I have a love of entertaining. Just ask my husband- the poor guy says "let's invite some friends over for dinner", and before he knows it, we have a 50 person party complete with food, decorations, and music. I just can't help myself- I go to the store and I find myself in the dish and platter section scheming up a new dinner party idea, or I'll pour over recipes for the next meal to try out on my guinea pig friends (they don't know they're my guinea pigs :)
I have, however, had to find some organization in the midst of the chaos for throwing parties- both for my husband's sanity and for our budget. Here are some ideas I've implemented that keep my wallet in check and my parties happy:
1) Create a collection of all-occasion platters, dishes, and display pieces.
While I have a love for the newest colorful trendy items out there as much as the next gal, it's just not cost effective to buy a whole new set of dishes for each party you throw. Instead, I collect white ceramic dishes and platters- you can dress them up and dress them down as much as you need to. I'll occasionally throw in some clear or silver pieces depending on the occasion.
I also don't buy my platters at full retail cost- I go to places like TJ Maxx and mix and match my white ceramics.
2) Use items you already have for decor
Unless you have unlimited space and money, I find it's much more realistic to just use what you have, and supplement. I always keep a big, bulk bag of tea lights on hand, and I have several shapes and sizes of votives and other candlle holders on hand. These candles serve as normal house decorations until party day, when they are decorated or placed in different areas for party decor.
Add some fresh flowers for a centerpiece and throw in a new scent refill for your Glade and you're good to go.
3) Make the dish simple, and choose one that doesn't keep you in the kitchen the whole time.
Do not use your friends as guinea pigs. I use mine as guinea pigs, but I do so at my own risk (and I have really good friends that will keep coming even after I serve a possibly horrid meal). Instead, save the experimentations for you and your hubby or fiance (unconditional love, right?), and you'll save yourself a lot of heartache on party day. Besides, a party is meant to be fun and to be an opportunity to visit with your friends. If you're stuck in the kitchen the entire time, it's not much fun for anyone.
4) Offer only 1 or 2 beverage options
Unless you're purposely offering a full bar, offering wine and beer will be just fine.
These are just some of the tricks I use for throwing parties. It keeps things simple, and your parties fun.
-Brandi
Bel Canto Designs on Etsy
Mari Palmer emailed me about her Etsy shop, and I'm so glad she did. If you're a bride looking for authentic vintage jewelry, haircombs, or other gorgeous baubles for your wedding, look no further.
BelCanto Designs uses authentic, well restored vintage pieces (Read: no "new vintage" reproductions), primarily from the 1930's-1950's. Look at these beauties:
To read more about Bel Canto Designs or to place an order (Mari will also take custom orders), be sure to check out her Etsy shop. You can also see more of her pieces on her blog.
{All photos courtesy Mari Palmer and Bel Canto Designs}
BelCanto Designs uses authentic, well restored vintage pieces (Read: no "new vintage" reproductions), primarily from the 1930's-1950's. Look at these beauties:
To read more about Bel Canto Designs or to place an order (Mari will also take custom orders), be sure to check out her Etsy shop. You can also see more of her pieces on her blog.
{All photos courtesy Mari Palmer and Bel Canto Designs}
Real Wedding: Meet Margot and Dave
I first met with Margot back in December 2007, about two weeks after she and Dave had gotten engaged. I left our consultation excited and inspired, after all, Margot and Dave have quite possibly the sweetest story of how they came to be. The couple met on E Harmony, and after reading each other's profiles, they realized that they were both working at the same company- they just had never crossed paths! How sweet is that? I keep telling Margot that they need to apply to be on the E Harmony commercials :)
Their wedding, like their story had to be phenomenal, so we got to planning right away. The biggest obstacle? Finding transportation for all 300 of her guests on the wedding day, as the majority of the guest list was coming from out of town.
After 9 months of planning and preparing, I think we can both sit back and say that the wedding was a gorgeous success:
Margot's gorgeous dress was a Romona Keveza with a custom sash and flower. She wore a Mantilla style veil that featured the same style of lace as her gown.
Congratulations Dave and Margot! Here's to many happy years to come!
