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Dream Receptions: Tips from Local Reception SitesFind other tips & info in Articles and Information
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| We queried our ceremony and reception venues and asked them how a bride can have a dream reception. Following are their responses in their own words.
A&M Gardens DFW Wedding Ceremony and Reception Site 817-444-3848 or 817-239-1271 First, dream it. Sit back and close your eyes, take a deep breath and think about walking into your wedding reception holding your husband's hand. What would you like to see? Do you imagine the glint of crystals hanging everywhere catching the light or candles and rose petals everywhere you turn? Do you picture lanterns with sunflowers or willows with hydrangeas? Whatever your dream, you can make it happen! First we have to talk about that evil word, "budget". Now, this word does not have to invoke shudders and chills, it can actually be your friend. Start by sitting down with whoever will be contributing to the day and get a realistic idea of what funds you have to work with. Next, make a list, 1 to 10 with 1 being the most important and 10 being the least important. This will help with you plan where your money will go and simplify things. In my personal opinion, the venue and DJ should be at the top of your list. The venue you choose will actually determine how the bulk of your budget is spent. Try to choose a venue that comes with at least the basic necessities you will need for your reception. Choosing a venue that includes tables, chairs, linens and centerpieces will save you so much money, time and frustration. If you can find a venue that allows you to bring in the vendors of your choice, even better! Have you ever gone to a wedding where everything was amazing but the DJ seemed completely unorganized or you could not understand a word the man or women said? All the planning in the world will not make up for a bad DJ, they set the mood for the entire evening, and a good one keeps everything running smooth and on time. Ask for referrals and research the company/DJ online. Your other vendors can be a fountain of information, so ask if they have anyone they prefer. Catering and cakes can be very tricky. It is important to get all the details before you put down a deposit. Make sure you ask that all staff, gratuities and taxes are included in the price you receive. Also, get pricing per person, so if your guest count goes up or down, you can adjust your budget accordingly. Photography is such an important part of your day but it does not have to break the bank. Take the time to go through several albums of weddings he/she has shot. Ask if the photographer has ever shot at your venue and if you can see the photographs. Photography students are great to connect with because their rates will be low and their enthusiasm will be high. Whomever you hire, make sure you get a disc of your photographs with printing rights. By the day of the wedding, you have done all the planning you can do. It is important to not sweat the small stuff. Leave the day to the professionals, sit back, relax and just breathe... The Wildwood Inn DFW Wedding Ceremony and Reception Site 940-243-4919 In my experience as a Certified Wedding Planner for the last 7 years, a wedding reception can never go wrong if it has the three "P's". The first "P" are the Professionals that the bride chooses to work with on her big day. The brides who do their due diligence and get reviews on all their vendors before hiring them are always the most confident in their choice. In addition, these brides are usually willing to spend a little bit more to find the right vendor; in other words, their focus is not solely on saving money, but on finding the best value and quality. Choosing the least expensive entertainment or photographer doesn't seem like such a bargain after the event is over if the quality of the services delivered was lacking. The second "P" is Pedicures!! As soon as a bride books with The Wildwood Inn, I encourage them to enjoy the planning process. It's so easy to get bogged down in all the details, so I tell them that if they are feeling stressed then they just need to grab their mom or a friend and have a pedicure. It's important to take days "off" from thinking and talking about the wedding to refocus on what's most important: relationships and the reason they are getting married in the first place...Love! Usually after a day of some pampering, any bride is renewed and refreshed and armed with her wedding planning binder in hand again. Finally, the final "P" of a perfect reception is Personal Touches that reflect the unique style and personality of the happy couple. There are an overwhelming number of options available for brides when trying to come up with a theme or unique idea for the wedding. Whether it be the menu, favors, centerpieces, or an activity for the guests to do, I recommend that the bride just choose one or two ideas that go along with her theme and then ignore anything else. For example, one of our recent brides chose "Vintage" as her theme. She had a restored type-writer out in the foyer, so the guests could punch in a message to the couple. The guests had so much fun trying to type on the old-style keys. She also had a photo booth with old western saloon style props