Name That Reception Table

There is no hard fast rule on how you should seat yourselves and the wedding party during the reception.  Below are some suggestions of the most popular styles for seating the guests of honor during dinner.  But note, once the party gets started...the seats are left pretty much empty.

Traditional Head Table - Two-three 8-foot tables (or more depending on the size of the wedding party) are positioned together to create a long, straight line.  The wedding party will sit on one side of the table with the bride and groom in the middle overlooking the invited guests.

Alternative Head Table -At minimum, two 8-foot tables are positioned one in front of the other.  The wedding party will sit on BOTH sides of the tables, typically with the bride and groom positioned on the side of the table where they can see their wedding guests.

Family Table - This table is traditionally round and positioned among the guest tables to avoid feeling awkward and away from guests.

King's Table - Consists of square tables, similarly positioned like the "alternative head table" with bridal party members on both sides.  But the bride and groom actually sit at the head of the table like a king and queen holding court.

Sweetheart Table - A square, round or serpentine table that seats only the bride and groom.  This has become the most popular seating arrangement at the reception for the newlyweds.  It allows the bridal party members to be seated with their invited guest.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - Ven Sherrod Photography, Adrian Burrows Photography, and the personal camera of Dejanae Events)

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

What strikes me for today's Pin It Pic isn't the beautifully draped all white tent.  It's not the chandeliers positioned so perfectly on the ceiling.  It not even the stunning floral arrangements on this modern columns. But what stands out most are those FABULOUS and FRILLY champagne-colored covers on my favorite gold-toned chivari chairs!  What a BEAUTIFUL ceremony!  WOW FACTOR!!!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(Photo credit - www.StyleMePretty.com)

Bridal Show Survival Guide

Well it's that season again...Bridal Show Season!!!  If you are a bride or groom getting married, I suggest you visit at least one bridal show during your engagement.  You can really get a lot of ideas, meet some reputable vendors and taste some fab food and desserts.

But since these large (and small) shows can reek havoc on a person who does not like crowded spaces, I've inserted a survival guide below to help you through and make it an enjoyable experience:

• Know your budget before visiting a bridal show
• Pre-register for the show and make a list of those vendors you must meet.
• Plan to spend several hours at the show visiting with vendors.  
• So wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
• Bring a members of the your bridal party or family with you to the show
• Bring a large bag or backpack to collect plenty of materials, magazines and samples from the show.
• Collect information from every vendor even if you aren't sure you'll need it.
• Bring a calendar to make appointments
• Bring labels with your name, wedding date, contact information and e-mail address to put on the exhibitors registration sheets. This will save your hand :)
• Arrive at least one hour before the bridal show to get a good seat.
• Bring along your color swatches and photo ideas to reference when speaking with vendors.
• ...and have fun!

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit: Memory Montage Photography)

Wedding Rehearsal To-Do List

Typically the wedding rehearsal will happen a day or two before the wedding day.  Below I've listed a simplified to-do list for the practice of your wedding nuptials.

1. Bring your wedding day items/props to the rehearsal.  Items such as the ring pillow, flower basket, guest book w/ pen, card book, etc. can be left at the ceremony site so that you won't forget them on wedding day. Or give them to your wedding planner...I know she or he will bring them and set them up for you on wedding day :)
2. Have everyone in the bridal party take a tour of the venue and specifically note the changing rooms and restrooms.
3. Plan to run through your processional and recessional at least 2 times to ensure that everyone is aware of their cues.
4. Let the officiant you hire do their job.  You have spoken with them during the planning process.  Now allow them to facilitate the rehearsal as they'll be the one in charge on wedding day.
5. Rehearsals shouldn't take any longer than one hour.  If you have tardy members in your party, tell them the rehearsal will begin 30 minutes before it actually will :)

Then once you have rehearsed and got it down pat...go off to your rehearsal dinner and celebrate!

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit: www.tucsonweddingsite.com)

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

This Pin it Pic has the WHOLE package! Unique and fabulous centerpiece creating a lampshade of roses positioned on a mirrored raiser trimmed in BLING! OMG! And the mirrored table top with LUXE chargers showcasing the image of the crystals hanging from the centerpiece. A!MAZ!ING!!!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit - Ceremony Blog)

Wedding Gown Bustle Glossary

When selecting your wedding gown, brides pay close attention to the length of the train.  But when it comes to dancing the night away at the reception, how do you plan to bustle all that delicate fabric?  Below are four options for "picking up" that gorgeous wedding gown train.

Pick-Up Bustle:
The simplest bustle style that typically requires one button or eyelet to create a slight lift

American Bustle:
This bustle is created by raising and securing the train to the waistline of the gown

French Bustle:
This underneath-style bustle is created by typing a series of ribbons underneath the gown's train to create a fold

Tufted Bustle:
This bustle is ideal for gowns with pick-ups as the bustle is designed to blend the train within those pick-ups.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: excerpts taken from The Knot Chicago Spring/Summer 2011;  American bustle; French bustle; Tufted bustle; Pick-up bustle)

Savvy Wedding Dessert Displays

If you have been following this blog, you know I'm a sweets, cake, cupcake and dessert junkie!  I've posted about the beauty of wedding cakes, exciting grooms cake, how to display wedding cakes and plenty more.  Well as I traveled the Internet this week, I found a few pretty cool ideas I'd like to share to spice up your dessert presentations.  Check them out:

Instead of having the cupcakes displayed on a tower, serve them to your guests
in wine glass with a personalized ribbon tied at the base.
STATEMENT PIECE!

Remove the plain white stick from your cake pops and add
WOW FACTOR by adding BLING sticks!

Really want to make those delish cupcakes and tasty treats
stand out in the crowd...or dessert table,
place them on these adorable pedestals!!! FABULOUS!

Until next time...WEDologize!

(Photo credit: black & white cupcake; bling sticks; pedestals)