Posts Tagged ‘Reception’

Planning Your Wedding Reception

Article by Denise Sanger

One of the hardest things about planning your wedding reception is the location. There are many locations to choose from when planning your wedding reception, so it really depends on what type of reception you would like to hold.

Many cities have historical sites that you can choose from when planning your wedding reception. These historical sites can also be great locations that go along with themed weddings. Choosing historical sites can add an authentic setting to greatly enhance the celebration of your wedding. You can look through a cities directory to help you find historical sites and areas. Many sites and areas you can do research on which will help you with planning your wedding reception.

Of course you can go to a diner or host your reception at a hotel, but a new trend that is happening, is wedding receptions being hosted at museums. If you are holding a large wedding reception, then maybe planning your wedding reception at a museum would fit your event. Museums will not only add an elegant setting to your wedding reception, but museums can also hold a large number of guests. You can contact your local museum and ask them about planning your wedding reception there.

If you are conducting a outdoor reception, mansion courtyards can be a great solution to host your wedding reception. When planning your wedding reception outdoors, public parks are another great solution. Whether you host your wedding reception at a mansion courtyard or public park, these types of locations have great scenery already included into them. This can simplify planning your wedding reception, letting you focus on other parts of planning your wedding reception. These outdoor locations also include a large open space which make arrangements easier to set up.

Wherever you decide to host your wedding reception, remember that it does not have to be in the same place as your wedding. Just remember to pick a location that will not only be easy to find for your guests, but that will also have convenient parking for your guests. When planning your wedding reception, make sure the site owners are willing to work with you on your planning and any accommodations that you may need to make your wedding reception a successful one. Site owners can help with planning your wedding reception by including other parts of the site to be used in your wedding reception. Planning your wedding reception up to a year in advance can really help, especially if you pick a popular location that is frequently booked.

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Wedding Reception Ideas – 6 Tips For Having The Perfect Wedding Reception

Article by Stephen Badiali

You are recently engaged, and now it is time to start researching wedding reception ideas. But where should you start?

All good weddings start with a plan, and listed below are 6 tips that you can use to make sure you plan the wedding of your dreams.

Start looking for a reception location early

The first step is to figure out when you want to get married. Summer and fall weddings open the opportunity for an outdoor wedding reception; however these are also the most popular times to get married.

You need to move fast and start early to make sure you get your first choice of reception location during the busy seasons.

One way to narrow down your choices is to choose either an indoor or outdoor wedding reception. Then, make a list of potential locations and start visiting them as soon as possible.

Think about your budget and only look at options that fit your budget

Your budget will play a big part in deciding where to have your wedding reception. Depending on where you live, the average wedding can cost anywhere from $ 15,000 to $ 30,000.

If you are having a large wedding with a limited budget, you may want to stick with indoor wedding facilities that offer reasonable wedding reception packages.

Outdoor tented weddings tend to cost a little more. Things like silverware, chairs and glassware will have to be rented, and you will have to work with a caterer that specializes in tented weddings.

Book wedding vendors early

In addition to booking your wedding reception location early, you should book your other wedding vendors like photographers, bands and florists as early as possible.

Good wedding vendors are booked up more than a year in advance. To ensure you get your first choice, start researching and meeting with your vendors shortly after booking your wedding reception space.

Choose a wedding theme for a unique reception

If you want to stand out a little from the crowd, consider incorporating a wedding theme into your reception. A wedding theme can be as simple as a certain type of flower, like daisy, or a season, like fall harvest.

More elaborate wedding themes include Cinderella or country western.

A popular option with any type of wedding theme is to include a signature drink. Different types of martinis, like apple or blue, are great options.

Ask a family member or good friend to take your gifts home

The last thing you want to be worried about when leaving your reception is the location of your wedding gifts.

Ask a good friend or family member (preferably someone reliable and sober who won’t forget) prior to the wedding to be in charge of collecting your wedding gifts and moving them to a secure location after the reception.

Take a few moments to look around and enjoy the reception

Weddings take a lot of time and effort to plan. During your reception, take a few moments to look around and enjoy the results of all of your hard work.

Eat the food from your caterer, have a few signature drinks, admire the floral arrangements and enjoy your family and friends. Wedding receptions only last a few hours, so make sure you step back and soak in the atmosphere.

The above 6 ideas aren’t everything you will need for planning your wedding, but it is a good start towards the perfect end result which is a wedding memory that will make you smile for the rest of your life.

For more wedding reception ideas visit http://www.wedding-ideas-guide.com/wedding-reception-idea.html

Stephen Badiali is the owner of Wedding Ideas Guide, which specializes in providing wedding ideas and resources.

