Guest Seating Arrangement Tips

For many couples, guest seating arrangements can be one of the most stressful parts of wedding planning. Here are some helpful tips to get you through the task:

1. Don't wait too long to begin working on your guests seating arrangements. Seating arrangements always take so much longer than anyone ever realizes. My advice is to start working on this at least 1 month in advance, or as soon as the RSVP's start coming in. If you are still missing RSVPs within a week of your wedding date, don't be afraid to pick up the phone and start making calls. You don't want to be sitting around the kitchen table night before your wedding making final edits and changes to your seating chart.

2. Know your numbers. You will need to know: 1) how many people can fit at each table, 2) how the tables will be numbered, and 3) how the room will be set up. Ask your venue coordinator to provide you with room layout diagram.

3. Know the difference between escort cards, place cards and a seating chart.

Escort Cards (or whatever you decide to use in their place) have the guests name and table number written on them. They are usually all arranged alphabetically in a central location and serve to let guests know what table they are seated at, while allowing guests to find their own seats at the assigned table.

Pinterest via Wedding Wire

Place Cards on the other hand, are found on each individual table setting. They are usually used in conjunction with seating charts to help guests find their table numbers.

Pinterest via Fabyoubliss

A Seating Chart is exactly what the name implies. It's a large display-usually arranged by table number-with the names of the people who will be sitting at each table.

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4. Save money by having your Escort Cards or Place Cards double as guest favors.

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For more ideas on Escort Cards, Place Cards and Seating Charts visit A Bride's BFF's Pinterest Board

26 Non-Floral Beach Wedding Centerpiece Ideas

The great thing about beach-themed wedding centerpieces is that there are so many great non-floral options. This also means they can be assembled way ahead of time. Check out these 26 fantastic non-floral beach centerpiece ideas:

Pinterest

Seven Stems Design

Kayla Bell Events

Snippet and Ink

Cheap Wedding Centerpieces

Plectrumbanjo

Weddingomania

Weddingomania

Tradesy

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Easy Wedding Centerpieces

if isha foss

if isha foss

Colin Cowie Weddings

Constance Zahn

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Pinterest

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Bridal Guide

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Cocktails Details

Juliescottagecrafts

ElaLakeDesign

CeShoreTreasures

shabbyshores

FromTheCoast2TheCity

Want more beach-themed wedding ideas? Check out my Beach Wedding Pinterest Board and let me know what you think!

Wedding Planning Tip: Menu Tastings

Make sure to ask if a menu tasting is included in your contract with the caterer or if there is an additional cost for this. When serving dinner or having a buffet for 100 guests or more, it's essential to have a "tasting" with your caterer (although you may want to have one even if your wedding is smaller). The caterer schedules a tasting so that you can sample the foods that will be served at the reception from the hors-d'oeuvres, to main course, to the cake (if included in the package). At the tasting, you can make any applicable changes. Don't be afraid to speak up if there is something you don't like or something you want to change. This is your opportunity!!

Cigar Bar 411

 

 

 

One of my absolute favorite wedding trends of 2013 were Cigar Bars. With all things vintage and 1920's-themed making a big splash, a Cigar Bar is such a great way to add a unique touch to your reception, and to have something for the groom, groomsmen and the men at your wedding to appreciate!

There are several different ways you can create a Cigar Bar to suite your budget and your space :

A) Cigar Corner : The most economical and least space consuming method is to buy a variety of cigars by the box to set out on a table. Add some cigar books and a bowl of matches or create some customised cigar bands and cigar matchboxes with your names and wedding date. For an extra touch you could add a bottle or two of cognac or scotch with some glasses.

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B) Cigar Bar Service : Hire a service to come out with humidors, cigars, etc and set up a cigar bar for you. This takes some of the work away from you and gives you a more cohesive look.

C) Hand Rolled Cigars – For the Midas touch incorporate a real live cigar roller into your reception! Although this may be one of the pricier options, this is sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests! Though they have to be booked in advance.