and clothes that the guests could don for their pictures. After the wedding, the photos were uploaded to a website for the guests and newlyweds to enjoy. These two personal touches tied the brides theme together and made the occasion more memorable for everyone. The right planning always results in near flawless execution, so for the best reception possible I always recommend following the 3 "P's" for an event that is Perfect! Happy planning... Reflections on Spring Creek DFW Wedding Ceremony and Reception Site 972-633-9595 Beautiful receptions can be held inside or outside. Just be sure there is an alternative location available if the Texas weather doesn't cooperate for an outside reception. Beautiful linens, fine china, crystal, silver, and excellent food can be served under the moonlight as easily as inside a ballroom. Candles should be sheltered from the wind, and twinkling lites and mood lighting can be added for a magical evening. Portable dance floors can be leveled and placed outside as well as staging, lighting, and musicians. The sound of waterfalls, crickets, and night birds adds natural ambiance that can make your special and unusual reception perfect. Tents are not always necessary, if lawns and gardens are suitable. Pre-wedding and post-wedding cocktails and canapes can be butler passed in the gardens. Outdoor themes don't necessarily have to be tropical, but rather might be very unique like a "Big Band" theme with an orchestra; a special cultural wedding i.e. Chinese, Afro-American, Scottish; a butterfly or fairytale theme; or maybe a "night in the forest theme". Regardless of inside or out, make sure your reception is well-planned in a wonderful and beautiful location. Book well in advance, as lovely outdoor locations have a tendency to be booked well in advance. White Chapel Estate and Gardens DFW Wedding Ceremony and Reception Site 817-498-4981 All of our wedding consultants (6 very talented ladies) at the White Chapel Estate & Gardens agree on one amazing fact: Each wedding and reception is as different as each bride and groom. With a long history of experience, our staff has seen many trends and styles change over the years, which is a natural process in our American culture. However, the entire consulting staff at the White Chapel Estate agree that the best change, which has had the biggest impact on the reception, is the 'Sweetheart Table!" This small, special table for just the Bride and Groom replaces the long "Wedding Party Head Table." Here are a few of the best reasons and comments by the Consultants about the Sweetheart Table replacing the Head Table-even though it looks cute in some of the old movies. Consultants' comments: The Sweetheart Table is more convenient for the Bride. She does not have to side step to the middle of a long table and move out to the same way! With a bustled train, she has a lot to maneuver and the smaller table lets her move gracefully to and from the cake/punch tables and dance floor. The Sweetheart Table makes it easier for the Bride and Groom to talk to their guests. When they are sitting in the middle of a long Head Table, it is very awkward for guests to say anything to the couple because they are boxed in. Remember, some guests need to leave early, and they want to hug and greet the new couple before they leave. The smaller table makes the Bride and Groom more accessible to their guests at anytime during the reception. The Sweetheart Table is more romantic! It is decorated especially for them. They are the special couple! The photographer can get closer, too. (They can whisper in each other's ear-oooh-sweet nothings.) The Bride and Groom are more free to walk around the reception to the family & friends tables. Again, they are more accessible to their guests and vice-versa. The Bridesmaids and Groomsmen usually sit at the Head Table until they finished eating and take a few pictures. Then, they are off to be with their date or spouse & family. So the long Head Table is empty for most of the reception time. If the Head Table is used for sitting down in between dancing, just the end chairs are used, so they can easily make it to the dance floor for the next song. Plus, both sides of the family are happy when the couple sits (equal-distance) between the bride's family table and the groom's family table! To which both families take credit for the beautiful and wonderful newlyweds! Since the Sweetheart Table is smaller, there is more room for guest tables, more reserved tables for the families or the Wedding party. The whole reception seems to flow better-for everyone! Special Moments DFW Wedding Ceremony and Reception Site 817-307-1454 A wedding reception should be a fun event for everyone. It's important for the guests to enjoy themselves. As you are planning the reception think in terms of "What would the guests expect?" Of course your budget will determine the type of services you include in the reception. Many wedding venues provide a number of the services in their packages. Taking advantage of what the venue offers can be a huge time saver for you during the planning process. Everyone has a style all their own. You certainly want to showcase yours at your wedding reception. Be sure the venue is able to accomplish what it will take for you to create your style. Have the time built into your package the day of the wedding for