{All photos courtesy Tana Photography }
{Wish List} Wednesday: Smock Letterpress Invitations
If you have a paper fetish like me, you will find yourself dancing around in awe as you look at these gorgeous invitations by Smock. Letterpress printing is beautiful by itself, but Smock has taken the beauty even further by printing their invitations on bamboo paper, rather than a cotton paper. The bamboo Smock uses is harvested in Thailand and is free of pesticides or fertilizers. So if you're looking for a beautiful, eco-friendly invitation look no further. You can read more about Smock and check out their blog here.
Smock even offers greeting cards for your everyday occasions:
{Source}: smockpaper.com (all photos)
Smock even offers greeting cards for your everyday occasions:
{Source}: smockpaper.com (all photos)
DIY Contest At Vintage Glam Weddings
Vintage Glam is hosting a DIY contest for all you crafty souls out there. Amanda is opening the contest to anyone- brides, newlyweds, and bloggers. The winner will receive a $200.00 gift certificate to Wedding Paper Divas.
Deadline for entries is March 23rd, and must be wedding related somehow. Read more about contest rules and how to enter here. Good luck everyone!
Oscar Looks For Your Wedding- Part II
As a follow up to incorporating Oscar fashion into your wedding day look, here are some examples of ways you can borrow a particular style or element you like from other fashion sources like these Red Carpet looks:
Romantic and modern, flowy fabrics, defined waist. Accessorized bodices such as ribbons, belts, and sashes.
Geometric and distinctive, with a soft effect.
Dramatic details and form fitting lines.
Draped fabrics, Grecian asthetics.
{Sources}:
Montage 1 (Left to Right, Top to Bottom)-
Sposa By St. Pucci, via The Knot
Platinum Collection by Priscilla of Boston, via The Knot
Demetrios-Blue via The Knot
Platinum Collection by Priscilla of Boston, via The Knot
Montage 2 (Left to Right)-
Gracia style by Christos via The Knot
Carolina Herrera via Brides.com
Landa Designs via The Knot
Montage 3 (Left to Right)
Bellissima Couture via The Knot
Angel Sanchez via Brides.com
Montage 4 (Left to Right)
Maggie Sottero via aisledash.com
Ulla Maija via Brides.com
Romantic and modern, flowy fabrics, defined waist. Accessorized bodices such as ribbons, belts, and sashes.
Geometric and distinctive, with a soft effect.
Dramatic details and form fitting lines.
Draped fabrics, Grecian asthetics.
{Sources}:
Montage 1 (Left to Right, Top to Bottom)-
Sposa By St. Pucci, via The Knot
Platinum Collection by Priscilla of Boston, via The Knot
Demetrios-Blue via The Knot
Platinum Collection by Priscilla of Boston, via The Knot
Montage 2 (Left to Right)-
Gracia style by Christos via The Knot
Carolina Herrera via Brides.com
Landa Designs via The Knot
Montage 3 (Left to Right)
Bellissima Couture via The Knot
Angel Sanchez via Brides.com
Montage 4 (Left to Right)
Maggie Sottero via aisledash.com
Ulla Maija via Brides.com
Incorporating Oscar Fashion into Your Wedding
If you're still looking for your wedding day fashion, why not look to the gorgeous fashions from the Oscars? The dresses at the show this year ranged from dreamy to dramatic- and depending on the look you're going for on your wedding day, you too can range from dreamy to dramatic.
Dreamy:
If you're looking for something a little more romantic yet not too girly, try a look like Penelope's.
Another dreamy look, just a little more bold:
This style was very popular at the Oscars this year. The dramatic, cinched waist pays homage to the victorian era, while the flowing full skirt and belt brings a more modern feel to the look:
Another belted version, close to Jessica's dress above:
Grecian:
Maybe you prefer a flowy look with fabric not too structured. Try something like Nancy:
Geometric & Modern
Maybe you're looking for a cross between the modern girl you are with your inner romanticist. Miley had a perfect number for this:
Finally, if you'll settle for nothing less than bold and making a statement, this style is beautiful:
Stay tuned for a follow up post today for more on incorporating Oscar fashion into your wedding....
Dreamy:
If you're looking for something a little more romantic yet not too girly, try a look like Penelope's.
