? How about a delicious shrimp and avocado cocktail, or a light chicken and citrus salad? If you really do want to add some spice, serve it on the side in the form of salsas, hot sauces, and chopped chilis so that your guests have a choice.

Do Have the Best Day of Your Life

No matter how high the temperature creeps, it’s still possible to have the best wedding day ever. With a little forward planning and consideration for the small details, you and your guests can focus on having a fabulous time rather than being distracted by being hot and uncomfortable.

Above all else, enjoy every moment. Here at Villa Tuscana, we’ll help you to make it the best day of your life no matter what time of year you choose to get married. With our stunning indoor spaces and outdoor environments, you’ll be all set for having a perfect day.