This post is sponsored by Great Heights.
One of the newest trends driving the jewelry industry is sustainability. More and more, people are wondering where their treasured pieces and investment gemstones come from. As you’re looking for your next piece of jewelry, keep the following points in mind to ensure you’re able to find a piece that benefits the world as much as it’s benefiting you! (more…)
Congratulations to Barbara, our latest diamond earrings winner! Her beautiful diamond earrings are courtesy of State Street Jewelers.
(photo provided by Chicago Style Weddings)
We’ve really focused on the beautiful fabrics we’ve sourced for our Jenny Yoo Collection Bridal line. We’ve done a lot of mixing and matching with different fabrications, so you’ll see plenty of floral appliques mixed with different crepes. The collection has a lot of sheer illusion bodices and fit and flare silhouettes. We’ve also brought in a lot of architectural seaming details and played around with organza. We’re touching on a classic silhouette with whimsical details.
For our Jenny Yoo Bridesmaids collection, we’ve introduced a whole palette of soft pastels. There’s a beautiful light mint, light shades of blue and pastel floral prints.
This season is very much about keeping things clean and simple. We’re using chiffon but introducing it in sleeker, more modern silhouettes and emphasizing clean lines. We’ve done less rouching and gathering. We’ve also incorporated some lovely velvet fabrics. Brides seem to really love the rich texture and color of velvet, surprisingly for every season. English Rose is a particularly popular color.
The Jenny Yoo bride is classic, but not afraid to take chances. She wants to marry her love of classic bridal with high fashion. Our brides have very different styles, but all want a clean, modern, fashion-forward look.
With bridal, we love pushing the envelope and making ourselves different. For bridesmaids, we love breaking the bridesmaids traditions and creating new trends that people are really excited about!
We’re seeing a lot of sleeves right now. Girls are feeling more comfortable about being more covered. With sleeves, we like to keep it light by bringing a sheer illusion element, flutter sleeves or fitted sleeves.
We’re always trying to find a good balance of trends and looks. This season, I’m personally loving cleaner, fit-and-flare crepe gowns mixed with lace illusion bodices. A classic look with a bit of drama.
Jenny Yoo is all about modern femininity. With an unparalleled array of sizes and beautiful colors, their goal is to give every bride and bridesmaid a personalized experience and beautiful quality dress that she can carry with her for years to come.
Thank you! We are so excited about our big expansion! We’ve added 3,000 square feet to our store, essentially doubling our space. We’ve added a lovely marble front desk and new viewing areas. We have two large viewing areas that will accomodate larger groups in a chic and comfortable area.
We’re thrilled to announce that we recently added a new designer to our stellar lineup. We now offer gowns from the talented Martina Liana! We also have stunning wedding dresses from Allure, Stella York, Pronovias, and Essense of Australia in store. We also carry a lovely selection of bridesmaid and flower girl dresses.
We are so excited to welcome 2020 brides! We recently celebrated our 6th anniversary, so we have a lot of experience in helping brides find their dream gown. We’ve expanded our team to make sure we provide the best service to every bride who walks through our doors. Oh, and we also offer in-house alterations, which is a convenience that our Diana’s Bridal brides really appreciate.
Diana’s Bridal is a full-service bridal boutique located in Skokie, Illinois that serves Chicagoland brides with a personal and unforgettable shopping experience. For more information, please visit their website.
(December 19, 2019) — Nei-Turner Media Group, Inc., a publishing and events company, announces the addition of ChicagoStyle Weddings magazine to its portfolio of publications. Nei-Turner currently owns The Celebration Society Weddings and Parties magazines in the Chicago area and will be combining the wedding publications under one umbrella of ChicagoStyle Weddings.
By combining forces, the magazine will have increased customer service resources, as well as local editors and sales directors. The newly combined ChicagoStyle Weddings will be the only locally sourced magazine in the marketplace. “We are thrilled to be a part of Nei-Turner Media Group and The Celebration Society,” said Kelly Broz, former owner of ChicagoStyle Weddings, and now Sales Manager with Nei-Turner. “This merger gives us more opportunity to grow and will provide additional marketing resources for our clients’ business success.”