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Wedding Reception Decorating Ideas

Article by Robert Reno

A wedding is a fun and joyous time to celebrate the bond of two people. You have been thinking about every detail, how the itinerary would flow. Now it is time to start brainstorming those wedding reception decorating ideas. This can be stressful or fun depending on how much work you put into decorating your wedding reception.

Decorating a Wedding Reception

If you search Google, you will plenty of wedding reception decorating ideas and the best way to get ideas is to see what others are doing. Current fashion trends tend to change every season and a majority of brides keep up to date on what’s in and what’s out. Also, depending on how many guests you are expecting will determine the extent of decorating a wedding reception. If you have a theme, it can easily be worked into the decorating process. Also because there are so many wedding reception decorations, I recommend starting a budget and sticking with it. There may be some wedding reception table decorations that are perfect, but they just won’t work nicely with your budget.

Wedding Reception Decorating Ideas

So, what is a bride to do? Well, themes can work great for keeping the vibe of a planned wedding reception congruent. If you feel up to it, you can hand make decorations or have those in your bridal party help you as well. Remember, to delegate responsibility to these people (they are here to help keep you sane). The only drawback with this solution is that it is very time consuming. For those with busy schedules wedding planners are great for over the top or very simple wedding decorations. There are also inexpensive wedding decorations on the market. This is great for cutting costs and allocating funds towards something else.

It can be as easy as visiting your local craft store and purchasing materials to make the decorations out of. Flowers (real or imitation) can be placed in various sized jars with multicolored stones. Be sure to have this color match the one you chose for the wedding reception and brides dresses. These vases can also be used for stunning centerpieces on the guests tables. At these same stores you will find a variety of table cloths that match your desired color for the wedding reception.

Another neat idea for inexpensive weddings where there will be many younger children is to use white cloth paper for tablecloths. Provide them with pens/pencils/pens, and the younger guests will have an area to write notes and stay busy during the formalities of the reception. One of the most common problems with children at receptions is they need to keep busy or they will become irritated. You can save some of these table cloths as mementos of the big day.

Wedding Reception Themes

Typical themed weddings can also be planned on simple and easy budget. Try keeping with the seasons depending on what time of year your wedding is. For spring use wedding reception decorations that include light flowers and fresh colors. All summer themes think bold larger than life decorations and neutral colors. Sunset colors work great with fall weddings, and winter weddings are best to keep with lighter hues and shades. Example, color combinations such as burgundy and hunter, or wine and sky blue are just a couple of the many color choices for more formal autumn weddings. There are also many red, orange, and yellow flowers to go with this theme such as marigolds, apricot lilies, rust and burgundy hydrangeas. Rose petals are also great to use on tables, on parts of walkways or floating on water.

Wedding Table Decorating Ideas

Something overlooked at weddings are the name settings on tables. I recommend keeping all fonts the same and in line with the theme of your wedding. Standard name are done everywhere, try to mix it up and personalize the name settings. Maybe each individual table can have a sub-theme that plays off your wedding decorations. You can incorporate unique candles layouts and this will impress guests. Example satin cloths and greenery make for a romantic setting. While covering the dance floor area with small poles elegantly draped with satin ribbons or garlands of greenery makes for a beautiful scene. Your guests will appreciate the time and energy you put into the small details for the wedding reception area.

This is just a small sample of some of the wedding themes. Others include medieval feasts, ethnic weddings, some of which are absolutely beautiful to behold such as the Japanese and S. Korean style weddings, others are Romeo and Juliet themed weddings or an amazing under the sea themed wedding. Basically any theme that is well thought out can turn out stellar.

Wedding Reception Decorations

As you can see, there is plenty of wedding reception ideas that can be used to keep it average, expensive, or cheap. It is up to you to decide on the trade off between time and money. Basically the more money you spend, the less time it will take to get the desired result and visa versa. You can use help from family, friends, or even hired professionals. Overall, you can keep this fun and get the distinguished look you want. Bottom line, decorating for a wedding reception does not need to be stressful or difficult.

Robert is the owner of Encore Event Group. His team provides modern DJs, lighting design and photo booth rentals for Michigan events. For further information please visit their Michigan Photo Booths or Michigan DJ websites.

Wedding Reception Planning Guide

Article by Vita Merisia

Wedding reception planning can be a stressful process for the bridal couple. All the married couple would want to be a special wedding day so that all your guests will remember for a long time and even their life. Therefore, in wedding reception planning, you should consider a location other than the usual catering hall.

There are so many places that are perfect for an elegant party, some you may not have considered. Of course, every bride wants her wedding day to be perfect in every way possible. If you want the perfect wedding reception, you only need to use your imagination and your creativity.

Places you might not normally think of as reception locations are usually available for that very occasion. Golf courses, parks, favorite restaurants, libraries, many of these places are wonderful for your big day. For a wedding reception that will not be soon forgotten, try to find decorations in places that are not typical sources of wedding decorations.