decorating and have enough people available to help. Based upon experience here are a few tips and ideas to consider when planning your reception. Wedding Coordinator/Announcer: This is an important part of the reception. I've seen too many weddings where the couple is on a budget and they rely on a family member to facilitate the traditions. It is important to have someone who knows the ins and outs of: The Introduction into the Hall, the Toast, Cake Cutting, Special Dances, Bouquet & Garter Toss, and ending up with the "Send-Off." If your venue doesn't provide a Wedding Coordinator that is trained to facilitate these traditions hire a professional. The entire event will flow much smoother. Music: Music is an important part of the reception. If you have the budget, hire a professional DJ or band that is experienced with wedding receptions. Not all of them are. A "true" professional DJ that is experienced with wedding receptions will be able to facilitate the entire event for you. Ask them to describe the role they performed at prior receptions. Their answer should let you know whether they are a facilitator and announcer or if their expertise is in operating the equipment and playing the music. Food: We get asked questions regularly about what types of food is appropriate to offer. Due to budget constraints more couples are asking about "cake & punch" receptions. A "cake & punch" reception is absolutely appropriate at the right time of day-typically mid-afternoon. A Sunday afternoon works best for a cake & punch reception. But, if the reception is being held around a meal time the guests expect to be served food that is appropriate for that time of day. Finger foods are fine for a mid-day and afternoon reception. But you should plan on offering your guests a full meal in the evenings. Alcohol: If alcohol is being offered during the reception food must be served. You can't do a "cake & punch" reception and offer alcohol to the guests. If children are going to be in attendance you might consider assigning someone in your group to ensure that the children are being supervised. What tends to happen is that people who don't drink alcohol very often may feel the effects of the alcohol pretty quickly. If they have children, the "smart youngsters" notice that mom & dad are having a good time and not paying attention to what they are doing. This situation leaves the potential for injury or property damage. Amount of Time: Many wedding venues offer access to their facility for a specific amount of time. Their basic package may be enough time for a simple reception but not enough time for what you are planning. Be sure the venue understands the type of reception you envision. Ask them if their basic package includes a sufficient amount of time. If there is any question add an additional hour or 2 to your package. Don't wait until a month before the reception to find out that they are no longer able to accommodate additional time. With all the planning effort and expense that is going into your reception, the last thing you want is to feel rushed for time. Help from Family & Friends: Make sure you have the help needed for delivering supplies, for decorating, and cleaning up at the end of the event. You DON'T want to be the person loading your personal items at the end of the reception. Keep in mind that family and friends want to participate in the reception. Take that into consideration and don't overwhelm any one person so that they aren't able to enjoy themselves. With all of the wedding receptions we've experienced over the past years, my professional advice is that you understand the following before you book your reception venue: Is the staff friendly and enthusiastic about your upcoming wedding & reception? Do they respond to your phone calls and emails within a few hours - not days, but hours? Does the venue offer the type of package and services that you need? Can they provide a list of the items included in their package? Do they offer upgrades to their basic package? Is the price of their package within your budget? Have you taken into consideration whether sales tax and/or a service charge will be added to the total cost? Do they charge a cake cutting fee? Does the facility have guidelines on decorating? Will the venue coordinate with vendors that you may hire Photographer, Caterer, DJ, etc. Do they have specific guidelines or requirements for outside vendors? What type of facilities do they have available for outside caterers? Do you understand exactly when you and your vendors have access to the facility for the rehearsal and the day of the wedding? Will there be other events happening on the day of your rehearsal and/or reception? Can the facility accommodate the maximum number of guests you would expect? How many guests can they accommodate for "table seating" and how many guests can they accommodate for a "cocktail and/or cake & punch" reception? What type of electronic equipment is available? Stereo system, microphones, projectors, etc. If not available can they accommodate these items being brought in? Keep in mind that everyone wants you to have your "Dream Reception". No one wins if there are miscommunications that keep your dream from becoming a reality. Communication is key. Remember, it is a bad reflection on the facility if anyone including the guests leave unhappy. They