Clients and engaged couples alike will benefit from this powerful partnership, as ChicagoStyle Weddings will retain the style and sophistication that readers and advertisers have come to know and expect from the publication. ChicagoStyle Weddings will continue to reach engaged couples through availability on newsstands, at bridal shows and events and at local venues and vendors.
“We are excited to combine forces in the Chicago area and be the only locally produced wedding magazine for the region,” stated Barb Krause, Publisher of Nei-Turner Media Group, Inc. “We will be able to offer increased circulation and a stronger digital presence, which will help our clients reach even more Chicagoans.”
About The Celebration Society
The Celebration Society is a marketplace for reputable venues and vendors, and includes thecelebrationsociety.com and magazines in Georgia/Florida, Chicago and Arizona. The mission of The Celebration Society is to help connect celebrators to venues and vendors that they can trust to execute their visions and styles. With the focus of editorial on TheCelebrationSociety.com being both for weddings and parties, readers can use the magazine and website frequently to plan the next occasion they have on the calendar.
About Nei-Turner Media Group, Inc.
Nei-Turner Media Group, Inc. publishes high quality, regional guides and magazines, including At The Lake magazine, BRAVA magazine, Lakeshore Living, Experience Wisconsin and Wisconsin Meetings. The company also produces events including the Midwest Kids Expos, Madison (WI) Women’s Weekend and Madison Well Expo. Nei-Turner has offices in Lake Geneva and Madison, Wisconsin.
We all know wedding planning involves a lot of time, energy and usually a healthy dose of stress at some point. But what makes that all worth it? Wedding gifts! (Okay, and maybe the whole being married to the love of your life part, too.) But in all seriousness, you will probably receive more gifts for your wedding than at any other time in your life. From outfitting your kitchen with matching silverware to fluffy, monogrammed towels for your bathroom, you will be given plenty of thoughtful items that you actually want and need. The only catch to this plethora of presents? Writing the thank-you note.
The etiquette on this item is pretty clear, you have got to send a thank-you note to every single person who gives you a gift. The note both communicates your appreciation and also confirms that you received the gift so that the giver knows it was not lost in transit. Thank-you notes should always be handwritten, as a printed message comes across as cold and thoughtless. While you can arguably take up to three months after your Big Day to send a thank-you, the gesture feels more sincere when sent in a timely manner. It is perfectly fine to send your notes before the wedding for gifts received at showers ahead of time.
Newlyweds can sometimes feel unsure about what to say or how to structure a thank-you note, especially since sending handwritten letters is pretty rare these days. We have simplified the process for you and laid out everything you need to know to make sure you are sending thoughtful thank-you notes that everyone will appreciate.
Traditionally, wedding thank-you notes are small, folded-over cards with a monogram on the front. If you choose to take the traditional approach, you can use
your new married monogram. If your wedding vibe is less traditional and more laid-back or modern, you may want to choose a colorful, creative and less formal
thank-you note. Pick the style that fits your personality, and feel free to use more than one style of thank-you note depending on your audience. You may want a more casual or spirited card for close friends and something more formal for distant relatives and casual acquaintances. And don’t forget that you can register for your thank-you notes as well!
Thank-you notes are typically small for a reason – you don’t need to write that much! You should always start with a greeting – “Dear Whomever” is always
appropriate – and then include two to three sentences of text. In the body of your thank-you note, be sure to mention the specific gift you received and how
you will use it. It may seem obvious, but don’t forget to say ‘thank you!’. End with something personal – “We can’t wait to see you soon!” or “We are so happy you
could celebrate with us!” – to help your thank-you feel meaningful.
Dear Aunt Helen and Uncle Mark,
Thank you so much for the beautiful vase you gave us. We cannot wait to display the fresh-cut flowers from our garden in it. We are looking forward to seeing you both at the Fourth of July party soon!
Love,
Jennifer
It is quite common to receive money as a wedding gift, which can make writing a thank you note feel a bit awkward. Never mention the exact amount given. Rather, treat each monetary gift as a “generous gift,” and write how you plan to spend the cash in your card. For example, “Thank you so much for your generous gift. We were so excited to be able to book a snorkeling excursion on our honeymoon!”
