Reception Bar Basics (Day #26)

Although many venues offer a bar package with your meal service, should you be planning your wedding reception at a location that will allow you to stock the bar, how much of "everything" would you need?  Well below are some useful suggestions from Clever Parties that might help in determining quantities:

On average, expect guests to drink 2 beverages, alcoholic or non-alcoholic during the reception and possibly more during warmer months.  If you are serving wine during dinner, plan 1 bottle for every 3-4 guests (standard size) and 1 bottle for every 6-8 guests (larger size).
Until tomorrow...WEDologize!

(photo credit - Ven Sherrod Photography)

Limiting Your Cocktail and Reception Bars

   
Let me be honest, guests come to drink at wedding receptions.  Heck, they practically sprint to the bar once it opens back up after dinner! LOL!  But seriously, you do not have to go broke celebrating your wedding day serving your guests alcoholic beverages.  Consider some of the alternative and limited bar options I have listed below:

• Eliminate the Champagne Toast.  It's truly okay to have your guests toast with whatever is in their glass.  It won't take away from the toast one bit.
• Consider limiting your bar to only beer and wine.  Premium liquors and mixed drinks can really increase the cost of your open bar per person.
• Offer a signature drink or two in addition to the beer and wine bar.  This will give guests a little more variety, but not break the bank.  Remember to name your signature drink and provide a drink menu at the bar.
• During the cocktail hour, consider only offering a signature drink.  And alcohol version and a non-alcohol version. 
• You don't have to select the Premium or Top Shelf bars.  Guests are going to drink what you provide...believe me the Standard bar is okay! And if you, the couple, wants to drink something in particular ask the venue to provide it only to you to save on major costs.  

Until next time...WEDologize!

...I Found It, You Pin It...Friday

The bar is probably the second most used space outside of the dance floor during the wedding reception.  How amazing are these GORGEOUS vases of delphiniums framing this light-up bar?!?!?!  OMG!  Just stunning in various shades of purples and lavenders.  WOW FACTOR indeed!!!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(Photo credit - www.eventinedesign.com)

What About Those Cocktail Napkins?

Cocktail napkins are a fun staple to consider for your wedding reception.  They can be placed at the bar and on the serving trays as the servers pass around hors d'oeuvres.  But they also add a signature statement to your reception.  Rather you use your wedding monogram or add a giddy phrase, cocktail napkins are one of the least expensive ways to add customization to your day.  Check out some of these fun and whimsical cocktail napkins.

You can easily order cocktail napkins from the following locations not only for your wedding, but for any event:
Dejanae Events for Carlson Craft
Oriental Trading
Wedding Paper Divas

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - Dejanae Events; thepaperhat; Favors and Flowers; Paper Source)

I Found It...You Pin It, Friday!

Gorgeousness doesn't only have to be represented in bouquets and table centerpieces!  Check out this WOW Factor arrangement for the reception bar.  JAW-DROPPING in a sleek black vase with delicate white flowers.  Don't you agree?

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

Photo credit - Colin Cowie Weddings

Useful Wedding Planning Blog Posts

Today's blog is a recap of some of the more informative blogs that have been written over the years.  Check out the topic and click into the blog as they are sure to assist you with your wedding planning.  I'll be back on Wednesday with a few more :)

Once you have your WEDDING GOWN altered, this blog post shares some options on what to do with the scraps -  http://wedologize.blogspot.com/2012/04/what-to-do-with-dress-scraps.html

When selecting your WEDDING PARTY, make sure to let them know their roles. This blog is very helpful when it comes to those plaguing questions - http://wedologize.blogspot.com/2012/06/role-of-wedding-vips.html

When planning out the WEDDING CEREMONY, check out this blog post for the proper sequencing - http://wedologize.blogspot.com/2012/08/sequencing-wedding-ceremony.html

When planning your WEDDING REHEARSAL, make sure that you enjoy yourself, but also complete these tasks - http://wedologize.blogspot.com/2012/10/wedding-rehearsal-to-do-list.html

When selecting FLOWERS for your wedding ceremony and reception, make sure you armed with the basics presented in this blog - http://wedologize.blogspot.com/2012/04/flower-basics-101.html

If you have taken on the roll of stocking your RECEPTION BAR, check out this useful blog when determining quantity - http://wedologize.blogspot.com/2012/07/wedding-reception-bar-basics.html

You may or may not have a wedding planner (I hope you do :), make sure to pack your very own EMERGENCY KIT to avoid those mishaps on wedding day -  http://wedologize.blogspot.com/2012/04/its-wedding-emergency.html


Until next time...WEDologize!

