Day #19 - Focusing on Reception Decor

On last Monday's blog post I shared some place setting ideas for the reception.  Well today we will talk about the reception's floral needs. I'm a firm believer that when dealing with the floral budget, put more towards the reception because your guests will be at that location for 4-6 hours verses your ceremony location for 1-2 hours.

For your reception decor, consider the following to enhance the space:

Cocktail table small arrangements

Escort Card table arrangement

Head or Sweetheart table arrangements (but you can cut costs in this department by using the bridal bouquets as decor)

Guest Book table arrangement, if it's not placed on the escort card table

Guest table centerpieces, possibly varying in height and size

Wedding cake and table florals

Gift table floral

Buffet/Catering table arrangements

Catering Tray floral buds

Bar arrangement

Restroom arrangements

One important note when selecting the guest table centerpieces, make sure to arrangement does not distort the guests conversation by being too large or by not using transparent vessels.

Until next time...WEDologize!

Photo credit - Husar Photography

Day #18 - The On-Site Reception Coordinator

The reception on-site coordinator or manager is there to assist couples with the planning at the reception venue.  They do not take the place of a professional wedding coordinator.  Their main goals are to handle the reception details such as catering and the bar.  When speaking with the on-site coordinators during your venue tours, make sure to ask the following questions:

• What are their restrictions when it comes to decor, outside food and beverages.
• Find out about those "add-on" costs such as cake cutting fees or corkage fees.
• Well you be the only wedding on-site that day? If no, what type of signage will they have in place for your wedding guests?
• Do they have a preferred list of vendors that you must use or is it only a "recommended" list?

Until next time...WEDologize!

Photo credit - Carasco Photography

Day #17 - The Single Guest Question

As a wedding planner, this a question I get all the time:
We want to invite several of our single friends to the wedding.  Do we have to give them the option of bringing a guest?

We here is my answer:
It's nice to allow your single guests to bring a date, but it is not required.  Decide on a case-by-case bases.  If your friend lives with their significant other, then it would be nice to allow them a guest.  If you single friend just started a budding relationship, consider your guest list and budget before allowing them to bring their new Boo.  And for those that you do not allow a guest, sit your single friends with people they know.  Don't create the dreaded "Singles Table".  It's usually the least talkative table at the reception. 

Trust me...you'll thank me later.

Until next time...WEDologize!

Photo credit - www.rushphotovideo.com

Day #16 - Greenery Is The 2017 Color of the Year

Pantone, the worlds color authority, has announced the 2017 Color of the Year...and it's called GREENERY!!!  I'm so excited about this color and it's meaning is "symbolic of a new beginning".  Per Pantone, "Greenery is a fresh and zesty yellow-green shade that evokes the first days of spring when nature’s greens revive, restore and renew. Illustrative of flourishing foliage and the lushness of the great outdoors, the fortifying attributes of Greenery signals consumers to take a deep breath, oxygenate and reinvigorate...  A life-affirming shade, Greenery is also emblematic of the pursuit of personal passions and vitality."

I'm very excited to share a few of the photos from a styled shoot we did with Wedding Guide Chicago in 2013 that showcases GREENERY.

Until next time...WEDologize!

Photo credit - Photography by Kevin Kuster

Day #15 - Making it Official

The marriage license is the most important piece of paper that you will ever obtain and sign during the wedding planning process.  Below are the guidelines for obtaining a marriage license in the Greater Chicago area:

• You must be 18 years or older to marry without parental consent
• No blood test or health tests required
• Both parties must be present with the proper forms of identification (drivers license, certified birth certificate showing birth date or passport) 
• If you have been married before, your divorce degree will be required
• You can get the license same day and it's valid for $60 days
• YOU MUST GET THE LICENSE IN THE COUNTY YOU MARRY.  The fee will vary from $15-60.
• Click to link for locations nearest you to obtain your marriage license -  http://www.cookcountyclerk.com/aboutus/hours_locations/Pages/VitalRecords.aspx

Until next time...WEDologize!

Photo credit - www.vsphoto.com

Day #14 - A Little Groom Inspiration

 Photographers are so in-tune with capturing the fabulous details of the bride's attire - the wedding gown, shoes, accessories and jewelry.  But make sure they capture just the same amount of the detail of your husband-to-be's attire as well.  Having a second photographer makes this happen effortlessly, but should you not be able to afford this option, make sure the main photographer understands you want to the same amount of detail captured of your groom as well.

 
Until next time...WEDologize!

Photo credits - Rush Photography & Videography and George Street Photography

Day #13 - Real Wedding Veronica and Jeremiah

The DE Team had the honor of being the month-of coordinators for Jeremiah and Veronica this past July 2016.  They held their ceremony and reception at Dinolfo's Banquets in Homer Glen, Illinois.  Veronica was uber detailed when it came to planning her blush, ivory and platinum wedding.

Thanks to Juliet Tan Floral Design, Delish Cakes, Peter Gubernat Photography, Turning Point Videography Philsgood DJs, ICON Video Photo Booth and Etsy for working with the DE Team to make this wedding fabulous!

Love that the bride's daughter escorted her down the aisle

Candy and vases purchased by bride, table designed by DE Team

Until next time...WEDologize!

Photos taken with my iPhone