If you receive an item that is a duplicate or that you plan to return, keep that information to yourself. Mention the specific gift given in your note and focus on
your gratitude to the gift giver. If you received three toasters, your thank-you might look like this: “We really appreciate the four-slice toaster. We can’t wait to
have you over for brunch soon so you can see it in action! It means a lot to us both that you thought of us at this exciting time in our lives.”
There is a chance you may receive something that you’re unsure of how to use or what exactly it is. In that instance, be as general as necessary while focusing on the person who gifted it and how appreciative you are.
Model your greeting based on how familiar you are with who gave you the gift. It would be weird to address your sister or close friend with a formal pre-fix, but
your Dad’s work friend that you’ve never met should be addressed with a Mr. or Mrs. as appropriate. You should also think about the recipient when signing your own name. Traditional etiquette states that since you are writing the card yourself, you should only sign your name. For a more modern approach, both names can be signed. For those who are close to you, your first name should suffice. It’s best to use your full name – first, maiden, and married – when sending a card to someone who may not recognize just your first name.
Remember that thank-you notes are not solely for gifts, either. You should send a hand-written thank-you to anyone who helps you plan, prepare and celebrate your Big Day. This includes your wedding planner, photographer, officiant, the host or hostess of any wedding showers or events and any others who contributed significantly to your ceremony or reception.
Staying organized and on top of your wedding thank-you notes will make life so much easier. Keep track of every gift – who gave it, what it is, when they gave it – in a spreadsheet so you can clearly mark when you have sent a thank-you note for each item. If you have several wedding showers, try to send those notes immediately after the event so they don’t pile up. If you wait to send any notes until after your wedding day, the task may feel overwhelming.
At the end of the day, guests genuinely appreciate knowing that you received their gift and that you are grateful. Make writing your thank-you notes more fun by writing while watching a guilty pleasure TV show or listening to your favorite podcast while you crank them out. Take a moment to truly reflect on how thankful you are for the generous people who celebrated your Big Day before sitting down to write – the grateful spirit will come through in your notes. The most important thing is that you actually send everyone a thank-you note, so stay on top of your gift list and make sure you address, stamp and mail each and every card of gratitude. Your hand may hurt by the end of the process, but once you are done, treat yourself to a bubble bath and one of those new, fluffy towels you just received.
Find local stationary companies and start planning your thank-you notes today!
By Zach Thomas
In the midst of all the fun that comes with wedding planning, a bride ought to know a thing or two about those serious contracts she’s signing on the dotted line.
Why do I have to pay a deposit to vendors like photographers, DJs, planners, etc?
To discuss a deposit, it also becomes a discussion about contracts—they go hand-in- hand. The contract spells out the agreement (date, time and rate; and what you should expect from the vendor, what the vendor should expect from you) and the deposit is the force behind that agreement. The deposit allows the vendor to be confident in turning away other potential clients for the same date, and it allows the couple to feel confident their vendor will show up and perform their hired duties the day of the wedding.
Is a standard practice of wedding vendors to require a deposit?
Yes. If the vendor you are choosing to work with doesn’t require a contract and deposit, you should be concerned about what other things they are leaving out of their business (e.g. insurance, back-up equipment, or experience). If there isn’t a contract and deposit requirement, that is a red flag. Remember, a contract and deposit also protects the customer and adds peace of mind that a vendor will show up and do the job they are hired for.
How much money should I expect to put down for my deposit?
This amount varies, but 50% is fairly standard.
What if I have to cancel?
Read over any contract you are signing, and ask the vendor you are working with to explain anything you are unclear about. Weddings don’t happen for a number of reasons—break-ups, family disagreements, weather issues, and sometimes the couple get so overwhelmed planning they run off to Vegas to elope. If you need to cancel, notify the vendor immediately and just be open to having a conversation about what your contract may entitle you to. Many contracts have the flexibility to deal with the various reasons for cancellation. Sometimes if the vendor is able to book another client with a comparable package on the same day, the deposit or a portion is refundable no matter the reason.
What if I pay a deposit and the vendor has to cancel?