Pretty Little Ice Cubes

When I stumbled upon this idea, I smiled from head-to-toe thinking about the guests when you place this refreshing drink idea in front of them showcasing flowers and/or fruit.  Not only could you see ice glistening in a drink glass during the cocktail hour, but they would certainly add a punch of color to the water glasses on the reception tables.  Or better yet, save the ice cubes for your speciality and signature drinks.  Either way, it's always those smaller details that get noticed and discussed by the guests...so now you can add ice cubes to that list!

***side note - when adding flowers to your ice cubes, make sure they are edible flowers and that they have not been treated with chemicals or pesticides.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: www.culinarytribune.com, www.weheartit.com, www.luxefinds.com)

...I Found It, You Pin It...Friday!

What's a WOW FACTOR cocktail and dinner wedding reception without tuxedo and white glove services of your delish and creative signature drink?!?!  I'm not only loving the names of the actual drinks on that gorgeous white serving tray, but the tie the server is wearing is the finishing touch for what I'm sure was a FABULOUS reception!  Oh and those drinks look...TASTY!!! :) Enjoy!

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - WedLuxe | Photographed by Ikonica)

...I Found It, You Pin It...Friday!

I had the opportunity to visit the Wedding Galleries at The Special Events show in downtown Chicago this week. I was amazed by all four designs and how different they were compared to one another.  Each focused on a different style of wedding and appealed to all the senses.  But my favorite was from Chicago based firm Kehoe Designs and OMG was it amazing!  Every detail of their ivory, noir and gold design was flawless!  But what truly caught my eye was the sexy, stunning, amazing bar! WOW FACTOR on steroids!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit - Desiree's iPhone)

...I Found It, You Pin It...Friday!

What a gorgeous display for champagne!  This tower is amazingly beautiful!  Can you imagine entering into the cocktail hour and before seeing your escort card seeing this lush champagne tower?!?!  WOW Factor to the fullest with a touch of femininity added with the dainty pink ribbon detail.  Love it!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit - Martha Stewart Weddings)

Useful Wedding Planning Blog Posts

I just concluded my last wedding & event for 2012!  I'm so very thankful for my Dejanae Events team, professional vendors, my loving clients and social media supporters for taking the time out of their day 3 times a week to read my blog!!!  Well today is a recap of some of the more informative blogs that have been written this year.  Check out the topic and click into the blog as they are sure to assist you with your wedding planning.  I'll be back on Wednesday with a few more :)

Once you have your WEDDING GOWN altered, this blog post shares some options on what to do with the scraps -  http://wedologize.blogspot.com/2012/04/what-to-do-with-dress-scraps.html

When selecting your WEDDING PARTY, make sure to let them know their roles. This blog is very helpful when it comes to those plaguing questions - http://wedologize.blogspot.com/2012/06/role-of-wedding-vips.html

When planning out the WEDDING CEREMONY, check out this blog post for the proper sequencing - http://wedologize.blogspot.com/2012/08/sequencing-wedding-ceremony.html

When planning your WEDDING REHEARSAL, make sure that you enjoy yourself, but also complete these tasks - http://wedologize.blogspot.com/2012/10/wedding-rehearsal-to-do-list.html

When selecting FLOWERS for your wedding ceremony and reception, make sure you armed with the basics presented in this blog - http://wedologize.blogspot.com/2012/04/flower-basics-101.html