Another dreamy look, just a little more bold:
This style was very popular at the Oscars this year. The dramatic, cinched waist pays homage to the victorian era, while the flowing full skirt and belt brings a more modern feel to the look:
Another belted version, close to Jessica's dress above:
Grecian:
Maybe you prefer a flowy look with fabric not too structured. Try something like Nancy:
Geometric & Modern
Maybe you're looking for a cross between the modern girl you are with your inner romanticist. Miley had a perfect number for this:
Finally, if you'll settle for nothing less than bold and making a statement, this style is beautiful:
Stay tuned for a follow up post today for more on incorporating Oscar fashion into your wedding....
Choosing the Style of Meal
So many decisions will go into planning your reception- after all this is the party "they" are referring to when you hear that it's 'The Biggest Party of Your Life'. One of the bigger decisions will be the menu, and how you will serve it. When I meet with a bride, I always ask questions that go beyond just how they want their reception to look- I want to get a picture of the feeling they're after. Are you picturing coziness with lots of mingling? Or maybe you've got your heart on the grandest of White Tie affairs. The dinner portion of your reception will take up a good hour or more of your reception, so you'll want to be sure to match the style of meal to the style of reception you're after.
Family Style
This is a growing trend, and it's a fresh take the buffet style dinner. Instead of having your guests wait in a line with their plates to grab their food, your caterer will place the food in the center of each guest table. This style of meal encourages your guests to chat with one another since they will be passing dishes. If you have a large guest count, a family style meal will cut down on line and wait time, thus lowering the amount of time you have to allot for dinner. If you are planning a semi-formal to more casual event, this is a great option.
Cons: because the entire meal is placed in the center of the table, you will have to cut down considerably on the amount of items on the table- centerpieces, favors, etc.
Heavy Hors D'oeuvres
Many caterers and brides alike consider a buffet with heavy hors d'oeuvres a great meal option, and it's especially popular here in Idaho. While this is a buffet style meal, it's a popular option because you're able to offer a wide variety of food, with the cost being comparable to a single entree meal option. This style of meal is good for a semi-formal event, and is fine to serve right at normal dinner hours. Just be sure to pick out true heavy hors d'oeuvres- filling items like sandwiches, quiches, meat kabobs, etc., as your guests will likely eat and drink the same as they would at an event hosting a full meal.
Cons: Many brides automatically choose heavy hors because they think it will cost less. Because your caterer will naturally have to gross up the amount of food by about 10% (no one follows the "two per person rule". Trust me. It's just a good formula to get a base calculation of the amount of food you're looking at), and you'll have to provide enough of a variety to fill your guests up, the cost will almost always be the same, if not more, than a full entree meal.
Plated
The plated meal is best for the formal evening wedding. Your guests will likely have assigned seating, and each course of meal will be passed by servers. Other variations on the plated meal would be to have the salad and bread course already placed by the time your guests are seated, or if you're opposed to having full separate courses, servers can bring plates with small portions of the full meal to your guests.
Cons: While not really a con, more of a reminder that you'll have to allot much more time for the dinner portion of your timeline to allow adequate time for your guests to finish each course and for the passing and removal of plates in between those courses.
Light Hors D'oeuvres or Dessert Style
The least formal style of meal options, the light hors and dessert receptions are best offered at times other than the normal dinner (or lunch) hours. A dessert reception is great if you're planning a later wedding and reception, say 8 o'clock. The light hors option is great for either a later party or even a day-time wedding. In either case, choose times other than 4-6 pm (normal dinner hours) or 12-2 pm (normal lunch hours). No matter what, I think it's always a good idea to mention the meal style in your invitations: "Light snacks and beverages to follow" or "Desserts and Champagne to follow" are good ways to make sure your guests don't show up starving.
These are just some of the options you can consider when planning your reception meal. What other ideas have you (or your caterer) come up with? If your wedding has already passed, what did you like or didn't like about the style of meal you chose?
Family Style
This is a growing trend, and it's a fresh take the buffet style dinner. Instead of having your guests wait in a line with their plates to grab their food, your caterer will place the food in the center of each guest table. This style of meal encourages your guests to chat with one another since they will be passing dishes. If you have a large guest count, a family style meal will cut down on line and wait time, thus lowering the amount of time you have to allot for dinner. If you are planning a semi-formal to more casual event, this is a great option.
Cons: because the entire meal is placed in the center of the table, you will have to cut down considerably on the amount of items on the table- centerpieces, favors, etc.
