From the category archives:

Receptions

Fabulous Fall Beverages

by Katie on October 19, 2009 · 1 comment

in Receptions, Sweet Treats & Favors

Fall is my absolute favorite time of the year. I adore the crisp mornings and cool evenings, the color changing leaves, and of course, the fabulous fall fashions! Another plus to chilly autumn days? Delicious warm drinks.

Even if you’re not going with the stereotypical burnt oranges and yellows and chocolate browns for your fall wedding, these yummy beverages would be a treat for any guest. Set up a station and serve a signature drink, or serve them all at their own special bar. Check out below for some that sound particularly amazing.

hot_chocolate

Cupcakes and Cashmere

Hot Apple Cider

Ingredients:
* 3 quarts apple cider
* 12 whole cloves
* 1 cinnamon stick
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Preparation:
In a large saucepan, bring all ingredients to a boil. Strain and serve hot spiced cider hot in mugs. Makes 12 cups of hot spiced cider. [Source]

Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:
* 3 cups milk
* 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate, grated
* 1 tablespoon white sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1 egg

Preparation:
1. Put milk into a microwave-safe container and cook on High in microwave for 2 minutes. Mix in chocolate, sugar, and cinnamon. In a small bowl, whisk an egg until smooth, then mix it into the chocolate mixture.
2. Return to microwave and cook on High for 3 to 4 minutes or until foamy (be careful not to let it boil.) Whisk until smooth and pour into 3 mugs. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired. [Source]

Wassell
* Okay, so technically this is dubbed a “Christmas” drink, but I think it’s delicious year round.

Ingredients:
* 1 1/3 c. sugar
* 1 qt. water
* 2 whole cloves
* 4 sticks cinnamon
* 4 whole allspice
* 3 c. orange juice
* 2 c. lemonade
* 2 qt. apple cider

Preparation:
Boil sugar and water for 10 minutes. Add spices. Let stand for 1 hour. Add other ingredients. Serve warm. [Source]

Irish Vanilla Coffee

Ingredients:
* 1 1/2 oz Bailey’s® Irish cream
* 1 1/2 oz vanilla vodka
* 4 oz coffee
* 1/2 – 1 oz whipped cream

Preparation:
Pour into a coffee mug 4 oz. of coffee. Add 1 1/2 oz. each of Bailey’s Irish Cream and Absolut Vanilla Vodka. Stir lightly and top, if desired, whipped cream. [Source]

Hot Tea

Not too many instructions here. Buy a few packs and let guests chose whichever flavor they’d like to steep. Harney & Sons is my fave – adore the Passion Plum!

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Top Father Daughter Dance Songs

by Katie on July 22, 2009 · 1 comment

in Receptions

AOL Radio recently did an article about the top ten father/daughter dance songs. They were reader picked, and here is what they had to say.

10) Whitney Houston: ‘I Will Always Love You’
9) Bette Midler: ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’
8) Louis Armstrong: ‘What a Wonderful World’
7) Luther Vandross: ‘Dance With My Father’
6) Mariah Carey: ‘Hero’
5) Frank Sinatra: ‘The Way You Look Tonight’
4) Faith Hill: ‘There You’ll Be’
3) Josh Groban: ‘You Raise Me Up’
2) Celine Dion: Because You Loved Me
1) Bob Carlisle: Butterfly Kisses

What do we think? “Dance With My Father” seems kind of sad – hello, listen to the lyrics! “Butterfly Kisses” is super sweet, but super slow. “I Will Always Love You” seems a little outdated (even if you will always and forever love each other – which no, we don’t feel will ever be outdated!). We’re fans of “What A Wonderful World” and “The Way You Look Tonight”, but who could blame us – they’re classic! One of my favorites that’s not on the list is “Magic” by Jeff Wood (which you can check out on his MySpace page). He wrote it for his daughter, indeed, making it an absolutely wonderful father/daughter dance song!

What do you plan on dancing to if you’re having a father/daughter dance? Share it with us by commenting below!

