Advice from our Wedding Expert

A Sparktacular Night

For an outside ceremony- Illuminate the night by arranging for a spectacular firework display to take place as the celebrated couple locks lips or while they make their exit as husband and wife.  There are various styles of vibrant displays to choose from as well as various price ranges available.  A gorgeous waterfall of white sparkles can be the backdrop of the first kiss or an elaborate presentation of the couple’s monogram can burst across the stars in various colors for the town to see.

For the reception- At the end of the famous best man speech have breathtaking sparkles exude from each centerpiece of each table or behind the cake while guests crowd around for the world-renown cake cutting picture.This is an affordable way for that element of surprise.

Light Up the Night

Lighting can be a great advantage as it can transform any space-indoor or outdoor.  Hiring a lighting specialist can truly win you more bang for your buck. There are plenty of lighting styles such as LED Lighting, Up Lighting, Wall Washing, Gobo Lighting and Mood lighting.  In learning more about these lighting techniques you may find exactly what you have been looking for!

Keep Your Cool

Incorporate ice cold effects with an ice bar.  Ice bars are (ironically) one of the hottest items making their way into the fabulous world of weddings.  Ice bars are available for both indoor and outdoor events and last for approximately 4 to 5 hours before its first drip.  Definitely a conversation piece!

Display your premium brand bottles in a lush Ice Vase.  An ice vase is a custom made vase made of ice made to keep your drinks chilled. Always a cool addition to the reception décor.

And of course…the ever famous ice slide.  A great entertainment piece…Guests are delighted to watch the bartender prepare their tasty drinks as the bartender pours in the alcohol in one side of the ice sculpture and it makes its way through the sludge and into their glass.  Guests sip….and ahhh…experience the satisfaction of their perfectly chilled drink.

There is plenty more where these special effects came from.  The most important thing is to research, research, and…research some more.  No matter who the couple, there is always a way to make the big day one to remember. 

Happy Planning!

The Wedding Cocktail Party

This type of reception immediately follows the wedding ceremony and is typically a shorter time period than a full dinner.

• Get the party started with chef attended action stations!  Celebrate different cultures with an array of foods and an exquisite presentation as your guests make their rounds.
• Provide a signature cocktail bar with a menu of drinks creatively named in honor of each member of the bridal party as their recommended favorite. 
• Flaunt your wedding colors by integrating them with custom signature cocktails.  Lavish guests with cocktail drinks such as a Pomegranate Martinis or Pineapple Mojitos as they enter.

This type of wedding will encourage your guests to mingle and prepare them for a fun reception of dancing and celebration, more so than the typical seated dinner. Make sure to provide enough seating to accommodate older guests. The menu should be plentiful so no one leaves hungry.

 The Brunch Wedding  

For the cheery “morning people” couple.

• Design your wedding program as if a replica of the daily newspaper.  Surprise your guests by having it delivered to their room or upon arrival to the venue.
• Passed brunch hors d’oeuvres such as colorful Cereal Squares cut into heart shapes, French Toast on a Stick and Mini Quiche are a delightful welcoming to greet your guests as the arrive. 
• Host a European Coffee Bar with a barista to personally serve your guests for “made to order” coffee drinks.
• Introduce a “New Orleans Brunch” feel with a jazz band to liven things up.  Consummate this New Orleans feel with a Louisiana hot sauce bottle labeled with the couple’s new name and a thank you note as a personalized favor. 
• Invite guests to experiment at a Bloody Mary Bar, where they can explore their creativity with different ingredients and garnishes. 

“The Hour of Sweets” Reception  

For the couple with a sweet tooth, guests will be seated right away for dinner, and then treated to the reception hour following, where dessert is the star of the show.

• It’s all in the detail as servers pass mini desserts, ice cream cones and chocolate martinis.
• Encourage your guests to interact and socialize as they indulge in entertaining dessert stations such as a unique Decorate your own Cupcake station, or a delicious Chocolate Fondue. 
• Astonish your guests by surprising them with an entertainment element such as Fire Dancers or a Strength & Balance Act for an unexpected treat. 
• Give your guests a fond farewell favor of warm cookies & milk to take home, or a chocolate dipped fortune cookies with a personalized message from the bride & groom. 

As with any event, it is important to communicate to the guests what they can expect so they are prepared in advance.  Remember to accommodate the older guests, children, and handicapped to ensure that all your loved ones have a good time and remember this special day for many years to come!

1. Was the first date at a Chinese restaurant? Order wrapped fortune cookies dipped in chocolate with a personalized message.

2. If the couple met at a wine tasting, a heart shaped wine stopper, wine cork candles, or personalized mini wine split are a great favor.

3. If they both enjoy reading, create a personalized bookmark with a picture of the couple that says "a picture is worth a thousand words" or a love poem the two of you write together. Enjoy boardgames? Have a photo of the couple made into a puzzle.

4. For beach themed weddings, each guest can receive a mini message in a bottle - you can write a special message to each guest and include some sand in the bottle and a cork - it will become a keepsake and they will read the special note for years to come.

5. For destination weddings, give a local souvenier as the favor. Buy postcards of the location already stamped and tied with a ribbon. Humorous couples can choose a retro souvenier such as a key chain or shot glass. Luggage tags are always an appreciated item, and the guest will think of you every time they travel!

1. To add a cost efficient and earth friendly element to your wedding replace the traditional fresh floral centerpieces with potted plants or flowers such as orchids, in an attractive pot. After the event they can then be planted to create a symbolic garden where your days memories can live on and grow.

2. At a rehearsal dinner, many guests are meeting each other for the first time. As an ice breaker create a short 10 question quiz on the bride and groom for everyone to fill out and see how much they know about the couple. These can be read later during dessert for a fun game everyone can participate in.

3. For a favor that doubles as a seating placecard, small frames are a great gift. Set on each table the guests names can be printed on a card and in the frame to designate where they will sit. Use paper and frames to match the style theme and colors of the wedding. Have the photographer try to take a picture of the wedding couple with every guest. As a thank you, mail the photo to each guest to place in their frame as a keepsake.

4. Beach weddings can be beautiful, but sometimes even on the most gorgeous day wind can be an issue. Make sure the venue provides clips for the table linens, and paper weights such as river rocks to place on top of the menus, seating cards and cocktail napkins. If a chuppah or arch is constructed for the ceremony, make sure the florist secures it with sand bags and wires to prevent it from blowing over.