You should ask for your deposit to be promptly refunded.
What type of legal wording should I look for in a vendor contract specific to deposits?
You should make sure what is and what is not refundable is clearly articulated. Some vendors who work with multiple clients in a day may allow for a partial return of deposit, within a certain period of time before the event. Most photographers can’t do that because it’s much harder to fill the date, especially the closer you get to the event.
What if I cancel, and I feel like I deserve my deposit back?
The terms should be clearly spelled out in the contract. Weddings (and planning them!) are emotional, but when dealing with vendors a customer should always keep in mind that they are working with business owners.
Before you go all Pinterest crazy and the little green monster inside of you starts to take over, we want to give you a bit of guidance to make sure that during your wedding planning process, you stay true to you. We know on a regular basis we are plagued with an overwhelming urge to keep up with the Joneses and it can be especially difficult to fend off that urge when it comes to your wedding. Here, we’ve compiled some basic tips to help you identify your true style as a couple and arm you with the know-how you’ll need to pull it all together.
By Terry Smedley
Whether you prefer a towering six-tier confection or a simplistic couple’s cake, choose the dessert that’s best for your day.
Should I steer clear of any frostings or finishes if I’m hosting an outdoor reception?
If you are having an outdoor reception during the hot months, try to steer clear of buttercreams that contain ingredients that can’t take the heat like cream cheese.
What’s the key to making a naked-style cake wedding worthy?
Most people who select naked cakes do so not because of the look of the cake (although most do love the simplicity), but because they aren’t a fan of frosting. They love that they can have more cake, less frosting and with the addition of floral or some decorative elements have a beautiful cake that tastes good.
My future husband and I aren’t really fans of cake. Do we still need to have one? What are my other options?
Oh heavens no, there are no hard and fast rules! Dessert buffets are hot right now. They are a fabulous alternative to cake or to supplement cake for your guests. The benefit of a dessert buffet is your guests get a variety of choices for their desserts, and can be designed to coordinate with and complement your reception.
What information should I have ready for our cake consultations?
Do your homework! Before you book a consultation, ensure the company provides the type of cake you are looking for. A baker may specialize in old fashioned cakes or naked cakes, so don’t ask them to create a cake style they don’t generally offer. Be prepared to leave a photo of your inspiration cake with the baker after your consultation.
Cake toppers: are they a thing of the past?
Cake toppers are making a comeback, but not necessarily the traditional bride and groom. More often you may see custom laser cut toppers that express the sentiments of the couple, such as “To the Moon and Back” or “Mr. and Mrs.” or clever custom cake toppers showcasing the couple and their interests.
I love the look of real flowers on a cake. Are they really safe to include?
Many flowers are in fact edible. Check with your florist to ensure that whatever they are providing for your cake is safe and organic. While all flowers are a treat to see, some ought to come with a warning label. The most common poisonous wedding flowers include lily of the valley, hydrangeas, stargazer lilies, angels trumpet, oleander and delphinium. If your preferred florals appear on this list, fret not. Consider adding faux tiers to the cake. These tiers blend with the design of the rest of the cake, often covered in identical fondant or completely in flowers.
What are the hot trends?
We’re seeing personalization of cakes. Taking on themes from hot TV shows, to sports teams and comic book heroes. Flavor pairings are also trending. Creative options include Nutella, tequila and lime, orange and champagne, peaches and cream, caramel apple and almond amaretto just to name a few.
By Meghan Bishop
If there’s one gray area in the wedding world, it’s paying gratuities. Long-standing etiquette says ones thing and modern trend says another. We say: if you loved your service—show it with a tip.
Whether your vendor owns their business or is an hourly employee matters little. Gratuity says “I’m so thankful for the extra care you showed to me,” and giving shouldn’t be determined by who the boss is. It’s determined by the quality of service. Here’s a list of the vendors you should plan to tip because of their onsite expertise at the end of your very long, very fabulous big day.