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D) The Men’s Lounge – If space and budget permit, why not create a men's lounge? In order to prevent separating the men and women for too long, only have it open during a portion of your event, keep the area small as to only accommodate a small number of men at a time, and keep it easily accessed from the main reception area.

Source: Vasundhara Nigam, Raas Intratech pvt. ltd

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6 Tips for Your Food Tasting

Wedding 101

If hosting a wedding where you are serving dinner or having a buffet, it's essential to have a "tasting". The caterer or the catering property schedules a tasting so that you can sample the foods that will be served at the reception from the hors-d'oeuvres, to main course, to the cake (if included in the package).

The tasting is an essential step in the planning for your catering because it is the only chance you will have to sample possible food items for your wedding and make any applicable changes. Make sure the tasting is included in your contract with the caterer or catering property.

Here are six tips to remember before you attend a tasting:

1. Eat before you go. If you’re starving by the time you get to the tasting, most anything will taste good when your stomach is growling.

2. Limit the number of people who go with you. Take your fiancé with you, and if someone else is paying for part of the wedding take them too.  What you don’t want is too many opinions because it will become overwhelming. Be sure to confirm with the caterer how many guests will come with you.

3. Shop around. (Unless your venue requires use of their chef and catering staff). Don’t feel pressured to hire the first caterer you meet with. Attend at least three tastings to get an idea of what’s available.

4. Take notes. How was it presented? What stood out in your mind? You’ll sample quite a bit of food, and you want to remember what you liked and didn’t like. Even if you are given a menu, take notes on the menu.

5. Be open-minded. Don’t push off a food that you’ve never really enjoyed. Chefs prepare foods in different ways, and one may prepare your despised brussel sprouts in a new, delicious way. Also, some items that you have your heart set on may not work in your budget or may not be in season for your wedding.

6. Find something that represents you and your relationship. I’m a big proponent of finding unique ways to represent your relationship. Do both of you love breakfast? Why not consider a breakfast-themed late night snack? Did you eat at an Italian restaurant on your first date? Then you may want to consider having Italian menu items. Obviously you can go another route, but always consider personalizing your menu options.
Source Wedding 101

Use Cocktail Napkins To Help Reflect Your Personality

A standout touch to help reflect you and your fiancés personalities throughout the wedding are cocktail napkins printed with "Bride and Groom Fun Facts". These tidbits from your past will double as romantic trivia and create fun and modern mood to reflect in the details of your day.

Pinterest via Washingtonian

5 Amazing Tablescape Ideas for Your Reception

Are you struggling to find the perfect wedding reception décor? Creating amazing tablescapes is all about layering and playing with colors. Here is some table eye candy for your Wednesday.

Belle The Magazine



 

via Pinterest

 

 Calligraphy by Jennifer via Pinterest

 

ceremonyblog.com via Pinterest

 

Belle The Magazine via Pinterest

 

Contact me today to set up a design consultation.

 





Crowd-Pleasing Appetizers for Your Cocktail Hour

Hot dogs, french fries, mac and cheese…all foods more typical of what you would expect to find at a ballpark or a carnival rather than at a wedding. Right? Wrong! More and more couples are choosing to have less formal, comfort foods served during the cocktail hour. And the good news is, they are big hits!

When opting for these unconventional hors d’ouevres, it’s all about the presentation. You will be surprised what you can get away with serving at a formal event, IF you know how to present it in a fun, unique and artistic way. This is where having an experienced and creative caterer really pays off!

Mashed Potato Bar: Pinterest via Style Me Pretty, Cocktail Franks: Pinterest, Burger Potato Bites: Pinterest via BGH

Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup: Pinterest via Wedding Wire, Mac & Cheese Cups: Pinterest, Spaghetti & Meatballs: Pinterest via thedailymeal.com

Corn Dogs & Beer: Pinterest via thedailymeal.com, Pizza Heart Bites: Pinterest via scratchingcanvas.com, Fries & Gravy: Pinterest via Project Wedding