Category Archives: Reception

Many times, the bride and groom may not know the difference because they interview the catering manager who says they take care of all the coordination of the event. What the catering manager really means, is that they take care of all the coordination of the food/cake at the event including setup, tear down, and cake cutting. However, there are many other aspects that happen at a wedding require coordination. For example, ceremony coordination including setup, seating of guests, line up of wedding party, guidance on when each attendant walks down the aisle, as well as tear down and guidance to the reception activities. The reception activities require quite a bit of coordination that many aren’t aware the catering manager does not handle including wedding party entrance, toasts, first dance announcement, bouquet toss, garter toss, and last dance. The DJ can handle some of these announcements, but the coordination of this usually requires a wedding planner.

I have noticed from experience, the bride and groom may get the impression the catering company can handle all of the event aspects or even the Event Manager. Usually the venue event manager will handle all the venue details including the setup coordination, seating arrangements, any accommodations, etc. The wedding coordinator can be utilized to handle all of the above as well as the actual ceremony and reception events.

Tip: Make sure to ask questions when hiring your catering manager and venue event manager. They may say they handle the coordination of all aspects of the event, but they are relating these activities to their piece of the event (ie: food, venue, etc). Visit our post about why you need a wedding planner >> http://sdweddingsandevents.blogspot.com/2011/03/but-there-are-some-things-that-only.html

White Weddings and Events
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Yes, it is true – there wouldn’t be a wedding without you, the bride. However, your goal besides being the center of attention is to host a party that guests will remember fondly because they were treated so well. Over the years we have collected ideas from our brides about what they did that made their guests happy at their wedding. We’d be delighted to share them with you.

Some of our bride’s secrets to happy guests.

• When you create a gift registry at your favorite stores, be sure to include items that will fit everyone’s budget.
• When you select your reception food, keep in mind that a number of foods are universally disliked. Foods like hot chili peppers, liver, Brussels sprouts etc. may be your own personal favorites, but if you serve them there will be lots left.
• Pick centerpieces that are lovely and unique but not so big that people can’t see across the table.
• Arrange pre and post reception transportation for those guests who can’t or don’t want to drive.
• Work hard to personally greet every guest at the ceremony or reception. It means a lot.
• Don’t forget to feed your photographer and musicians. Sandwiches are fine.
• Limit the break between the ceremony and the reception to no more than one hour.
• Have the band or DJ play a wide range of music so that everyone can dance at least some of the time. Some “golden oldies” so that your parents and their friends can take to the floor are a nice touch.
• Consider integrating your single friends into table groups with people who share the same interests. A table of all singles isn’t the best arrangement.

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White Weddings and Events
www.sdweddingsandevents.com

What happens if the beverages are not chilled well before the reception? As the bride, you wouldn’t expect this to happen because everything should go as you planned. But, we all know there are obstacles and it’s how you solve for them that makes the difference.

Simple trick to chill the champagne or other beverages quickly is to fill up a large cooler or beverage container with 1/2 ice and 1/2 water. Add table salt. Throw your beverages in there, and you should have chilled champagne within 15 minutes.