Traditionally, it has been thought that you don’t need to give your wedding planner anything for a tip. But, considering they’re the one vendor who has done the bulk of the work on your wedding—we say, why not? Did he/she knock your socks off by pulling off your wedding flawlessly? Was there a ton of extra work involved that wasn’t discussed when pricing was set? Whatever the case may be, you can feel comfortable giving between $100 to 10% of their fees in cash or a gift in the same amount to show your gratitude.
TIP: $100 to 10% of fees
In our opinion, your photographer and videographer will be the most important vendors you choose. Each photographer on the day of your wedding should be tipped $100- 200, and second shooters $50-75.
TIP: $50-200 per person
Not sure what to give the string trio that played your wedding march? What about the choir that sang as you lit your unity candle? If it was a professional group, 10% of the entire amount charged to be split amongst the musicians. If it’s a civic or church group and they didn’t charge, give a donation either to the group or the church—just as you would a religious officiant.
TIP: 10% of fee to be split among musicians
Every guest was on the dance floor and your party was non-stop all night! You should tip $25-50, per musician. For the DJ—he/she is the one person responsible for the entire flow and energy of your event. We think they deserve a whole lotta love for guaranteeing a good time. MUSICIAN TIP: $25-50 per person
DJ TIP: $100-200
Your dad’s friend is a judge, your neighbor got registered online, your junior high school pastor, or your pastor now that you are an adult has accepted the job of conducting your service— etiquette says no cash should be given. Instead, give a thank you card and a gift card or a donation to the house of worship if affiliated.
TIP: A donation and thank you note will do.
This varies depending on the region of the country you are in. In the Midwest, a 20 to 22% service charge is usually added to the catering contract. But if you are super happy with the service, you can give the catering manager a lump sum to distribute among the wait staff. You can get the anticipated number of wait staff from the caterer beforehand to help you prepare.
TIP: $20-50 per person (and check your contract)
Your bartender will deal with a bunch of guest craziness the evening of your wedding (i.e. “There is tooooooo much coke in my Jack”). Bartenders who work on a catering staff team make a higher hourly wage than what you’d expect in a restaurant so you can tip them the same as the other catering staff. No need to go above and beyond, unless you really want to.
TIP: $20-50 like the other catering event staff
Your driver will wait outside for 30 minutes as you say your goodbyes to your friends and family and make sure your take-away plate is in the car for your midnight snack before he drives clear across town to your desired place! Proper tip is 15-20% presented after arrival.
TIP: 15-20% of fees
This one is optional. Rental drop off delivery people sometimes get $20-50 per person depending on how much they are bringing in and having to set up. Most of the time you have a team of 2-4 depending on the size of the order and they will be the last ones out of the space at the end of the night.
TIP: $20-50 per person
As important as pictures are, your hair and makeup professional will help ensure you look the best! Hair and make-up professionals should get 15-20% of the total bill.
TIP: 15-20% of services
Some vendors may have gratuity included in their contract–if this is the case, no tip is necessary. Read your contract to be certain. Also, if a vendor does not fulfill what was expected, don’t feel obligated. And if you want to reward a vendor that you didn’t get a chance to see or interact with, don’t underestimate the power of a sincere thank you card with a little token of your appreciation inside. Tipping is something you should be prepared to do (a lot of) on your wedding day.
The caliber of the professionals you hire will determine the amount of tips you should budget for.
By Leah Economos
Many brides are surprised that most vendors insist on knowing their budget before providing a detailed proposal. Truth is, this saves you both time and prevents miscommunication, sticker shock and getting attached to an idea you just can’t afford.
Because you’re a busy bride with limited spare time, you’ll want this process to be as efficient as possible. Also, the vendors you’re interviewing respect your time and aim to make the proposal process as simple and straightforward as possible. With knowledge of your budget, each vendor will be able to provide a proposal in the price range you have specified.
A proposal with no budget guideline has several dangers. The first one is sticker shock. Many brides are truly shocked by the cost of wedding elements. Being surprised by your proposal price is not only unpleasant, but it may cause you to eliminate a wedding vendor from consideration who is truly capable of supplying a fantastic alternative for half the price—they just had no idea how much you wanted to spend!
Beyond the sticker shock, there’s another danger: attachment! You’re likely to become attached to all of the beautiful options conjured up in that initial proposal—and they’re way out of your price range. This will only create disappointment down the road as you find it impossible to be satisfied with more budget friendly alternatives.