The type of wedding you are planning will greatly impact the type of wedding reception decorations you buy. Some people may be wants their wedding reception decorations to be very simple. This may entail only sprinkling balloons throughout the reception hall. Candles strategically placed throughout the reception hall can add a hint of romance to the reception.

Candles are a great way to add to your wedding reception decorations without adding a lot of expense. For a short reception, small votive candles will work great. Centerpieces are generally a key element of any wedding reception. Often times, flower arrangements are placed in the center of the table to add color and flare to the reception. The cake is one overlooked wedding reception decoration. A beautiful wedding cake can add to the overall feel of the reception.

Wedding reception decorations can be found just about anywhere. More traditional wedding reception decorations can be found in wedding shops, floral shops, specialty stores and craft stores. They can also be found on the Internet and in various catalogs. So, wedding reception planning is very nice if you and your partner really know what you both want and like.

Vita Merisia comes from Bangka Belitung. She began writing about wedding several years ago. You may want to check out her other guide on Custom Wedding Bands tips and Womens Wedding Rings guide!

5 Useful Ideas For An Inexpensive Wedding Reception

Article by Raychle Searfoss

It is always the goal to have fun after the wedding ceremony and throw a great wedding reception party, but without breaking the bank. A wedding reception is an investment just as is the wedding ceremony, but starting off on the right foot financially when walking into the life of marriage is extremely important.Find a Wedding Reception Location that is InexpensiveThe first place most brides tip the budget scales is when booking a wedding reception venue. Look for alternative locations for hosting your wedding reception when beginning your search. Hotels, ballrooms, and large restaurant venues are often beautiful and sparkly, but they can break your budget before you get to the catering! Try planning your reception at a park or local outdoor attraction area that your city is known for. See if friends and family have a large yard or space to hold your reception. Most churches have halls and large rooms useful for having a reception. Find a wedding reception location that is interesting and inexpensive.Cook It Yourself (Or With Help!)When wedding guests come to the wedding reception, the first thing on their minds is usually food! Think about what kinds of food you want to serve at your reception and see if these choices are possible without using a wedding caterer. Although wedding caterers create amazing and scrumptious dishes, the price per plate can be more than a dinner at a fancy restaurant. Ask friends and family if they would help out and cook for the reception in advance. See if the venue you are hosting your wedding reception at offers a discounted party menu that might work to serve your wedding party. Suggest the idea of having a potluck wedding reception. This sounds against the norm, but try having guests bring a favorite dish to the wedding to serve at the reception. Of course, serve it buffet style and tell everyone to eat up!Narrow Down Your Wedding Reception Guest ListIt is never easy deciding who is important and who is not because in all reality, everyone is important, right? However, when it comes to your wedding reception, the number of people you invite strictly influences how much money you will commit to spending. Narrow down your guest list to 100 people or less and you won’t need a large wedding reception venue space or nearly as much food to feed the crowd.Save Money On Your Wedding Reception By Limiting The BarMany couples feel that having an alcoholic bar at their wedding reception is important for that social interaction dynamic, but remember that it does greatly influence your budget. One option is to cut out the alcohol all together from your wedding reception. However, if you truly wish to have a bar included, try limiting it to only serving after dinner is over. Narrow down your personal alcoholic beverage choices to just a few that you both really like. Limit the choices down to what you and your fianc? enjoy and give the guests few, but still some, options.Make Your Own Wedding Reception PlaylistThough they can often be the life of the party, professional DJs can break your wedding reception budget bank. As an alternative, write down all the songs close to your and your fiancé. Choose songs you and your wedding party all know by heart. Make a personalized playlist yourself that shows what is important to you. Have a friend or family member be in charge of the iPod or CD player, plug in some speakers, and start dancing the reception away!

For more information on destination photography, visit Wedding Destination Photography. Also check out Nashville Web Design for more information on building a wedding website.

Wedding reception dresses are right option for any bride who doesn’t want to spend the entire night in that formal wedding gown.

Article by peter dolvanovich

In a lot of countries, a bride to be wears several gowns over the whole of the wedding day. For instance, in China a bride must change into a new dress for each and every ceremony that she goes to. The festivities usually last for a few days. Plus, in Japan, the bride to be might change outfits up to seven times. But when an American bride changes gowns, it is often because of being practical, rather than religion. Nowadays, with wedding reception dresses, you can enjoy both style and comfort all day long.

Until only recently, brides in America were urged to wear the wedding gown for the entire reception. But as bridal dresses became bigger, bulkier, and much more elaborate, this became far too impractical. Really, how will any bride actually relax at the reception in a massive wedding gown that weighs twenty pounds or more? If she is in exceptionally fit condition and she could stand all the heat, she may be able to get through a song or two, before she’ll have to stop.

