Wedding Path NewsWire
Reception (page 2 of 16)
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RECEPTION Little Guests 2090 views
We all know that keeping your little guests happy is essential: the UK Alliance of Wedding Planners tell us how...
1. The experts at Designer Wedding Days say: the day can seem long and boring for little ones and this could ultimately lead to them being disruptive. Think about the different elements of the day and arrange things to keep them occupied. To cater for them the entire day you could hire crèche facilities like Artfull Splodgers or smaller elements could include paper table cloths with crayons so that they can draw and colour during the dinner, edible table centres like strawberry trees, goody bags and entertaining favours.
2. Little people often need a distraction at a wedding, say Dimplesevents, and will find the speeches a long time to sit still and be quiet. Why not ask a responsible young adult to use this moment during your wedding to take the children off on an “adventure”. You could draw up a little treasure hunt or plan some party games such as musical statues and pass the parcel, which always go down a treat and will take just enough time for the speeches to be finished!
3. Make the kids feel special with their own area by maybe setting up a special kids' room if the venue can cater for one or think of having a specially decorated children’s table and plan a children’s menu, suggest Lancashire Wedding Planners.
The UKAWP is a fast growing group of the UK’s most professional wedding planners. Every member is thoroughly vetted for professionalism and adheres to a code of ethics.Photo:Bhs
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RECEPTION Little Things 2120 views
'Can the kids come' is a big wedding topic - if you've already decided children are invited, then make sure they are looked after like little VIPs so that you don't have any regrets.
Nick Evans at Event Smiles comments, “Children are renowned party animals, always first on the dance floor with unlimited enthusiasm and energy – but what about the times during the day you need them to sit quietly and entertain themselves, such as during the meal and speeches?"Setting up a children's table is a great idea if they all know each other and are happy being separated from their parents. If you have a lot of small children, a wedding crèche is a good solution. Like mobile nurseries, they arrive with toys, cushions and bucket loads of activities along with qualified carers. If you are having an entertainer at the wedding, find out if they can provide some entertainment - it can be a great icebreaker for kids that don't know each other. If your venue has outdoor space, why not hire a bouncy castle or set up a bubble machine. You could put one of the teenager guests in charge of a treasure hunt. Just make sure the play area is safe and that there are no lakes, rivers, swimming pools or busy roads nearby!
When it comes to the wedding breakfast make sure the kids are served from a children's menu - well-fed kids are happy kids! And when it is time for speeches, treat your little guests to activity bags. You can easily make your own, or you could opt for a real pampering treat such as Event Smiles' gorgeous handmade gift boxes filled with toys and creative items - with the emphasis being on quiet, non-messy tabletop play. Nick at Event Smiles advises, “Have a plan as to when you want to give out the ‘Smiles’: many brides give them just before the speeches, some use them as a child’s ‘favour’ at the place setting."
As a reward for all your special efforts to look after the children at your wedding, make sure your photographer has the happy couple with little guests included on the shot list - you'll look back and agree it was worth it!
Find out what they are saying in the forum...
Children or no children?
Guest list -
RECEPTION Say Cheese! 1758 views
Cheese is the latest cake trend - quirky, original and perfect for recessionista brides!
Cheese is the new cake. Brides all over the country are opting for the new trendy cake - made out of cheese! Not only is it ideal for those with a less sweet tooth, but it is also handy in credit crunch times, combining two courses into one. Similar to a traditional cake, it has three tiers, all made up of different types of cheeses. The new heart-shaped Cornish Yarg is the perfect cheese for your bottom tier...Cornish Yarg is handmade in Cornwall, shaped into a heart and then delicately wrapped in edible
nettle leaves, sourced locally. The cheese is semi-hard, slightly tangy and is creamy under the rind yet crumbly near the core. The 2.8kg (from £90) cheese is perfect as a bottom tier. Alternatively, opt for smaller 750g (from £25) versions available for each table for guests. Whatever you choose, the new Cornish Yarg is romantic, tasty and a bit quirky for your very special wedding cake.For more information please visit www.lynherdairies.co.uk
More cake ideas:
Cake to Make - Eric Lanlard's 'glamour' cake recipe
Little Cakes - cup cakes delivered to the door
More Cakes - find your dream cakemaker by postcode -
RECEPTION On a Budget 2102 views
With some careful planning you can still make savings and have the wedding of your dreams. London wedding planner Helen Carter offers her top tips on how to make the most of your wedding budget.