Your style, taste, and personal preferences are equally as important as your budget. But, if you start out with a proposal that’s above your budget, trimming it down will be the only solution. That will mean parting with some elements you may love, and it also will delay arriving at your “budget happy place” while your salesperson revises your proposal. To avoid this dilemma, simply share your budget with vendors in your first conversation.
There’s a possibility that your vision and budget aren’t a match for a particular vendor, and that’s okay! If they aren’t able to offer the service or product you’re looking for within the amount you’re willing to pay, don’t be shy about telling them your budget is firm and you’ll have to look elsewhere.
If you consult several reputable vendors and continue to hear your vision can’t be accomplished within the amount you want to pay, it’s probably an indication your budget isn’t reasonable. Consider shifting money from another category within your overall budget, or open your mind to more budget friendly options that still allow you to have a great event.
Great vendors will do their best to offer an alternative to suit your budget, whether it’s a fabulous short rib small plate station instead of filet mignon, or ranunculus for your bouquet instead of peonies.
Occasionally, brides can get stuck in what is referred to as ‘proposal la-la land.’ This is what happens when you continue to swoon over Pinterest pictures and celebrity weddings featuring ideas far outside your budget range. Remember, the goal is to arrive at a proposal you’re happy with and can afford.
Some couples say they don’t feel comfortable sharing their actual budget with vendors they’re interviewing, for fear that they will “use up all the money,” and I want to offer some insight on that topic. Any vendor you’re considering hiring should make you feel comfortable and cared for as a customer. If at any point you feel pressured in a used-car-salesman-fashion, you’re in the wrong place.
When it comes to budget, remember: you’re in charge. Your florist or caterer isn’t going to reach into your wallet and take your money. When you agree on a price, make sure you’re comfortable with the amount you’re spending.
You’ll make your planning process easier, avoid disappointment and sticker shock and develop a great relationship with your vendor team by sharing your budget from the beginning.
In Chicago, the average cost of a 150-person wedding is approximately $42,000 with downtown weddings costing more ($51,000) and suburban weddings costing less ($33,000). When you start planning your wedding, one of the very first things you’ll need to create is a budget. The most helpful approach for you, your partner, and your respective families will be to openly discuss how much everyone will be able to contribute. Today, it is not uncommon for the bride and groom to foot the entire bill, or for the families to share the expenses. When discussing your expenses with your loved ones, be sure to remain courteous and realistic.
So, exactly what type of occasion do you envision for your upcoming wedding? Knowing this will ease your venue search because the setting affects the overall style tremendously. From country clubs to hotels, city clubs, resorts, barns, private mansions and everything in between… you’ve got options.
HOW MANY HOURS DOES MY RENTAL FEE INCLUDE? ARE THERE OVERTIME CHARGES?
Some venues charge by the hour for their facility. Know exactly what is included, and allow plenty of time for set up and tear down.
HOW DO YOU CHARGE? PER PERSON, BY THE HOUR OR FLAT FEE?
It’s always good to know how your venue charges for rental. It’s likely facilities that include catering will charge a per person rate and venues without catering will charge a flat fee or hourly rental.
CAN I BRING IN MY OWN VENDORS OR DO I HAVE TO USE A PREFERRED VENDOR LIST SUPPLIED BY THE VENUE?
Many venues will supply you with a list of their preferred vendors to use. This can be helpful to the bride who needs direction but also a hindrance for brides who know exactly who they’d like to use. Clarify with your venue if it’s required or not to use their vendors before you book.
CAN I BRING IN MY OWN ALCOHOL?
Venues that don’t carry their own liquor license may allow brides to bring in their own alcohol. This is not typically the norm, but there are a few venues out there with this option. Remember, if you do opt to bring in your own alcohol, you’ll want to hire a bar service to tend to guests.
IF NOT, IS THERE AN ALCOHOL MINIMUM?
Often venues with liquor licenses will have a bar minimum in addition to the cost of their venue rental.
HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL THE SPACE HOLD (NOT JUST OFFICIAL CAPACITY) ACCORDING TO MY ROOM SET UP?