Heavy Hors D'oeuvres
Many caterers and brides alike consider a buffet with heavy hors d'oeuvres a great meal option, and it's especially popular here in Idaho. While this is a buffet style meal, it's a popular option because you're able to offer a wide variety of food, with the cost being comparable to a single entree meal option. This style of meal is good for a semi-formal event, and is fine to serve right at normal dinner hours. Just be sure to pick out true heavy hors d'oeuvres- filling items like sandwiches, quiches, meat kabobs, etc., as your guests will likely eat and drink the same as they would at an event hosting a full meal.
Cons: Many brides automatically choose heavy hors because they think it will cost less. Because your caterer will naturally have to gross up the amount of food by about 10% (no one follows the "two per person rule". Trust me. It's just a good formula to get a base calculation of the amount of food you're looking at), and you'll have to provide enough of a variety to fill your guests up, the cost will almost always be the same, if not more, than a full entree meal.
Plated
The plated meal is best for the formal evening wedding. Your guests will likely have assigned seating, and each course of meal will be passed by servers. Other variations on the plated meal would be to have the salad and bread course already placed by the time your guests are seated, or if you're opposed to having full separate courses, servers can bring plates with small portions of the full meal to your guests.
Cons: While not really a con, more of a reminder that you'll have to allot much more time for the dinner portion of your timeline to allow adequate time for your guests to finish each course and for the passing and removal of plates in between those courses.
Light Hors D'oeuvres or Dessert Style
The least formal style of meal options, the light hors and dessert receptions are best offered at times other than the normal dinner (or lunch) hours. A dessert reception is great if you're planning a later wedding and reception, say 8 o'clock. The light hors option is great for either a later party or even a day-time wedding. In either case, choose times other than 4-6 pm (normal dinner hours) or 12-2 pm (normal lunch hours). No matter what, I think it's always a good idea to mention the meal style in your invitations: "Light snacks and beverages to follow" or "Desserts and Champagne to follow" are good ways to make sure your guests don't show up starving.
These are just some of the options you can consider when planning your reception meal. What other ideas have you (or your caterer) come up with? If your wedding has already passed, what did you like or didn't like about the style of meal you chose?
{Wish List} Wednesday- Winnie Couture
With Spring approaching, it had me thinking about springy weddings, and I came across this beauty:
Featured in Winnie Couture's Diamond Label collection, this dress is the epitome of dreamy. Whether you'll be having a romantic garden wedding or a dressed to the nines ballroom affair, this dress would be a beautiful complement.
View more of Winnie's collections, and even pictures of real brides here.
{Photo: Winnie Couture via The Knot}
Featured in Winnie Couture's Diamond Label collection, this dress is the epitome of dreamy. Whether you'll be having a romantic garden wedding or a dressed to the nines ballroom affair, this dress would be a beautiful complement.
View more of Winnie's collections, and even pictures of real brides here.
{Photo: Winnie Couture via The Knot}
{Etiquette Q&A} The Encore Bride
Many wonder whether it's appropriate for a second-time or an older bride to have a Bridal Shower. The answer: Yes! The dynamics of the shower just may be need to be a little different than a traditional shower, however.
In both cases, the bride most likely has most of her necessities (cookware, linens, etc.), so you may need to get creative as to what type of shower you have. Consider any hobbies or activities the bride enjoys, such as gardening (gift the bride gardening tools, reading materials, seeds, flower pots, etc.) or reading (gift the bride books to add to her collection). Or consider hosting an activity shower: entertainment (everyone attends a play or show, with lunch after), or a spa party. Another idea? Just "shower" the bride with attention and good company. Host a luncheon complete with a spread of hors, crumpets, and beverages of your choice. Include good music and good friends and mingle the afternoon away.
What are some non-traditional shower themes you've seen or attended?
In both cases, the bride most likely has most of her necessities (cookware, linens, etc.), so you may need to get creative as to what type of shower you have. Consider any hobbies or activities the bride enjoys, such as gardening (gift the bride gardening tools, reading materials, seeds, flower pots, etc.) or reading (gift the bride books to add to her collection). Or consider hosting an activity shower: entertainment (everyone attends a play or show, with lunch after), or a spa party. Another idea? Just "shower" the bride with attention and good company. Host a luncheon complete with a spread of hors, crumpets, and beverages of your choice. Include good music and good friends and mingle the afternoon away.
What are some non-traditional shower themes you've seen or attended?