Because most brides these days would like to have a fun time rather than a workout at her reception, they’ve now embraced a popular, new trend of ditching that wedding gown after the wedding ceremony and then slipping into a reception gown. As another basic rule of thumb, the new bride will keep on the wedding dress as she dances the first dance or two, then she will quickly leave to change into a much more comfortable and appropriate party dress.

Once the bride finally reappears, the celebrations begin in earnest. This is when the DJ starts with the dance numbers. Now free from the weight and heat of the traditional gown, the new bride could dance and let loose and have fun. Your average reception gown is very light, has a bit of a more casual hem line, and may be made from airy natural materials like silk.

Now, not every bride decides to get into a reception gown. When a couple has booked a relaxed outside wedding ceremony, the wedding dress is usually very relaxed with a high hemline and light fabrics. These dresses are rather well suited for dancing, which is why informal brides rarely need a reception gown. But for brides who feel cooped up in a heavy, cramped dress, wedding reception dresses are the ideal solution.

Often times to avoid shocking her guests with a sudden transformation, most brides pick reception gowns that are somewhat similar in design to their actual wedding gown. So that, if the bride to be wears a low cut dress to the wedding, she will often choose a strapless gown for her reception. The designs are seldom identical, but more often than not, they’re very close in look.

Because it is a relatively new rage, there aren’t many requirements when it comes to reception gowns. Most everything about a wedding day, even an casual one, follow a tradition that’s been set in place for decades. There are vows, dances, and then the newlywed couple drives off into the sunset. On the other hand, the reception dress is a somewhat new thing that is not covered by etiquette or formality, but by your own personal preference. So basically, the bride is free to pick whatever dress she wants to.

It may look a little funny going from a long floor length dress into another one. But that’s precisely what many brides do at the reception celebration. As you might guess, the second gown is made of much more lightweight materials and it’s a lot more cool and comfortable for the new bride. Those gowns are popular with those brides who don’t do a lot of disco dancing. They might just would rather slow dance in a long but relaxed evening dress. The average long gown is made of chiffon or cotton. Low cut designs create a modern, romantic style. Some brides are often said to resemble a princess when they wear those dresses. Whatever design you decide on, it is very important to keep in mind that possibly the most crucial element of the reception dress is comfort. Get the perfect dress now and get set to have fun on your wedding day.

If the wedding is scheduled in the winter, brides usually opt for a wedding gown with long sleeves, which often means that the reception gown will also have long sleeves. Although they are far less traditional then the actual wedding dress, reception dresses with full length sleeves are usually more traditional then short dresses. Not only do they both need more fabric, but most brides these days have these dresses decorated with crystals or various other decorations. Lots of reception dresses that feature long sleeves aslo have a tea length hem line, that covers the shins.

The short reception dress is a fun and informal choice that brides at smaller, and more intimate weddings often like better. The dress is typically strapless with a hemline that hangs well below the knee. Lace and silk are now the two most popular fabrics for those lighthearted and fun reception dresses. Since they have far less material, shorter reception gowns are quite often affordable at an typical cost of only one hundred dollars or so. Whatever it may be your other wedding plans may be, wedding reception dresses are surely an option that you should really think about for your own wedding day.

The Author has worked in the fashion world for 15 years now. He focuses on both retail promotion in addition to dress composition. More recently, he gives advice so customers may learn how they can save a lot of money on genuine, designer clothes, just by surfing on the internet. Visit his brand new website about wedding reception dresses and start saving money today. http://www.bestwholesaleweddingdresses.com/

The Wedding Reception Venue For the Modern Bride

Article by Nariman Taweel

The Wedding reception venue is unquestionably is the most important component of your wedding as at least 50 % of the wedding budget is spent on the reception. The venue for your reception should represent you both as a couple as it sets the tone and mood of the event. The choices for wedding reception venues are limitless and modern brides do not have to select a traditional reception venue. It can be a daytime soiree or an evening extravaganza.

One of the many choices modern brides have for the wedding reception venue is the traditional reception centre. A sit down formal reception can also be held in restaurants, hotels, museums, halls and many other locations. Accompanying traditional wedding reception is the 3- 5 course meal. The conveniences of traditional wedding reception venues are that most have an in house wedding coordinator to assist you with your event. The formalities such as the bridal waltz, speeches, cutting of the cake and the throwing of the banquet are already taken care of by the wedding reception. There is a formula which works and the experience of the venue will ensure that the event runs seamlessly and on time.

However the wedding reception venue is by no means rigid and can accommodate special request. So should you wish to add your personal touch to the event or deviate for the norm, then most wedding reception centers can accommodate you.

