First Half-hour: While final pictures are taken of the wedding party, guests start arriving at the reception location, mingling, and getting something to drink. Non-dance music begins.
Second Half-hour to Hour-and-a-half: Guests sign the guest book, pick up their table cards, if any. Hors d'oeuvres are passed. The wedding party arrives and makes their entrance. A receiving line is formed (if there is to be one). Drink service and music continues.
Second Hour: Buffet is announced or guests are seated for sit-down meal. The wedding party is seated and served. Food is served to guests. At the end of the second hour, sparkling cider may be served and music ceases temporarily so the best man may propose the first toast.
Third Hour: Any additional speeches are made. First course is cleared from head table. Bride and groom have their first dance, followed by the dances with the parents and attendants, if desired. Dance music continues, and guests may follow on the dance floor.
Three-and-a-half Hours: Tables are cleared. Guests may mingle or dance. Musicians cease playing for the cake cutting ceremony. The cake is cut and served. Dance music resumes.
Last Half-hour: Bride and groom participate in bouquet and garter toss, if desired. The couple may choose to change into going away clothes at this time, and then rejoin the party. The couple makes their departure and guests see them off with a shower of rice, birdseed, flower petals, or other ceremonial gesture. The music stops, and guests start to leave. Parents and attendants gather personal belongings and gifts before leaving.
Here is Part 2 of a Summer's Most Unconventional Wedding Reception
Supplies: For 6-10 people: -1 picnic basket -1 water pitcher -6 to 10 plates -6 to 10 drinking glasses -Paper napkins, forks -Tablecloth or blanket (blankets for younger guests who may want to sit on the grass)
If reusable plates and glasses are too expensive, use paper! Another way to cut costs is to just buy reusable items for the bridal party and parents' tables/baskets. Remember, though--if the wind picks up, your disposable items will go flying! Tablecloths can vary greatly on price. You may run into a sale and be able to cover each table for $5. Another option is to look for inexpensive fabric--$1.00/yard. Measure the tables before you search!
Talk to your favorite grocery store deli or restaurant about your food needs. This is a great job for your mother-in-law! An experienced grocery shopper may have more success getting a good deal on food!
Menu: For each basket: -Croissant Sandwiches -Potato salad -Fruit salad or watermelon slices
These are ideas, but work with food you like (you'll be eating the leftovers!) and any specials the deli can offer. To make an easier reception, use food that stores at the same temperature. Depending on the facilities at the park and how many volunteers you have, you could also serve chicken and corn on the cob.
To make the plain plastic containers from the deli more exciting--use your computer to make your own label. Bride & Groom's Passion Potato Salad, enjoy on July 31, 2008. Get creative!
Be sure to include serving spoons in the baskets! You can probably scrounge up enough serving spoons from the kitchens of the moms.
Guest's Perspective: Guests will arrive at the park and be directed to a table. Assigned seating is recommended! Picnic baskets and water pitchers will be delivered to each table. Guests will take it from there! You can assign one person at each table to be the "server." He/She will open the basket, hand out the plates, forks, napkins, cups and... food!
The bride and groom can put written instructions inside the basket, announce over the music/sound system, or send pre-designated volunteers to the tables to give any further direction that may be needed.
Guests will be put at ease right away since they get to participate in serving the meal, and they don't have to WAIT in line to eat!
You can include a bottle of wine and an assortment of sodas in the baskets if water is not quenching enough. Iced tea or lemonade, in place of water, is another option. Be sure to have ice water on hand, though, for guests on special diets.
Put a large ziploc bag full of ice at the top of each basket to keep food cool while guests are seated. Ice can be put into the guests' cups to avoid giant bags of water at the end of the day.
Dessert This is the fun part! Pie or ice cream? (Let's face it--your guests are probably sick of wedding cake, and it really doesn't fit on a sunny day.)