{Wish List} Wednesday
When I was a bride, I could find myself looking at all sorts of special event-related goods and paraphenalia. Nevermind that most of the time, these were items that I a) could never dream of affording or b) just would not work with my wedding day vision. But I still looked at them in awe. And what bride doesn't want to look at as many real weddings, magazines, websites, galleries, couture dresses, etc. ? Even if they don't fit into your particular wedding, all of this daydreaming and window shopping really shapes the outcome of the vision of your wedding. So with this in mind, I thought it would be fun to have a Wish List Wednesday- a featured day of decor, fashion, cakes...anything that is spectacular, really. A perfect way to get ideas and be inspired...without having to get out of your pajamas.
To kick things off, why not have a seat.......
To kick things off, why not have a seat.......
In a seat as light as air.....The Louis Ghost Chair by FormDecor Inc. Who needs a sash when you've got something so beautiful to show off? Imagine a room full of these gems:
Or in your hip, cocktail lounge setting you've been dreaming up:
Sweet Tags for Every Occasion
Every Jot and Tittle's Etsy Shop is fabulous. I'm always looking for new and unique ideas, and Etsy always has something. Thanks to reading {Frolic}'s post, we have now been directed to a place in which you will, like me, be able to feed your inner paper diva addiction.
These tags would be great for favors, thank you gifts, and the shop even features tiny invitations.
And I personally love these place cards.....perfect addition to your weekend dinner Soiree:
And if you decide you can't find the right tag or label, you can even request a custom order should you not see something that fits your party. Beautiful!
Handmade Perfumes
Looking for a new and unique gift idea for your bridesmaids? Picking out a handmade scent that suits each of your girls is sure to please (and be much more appreciated than the pink initialed tissue packets you were looking at. Very cute, but this is guaranteed to go over much better.)
I found this post off of Wiley Valentine's Blog, and just had to share. Sweet Anthem, by Meredith Tucker, features all natural, alcohol-free (read: even your most sensitive gals will be able to wear this!), handmade scents. Pick out your perfect scent from the collection, or make your own.
You can even choose a travel size before you commit to the larger 5 ml bottle. Choose from categories such as Earthy and Spicy, Feminine, Floral, Masculine, and the like. This is brilliant.
So if you're stumped for ideas for you girls, this is not only a unique & personalized idea, but a very economical one, as even the largest bottles are only about $10. See? You can be classy and sassy on a dime!
{Photo Sources: #1 via Wiley Valentine, #2 Sweet Anthem Website}
Getting What You Want Out Of Your Vendors: The Wedding Planner
You didn't think I would leave out yours truly did you? Though I (and I would imagine every other wedding planner out there) consider myself to be pretty good at what I do, I still do not consider myself a mind reader.
Tell Me Everything..I Mean Everything.
Just because a detail is small or miniscule, please don't assume I won't need to know about it. You've hired me to effectively manage your event, which in turn means I need to know your event inside and out, up and down. Maybe you've contacted the pastry chef to change the swirls on your cake to dots...seems simple enough, but what if the cake shows up on wedding day with swirls? I need to know everything.
You've Hired Me, Please Trust Me
Chances are you've hired a wedding planner to a) cut down on stress b) because you're working a full time job or c) need help to pull together and organize your ideas and plans for your big day. We {wedding planners} are also normally contracted to maximize your bottom line, and to also save you precious time. If you can't trust me to execute your plans like you desire, I do hope you decide to hire another wedding planner- because why spend the money if you don't feel like you can let go of the control (And I don't say this to sound mean or harsh. I say this because I really am sad when a bride drives herself nuts by following up everything the wedding planner does. This situation really means that maybe that particular wedding planner was not for you...)?
Understand Your Services
When a bride asks for a proposal, we itemize everything, because we feel that you should know exactly what you are paying for. But even in a situation where you've chosen packaged services, please take the time to make sure you understand exactly what's included. That way there are no surprises leading up to the wedding day.
Just remember- when you're hiring your wedding planner, above all make sure the relationship is not forced. Make sure you feel comfortable with putting your ideas and plans in the wedding planner's hands- that is what we're here for!
Tell Me Everything..I Mean Everything.