Cocktail wedding receptions can also be held in traditional wedding receptions. A cocktail reception can be a less formal event allowing the bride and groom more time to mingle with the guests. It also you to accommodate a much larger guest list which means you can have more friends and family celebrating your big day. A cocktail reception can let you to be more creative with your choice of venue, location and use of space. You can hold a cocktail wedding either indoors or outdoors or in unconventional places. A cocktail wedding can be held anywhere including gardens, terraces, the beach and many other places.

Along with the cocktail reception are a variety of food choices. Finger food is usually the most common catering choice at a cocktail wedding. The focus at cocktail wedding receptions can often become the alcohol instead of the food. But to ensure the sober maintenance of your guests, it is advisable to keep the canap?s coming out at a constant rate.

A wedding breakfast or brunch is a very unconventional style of reception. But it could be a stylish way to celebrate with friends who are more budget conscious. The food could include pastries, croissants, pancakes, waffles, muffins and scones. It could also be a breakfast buffet including tea and coffee but also sparkling wine.

A lunch reception is another wedding reception option. A wedding reception lunch can be a relaxed and elegant affair. Whether it is a garden picnic or sit-down meal, the wedding lunch is an alternative to the evening reception.

Many couples are now incorporating the wedding with the honeymoon. A destination wedding is an unconventional way to celebrate your wedding. Generally destination weddings are held abroad and include the bridal party and close family and friends. A wedding abroad or destination wedding can be beautiful but it does not necessarily mean it is easier. It is an enormous task organizing a wedding abroad. But done well it can set the stage for a truly magical affair.

Outdoor weddings are becoming more main stream. The most popular outdoor wedding receptions are beaches, wineries, gardens, botanical gardens and lawns. The outdoor wedding reception can be as formal or informal as you like it. Whether you have it out in the open or in a marquee the outdoor wedding reception is one of the most romantic wedding receptions.

Weekend wedding events are a good way to extend the festivities to allow for more long distant guests to attend the event. Similar to the destination wedding, weekend weddings are generally suited to people with relatively smaller guest lists for the obvious logical complications. However the options for a weekend wedding are only limited by your imagination. And the celebrations last the whole weekend allowing you to mingle and spend quality time with your guests.

Choosing the wedding reception venue is one of the biggest and most complicated decisions you’ll need to make when planning a wedding. Ensure that your wedding reception venue suits your style and personal taste and leaves your guests with a lasting impression.

For more information visit http://www.nusuevents.com.au

Nariman Taweel is an accomplished Trainer and Entrepreneur. To view more articles on events and event planning visit http://www.nusuevents.com.au.

Inexpensive Wedding Reception Music Checklist

Article by Rosanna Haller, Editor-in-Chief, www.InexpensiveWedding.us The Complete Online Planner for an Inexpensive Wedding

Inexpensive Wedding Reception Music Checklist

When you get down to the nitty gritty details of your wedding reception music, it helps to have a list on hand to make sure youâ??ve covered everything. Most brides and grooms who are trying to have an inexpensive wedding cannot afford a professional DJ, especially if they are trying to do their wedding on a budget. Use this article as a guide to draw up your own list of the kinds of music you need for your wedding and wedding reception, and make sure to give a copy to the person acting as your DJ, too.

Prelude Music

When guests begin to arrive at the reception, itâ??s nice for them to have something to listen to. Simple instrumental music without words can set the tone for your reception nicely, especially if youâ??re having a theme wedding.

Grand Entrance and Introductions

Itâ??s customary for the wedding party to enter after all the guests have been seated, bride and groom last, announced by the DJ. (They are usually announced as the new â??Mr. and Mrs. Ericksonâ?? or â??Michael and Jayne Erickson.â??) Whether you want the DJâ??s voice to be the only sound, you want soft music playing underneath, or youâ??d like to just dance in to louder music depends on you.

Dinner Music

During the meal, itâ??s a good idea to have some music playing in the background. It shouldnâ??t be loud (guests should be able to talk over it,) but having something playing will make your reception feel less like a middle school cafeteria and more like a sophisticated evening complete with ambience.

Bride and Groomâ??s First Dance

Out of all the wedding reception music youâ??ll need, the bride and groom first dance song is the one youâ??ll most carefully choose. Try to pick something that personifies you as a couple and also complements the theme and tone of your wedding. Avoid songs that will quickly become dated and make you roll your eyes a year from now wondering, â??What were we thinking?â??

Father/Daughter and Mother/Son Dance

After the bride and groomâ??s first dance, the traditional parent/child dance comes next. What will the groom and his mother, or the bride and her father, want to dance to? Itâ??s important to think about their relationship with each other when choosing a song that both of them will be comfortable with.