will not intentionally misrepresent what they can accommodate. Both you and the venue should gather enough information before writing the contract to ensure you are a good "fit" for each other. Salli G Dream Wedding Package and Wedding Consultant 972-233-0976 Weddings are for family, close friends, special relatives, not for casual acquaintances. It is important to know that you are paying for catering by the person. Taking care of the mass of people, choosing the right venue, food, entertainment, flowers, cake, and everything that goes with it, helps to plan the right celebration. Stay in your budget. There are packages out there to fit your needs. A lower budget may have a DJ instead of a band, linens that the venue supplies, menu and cake from the caterer. Get a better photographer and shop the best price on the videographer. Have a friend take the video and a professional to add the music and final touches. Flowers should be seasonal to get the best for your money. Invitations should always be in good taste whether a small or large budget. The invitation is the first thing to go out and sets the pace of the wedding. High end weddings are great - big budgets, big bands, lighting, special linens, 4-course seated dinners, open bar, elaborate flowers, two cakes if desired. No wedding is complete without help. You can not do it yourself. A wedding planner is a necessity not a luxury. They save you time and money. Dallas Arboretum DFW Wedding Ceremony and Reception Site 214-515-6500 When planning your wedding reception... Date and time of day Choose the venue which best suits your dream wedding- big party and/or classic dinner If ceremony and reception are not together select a reception venue close to your ceremony venue Caterer-if you have a choice- this will depend on your venue Number of guests - budget will determine whether you have less people with a more fabulous fare or will you have more guests with a less costly menu Once the above have been determined, entertainment, florist, cake etc...can all be decided on. If you want an amazing design - contact a creative Planner/Production company familiar with the venue selected - this will help you to have less revisions to your plans as they will stay within the rules and regulations set by the venue- it is best to ask your venue contact for recommendations Historic Maple Halls DFW Wedding Ceremony and Reception Site 972-932-0112 First, from an event facility operator's standpoint, I would have to say connecting with your bride is the most important aspect of planning a dream reception. I like to establish a rapport and put myself in the bride's shoes and see the reception from her point of view. This brings me to what I consider the second most important aspect: listening to your bride. Your wedding day is one of the single most important days of your life and every bride wants it to be "perfect". I believe that I must listen to and address every one of the bride's questions. I also make a distinction between each bride or couple that calls or walks in my door. You are all unique and a "cookie cutter" approach to a wedding reception, in my opinion, is not a good method for weddings. The third most important thing I do is to ask plenty of questions. One can't afford to leave anything out on the table as an assumption, not even the tiniest detail. And just as important as the questions, maybe more so, are the answers. Is the vendor hearing what you are asking for? The excitement of having just gotten engaged often times drives the couples out to look for venues before they have even had time to clearly lay out what they want. This is where one's rapport combined with asking the right questions and really listening to the answers can come to fruition in creating an enchanting, elegant, cozy, or formal dream reception for you and your groom. Party Barn DFW Wedding Ceremony and Reception Site 972-442-0511 Tired of facilities nickle and dimming you on food and drink? At The Party Barn we rent you the building with a kitchen, dance floor, tables and chairs and much more. You can even do your own catering. It's your party, do what you want Abbercromby Penthouse Suites DFW Wedding Ceremony, Reception, and Honeymoon Site 940-321-3673 Recipe for a Dream Reception A quick and easy way to have a fantastic event. Turn on the oven by sending out SAVE THE DATE'S to the guest list and this will warm up the excitement. 1 Cup full of great guests with the party poopers drained out. 8 Cups of food that fits the theme. Must not run out. 5 teaspoons of great beverages that will act as baking soda to raise the event. 1 8 -ounce package of decorations to set the mood. 1 Tablespoon of the favorite romantic music of the wedding couple. 6 tablespoon of lively bubbly music to mix the group. 1 hot MC that is funny - not tacky - clever - not corny. 1 bunch of planning some unique toasts that will be talked about forever. 1 video guy and 1 photographer to record the wedding to be enjoyed for years to come. Mix and bake in a neat location 3 to 5 hours. Pull out of oven with Something unique and awesome for the finale that entices the guests to stay to see and be a part of getaway of the wedding couple!! Makes Happy Happy Guests not to mention the Bride and Groom! Photo Courtesy of Reflections on Spring Creek. |
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