Just because a detail is small or miniscule, please don't assume I won't need to know about it. You've hired me to effectively manage your event, which in turn means I need to know your event inside and out, up and down. Maybe you've contacted the pastry chef to change the swirls on your cake to dots...seems simple enough, but what if the cake shows up on wedding day with swirls? I need to know everything.
You've Hired Me, Please Trust Me
Chances are you've hired a wedding planner to a) cut down on stress b) because you're working a full time job or c) need help to pull together and organize your ideas and plans for your big day. We {wedding planners} are also normally contracted to maximize your bottom line, and to also save you precious time. If you can't trust me to execute your plans like you desire, I do hope you decide to hire another wedding planner- because why spend the money if you don't feel like you can let go of the control (And I don't say this to sound mean or harsh. I say this because I really am sad when a bride drives herself nuts by following up everything the wedding planner does. This situation really means that maybe that particular wedding planner was not for you...)?
Understand Your Services
When a bride asks for a proposal, we itemize everything, because we feel that you should know exactly what you are paying for. But even in a situation where you've chosen packaged services, please take the time to make sure you understand exactly what's included. That way there are no surprises leading up to the wedding day.
Just remember- when you're hiring your wedding planner, above all make sure the relationship is not forced. Make sure you feel comfortable with putting your ideas and plans in the wedding planner's hands- that is what we're here for!
A Great Follow-up.....
I just wanted to follow up to this previous post. Monica Gill has written a fabulous post that elaborates a little bit to my earlier point. Thanks Monica for explaining it so beautifully.
Pick Your Price Level
The economy is rough. Everyone is feeling the pinch. And it's understandable to want to get the most bang for your buck now, especially with planning your wedding. But do not cut corners to cut your costs. Remember that your vendors are priced, among other things, according to experience & expertise. Just because a vendor is priced lower does not necessarily mean you are getting the most bang for your buck. In fact, you won't know until your wedding day rolls around...that's a big chance to take.
And while we're on the subject of pricing, just because your wedding will have only 75 guests, or is taking place in only 3 weeks, does not mean a discount is deserved. We will work just as hard on your 75 person wedding, and possibly even harder on your wedding happening in 3 weeks as we would on a 200 person wedding happening in months time.
Dear brides, be picky- you deserve to be so. But also open your mind and eyes to the big picture. Really look at what you're getting for the price.
And while we're on the subject of pricing, just because your wedding will have only 75 guests, or is taking place in only 3 weeks, does not mean a discount is deserved. We will work just as hard on your 75 person wedding, and possibly even harder on your wedding happening in 3 weeks as we would on a 200 person wedding happening in months time.
Dear brides, be picky- you deserve to be so. But also open your mind and eyes to the big picture. Really look at what you're getting for the price.
Sweet Valentine's
Valentine's day is approaching, and if your man hasn't made reservations yet, you'll either a) not be going out for dinner or b) you'll be having dinner at about midnight.
So if you're in this predicament, or even if you're not, why not stay in and indulge? This super cute Fondue For Two set is sure to cap off the evening, in the stylish never-settle-for-less way you do things.
Getting What You Want From Your Vendors: The Bar
Not always considered a separate "vendor" (especially if the bar & bartender is included with your venue contract), brides often overlook the fact that the bar and the events surrounding it can have a memorable impact on the outcome of your party.
How Many Bartenders Will Be Provided For My Event?
A good rule of thumb to follow is a 1-75 or a 1-100 bartender-guest ratio. Why the difference in ratios? It all depends on the logistics and dynamics of your party. If you'll be offering a full service bar, mixing drinks and cocktails will take longer than serving only beer, wine and soft drinks. In this instance, you or your vendor may consider providing more than one bartender. Another logistical issue to take into account is whether your ceremony and reception/cocktail hour will be held in separate locations or in the same building. This will determine whether all of your guests will arrive at once (i.e., your ceremony was in another room but in the same building- so all of your guests will walk into the reception area pretty much at once), or whether they will trickle in (they are all driving from the first location, therefore their arrival times will be staggered). If you know your guests will all arrive and head to the bar at once, you'll definitely want to provide more than one bartender to cut down on lines and wait times.
How Will Tips Be Handled?