Wedding Party Dance

Not every reception includes a special wedding party dance, but it sure does make a pretty picture to see all those color-coordinated outfits swirling around the dance floor before it opens up to everyone. Since the bridesmaids and groomsmen dancing together will most likely not be in a relationship, itâ??s best to keep the music for the wedding party dance light and avoid romantic lyrics.

Dancing Music

And now to the meat of the wedding reception music â?? a robust playlist to keep guests dancing all night! Youâ??ll want to pick a mix of fast and slow tunes, classics and new hits. In addition to general dancing music, consider whether you want special music for:

â?¢ Generations Dance â?? All married couples start on the dance floor, and the DJ asks everyone married less than 12 hours to sit down â?? namely, the bride and groom. Then you move on to 1 year, 5 years, and so on until only the longest-married couple remains on the dance floor. The bride and groom present the couple with a small gift or bouquet, then join them on the dance floor to finish out the song.

â?¢ Dollar Dance â?? The bride and groom stand separately on the dance floor, with the maid of honor and best man in front of them collecting dollar bills from each guest to dance 30 seconds or so with them. Many couples like the face time with each guest this provides, not to mention the extra cash to recoup reception costs. But others feel that itâ??s tacky to â??chargeâ?? for their time and decide to forgo the dollar dance.

â?¢ Chicken Dance, Hokey Pokey, and Electric Slide â?? We donâ??t know what it is about weddings, but it seems like itâ??s hard to get married without hearing these three silly songs during the night. Donâ??t feel pressured if you just canâ??t stand any or all of them, but know that youâ??ll have at least one or two disappointed guests if you donâ??t put your left hand in and shake it all about sometime during the reception.

Optional Music

During the cake cutting and the bouquet toss, many receptions donâ??t play anything. But we all know that events put to music become all the more meaningful. So put some thought into whether youâ??d like something to play while youâ??re slicing into your wedding cake or throwing the bouquet to an eligible bachelorette at your reception.

Wedding reception music comes in different flavors, each appropriate for different times during the night. Make your choices wisely and go over each of them with your DJ for his or her opinions and experienced advice.

Copyright © 2010 InexpensiveWedding.US (A Division of Celestial Publishing, Rosanna Haller, Chief Creative Officer & Editor-in-Chief). All rights reserved.

Rosanna Haller has been a Professional Wedding Planner, specializing in DIY Wedding and Inexpensive Wedding Reception Planning for 30 years. She is Editor-in-Chief & CCO of Celestial Publishing, which owns http://www.InexpensiveWedding.us. She & husband, Dr Howard Haller, have six grown children & lots of grandchildren.

www.InexpensiveWedding.us is the Complete Online Planner for anInexpensive Wedding

www.TheBestWeddingReceptionEver.com Watch as Chip & Deanna surprise their guests with a “YouTube Style” First Dance with a twist. This video was filmed and edited by Carl Young. The music mix was created byWedding Entertainment Director Peter Merry of Merry Weddings, Inc. and Author of “The Best Wedding Reception Ever” http Song List: “Like I Am” by Rascal Flats (Start to 1:18) “Apache” by Sugarhill Gang (1:18) “Kung Fu Fighting” by Carl Douglas (1:35) “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson (1:43) “Thriller” by Michael Jackson (1:51) “Ice Ice Baby” by Vanilla Ice (1:59) “U Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer (2:13) “Baby Got Back” by Sir Mix-a-lot (2:43) “Drop It Like Its Hot” by Snoop Dogg (2:52) “Bye Bye Bye” by N*Sync (3:02) “Yeah” by Usher (3:30) This mix was custom created for Chip & Deanna and is a service I only provide to my wedding clients. I am not available to make mixes like this for viewers who are not my wedding clients. This video is getting promoted in the updated, hard back, full-color edition of “The Best Wedding Reception Ever!” “The Best Wedding Reception Ever!” is the first wedding planning book for brides and grooms who want their guests to enjoy an unforgettably fun celebration. “The Best Wedding Reception Ever!” will be arriving in bookstores everywhere on October 12th, 2010! “The Best Wedding Reception Ever!” features 230 creative ideas for planning a wedding reception celebration that will be filled with laughter and dancing and memorable moments that flow

Related Wedding Receptions Articles

LDS Groom’s Checklist and to Do List For an LDS Wedding & Reception

Article by Dr Howard Edward Haller, Chairman, Celestial Publishing & www.WeddingLDS.com – The Complete Online Planner for LDS Weddings