Put a whole pie in each basket, along with a knife and plastic serving spatula. These can be homemade pies or purchased from the store. Differing flavors may promote movement amongst the guests. :)
Set up an ice cream bar, manned by the bride and groom. This way everyone will get a chance to say hi to the new couple. Offer different ice cream choices that the bride and groom scoop out into cones when the guests are ready for dessert.
Visiting Guests If ice cream scooping is too much work, the bride and groom can float around to each table while the guests eat.
Guests Mingling By the time the meal is over each table will be feeling like family. Get help from your moms to figure out where to seat everyone. You can place matching relatives together. Bride's Aunt and Uncle and kids with Groom's Aunt and Uncle and kids. Or you can put complementing personalities together. Remember to put at least one friendly, outgoing person at each table!
Estimated Cost and Shopping List If you are unable to stay within this budget for any item, look around! Borrow from moms and sisters. To make mismatched items more cohesive, tie a ribbon that matches the color of your wedding around it!
Supplies>> $340 $100 for 10 Picnic Baskets $ 15 for 10 Water Pitchers $ 75 for 100 Plates (buy on clearance!) $ 75 for 100 Cups/Glasses $ 25 for 200 Napkins (High-end white paper) and 200 Plastic Forks $ 50 for 10 Table Coverings (butcher paper or tablecloths on clearance)
Food>> $460 $ 65 for 150 Croissants (try Costco or Sam's Club) $ 75 for 12.5 pounds of Sliced Meat (assortment of Ham, Roast Beef, Turkey) $ 75 for 12.5 pounds of Sliced Cheese (assortment of Cheddar, Pepperjack, Provolone) $ 10 for 6 heads of lettuce $ 50 for your choice of tomatoes, mayo, mustard, and other favorite sandwich toppings! $ 70 for 7 Gallons of Potato Salad (homemade or deli) $ 35 for 10 Small Watermelons $ 80 for 7 Gallons of Fruit Salad (deli)
Dessert>> $60-95 $ 60 for 10 Pies or $ 65 for 13 Gallons of Ice Cream $ 30 for 9 boxes of Ice Cream Cones (12/box)
Beverages>> $75-150 $ 50-100 for 10-20 Bottles of Wine $ 25-50 for 100-200 Cans of Soda (watch for sales!)
This is a general framework to move you in the right direction for a memorable wedding reception. Put your personality into every piece of the event. This will give your guests something to talk about, and help distant relatives get to know you better! Some guests may even hide your wedding gift in the car, and replace it with a check--once they see what kinds of interests you and your sweetheart really have!
1. DON'T create a wedding for others at the expense of your personal desires and responsibilities. A wedding is an event intended to bring people together -- families, friends, the community of people around you. But more than anything else, it is about uniting two people together for life. As you begin planning your wedding, try to focus on creating the kind of celebration you want, not the one you think other people will expect you to have. Yes, it's important to consider other people's feelings. Yes, symbolic gestures -- such as carrying the same kind of flowers as your mother carried, or using your fiancé's grandparents' cake topper on your cake -- will please others. But don't make choices to please others if they will make you unhappy, and don't spend more than you can afford just to "keep up with the Joneses."
2. DON'T invite people just because you think you have to. The simple truth of wedding budgeting is that each additional guest means an increase in cost. If you have a specific budget limit (and most people do), you reduce your ability to spend on other items each time you increase the headcount. More guests mean fewer flowers, a less extravagant menu. Invite those who you care about most and who are truly involved in your life. On your wedding day, you want to be surrounded by familiar, loving smiles -- not people you barely recognize.
3. DON'T be late. This rule applies to the bride, the groom, and everyone else involved in the wedding. Try to start your wedding on time. If you don't, everything will run behind schedule, and that can create real problems at your reception location, especially if there is another event scheduled following yours. If locations or service people (waiters, bartenders, musicians, etc.) end up working later than originally scheduled, you may find unpleasant overtime charges added to your final bill. If you must delay the start of your ceremony -- perhaps because guests are still arriving -- do so by no more than 10 minutes.