And, don’t forget to enter the Bleu Garter GIVEAWAY!

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How To Book the Perfect Venue

by Katie on July 7, 2009 · 0 comments

in Receptions

1. Determine your guest list, budget, and the overall “vibe” you’re going for. These three things are the biggest determining factors when it comes to the venue you actually book. Why? You’ll need a space that can comfortably and safely fit all your guests, something that fits into your price range, and if you are able, something that coordinates with the overall look you’re trying to achieve for the day.

2. Look around. Search it up! Look all over for possible venue locations. Look on sites like the Knot local resources, other local websites and magazines, and ask recently married friends (they probably did lots of searching on their own). Make note of all the ones you like and move on to step three!

3. Ask for the specifics. Call up (or email) each venue you like. Get pricing info, along with capacity limits, special rules or restrictions, and availability.

4. Organize your info. Simple wedding information can be overwhelming when you have tons of it. Keep your venue research organized in the handy little Excel or Google Doc spreadsheet! It should include spots for location names, phone numbers, contact people, websites, email address, location addresses, distances from ceremony sites, and an area for notes.

5. Pick your top choices. Once you’ve gathered all the information you can handle, narrow your options down to the top few that fit your specifications perfectly.

6. Schedule a few visits. Once you’ve narrowed it down to just a few choices, call up your contacts, if you have them, and schedule some visits! Bring questions, a camera for pictures, and paper and pencil for notes.

7. Sign on the dotted line. Once you’ve visited your top selections and gathered all of the details, sign on the dotted line to officially book your top space choice! Then get excited!

Any other great tips for finding the perfect venue? Please do share! Send us an email or leave a comment! : )

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Bride Beware: Wedding Decorations that you do not need

by AFS on April 17, 2009 · 0 comments

in Planning with the Pros, Receptions, Sweet Treats & Favors

Hello!

As a wedding consultant, let me first start by saying that I had a pretty good laugh a few days ago at the expense of the wedding consumer industry. After returning from the post office to retrieve my mail I started thumbing through a Spring wedding decorations catalog.  I flipped open to a page somewhere near the middle of the catalog, only to find the most ridiculous wedding decor item E-V-E-R. I will tell you about the item, but first, I would like to share with you something that makes me fundamentally angry.

My heart sinks a little each time I notice consumers (sadly, mostly brides) purchasing unnecessary items just because they have the words "Bride" or "Groom" imprinted on them, or because they are able to be "personalized".  In a perfect world brides would see past this marketing ploy, and would have more discipline than to purchase an item solely because it will allow the bride to see her name in writing.

Below you will find a Top 10 decorations you should never buy for your wedding, which in turn is a big BRIDE BEWARE when dealing with these potential wedding decorations.  Either because they are completely unnecessary, ridiculously extraneous in cost, or could simply give off the impression that you have no good sense whatsoever:

10. Rubber [fund-raising-esk] Bracelets. Remember a few years ago when rubber bracelets touting good causes were all the rage? Well, sadly, these bracelets have made their way into the wedding industry’s circle of consumerism.   If your aim is to make people wear your names for the evening, consider changing your aim.  The moment you are not looking the bracelets will end-up in the trash can.

9.  Personalized dance floor cling. This clear plastic item uses static electricity to (supposedly) stick to the dance floor. Sure, you can personalize this item with your names and a little design logo, but it is quite the waste of money considering that it does not light up for people to even notice it, and that people are going to be stepping all over it (and possibly slipping on it).

8.  Shaped [centerpiece] table mirrors. I know, I know…"but water and candlelight look so elegant with a reflection…"  Although you may believe that your table centerpieces will look better on top of a mirror, this decor element should just go away already as it is severely outdated.  (Not to mention that from a designers point of view all that it takes is one smudge or finger print to make it ugly.)

7.  "Take-out" [Chinese] guest gift boxes. Not only do these not stay properly shut (their plastic flaps are indignantly annoying), but most of these box types that on the market are completely non-biodegradable.  Save your money and go another route.

