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

Wedding Tasting Etiquette

Depending on your venue, catering will either come with the price of renting the reception space or you will need to outsource a caterer.  Regardless of your decision, you should taste the food prior to serving it on wedding day to your guests. 

But what should you expect and what will you discuss at a tasting?

Well first, a tasting is just that...a taste. Do not expect to be served a full meal.  You will see the full presentation of the soup, salad, entree and possibly the hors d'oevures.  You may even get to sample the wines that will be served during dinner and cake should the caterer be providing the wedding cake. 

Next, bringing your entire family and friends to a tasting is not appropriate.  Most tastings can only accommodate 4-6 guests (couple and each set of parents).  Plus all those extra opinions will truly dull the experience.

Also, be very honest about how the food tastes.  That is the purpose of this meeting.  So if you feel it needs extra salt, let the chef know.  There are no repeats in wedding planning so you want to make sure you have voiced your opinion especially during the tasting.

Last, during your tasting experience, consider some of these questions:

• Do you like the look of the food presentation?
• Are hot dishes served hot and cold dishes served cold? 
• How's the plating of the entree?
• Are the hors d'oevures easy for your guests to eat?  
• Do the courses make sense for the season?
• When is the latest date you can make a change to the menu?

Until next time...WEDologize!

Wedding Ceremony and Reception Seating

I think a lot of banquet venues purchase ugly chairs just so the client will rent a chair cover and sash, which could easily start $4.50 per chair (I'll touch on that in another blog).  But for those with a more flexible budget, consider renting chairs with a corresponding cushion for your guest tables.  Although a bit more expensive, they can add a more elegant touch to the ceremony and reception environment.  Take a look at some of the "statement-making" chairs below:

Versailles "Chiavari" Chair

Opera Chair

Contempo Chair

Chameleon Chair

Mirage Chair a.k.a. Ghost Chair

Wooden Padded Folding Chair

And consider these cost-saving ideas should you want to rent chairs:

• Use and reuse.  Use them for your ceremony.  Then have them moved during cocktails and positioned as guest chairs for the reception tables.  It's cheaper to higher additional staff than double the chairs.
• If you cannot afford rented chairs for all tables, think about having them at the sweetheart table, head table or during cocktail hour.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(all photo credits - www.hallsrental.com and www.chameleonchair.com/)