WEDDING NOTES™ – After the Ceremony

Brides often ask us to explain the proper way to introduce the wedding party at the reception.  Our first suggestion is to insure that the time lag between ceremony end and reception start, is kept to a minimum.  Work with the photographer to have the post ceremony photos taken as quickly as possible so that guests are not waiting for events to begin.

If both sets of parents are going to be held up at the church for a bit, it is wise to ask a couple to serve as host and hostess until parents can arrive at the reception site.

While guests are waiting for the bridal party to arrive, they should be served appetizers and drinks.  

Once the bridal party arrives at the reception, the bandleader or the maitre d’  or master of ceremonies for the evening, asks everyone to stand while he introduces each of the members of the party.  Since the bride and groom are the stars of the event, they are introduced last.  Parents of the bride, parents of the groom, the ring bearer and flower girl, the bridesmaids and groomsmen, the best man and maid of honor are introduced in that order, followed by the bride and groom.  Be sure to check the names on the list for correct spelling and pronunciation when you provide the names to the person in charge of introductions.

WEDDING NOTES™ – The Rehearsal Dinner

The rehearsal dinner is an integral part of the wedding celebration.  It is a happy and relaxing time for family and friends.  It is designed to bring people together and sets the tone for the ceremony and celebration to come.

Traditionally, the groom’s family hosts the party.  They invite the immediate families of the bride and the groom, the officiating clergy and spouse, the complete wedding party and their spouses or dates.  If there are out-of-town guests include them in the evening’s festivities.

It is usually held immediately following the wedding rehearsal held the night before the ceremony.

At the dinner use a seating chart and place cards to help people insure that they meet each other.

While the bridal couple and their parents usually sit at the head table, more and more couples are choosing to mingle with their guests.

As the host, the groom’s father makes the traditional toast to the couple and at this time he may introduce everyone if there is a chance that some guests are unfamiliar with those in attendance.

This party is a perfect time to present gifts to attendants, especially if the items given are to be worn at the wedding.

While it is a party, insure that it doesn’t last too long.  Every member of wedding party needs to get a good night’s sleep so they look their best at the main event the next day.

WEDDING NOTES™ – WEDDING DON’TS

With all of the advice available to a bride on “What to do about…”, there are also a few “don’ts” to keep in mind.

#1 –An important reminder comes from the brazen actions of one or more pretend guests who – according to recent news casts- walked into three different wedding receptions and walked out with the gift boxes that contained cash and cards.  Wedding planners continue to remind brides to make sure that someone close to her or a security guard hired for the occasion, be in charge of the gift table.  Don’t believe that just because you are having your reception in a church or well known club your gifts are safe.  Always make sure that someone you trust will be in charge of the gifts.  It is ideal if all gifts are sent to the bride’s home before the ceremony, but we all know that some gifts and most of the gift cards/cash are brought to the reception.  The table for gifts and the box for cards should never be out of surveillance.  And once all of the guests have arrived at the reception, the gifts should be either locked away in a room provided by the venue or entrusted to a family member for transport and/or safe keeping.

Don’t #2 – It is never correct to enclose gift registration information with your wedding invitations.  Some stores may offer to give you enclosure cards for that purpose, but politely decline.  Wedding guests have always found out where a bride was registered by asking a friend or relative.  Today they can add the bride’s web page to that information source.  Likewise, do not include in your invitations the corner copy that reads “Cash Gifts Preferred” or “Cash Gifts Invited”.  Really tasteless!!!!

Don’t #3- Don’t have a cash bar.  Having one is like inviting guests to dinner and then charging them for the food.  If your budget won’t cover the beverages of your choice, then pick other beverages.  Offer beer and wine.  Offer a special cocktail created for your reception.  Offer punch.  Have waiters pass champagne.  There are lots of creative options.

Don’t #4 – Never seek sponsors to donate things like liquor or wine for a mention or advertisement in your program.  That is so NOT DONE.

WEDDING NOTES™ – Selecting Your Florist

Most reputable florists will encourage brides to make an appointment well in advance of the wedding date.  Some ask for at least three months in advance of the planned nuptials while others can handle bookings a month in advance.

During your initial meeting with the florist, you will share with him/her your wedding style and your budget for flowers. (Note that The Knot.com suggests that wedding flowers budgets usually account for 8-10% of the wedding budget). You should be prepared to talk about colors, themes, décor, venue rules and restrictions.  Bring photos and swatches of your gown and bridesmaids dresses whenever possible.  Talk about your favorite flowers and be sure to discuss the kind of service you need.  Are you counting on the floral designer to do just bouquets and church flowers or do you want this professional to handle all of the design for ceremony and reception? Do you want them to just deliver the flowers to the church or do you expect them to place floral arrangements, aisle decorations (if ordered) and reception flowers? Will they provide someone to pin on corsages and boutonnières at the ceremony or will you? 

Here are some other questions that you may wish to consider asking as you interview florists.  The answers may help you make your decision and final choice of florist.

• ·        If he/she doesn’t offer the information, ask about the design credentials and experience of the florists who will work on your wedding.

• ·        Ask to see the operations area of the florist you are considering. See if there is enough design space to handle both your wedding and other work that may need to be done at the same time as your wedding.  There should be room for your bouquets and displays without crowding and staff to handle the careful assembly.

• ·        Ask about how far in advance of your wedding day they will begin the design process.  You don’t want bouquets assembled and then left sitting in coolers for days.

• ·        Ask how they insure that your flowers will be at their freshness peak.  Ask about the processing system they use to protect and feed the flowers as they arrive from growers.

• ·        Ask to see the cooler space they will use to store your completed flowers.  Is it big enough to handle your wedding needs and other business without crowding?  Is there backup?

• ·        Ask about their delivery system.  You want your flowers delivered on time without being damaged.  Make sure there is back up delivery trucks and experienced personnel handling delivery.

Flowers are an essential part of your wedding environment and key fashion accessories.  Select the best you can afford and make sure of the services you want and need well in advance of the wedding date.