This is an issue I have confronted many times. And the etiquette question still remains in the air: is it faux pas to have a tip jar out at a wedding reception, especially one that has a hosted bar? If you ask me (and Emily Post, for that matter), it is always a no-no. I believe that if you're inviting a guest to a wedding they should not be required to pay for anything (and if you can't afford to pay for their drinks you should have paired down your guest list. That's another post though). I can't tell you how many times I've had to ask a bartender to remove the tip jar from the bar. They always tell me the guests aren't required to tip, only if they want to. I tell them it's tacky to even make them think twice about giving a tip. Anyways, I have so many stories to tell about this one- if you have time and a glass of wine, we'll go over them- otherwise the lesson to this story is: Ask how tips are handled upfront, and come to a mutual agreement (like whether you or your family will be providing a separate tip dividend) before your day.
Am I Able To Bring In My Own Alcohol? Is There a Corking Fee?
Some bartenders and traveling bars will allow you to add your own alcohol, usually at a fee. Most venues that supply the bar will not, just do to liability reasons. If they do allow it, however, make sure you find out and understand completely what kind of charges will be involved.
How Do You Charge For Alcohol?
Some vendors will charge as they go- thus only charging you for alcohol consumed. Others will require you to choose the quantity you want upfront, and charge you regardless of whether your party consumed it or not. Some will allow you to request an "on deck" option, such as an extra keg on deck should your party go through the kegs you've already paid for. If you don't use it, you don't get charged for it.
Don't be afraid to disect your contract- your alcohol and beverage bill can get out of control before you know it if you're not in control. Some beverage contracts can be quite confusing, especially if there are corking fee clauses and the like involved. Do not be afraid to ask again if you are still confused, and don't be afraid to request that you (or a designated person, such as your wedding coordinator)be notified after a certain agreed-upon amount of alcohol is consumed, before any more is opened. Remember: accept the guidance of your vendors, but ultimately it's your party and your pocketbook-Your vendors are working for you.
How Many Bartenders Will Be Provided For My Event?
A good rule of thumb to follow is a 1-75 or a 1-100 bartender-guest ratio. Why the difference in ratios? It all depends on the logistics and dynamics of your party. If you'll be offering a full service bar, mixing drinks and cocktails will take longer than serving only beer, wine and soft drinks. In this instance, you or your vendor may consider providing more than one bartender. Another logistical issue to take into account is whether your ceremony and reception/cocktail hour will be held in separate locations or in the same building. This will determine whether all of your guests will arrive at once (i.e., your ceremony was in another room but in the same building- so all of your guests will walk into the reception area pretty much at once), or whether they will trickle in (they are all driving from the first location, therefore their arrival times will be staggered). If you know your guests will all arrive and head to the bar at once, you'll definitely want to provide more than one bartender to cut down on lines and wait times.
How Will Tips Be Handled?
This is an issue I have confronted many times. And the etiquette question still remains in the air: is it faux pas to have a tip jar out at a wedding reception, especially one that has a hosted bar? If you ask me (and Emily Post, for that matter), it is always a no-no. I believe that if you're inviting a guest to a wedding they should not be required to pay for anything (and if you can't afford to pay for their drinks you should have paired down your guest list. That's another post though). I can't tell you how many times I've had to ask a bartender to remove the tip jar from the bar. They always tell me the guests aren't required to tip, only if they want to. I tell them it's tacky to even make them think twice about giving a tip. Anyways, I have so many stories to tell about this one- if you have time and a glass of wine, we'll go over them- otherwise the lesson to this story is: Ask how tips are handled upfront, and come to a mutual agreement (like whether you or your family will be providing a separate tip dividend) before your day.
Am I Able To Bring In My Own Alcohol? Is There a Corking Fee?
Some bartenders and traveling bars will allow you to add your own alcohol, usually at a fee. Most venues that supply the bar will not, just do to liability reasons. If they do allow it, however, make sure you find out and understand completely what kind of charges will be involved.
How Do You Charge For Alcohol?
Some vendors will charge as they go- thus only charging you for alcohol consumed. Others will require you to choose the quantity you want upfront, and charge you regardless of whether your party consumed it or not. Some will allow you to request an "on deck" option, such as an extra keg on deck should your party go through the kegs you've already paid for. If you don't use it, you don't get charged for it.