Be Flexible With Your Date
The date of your wedding can have a significant impact on your budget. Venues often charge higher rates during peak season (usually June-August) and for weekend dates. Opting for a week-day or off-season wedding can save you hundreds, sometimes thousands, of pounds.
Talk to Venues
An increasing number of venues are offering discount-rate packages, which include items such as room hire, reception drinks, the wedding breakfast and evening buffet. These can be more cost-effective than booking everything separately, but do make sure you are fully aware of what is and isn’t included in the fee, as well as any specific conditions (e.g. minimum number of guests). Also check with your local venues for late availability – there are some excellent late deals available at the moment, so opting for a shorter engagement could save you several hundred pounds.
Be Strict with Your Guest List
The size of your guest list will affect the cost of several areas of your wedding, such as the number of table centrepieces, invitations and favours, but most notably the catering. The bigger your guest list, the bigger the bill! Invite only close family and friends to the main part of the day, as this is where you will have the greatest outlay for food and drink. Other friends and work colleagues can join you in the evening, where you can provide a less expensive buffet.
Eat, Drink and Save Money!
The catering for your wedding will be one of your biggest expenses, so think carefully about how you can minimise the cost. Do you really need to serve canapés and a 3-course meal, or could your canapés act as a starter instead? Why not serve your wedding cake as a dessert along with tea and coffee?
Talk to your venue/caterer about the different menu options available, and consider having a hot buffet or barbecue instead of a served meal. This will require fewer waiting staff, so should cut down on costs.
When it comes to refreshments, use less expensive alternatives to champagne for your reception drinks and toasts, such as sparkling wine or Prosecco. If you can provide your own alcohol you may save money by purchasing directly from a wholesaler, but make sure you check with your venue as to whether they apply a corkage fee.
Keep Your Blooms Within Budget
Use flowers that are in season at the time of your wedding – out of season blooms will need to be imported and will be far more expensive. If you want flowers like orchids or lilies that tend to be quite expensive, use them for the bridal bouquet and groom’s buttonhole only, and choose less costly alternatives for your other arrangements.
Consider an Alternative to Live Entertainment
Instead of hiring a live band or DJ, consider playing an I-pod through amplified speakers. Try to test the set-up beforehand to check the sound and also make sure you have someone that will keep an eye on things for you. You can add a really personal touch by asking your guests to state their favourite song in their invitation reply - or create a playlist page on your WP website - playing these tunes during your evening reception.
Make the Most of Helping Hands
If you have friends and relatives with particular talents, then ask them to help with your wedding. For example, maybe you have an aunt that could make your wedding cake, a sister that could arrange your flowers, or a friend that could do your make-up on the day. Involving friends and family also adds a very
personal touch, but make sure they are happy to help and are comfortable with what you want them to do.
Be Creative and Do-It-Yourself
If you have an artistic flair, consider designing and creating your own stationery. If you’re not quite confident enough to start from scratch, look for DIY invitations that are partially completed and just need assembling. You could also make your favours, rather than purchasing ready-made items (e.g. home-made jam or biscuits).
Go Bargain Hunting
Just because you are trying to save money doesn’t mean you should go for second best, and we’re not suggesting you should buy your wedding dress from a charity shop unless you really want to. However, there are loads of bargains to be had if you invest a little time and effort. For example, charity shops, antique fairs and craft markets can be great for sourcing decorations, particularly more unusual or quirky items.
Take a Break
If you can’t afford the holiday of a lifetime straight after your wedding, compromise by taking a short, romantic break instead and give yourself extra time to save up for what you really want. Many couples now ask for money to put towards their honeymoon instead of having a gift list, particularly if they already have everything they need for their home. It’s no longer considered rude or offensive to ask for money, as long as you do so politely!Helen Carter can be contacted on 01992 719954 or go to helencarterweddings.co.uk
Photos: Freeman PhotographicsMore tips from wedding planners...Please Be Seated wedding planners' top secrets on perfect guest lists
5 Planning Tips top trends from the master mind behind the Beckham's wedding
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RECEPTION Party Planning 2618 views
How hard can it be to organise a reception? It’s only a party, and you’ve been throwing those all your adult life. However, as any happy couple knows, a wedding reception is no ordinary party.
While at any other get-together the most complex calculations involve how much rum to put in the punch or how many people you can get into the front room, reception-planning is a delicate balance of the party of a lifetime with everyone you care about – and cost. So how do you get the reception of your dreams at a price you can afford?Photo: Amazing Weddings
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