4. DON'T worry about things going wrong. There's no point in panicking the morning of the wedding. Minor problems will probably occur and no one will really even notice; if a big problem is looming, there's probably little that can be done about it at this point. So why worry? Let others take care of the final details. Relax, smile, and enjoy your special day.
5. DON'T tune out. Some brides are so overwhelmed by wedding anxiety that they turn to over-the-counter sedatives, prescription tranquilizers, or alcohol to calm nerves on the big day. And then they have to wait and watch the wedding video in order to find out what happened. Resist the temptation to medicate yourself through the nerve-wracking final hours. You'll want to remember this day.
6. DON'T include things that don't matter to you. While observing wedding traditions can create a sense of continuity and community at a wedding celebration, they aren't essential. You don't have to have a flowergirl and ringbearer if you don't want to -- or even adult attendants. Maybe you're a grown-up bride who finds the garter toss ritual embarrassing; if so, skip it. There's no law that says you can't walk yourself down the aisle and give yourself away. Although you should be careful about tampering with religious rituals, feel free to create your own traditions.
7. DON'T forget to eat. Famished, fainting brides and grooms are a bigger problem than you might imagine. Considering skipping breakfast so you can look svelte in your wedding attire? Don't. It may be your last meal of the day, and you'll need the energy. If jitters have your stomach in a knot, try to eat a few saltines. As the minutes tick down to showtime, you probably won't have a chance to grab a bite to eat. Many couples are so busy visiting with guests at the reception that they barely get a bite of their own reception menu. Not eating can make you cranky at the least; and cause you to faint at the worst. In a recent survey, 36% of all honeymooners said the first thing they did when they got to their suite after the wedding was… order room service. Eat a meal before the wedding, and try to eat at the reception too.
8. DON'T spend too much time with any particular guest. It may be difficult, but you should make it your goal to spend at least a few minutes visiting with each of your wedding guests. The only way you're going to make it through the crowd and still do all the other things you're supposed to do (have your first dance, toasts, dinner, and cut the cake) is if you push yourself to be brief with each guest. You can always circle back later and spend some extra time with your favorite people.
9. DON'T let guests drink and drive. Should you choose to have an open bar or serve alcohol to guests that are not LDS, be sure you do not let anyone drive that has been drinking. Ask whomever is acting as bar tender to keep an eye on those who drink. You don't want your special day ruined by tragedy.
10. DON'T forget what it's really all about. Your wedding day will pass quickly. All the months of planning will be realized in just a few short hours. Guests will "ooh and aah" over your beautiful gown; they'll marvel at the lovely flowers; they'll enjoy the delicious reception menu you organized so carefully. But, ultimately, all those things are just a part of the party. A wedding is the celebration of something much more important: the decision two people make to join together and live their lives as one. Amidst the fanfare of your wedding day, try to remember to take a moment or two and gaze across the crowd. Find the face of your new spouse. Watch him or her as they enjoy the day. Share a smile between the two of you, and commit yourself to finding a way, each and every day, to bring those smiles back to your faces.
April Haywood of Candlelight & Roses is a successful professional florist based in the Reno-Tahoe area. Her creativity, unique design, and budget-friendly prices make her a top choice when selecting a wedding florist.
Q.What tips would you give to brides and grooms to make their wedding day run more smoothly?
"The first step to a less stressful wedding is to relax. There will be hick ups in every event but things will go much smoother if the emphasis is on the love and commitment and not on what "could" go wrong."
Q. How should a bride plan her time line in regards to the flowers that will be delivered?
"We usually deliver 2 hours prior to the ceremony to allow for some pre-wedding pictures. The key is to have the flowers arrive early enough to get all the guys flowers pinned on prior to the photographer being ready for pictures."
Q. How can a bride and groom maximize their time spent with a florist?
"When I meet with couples to pick out their flowers, I find that it is easier for them to just let the professional lead them through the meeting. There is always a beginning, middle and end but a newly engaged couple would not know in which order this should go. They should trust their professional florist to help guide them through the process because we have been helping couples for years and know what will be easier on them."