Don't be afraid to disect your contract- your alcohol and beverage bill can get out of control before you know it if you're not in control. Some beverage contracts can be quite confusing, especially if there are corking fee clauses and the like involved. Do not be afraid to ask again if you are still confused, and don't be afraid to request that you (or a designated person, such as your wedding coordinator)be notified after a certain agreed-upon amount of alcohol is consumed, before any more is opened. Remember: accept the guidance of your vendors, but ultimately it's your party and your pocketbook-Your vendors are working for you.
What a Great Sunday.
It's Superbowl Sunday, and for once, my busy little family of three has stayed home. I'm making my annual tradition- crockpot chili. Hubby is enjoying the game, and I'm enjoying the commercials. What a different Superbowl Sunday this is. Last year we had a party- I normally love entertaining- with all of our friends. We had stuffed mushrooms, boneless buffalo wings, seven layer dip, and then of course chili and corn bread, all made by me with a smile. We had a full bar; hubby loves playing bartender. Superbowl 2008 holds a special place in my heart- not only did one of the Manning brothers come back with a vengence and win the whole shebang, but also the fact that in about 20 days from that Sunday I would find out I was finally expecting our little bug.
2008 was a beautiful year. Not only did I meet some of my most treasured brides, but I spent the year pregnant- a disposition I would go back to in a heart beat. I loved every minute of it- his movements, his hiccups....the fact that he was all mine. Sure, it was a little more difficult at times, trying to put together weddings as I carried my own little basketball around, but it was always beautiful nonetheless. Whereas I used to come home and toast with a glass of wine after each successful event, last year I would come home (hubby always waited up for me), we'd sit together on the couch, listen to Tony Bennett, and rub my belly. I smile as I think of it.
Dear brides, if there is one thing I can say, candidly, to you- keep everything in perspective as you plan your beautiful day. Yes, pay attention to all the details- after all, the details should reflect you and your groom as a couple. But do not let the big picture take away from what is truly important...the fact that you are promising to unite as one with your groom. One day, when your wedding is said and done, you will find yourself sitting on a couch with a bowl of nachos in your lap, watching football in your sweats. You may not have showered, and the only company you have may be your dog. But you will have each other, and the life you'll have made for each other. Cherish it. Because it only gets better from there. Maybe the hydrangeas were a little too blue, and the weather a little too humid, resulting in a less than voluminous (or maybe much too voluminous!) hair do. Take it all in stride...just think, you have the rest of your lives from this day forward, and so many memorable, important moments will happen to you two. I hope you smile as you think of it.
Yes, this Superbowl is so different than last year. I am listening to my beautiful son as he plays under his play gym. I'm in my sweats as I write this, rather than my designer jeans I wore last year. I can't even remember what it was like to have a quiet house, and I'm okay with that. What a great Sunday. Here's to a beautiful 2009.
2008 was a beautiful year. Not only did I meet some of my most treasured brides, but I spent the year pregnant- a disposition I would go back to in a heart beat. I loved every minute of it- his movements, his hiccups....the fact that he was all mine. Sure, it was a little more difficult at times, trying to put together weddings as I carried my own little basketball around, but it was always beautiful nonetheless. Whereas I used to come home and toast with a glass of wine after each successful event, last year I would come home (hubby always waited up for me), we'd sit together on the couch, listen to Tony Bennett, and rub my belly. I smile as I think of it.
Dear brides, if there is one thing I can say, candidly, to you- keep everything in perspective as you plan your beautiful day. Yes, pay attention to all the details- after all, the details should reflect you and your groom as a couple. But do not let the big picture take away from what is truly important...the fact that you are promising to unite as one with your groom. One day, when your wedding is said and done, you will find yourself sitting on a couch with a bowl of nachos in your lap, watching football in your sweats. You may not have showered, and the only company you have may be your dog. But you will have each other, and the life you'll have made for each other. Cherish it. Because it only gets better from there. Maybe the hydrangeas were a little too blue, and the weather a little too humid, resulting in a less than voluminous (or maybe much too voluminous!) hair do. Take it all in stride...just think, you have the rest of your lives from this day forward, and so many memorable, important moments will happen to you two. I hope you smile as you think of it.
Yes, this Superbowl is so different than last year. I am listening to my beautiful son as he plays under his play gym. I'm in my sweats as I write this, rather than my designer jeans I wore last year. I can't even remember what it was like to have a quiet house, and I'm okay with that. What a great Sunday. Here's to a beautiful 2009.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
LinkWithin