If you have taken on the roll of stocking your RECEPTION BAR, check out this useful blog when determining quantity - http://wedologize.blogspot.com/2012/07/wedding-reception-bar-basics.html

You may or may not have a wedding planner (I hope you do :), make sure to pack your very own EMERGENCY KIT to avoid those mishaps on wedding day -  http://wedologize.blogspot.com/2012/04/its-wedding-emergency.html


Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - Rush Event Photography and Video Productions)

Wedding Reception Bar Basics

Although many venues offer a bar package with your meal service, should you be planning your wedding reception at a location that will allow you to stock the bar, how much of "everything" would you need?  Well below are some useful suggestions from Clever Parties that might help in determining quantities:

On average, expect guests to drink 2 beverages, alcoholic or non-alcoholic during the reception and possibly more during warmer months.  If you are serving wine during dinner, plan 1 bottle for every 3-4 guests (standard size) and 1 bottle for every 6-8 guests (larger size).  

Until next time...WEDologize!

We All Like a Good Beverage! (Day#29)

When you think of beverages for a wedding reception or event, I'm almost positive that the bar comes to mind.  Stocked with premium liquor, beer, wine, soda and juice, this is usually the first stop guests make once they arrive to the venue.  But consider for a moment, a twist on the bar and create a beverage station for your guests to enjoy before the marriage ceremony, during cocktails or later into the night. The station could include almost anything from fruit infused water to your favorite specialty/signature drink.  Add some nice linen, classy drinking glasses and watch your guests enjoying themselves as they relieve their thirst :)

The options are limitless when personalizing your event to showcase your style...and taste in beverages!

A lovely display of punch and spritzers

Lemonade has never looked so elegant

Waters infused with fruit alongside some brightly-colored cocktails

Not your standard martini station

Until next time...WEDologize!

(Photo credits: www.cateringbysimplepleasures.com; www.theclaytononthepark.com; www.knottinghillinteriors.com; www.marthastewart.com)

Playing...Name That Drink! (Day#23)

I love when my couples select a signature drink for their reception bar.  There are times when they put the concoction together or ask for a little assistance from me or the bartender.  Either way is fine because you can find tons or recipes online (I'll save that for a later blog) to match your wedding colors and theme.  But what are you going to name this fabulous creation you'll be serving guests?  I've listed some quirky, but fun name ideas below:

Blushing Bride - would make a GREAT name for a pink drink

First Kiss - sexy name for a red-colored drink

Honeymoon Awaiting - for a fun loving orange or yellow-colored drink,
especially nice if the couple is going somewhere warm for their honeymoon

Apple of My Eye - would be an awesome name for an apple-flavored martini

Love is in the Air - for a blue-colored drink reminiscent of the sky

Sealed with a Kiss - would be a yummy name for a drink flavored with chocolate-liqueur

Wedding Bells - would work nicely if the drink you create is shaking, not stirred

Hot Romance - would be a flirty name for a drink with a little kick to it

...or blend your first names together and/or last name to create your own signature cocktail name!

And after crafting a cute bar menu noting the drink's name and ingredients, don't forget to accent the glass! Rim the glass with colored sugar or caramel, and add a cutesy stirrer or straw for that finishing touch.

Until next time...WEDologize!


(photo credit: www.marthastewart.com)

The "Signature" Drink is on me!

The signature drink has practically become a staple at wedding receptions. Colorful, sassy and tasty, you can see them passed in unique stemware, poured through an ice luge or blended creatively at the bar. It's truly a unique way for the bride and groom to add subtle pop to their special day.

Signature drinks are also a wonderful way to add creativity to a limited bar of beer and wine. When selecting a drink, consider your wedding colors, theme and your likes and dislikes. Select something that is meaningful to you and your special day. To add some more flair to your event, create a bar menu listing the drink and it's meaning, and don't forget to add that burst of energy with a fruit or herb garnishes or the infamous sugar-rimmed glass and swizzle sticks. Make sure not to the non-alcoholic drinkers, think of making a version that they can enjoy as well.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits - http://www.morrisons.co.uk/food-and-drink/Drink/Soft-drinks/)