Q. How long have you been in the floral business?
"I have been doing flowers since I was in high school over 15 years ago. I have been specializing in wedding flowers for over 12 of those years."
Q. What options are available for wedding day and dress rehearsal floral selections?
"We don't commonly provide flowers for dress rehearsals due to the additional costs. It simply isn't something that is usually requested."
Q. How should couples choose a florist?
"Most people choose their florist by price but this is a mistake. There should be an interview process. Couples should pay special attention to the way the florist presents themselves. How much floral knowledge they have, advice offered, professionalism. They always want to make sure they are choosing a florist that specializes in weddings. It takes special skills and knowledge to be successful in the wedding floral industry. Ask other wedding vendors if they have worked with this particular florist and what their opinion is. A referred florist is being referred for a reason."
Q. What sets you apart from other florists?
"I feel that we have a reputation to be proud of. We work very hard for our clients and our business ethics are surpassed by none. We have a unique style, high quality product and we strive to be on top of the latest trends and colors. Weddings are our business and we love what we do. It is a business but it is also a passion."
Q.What tips would you give to brides and grooms to make their wedding day run more smoothly?
"I think that one of the most important pieces to making your wedding day run smoothly is to have a defined timeline. Let your photographer have that timeline so that he/she knows what is happening, where it is happening & at what time. Make sure you allot at least 30 minutes for family photographs & an hour for bride & groom photographs. This will give the photographer ample time for formal photographs without being rushed! Another way to make your wedding day run smoothly is to relax, kick off your shoes & have a blast! Your wedding is a fabulous party where all your guests are celebrating YOU!" Q. How can a bride and groom maximize their time spent with a photographer?
"To get the most "bang for your buck," I always suggest to my clients that they opt for a "First Look," a time when they bride & groom see each other before the wedding ceremony begins. This way they can have a few intimate moments together before their ceremony, as well as have some extra time for more photographs. I've written an article about it HERE."
Q. How long have you been in the photography business?
"Four years. I started out working in a high end residential real estate company doing photography. I began to slowly begin taking photographs of all my friends, all my friends babies, and basically anything I could photograph. It turned into a full-time obsession. I eventually started photographing weddings & feel so blessed to have found a career doing something that I have always been very artistic & this has been a way for me to express who I am, a way for me to be an artist. I love more than anything-being with people & capturing their joy! There is no doubt in my mind that I just might have the best job on the planet!"
Q. How should and bride and groom dress for an Engagement Session?
"I think the way you dress for your engagement session should be a reflection of who YOU are. If you are an ultra fabulous fashionable couple who loves nothing more than getting dolled up for a night on the town, then break out your suit & little black dress & wear them! If you are the kind of couple who feels right at home in your comfy jeans on a ranch, then strap on your wranglers, sexy cowboy boots & let's go! If you are a fun & funky couple who loves vintage store shopping & VW love bugs, grab your sundress & faded jeans & get ready for an awesome shoot.
Can't decide what to wear? Most couples bring two changes of clothes & begin their session in casual clothes, then change it up a bit & wear something more fancy. Don't forget to accessorize, accessorize. A fabulous necklace (or three!), belt or amazing pair of shoes will always photograph well. Having your makeup professionally done will always make you look extra fab. Fake eyelashes? You betcha. I advise couples to not be too "matchy-matchy." Don't be afraid to think outside of the box, bust out some bold colors & wear items that make you feel gorgeous.
Basically I just want to showcase people in love BEING THEMSELVES. I want you to be comfortable, look fabulous & to most of all: HAVE FUN!"
Q.How should couples choose a photographer? "I feel like there are two important pieces to finding "the perfect" photographer for you.