6.  Reusable wedding cameras. Let me be clear: it is a complete waste of money. Not only are you paying to develop film rolls, but the likelihood of you getting a good shot of something that you actually care about is very low.  Now, when I married (in 1997), this fad was just coming online, and so the novelty for guests had not worn-off. However, I can tell you that 100% – in the U.S. where wedding budgets are above $10,000 – this fad is dead.

5.  Wedding print toilet paper. (Not kidding) I have not had the pleasure nor experience of using wedding printed toilet paper, but I have seen and touched a sample of it.  It is basically a cheap 2-ply paper that uses colored ink on white paper to imprint wedding bells, initials, etc.  Sadly, when wet, I found that I was able to smear the colored ink.  (haha!)  :)   This could either be the funniest or the most ambivalently mortifying moment of a wedding.

4.  Chocolate fountain. Even as I type I am imagining hate mail, however, my personal experience is that the public’s fascination (and mess) associated with the chocolate fountain is over.  However, if you are adamant, please rent the fountain and do not buy. The quality of fountain which you are being rented is likely 10x better than the fountain that you would be purchasing.  Also, if you must…   my friend Michelle recently told me that the trick to making the chocolate in the fountain run smoothly is melted cocoa butter, added in with the chocolate pieces during the beginning of the set-up process.

3.  Napkin ring place card holders. Yes, you read that correctly. There are now products on the market that combine the functionality of the napkin ring and the way-finding of the place card holder.  If you are to the point in your budget where combining these two items seems necessary, consider going back through your guest list to cut-out some more of the ‘C-listers’.  (Same thing goes for Wedding bell place card holders.)

2.  Bride And Groom Wine Bottle Cover Set. You can dress up your bride, and you can dress up your wine, but you should not dress up your wine like a bride.  This item set comes complete with veil, dress, and tuxedo.  Unless you are using this idea for a gag gift, in which case carry on. :)

You ready for number one?  This is the item which had me rolling with laughter as mentioned at the beginning of my post.  Sigh…

1.  Personalized wedding cowbell. Enough said .

Other "Honorable Mentions"

Floral (silk or plastic) with dew drops
Specialty confetti
Tableware (cups, buckets, pails, plates) with sayings such as "Eat, drink, and be married"
Wedding design trash can cover
Wedding aprons
Ice cube molds
Banners
Bottle stoppers
Specialty luminary bags
Wineglass charms (this never works for groups larger than 25)
Take-away cake treat boxes
Personalized votive candle holders
Long-stemmed candles (they often look like plastic flowers on a fake stem and they are very, very messy)
"Wedding angel" anything (pins, bookmarks, jewelry)
Wedding cookie cutters
Bride and groom rubber duckies (as guest gifts)
Personalized golf tees or golf balls
Personalized wedding coasters
… you get the idea.

Alisha Forrester Scott of La Ruche. event design studio. is available by e-mail at: studio@enterlaruche.com.

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What a Ride

by Katie on March 11, 2009 · 0 comments

in Little Things & Favorites, Receptions

I am SO excited to introduce you to the fabulous Jeff Wood! He has dreamed up some of the sweetest songs I have ever heard and I simply HAD to share them with you. Here are a few shots of him by Josh Solar Photography.

jeffwood1

Below are the lyrics to “The Ride”, which I absolutely adore! Jeff wrote them right around the time he we about to get married to the love of his life. Can you really get any sweeter than that?!


I have heard all the stories been told,
Finding love makes you never grow old.
Through the good and the bad what a ride,
To have someone you love by your side.
Can I go for a ride, through a lifetime with you?

When we’re old and gray,
In our final days,
I will still be here holding your hand.
You’ll be great grandpa, I’ll be great grandma,
On the ride of a lifetime with you.

Well there’s nothing like walking in two,
I’m full of hugs from you.
If you promise me love all your life,
I will never set foot from your side.
I would love for a ride through life time with you.

