WEDDING NOTES™ – The Center of Attention

Brides frequently ask us about centerpieces for their wedding reception.

The list of options is long and varied but these are some of the most often used by brides.

If your florist is providing centerpieces for your reception, work closely with him/her to be sure that the theme or color thread you have chosen for your wedding continues to the reception area.  We have seen weddings where one theme dominates the ceremony and another is chosen for the reception.  If the two are complimentary, it is soothing.   If the choices are worlds apart, it can be jarring to move from one to another.  Complimentary themes are comfortable.

If you are handling reception centerpieces on your own, here are some ideas to keep in mind.

• A centerpiece should never block a guest’s view.

• If color has been a theme for your wedding celebration – introduced in the invitations and save the date cards – it should continue through the reception and any next day celebrations you plan.
• For informal centerpieces arrange flowers to have a “just picked” look.  Use wild flowers or branches of seasonal flowers for an unusual impact. 
• Formal centerpieces are usually symmetrical in either a triangular, circular or rectangular shape.
• Flowers may be used as a centerpiece and/or casually placed at each place setting.
• Create a still life with fruits, flowers and vines arranged on a lovely tray.
• Pitchers – used singly or in groups, make attractive containers.
• Pretty baskets filled with blooming plants and tucked in with moss work well.
• Arrange several crystal candlesticks on a mirror as a centerpiece.  Insert candles in your color theme or use creamy white.  Just remember that they should be tall enough to be above eye level or low enough so that the flame will not be annoying.
• Also grouped on a mirror, consider using wine glasses each with a flower afloat.
• If the facility can handle it, some centerpieces can be hung above the tables in special baskets.

Remember that the size and shape of a centerpiece should be in proportion to the table and flowers should never be so fragrant that they overpower the food served.

Contact us for more centerpieces ideas.

WEDDING NOTES™ – Men’s Wedding Attire

We know that many if not most men prefer casual clothing styles.  An amazing number of men for whom we provide tuxedos for weddings and other formal events, spend some time “grousing” about getting “dressed up”.  But once in their tuxedos they seem to relax and notice how good they really look. 

While traditional rules are used as guidelines, we feel there are many options to accommodate personal preference in the area of men’s formalwear.  One of the most noticeable influences is the increase in color as an accent.  Today’s couples are getting married in a classic, yet contemporary style.  Choosing colored cummerbunds, ties and pocket squares to complement bridesmaid dresses provides a unique flair to the entire wedding party.  Designers continue to show updated silhouettes for the men in the party that offer both style and comfort.

As a guideline, remember that medium or darker colors are fine anytime, but are more appropriate during the evening or in winter months.  Tails are proper anytime, but are most commonly worn by the groom only rather than the entire wedding party.

As for guests who appear at your lovely wedding in casual clothes or worse, jeans, there is a way to spread the message about your expectations.  Never on the wedding invitation but on the reception card, just add the line “Black Tie Invited”.  This offers your guests a guideline as to what dress code is expected.  Some guests may indeed wear a tux, but this three-word addition is bound to generate more suits and less casual attire.

WEDDING NOTES™ – Cake Layers

We would like to share some fun thoughts about wedding cakes.

The cutting of the cake has historic roots.  In ancient Rome the first bites of a wheat cake were eaten by the couple and the remainder crumbled and tossed over the bride’s head like a rain of flour – a fertility rite believed to guarantee the couple lots of kids and a life of plenty.

There is a tradition that says a bridesmaid who carries a slice of wedding cake in her pocket until the honeymoon is over will marry soon.  But not too many bridesmaids today care to carry a gradually drying slab of sugar and flour into the office with them.

According to some customs, small silver ornaments can be taped onto ribbons and placed on a plate under the cake.  Before it is cut, single females pull on a ribbon end to see what ornament they receive.  Each one is symbolic.  A wedding ring signifies marriage, a heart – love, an anchor – hope and a fleur de lis – wealth.

It is also said that guests who put a sliver of the groom’s cake under their pillows will dream of their future spouses.  You have no doubt heard of groom’s cake and wonder if you should serve one at your reception.  For a while it was not widely used, but today’s brides are reviving the tradition.

Typically, the groom’s cake is a dark, rich fruitcake.  But that is also changing.  Whatever its flavor and theme, it can be featured as a companion cake to the more familiar white frosted bride’s cake.  Some weddings have both cakes available for guests and on display.  Some brides elect to have an iced groom’s cake as the top layer of the bride’s cake.  Others choose to pack slices of the groom’s cake in small boxes and have bridesmaids or other helpers distribute them for everyone to take home as a sweet memento of the wedding.

Contact us for more ways to combine or revive traditions for your unique wedding.

WEDDING NOTES™ – Invitation Tips

Because the invitations reflect the tone of your wedding they should be considered early on in your planning activities.  Once you have developed your guest list, selected your ceremony and reception venues and decided on the degree of formality you wish to express throughout your wedding, you can comfortably begin to search for your invitations and other printed materials. Do not be overwhelmed by the myriad of choices that are available for you.  At one time, there were few options in paper and print styles.  Today’s bride has a wide range of both from which to select. 

Consider these points as you shop for your paper trousseau.

• Take your business to a store that specializes in wedding papers.  The staff there will have the expertise and experience to help you with paper selections and correct wordings.  Their advice can end up saving you time and often money as well.
• You will likely be ordering more than just invitations so consider these other items as well:

Save the date cards, insert cards (directions or other information) RSVP cards, place cards and table assignment charts, menus, thank you cards, programs and of course the invitations.  Figure in all of the options as you look at pricing.

• When you place your order, be sure to order extras of every item.  Make sure that you send one of everything to yourself when the rest go out so you can monitor the delivery dates.
• Be sure that you allow enough time to order, address and send the invitation packages.  Double check with your print specialist on the time frame required for satisfactory order completion.  Most experts agree that invitations should go out 6-8 weeks prior to the ceremony.
• Consider purchasing special issue postage stamps rather than just ordinary stamps.  Check with your local postal service for the options that may work for you.  Be sure to check on delivery times if you select a personalized stamp pattern.  Always take a sample of your fully “loaded” invitation package to the post office to verify the amount of postage to put on each.  How embarrassing to have it arrive at your guest’s home with “postage due”.
• Always, always double-check the proofs of the invitation copy.  Have someone else double check you as well.  It is easy to skip over and not notice errors in copy with which you are so familiar.  A misspelled name can cause unnecessary delays and expense.
• If children are being invited to the wedding and reception, their names are usually included on the envelope, clearly letting the parents know that the children are invited.  If children are not to be included, just the invited guest’s names are on the invitation.  This lets the parents know exactly for whom the invitation is intended.  If children are not being invited to attend – for whatever reason, plan how you will handle requests from guests who wish to bring their children.  Have alternative plans in place in case this becomes an issue.

When you are ready to begin the selection of your invitations and paper trousseau, be sure to spend time with one of our experienced consultants who can make sure you have a perfect invitation for your perfect wedding.