LDS Groom’s Checklist and to Do List For an LDS Wedding & Reception

Gentlemen (groom’s)- “Put Your shoulder to the Wheel” and remember that LDS Weddings are For Time and All Eternity, so do it right!Traditionally the Mormon or LDS groom is responsible for a few things on his own, as part of the overall wedding planning, and these may include the following 20 checklist for the groom to do:1. You & your bride need to remain temple worthy and true & faithful to all your temple covenants 2. You & your bride-to-be will both need to meet with your Bishop(s) 3. Make sure that both you and your bride have current temple recommends (plan ahead) 4. Obtain a marriage license from the local authority (you may need to have a blood test first) 5. Obtain a “Recommend for Living Ordinances” from your Bishop(s) and Stake Presidents(s) 6. Schedule the day and time for the temple sealing room at the Temple were you will be wed 7. Select/arrange for a temple sealer (stop by and talk to them, or the Temple President) 8. Buy your bride-to-be her engagement and wedding rings (Choose wisely) 9. Choose your best man and groomsmen and be sure they can make the dates 10. Remind all men in the wedding party to get measured and order their tuxedos (in advance) 11. Purchase gifts for groomsmen 12. Prepare a toast (or delegate the toast) for the wedding reception rehearsal dinner 13. Prepare your speech for the ring ceremony at the wedding reception(s) 14. Arrange transportation for the wedding and reception day(s) and for the honeymoon 15. Some guests are from out of town, the groom should ensure they have accommodations 16. Plan the honeymoon together with your bride-to-be, well in advance 17. Book the honeymoon flight, hotel/resort and ground transportation (Get written confirmation) 18. If you are going overseas for your honeymoon ensure both of your Passports/Visas are current 19. Decide the address where you two will live together after the temple sealing 20. If your bride needs to take out temple endowments (go with her to the endowment session)(We strongly suggest she does it a few days in advance & go with her to the temple for it)Planning and organizing your LDS Temple Wedding (Sealing) and your wedding reception(s) and a honeymoon are all important decisions for both the LDS bride and groom. Your Temple wedding and reception(s) planning will be your first major decisions together. (Yes, note I did saw receptions. Many times the LDS bride’s and LDS groom’s family may come from different part of the Country, or the World, which is especially true I the LDS bride and groom at BYU in Utah, Hawaii, or Idaho, or other another college or university).In addition to the Groom’s Checklist above here are some the key decisions that you and your bride will need to address together as a couple:1. Choosing which of the LDS Temples you which you be Sealed in For Time and All Eternity? 2. The date and the time of your LDS Wedding or Temple Sealing (Call the Temple you choose for it’s availability) 3. Choose the theme of your wedding reception 4. Choose the color for your wedding reception 5. Who and how many people will be invited to your LDS Temple Sealing ceremony 6. Make up the guest list those attending your wedding reception(s) only (and not the Temple Sealing) 7. Decide how to nicely and lovingly handle possible issues of your LDS Temple Wedding (Sealing),which they can not attend, with non-member guests, or non-recommend holding LDS guests. 8. Choose the members of your wedding party that you want (assign them specific duties) 9. Design your LDS wedding invitations, address them, and send them out early 10. Choose and then hire entertainment in advance for the wedding reception(s), with written contract(s) 11. Choose together with your bride the important wedding vendors that you will needed, such as:- Florist – Caterer – Wedding photographer – VideographerOr just you can do all yourself (a DIY Wedding) buy just using helpful family and/or friends12. Choose and book well in advance the wedding reception venue(s). Note, that you as the groom should actively participate and help out with your bride to decide whether:- Book a private wedding venue (wedding reception site, hotel, lodge, or a country club) – Use the local LDS Church building’s cultural hall for the reception(s) – Choose to have garden wedding reception(s) – Have your wedding reception(s) at the beach or a wedding reception at a lake – Do an Open House at a friends home – Do open houses at both the bride parent’s & groom parent’s homes – Just do an Open House at the bride and groom’s new residence.As a provident living LDS Groom and Bride you will need to establish a realistic and practical wedding budget together, elegant does not have to expensive! You should consult with your parents or other family members who are helping out with expenses. We recommend that you use a good Wedding Budget Planner to keep track of all the expenses.PS: Since many of you LDS Groom’s may be Eagle Scouts, or to be former Boy Scouts, remember to both: “BE PREPARED!” and “DO A GOOD TURN” Daily for your bride both before and after you are married and Sealed in the LDS Temple. (That is a good life tip from an Eagle Scout and former Scoutmaster, Varsity Coach and Explorer Advisor)

Copyright • 2010-2011 WeddingLDS.com (A Division of Celestial Publishing, Dr Howard Haller, CEO). All rights reserved. Exclusively for WeddingLDS.com -The Complete Online Planner for LDS Weddings

Dr. Howard Edward Haller,is the Published Author of 2 Academic Books & a Professional Speaker (NSA). He speaks/consults in US, Europe & Canada on entrepreneurship, intrapreneurship & leadership. “Doc H” is the CEO of the http://www.IntrapreneurshipInstitute.com. Dr Haller is Chairman of Celestial Publishing which operates http://www.Wedding LDS.com & http://www.WeddingLDS.info

How to Choose a Wedding Cake Design for a Beautiful Reception

Article by Rose Haller, Editor-in-Chief, www.WeddingLDS.com – The Complete Online Planner for LDS Weddings

How to Choose a Wedding Cake Design

How do you describe your dream cake to your baker and decorator when you don?t know the lingo? Read on for an overview of commonly used wedding cake decorating techniques and embellishments. Knowing what?s out there can help you to choose your ideal design when you sit down with your wedding specialty baker and decorator.

