Cocktail Reception Planning

The cocktail-style reception is a GREAT alternative to the traditional full-meal reception.  It's a cost saver if nothing else, but there are some things to consider when planning this type of reception for your wedding guests:

• Cocktail receptions are more relaxed and you don't have to worry about a seating chart. But consider a few reserved seats for the elderly guests that will be attending.
• When designing the cocktail reception space, bring in a mixture of hi-boy and low-boy tables with chairs and some lounge furniture like couches and ottomans.  You do not need to provide seating for all your invited guests.  The idea is for them to move around.
• Food service should consist of stations and passed hors d'oeuvres and plan for at least 10 pieces per guest.
• I suggest you hold your cocktail reception for no longer than 3-hours. That way, guests won't be looking for a full meal.
• When designing your wedding invitation, let your guests know the style of reception by stating, "Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres following ceremony".  That way, they can plan accordingly.
• Eliminate many of the formalities - 1st dance, cake cutting, parents/family dances, toasts - or have them done early before to avoid breaks in the party.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - Brides.com | an Colin Cowie Event)

Escort Cards Plus Drinks

I'm in love with one of the newer trends I am seeing - escort cards + a drink.  It's truly a fun way for wedding guests to enter into the cocktail hour immediately following the ceremony.  The guests get a refreshment and their seating assignment all at the same time.  The guest name and table number can stand out in so many different ways from using bottle labels to acrylic attachments.  Check out some of the "cute" ideas below:

Flavored sodas w/ name and table number labels

Acrylic name tags w/ champagne

Custom tumblers w/ the guest name and table number

Drink stirrers showcasing name and table number

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credit - 100 Layer Cake;  Style Me Pretty; Creative Print Media; VanCityAllie)

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

I love a gorgeous tablescape!!!  And as my eye moves across this stunning "landscape" of black, white, BLING and a POP of fuchsia...I'm in love!!!  There is a thing of too much BLING, but this table design uses a bride's favorite in such a classy why with the beautiful charger and votive candle holders. GORG!

Until next time...PIN IT and WEDologize!

(photo credit - Inside Weddings - Gavin Wade Photographers)

Save The Dates Examined

 

 

I recently attended a bridal show and one of the vendors there, a wedding planner/coordinator/consultant, was giving out a handout to passing brides that said Save The Dates should be mailed "4 to 5months" before the wedding.  In my opinion...NOT! Below I have listed some Save The Date etiquette to follow should you decide to mail them out.

• Save The Dates should be mailed 6-9 months before the wedding. This will allow traveling guests to make the necessary arrangements with their employers for the time off.  Plus, at the 6 month mark you should be focusing on your wedding invitation suite.


• Although you may not have selected your wedding invitation, the Save The Date should speak about the couple.  Maybe choose your favorite engagement photograph or use your wedding colors/theme when selecting the style.


• Keep your Save The Date short and sweet.  List your names, wedding date and city/state. Also add your wedding website and the phrase "Invitation to Follow".


• I still find Save The Date magnets to be the going trend because if placed on the fridge, it will be seen by your guests all the time.  Regardless of your selection, don't over do it, especially with weight and awkward shapes. You want to use a standard postage stamp when mailing.


• I shouldn't have to say this, but I will...if you mail that particular guest a Save The Date, please make sure they are on the guest list to receive a wedding invitation.

 

Until next time...WEDologize!

 

(photo credit - Sofia Invitations;  Atheneum Creative)

Anti Receiving Line Ideas

Is the "receiving line" a dinosaur??? My personal opinion is YES!  It's rare to see the newly married couple, their bridal party and parents in front of the church quickly greeting guests as they make their way through the line.  Not saying you shouldn't have one, but understand the receiveing line does take a long time and can cut into your photography time and reception time if not planned properly.  So what are some alternatives to replace the receiving line:

• Actually schedule ample time for photographs between the ceremony and reception, approximately 2-3 hours. This will then allow you to be apart of your cocktail hour and greet guests at the reception venue.
• Instead of placing favors on the tables, the bride and groom can walk around and personally give a favor to the guest.  This would allow for them to stop and speak with all those that attended.
• Have the DJ make an announcement that the couple will walk around to each table and greet guests individually.
• Plan with the photographer to walk around to each individual table and take photos with you and your guests.

But should you lend towards a receiving line, include only yourselves and your parents.  Most guests aren't attending the wedding to meet the bridal party ;)

Until next time...WEDologize!

...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)

WEDologyEDU coming February 2013!

I'm so excited to announce the 1st 2013 date for WEDologyEDU (formerly WEDology Experience) is Saturday, February 23rd at The Chicago Firehouse!  Yes, you requested a Chicago workshop and I listened.  Registration is LIVE and the early-bird pricing is available until February 8th.

This intensive one-day workshop will cover the following topics:

• The role of a wedding/event planner and the various hats they wear
• How to turn your passion into a profitable business
• The potential client approach and initial meeting
• Contracts and how to receive compensation
• Who's your ideal client
• Marketing efforts and public relations for your wedding/event business
• Benefits of social media and blogging
• Expanding your wedding/event business offerings

I look forward to meeting, greeting and teaching budding and aspiring wedding and event planners on February 23rd!!!  Visit our new business website WEDology toolKIT for more dates and information about our WEBinars, NOTEbooks and MENTORing.


Until next time...WEDologize!