Avoiding Reception Toast Mishaps

 
At some point during the wedding reception, toasts are going to happen.  The greatest piece of advice I could offer is keep them short, sweet and do not open the floor up for all your guests to start extending their well-wishes.  And this happens to be the perfect opportunity for the bride and groom to say a few words of thanks to family and friends for celebrating the day with them.  But before the guests of honor take the mic, the Best Man and Maid/Matron of Honor should be the ones to welcome the guests and say a few sentimental words of remembrance, encouragement and love to the newlyweds.

I have witnessed on numerous occasions a Best Man or Maid of Honor unprepared to speak to the crowd and an awkward pause always occurs when they say "I thought I was going to have a little more time" or "I didn't write anything down" or "I'm unsure what to say".  Have a skillfully planned wedding toast, in my opinion, is the only way to go when planning out your reception timeline. So below I've given a few suggestions on how to make this memorable moment happen as stress-free as possible:

• First, before you take the mic, always have your glass of champagne or wine in hand before speaking.  It is a toast, remember.  And end the toast with, "Please raise your glass..."
• The Best Man should lead the toasts with the Maid/Matron of Honor following.
• Have a toast prepared in advance.  You have known for months that you were going to be asked to give a toast when you accepted the position.
• Speak from the heart and know that it's okay if your toast is written on paper or a note card so you don't forget.
• Remember, it's not a speech and please keep it tactful.  Speaking about negative past events and ex's is a total no-no.  
• Last, keep the toast less than 2 minutes.  Toasts are typically going to happen after the bridal party has been announced in or before the entree, so keep it short and sweet so that guests can eat!

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - http://www.ksweddings.com/)

A Toast to the Happy Couple

At some point during the wedding reception, toasts are going to happen.  The greatest piece of advice I could offer is keep them short, sweet and do not open the floor up for all your guests to start extending their well-wishes.  And this happens to be the perfect opportunity for the happy couple to say a few words of thanks to family and friends for celebrating the day with them.  But before the guests of honor take the mic, the Best Man and Maid/Matron of Honor should be the ones to welcome the guests and say a few sentimental words of remembrance, encouragement and love to the newlyweds.

I have witnessed on numerous occasions a Best Man or Maid of Honor unprepared to speak to the crowd and an awkward pause always occurs when they say "I thought I was going to have a little more time" or "I didn't write anything down" or "I'm unsure what to say".  Have a skillfully planned wedding toast, in my opinion, is the only way to go when planning out your reception timeline. So below I've given a few suggestions on how to make this memorable moment happen as stress-free as possible:

• First, before you take the mic, always have your glass of champagne or wine in hand before speaking.  It is a toast, remember.  And end the toast with, "Please raise your glass..."
• The Best Man should lead the toasts with the Maid/Matron of Honor following.
• Have a toast prepared in advance.  You have known for months that you were going to be asked to give a toast when you accepted the position.
• Speak from the heart and know that it's okay if your toast is written on paper or a note card so you don't forget.
• Remember, it's not a speech and please keep it tactful.  Speaking about negative past events and ex's is a total no-no.  
• Last, keep the toast less than 2 minutes.  Toasts are typically going to happen after the bridal party has been announced in or before the entree, so keep it short and sweet so that guests can eat!

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - Bridal Banter)

...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)

Reception Alternatives To Fit The Budget

Saturday evenings are usually the first to go when couples are selecting their wedding date and plated dinners are the standard among meal service  But know that both of those options are the most expensive when budgeting out your reception.  Below are some reception "meal" alternatives when hosting that sit-down dinner just does not work with your wallet.

Brunch/Breakfast Alternative - Regardless if you serve buffet-style or plated, this meal will always be less expensive because of the time of day and the amount of food that needs to be prepared.

Lunch Alternative- Like breakfast, the time of day decreases the cost.  Plus the portions are smaller which will certainly drive the cost per plate down a notch.

Tea Service - Mostly seen at a bridal shower, this meal service option works best in the late afternoon and requires much less food.  Your guests will dine on small sandwiches, finger foods and savory teas.

Champagne + Dessert Only Alternative - A fun way to celebrate after your "I Do's" with tasty treats, wedding cake, cheeses, fruits and delicious champagne.  Hosting this style reception is wonderful for the afternoon and will allow your guests to have the evening free to have dinner where they chose.

Regardless of the meal service you select for your wedding guests, you do not have to eliminate any of the fun activities, photo opts or traditions from your reception.  Have fun with it and serve the meal that works best with your budget!

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits:  brunch - www.laurenblairphoto.com; lunch - www.weddingclan.com; tea - www.intimateweddings.com; champagne - www.projectwedding.com)