Fondant or Buttercream Icing as the Base

Do you ever wonder how professionally-done cakes get that flawlessly smooth layer of frosting on top?

Most wedding cakes are coated with fondant or buttercream icing that is rolled out with a rolling pin and draped over the cake to provide a smooth working surface. Rolled fondant or buttercream comes in a variety of colors and can be rolled out to a variety of thicknesses.

Decorating with Icing

Once you have the smooth ?base? of your cake ? usually fondant or buttercream ? it?s ready to be decorated with piped icing. (?Piping? is the term bakers use to describe icing that is squeezed through a desert decorating bag to create shapes and patterns.)

Look through your baker?s portfolio to identify piping techniques you like to help you get started. You can choose whether you want the piping to be the same color or a different color as the base of the cake.

Piping Techniques

Piping techniques range from simple to complex. Simple patterns such as dots, lines, shells, and zigzags add depth and detail to the cake.

More complicated piping techniques include basketweave (looks like the interwoven reeds of a wicker basket,) cornelli (intricate wavy lines that look sort of like lace,) or dotted swiss (tiny dots arranged in patterns, usually clusters of three, on the cake?s surface.)

Elaborate decorations like 3-D edible icing flowers or icing ?sashes? that appear to drape down the length of the cake are time-consuming for the decorator and expensive for the bride and groom, but the visual effect can be breathtaking.

Textured Wedding Cakes

Textured wedding cakes are less common than smooth wedding cakes covered in fondant, but that doesn?t mean they don?t look just as lovely. To create a texturized cake for your reception, the baker frosts the cake and then uses a spatula or the back of a spoon to create designs in it before the frosting sets.

Swirled designs are created by swiping the frosted cake with the back of a spoon in circular motions. Spiked patterns are made by tapping a spatula on it and then lifting it off, making ?peaks? or spikes on the frosting that later harden and set.

Borders on Your Wedding Cake Tiers

A border going along the bottom of each tier gives a finished appearance to your cake at your reception. Almost every wedding reception cake has borders. The three most popular borders are icing pearls and ribbons.

Icing Pearl ? The most classic and popular border is the ?icing pearl.? It?s likely that you?ve seen icing pearls at weddings before even if you?re not familiar with the name. A line of balls (i.e: ?pearls?) about the size of marbles go around the bottom of each tier.

Ribbos ? Ribbon borders are an alternative to borders made from icing, and often reflect light and add shine to it. Clean-lined and versatile ribbon borders are quickly becoming almost as popular as the icing pearl border. To make one, the decorator wraps a ribbon of any color, width, or material around the bottom of each tier. The ribbons are either pinned at the backside of the cake or affixed with a display bow in the front.

Embellishing with Flowers or Fruit

Traditionally, cakes at weddings are adorned with fresh (or silk) flowers. Experiment with different sizes and types of blooms to see how each affects the cake?s finished appearance. A bunch of tiny hydrangeas, for example, looks markedly different from a few strategically placed oversized day lilies.

Stacked cakes may feature a length of flowers trailing down the tiers diagonally like a sash; some are stacked with columns may have flowers filling the gaps between tiers. Tiers on separate pedestals may be topped with matching flower arrangements. Flowers for decorating are generally provided by your florist (along with petals to scatter across the reception desert table, if desired.)

Fresh fruit is sometimes used with or instead of flowers. Most commonly, bright red strawberries are perched atop a chocolate ganache cake at the wedding reception. But blueberries, blackberries, cherries, sliced kiwis, and brunches of grapes can also be incorporated into your design, no matter what the color of your cake.

Copyright © 2010-2011 Celestial Publishing,WeddingLDS.com and WeddingLDS.info -Rose Haller, Editor-in-Chief & Chief Creative Officer. All rights reserved.

Rose Haller has been a Professional Wedding Planner, specializing in LDS Wedding Reception Planning for 30 years. She is Editor-in-Chief & CCO of Celestial Publishing, which owns both Wedding LDS.com & WeddingLDS.info. She & her husband, Dr Howard Haller, have six grown children & lots of grandchildren, they are LDS Church members.

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