1. Find someone who you like as a person. It sounds silly, but it is such an important part of the puzzle. You will be spending more time with your photographer than you will with your florist, your caterers, your officiant, and maybe even your bridesmaids! Your wedding photographer will be there for the entire day, documenting the story of your wedding. That's why it's important to find someone you click with, someone who you enjoy being around because they will be with you for a huge chunk of your day."
2. "Find a photographer whose photographic style speaks to you. Take a look at the photographer's website & their blog which usually showcases their more recent work. Look for a photographer whose photographs you would want hanging on your wall. It's so important to find someone whose style you like from the beginning instead of asking a photographer if they can "do" a certain style of photography. Every photographer has their own style & it's your job to find the photographer whose style you love."
Q. What sets you apart from other photographers?
"The thing that sets me apart from other photographers is that I want your experience to be fun! I want you to look at your wedding photographs & smile because they capture the joy, the laughter & the emotion from your wedding. I love watching couples interact with each other- laughing & just being in love. I love documenting each & every single part of your wedding day-from your gorgeous shoes that you spent months trying to find, to the vintage hankie that you walked down the aisle with, to the laughter & joy that will come during your wedding day. Each part of your wedding is important & I try to document each & every single part of it. I try to stray from posed, stiff photographs. I want the photographs to be a reflection of you as a couple, that will be timeless in the years to come."
She can be a sister or oldest and most loyal friend. She is the one who knows when to tell you what you want to hear, but, tactful enough to be brutally honest. The main duties of the MOH is to plan the shower & the bachelorette party. She is,also responsible for keeping the Bridesmaids' activities running smoothly. She may be asked to make a toast, both at the rehearsal dinner and the reception. She is your main go-to person for motivation/moral support. She serves as your witness at the signing of the marriage license.
Best Man
He is your Groom's brother or best and most loyal friend who will not party too hard after the rehearsal dinner- or the bachelor's party. In some parts of the country it is customary for the groom to choose his father to serve as his best man. The best man takes care of all bachelor events while providing support to the Groom. He is the Groom's main go-to man for motivation/moral support. He is responsible for getting the wedding rings to the chapel. He kicks off the toasts at both the rehearsal dinner and the reception. He is the second witness to the signing of the marriage license.
Bridesmaids
Negative, needy, drama-queens need not apply! Bridesmaids are fun friends who will still be in your life long after the dress. Bridesmaids will participate in all of the pre-wedding events. They are also required to dance 'The Macarana' at the reception, wear those 5" stilettos {with a smile}, run errands, attend tastings, site visits, bridal parties or other important or pertinent bridal meetings. These beauties are often escorted down the aisle on the arms of your Groomsmen, during the ceremony. Out of town bridesmaids can get a pass on most parties, but, they still must send a gift for the shower. They are not!:whipping posts, battering rams or emotionally void robots. That being said, remember that, foremost, they are your friends{no lecture intended}.
Groomsmen
This handsome posse is often comprised of old friends, cousins and, both, the Bride and Groom's brothers. These gentlemen can assist with seating invited guests during the ceremony, act as ushers at a very large weddings, run small pre-wedding errands on the wedding day and most popularly, escort your Bridesmaids down the aisle during the ceremony.
Flower Girl
This adorable little girl is usually between the ages of three and six years of age. Other than to look cute, her major role is to scatter all of those beautiful flowers along the aisle just before your grand entrance. If it makes her more comfortable, she can perform this duty with the Ring Bearer by her side. Word of caution:: as cute and adorable as this age group can be, remember that, their behavior can be both unpredictable and not easily directed. The most engaging child can suffer a bad case of stage fright when placed before one hundred strangers.
Ring Bearer
Criteria for the job: a boy who is young enough to wear knickers, saddle shoes and long knee socks. He is responsible for getting the 'ring' down the aisle. Also, if he or your precious Flower Girl are stage shy, he can perform his promenade down the aisle in her company.
So there you have it...YOUR PEOPLE!! and remember...don't let them see you sweat!
Wedding Reception Timeline In A Nutshell