When we’re old and gray,
In our final days,
I will still be here holding your hand.
You’ll be great grandpa, I’ll be great grandma,
On the ride of a lifetime with you.

Can I go for a ride,
Through a lifetime with you?

When we’re old and gray,
In our final days,
I will still be here holding your hand.
You’ll be great grandpa, I’ll be great grandma,
On the ride of a lifetime with you.

On the ride of a lifetime with you.

Sweet, right?! Check it out on Josh’s site or hear some of Jeff’s other tunes on his website. While you’re there, check out “Magic”, another unbearably sweet song he wrote for his baby daughter.

If you live in the Kansas City area and want Jeff to play at your event, just shoot him an email for this rates and availability.

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Love Week

by Lilian on February 9, 2009 · 0 comments

in Pure Inspiration, Receptions

Saturday is Valentine’s Day (yeeeeeey)!!
Why not start the week with a pink & red toast??
For all the lovers out there: Cheers!!


Image credit:
1-angie silvy photography; 2-d. jones photography; 3-luca trovato; 4- silk studios wedding; 5-victor schrager

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What’s In A Venue?

by abby on January 23, 2009 · 2 comments

in Little Tips, Receptions, Wedding Vendors

With so many options available now (gardens, mansions, hotels, yachts, restaurants, estates, back yards, just to name a few) how does one narrow down the venue search and not become burnt out within the first month of wedding planning?

The key is to sit down and determine what it is that you are really looking for.  Are you set on having a waterfront view?  Then I probably wouldn’t look at those venues that can’t provide that to you. Have you always dreamed of having your wedding downtown at a swanky hotel? I would start first with boutique hotels and not beachfront cottages.

I’m not saying that you should limit yourself completely.  It is a good idea to sample a couple of different places, styles, locations, etc but if you see a style that doesn’t work, focus your search on what does.  If you do this, you won’t waste your time and energy on visiting places that you know you won’t like.

My initial conversation with a couple is to get to know them, learn about their personality, find out what they are looking for and what is important to them.  If they are looking for a more modern space with floor to window ceilings, I know right away that we won’t be a great fit for them.  If I know this ahead of time, I can steer them in the right direction.

The most important thing is that the venue (whatever it may be) feels right.  I cannot emphasize this enough.  I feel that every bride should have their wedding in a room that they feel great in.  It should represent the couples style.

A few key things:

  • Make a list of what you must have in a venue & what you would like to have in a venue.  This will help in narrowing down the selection.
  • Don’t try to convince yourself that you like the venue.  It needs to FEEL right (for both of you.)
  • Be honest with the venue contact.  If it’s not a good fit, let them know.  Don’t waste their time and they won’t waste yours by calling constantly to follow up.
  • Have fun and try not to get too overwhelmed!

I’d love to know, what helped you make your decision on your wedding location?

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Honeymoon Location

by agnes on January 21, 2009 · 2 comments

in Bridesmaids, Health & Beauty, Invitations & Paper Ensamble, Little Tips, Planning with the Pros, Receptions, Uncategorized, Wedding Planning

You should remember your honeymoon for the rest of your life. There are millions of places the two of you can go, but how do you decide?

Most importantly you should choose a location where the two of you can focus on eachother, be busy with eachother and really enjoy eachother. Choose a beautiful location! Beaches are very popular locations and there are many beautiful beach destinations. And hey! Its a great excuse to wear less clothing :)

Our destination was Santorini Island, Greece . I have to say, it was the most beautiful place I have ever been to! Absolutely breathtaking all the time. It’s a small little charming and unique island in the Greek Caldera. It is known to have the best sunsets in the world! We stayed at a hotel called Oia Mare Villas. Great accommodation! Pictured below is a photo from our honeymoon.

The two of you have to choose together where you want to go and then have some unforgettable fun!

Hmmm….I can’t seem to figure out how to post a photo? Can someone help me?