Your room set up will greatly affect the amount of guests you can have at your wedding. You’ll want to focus on how many guests you can fit into the room with a seated dinner, estate table, dance floor or buffet set up.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE VENUE RENTAL?
Most venues have items that are included in the cost of their rental like dance floors, tables, chairs, standard linens, etc. But, there are several venues that don’t offer this and could result in an additional cost to you.
WHAT IS THE PARKING SITUATION?
Valet parking, limited options, street parking or ample complimentary parking for guests are all important things to consider.
WILL THERE BE OTHER WEDDINGS ON THE SAME DAY?
Ask whether your event will be the only one happening on property or if there will be others. Other events may infringe on your time use of the venue or create confusion for guests so best to be prepared.
HOW MUCH ARE TAX AND GRATUITY? ARE THEY INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE PRICES?
Taxes and gratuity can vary greatly. Some venues include both in their package prices while others add it on. Be sure to consider this when you are planning, as it can be an extra 30% or more.
By Anne Morrissy
Planning your wedding reception can be overwhelming, so we talked to Sarah Rodriguez, wedding/event planner and owner of Chicago-based Sarah Kathleen Events, for her advice for the best way to schedule a wedding reception.
Rodriguez says most couples are forgoing a traditional receiving line in favor of greeting guests at their tables during dinner. Upon arrival, guests enter a cocktail reception.
A card and gift table, sometimes identified with a small, tasteful sign, should be set up close to the entrance. The guest book can be placed nearby.
The latest wedding trends involve getting creative with the bride and groom’s entrance to the reception. “Many couples opt for dances or some other fun theme,” Rodriguez explains. Often, the parents of the bride and groom will be introduced first. Next comes the bridal party, and finally the couple makes their grand entrance and takes their place at the head table.
While it may seem counterintuitive to cut the cake so early in the night, Rodriguez says the benefit is twofold – first, you are able
to capitalize on having the attention of the whole room following the grand entrance. Secondly, performing this tradition early allows the caterers to cut and plate all of the cake in time for it to be served as dessert. (For couples who opt for a small “cutting cake” but serve guests from a sheet cake instead, the cutting of the cake may still take place after dinner.)
Again taking advantage of the benefit of the guests’ attention, the wedding toasts make a natural transition from the cutting of the cake. The number of toasts is up to the couple but may include the parents of the bride, the parents of the groom, the best man and/or the maid of honor. Rodriguez points out that scheduling the toasts prior to dinner is especially effective at weddings that opt for a dinner buffet or food stations, as this is the last time you can be assured that all of your guests will be in their seats at once.
For a multi-course, plated dinner, the logistics should be left to the catering company. However, for buffets and food station-style dinners, couples may be involved in deciding the order in which tables should be dismissed, to avoid long lines and allow the caterers sufficient time to restock as needed.
After dinner is cleared, the couple may wish to say a short thank-you toast before transitioning to the dancing portion of the evening. This is also when a bouquet or garter toss may happen, though Rodriguez says many couples are replacing that tradition with an “anniversary dance” that invites all of the married couples to the dance floor, ultimately presenting the bouquet to the couple that’s been married the longest.
Many couples choose to offer a late-night snack served toward the end of the evening. This often takes the form of a fun food with meaning to the couple. The late-night snack can be set out on a display table or may take the form of a food truck parked outside the reception.
Rodriguez says that some event planners will stage a grand exit photo in the middle of the dancing to ensure that all of the guests are there to participate. However, she recommends that the grand exit (which may include sparklers, glow sticks, paper airplanes or other fun props) be saved to the end of the dancing as a way to put a final cap on the night and encourage guests to make their exit from the venue.
Rodriguez points out that the most important thing to remember at the wedding reception is to have fun, and enjoy the company of the friends and loved ones who have come together to help you celebrate. If you’ve done your planning and hired good people, the details should take care of themselves.
Many cultures have special traditions that take place during a wedding reception, from the guests pinning money to the bride’s dress at a Polish wedding to dancing the Hora at a traditional Jewish wedding. Adding these cultural traditions can personalize the reception.