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More Cakes!

by heather on January 12, 2009 · 1 comment

in Receptions, Sweet Treats & Favors

Right now I am obsessed with cakes. I am trying to narrow down my cake selection so my friend can start making samples for me to taste (yum the best part!) Below are come cupcakes she did for a friends engagement party. Super cute! I am also trying to decide between the elegant and traditional cake, or the fun and funky polka dot cake….what do you think :-)

cupcakes

normal_ribboncake

Polka dot

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Making the most of your event catering bill

by AFS on January 2, 2009 · 1 comment

in Decor & Event Design, Inspiration and Style, Little Tips, Receptions, Resources & Checklists, Wedding Planning

Believe me, as an event planner I have seen that it is EASY to blow through $20,000+ by feeding (and giving alcohol to) 185+ people. For privileged couples this type of budget allowance is available. But, for those unable or unwilling to shell out that much money, may I suggest the following tips:

  • Understand the correlation between the cost of catering and the number of mouths that you feed. Although the ‘quality’ of food that you serve your guests will increase or decrease the cost of catering for your event, you must first understand that the number one factor for enormous food bills is number of mouths that you are feeding.  If you are planning on inviting 100 guests to your reception then you need to plan to feed those 100 people.

If after doing the numbers with your caterer you do not have the funds to feed everyone on your invitees list, then it is time to re-evaluate your guest list. When it comes down to it, if you don’t have the money you don’t have the money. There is nothing to be ashamed about. However, you will need to modify your list to include only the most important persons.

"But we HAVE to invite everyone on our list to the reception!" Not true. Consider throwing a party where hors d’oeuvres and drinks can be served. When it comes down to it, a big reason that hurt feelings happen may be because people want to have an opportunity to share in your moment and in your joy. Creating a moment for those that you cannot afford to have at the reception is perfectly acceptable.

  • Go heavy on the hors d’oeuvres . Although you may be serving a meal at the reception, consider adding a one-hour long cocktail party to allow guests to quench their post-ceremony hunger. Guests that eat before dinner will eat smaller portions and are less likely to go back for second portions. Go "fancy" and have butlered hors d’oeuvres passed to the guests, alongside "do it yourself" hors d’oeuvres stations.
  • Filler, filler, Filler. Filler foods are foods that fill stomachs fast and for little money.  Have you ever eaten at a restaurant that first serves bread? Bread is an excellent filler. As for class, try using an exotic pasta, bruschetta + toppings, and other such foods that will take-up room in a guest’s stomach. Another helpful tip is to have the filler foods waiting at guest tables for the guests, so that they can get started with their eating before the food line opens or wait staff begins their service.
  • Control your guests’ portions. Even (and especially) if you are offering a buffet, ask your caterer (or volunteers) to stand behind the foods to dole-out portions. Portion control is an easy way for you to save big dollars on large amounts of food that would otherwise not be consumed because most guests would not eat so much unless it were free. :)
  • Post-dinner pickins. Especially when serving guests alcohol you may wish to consider erecting a few small hors d’oeuvres stations posted throughout the ceremony space. Guests that are dancing and drinking are likely to search the venue for a few crackers and cheeses, fruits, or sweets to munch on. As a bonus, giving guests reason to munch will allow for [slightly] less alcohol consumption. Keep in mind that for convenience sake you may not want to serve foods that require refrigeration or constant heating. (Food poisoning guests = icky.)
  • Plan for the staff gratuity. In many situations the gratuity for the wait staff, bartenders, and food captains will be directly added to the food bill that you endorse from the caterer or venue. However, some companies will allow you to add-in your own gratuity based upon your experience. In either case make a decision that you are going to plan for the staff gratuity instead of being shocked or put-off by it. After all, the staff gratuity helps the people behind the wait staff uniforms to feed their own families.

Happy eating!

Best,
Alisha Forrester Scott, Owner
La Ruche. event design studio.

You can e-mail AFS at: studio@enterlaruche.com

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