Archives for April, 2008

Theme Your Wedding For Pennies!

Posted on Apr 17, 2008 under Uncategorized | No Comment

Saving Money Using Reception Themes

NASCAR

This theme has a world of possibilities. You can decorate with checkered flags and checkered flag streamers, toy cars, painted numbers of the different cars and drivers.

If you would like, you can decorate with a particular driver motif. The best part about this theme is that it is very casual and you can serve regular foods like pizza, large submarine sandwiches, hamburgers and even chips and nachos; pretty much any food that you want.

In general this relaxed type of theme applies to all sports related theme. This theme is great for receptions. You can also opt to watch a race.

MOVIES

Popular movie themes like the Matrix and Lord of the Rings etc. can be a lot of fun for receptions when the bride and groom are movie buffs.

Decorations will be based on what the general movie symbolizes such as; if you chose the Matrix, you would use computer data charts and sheets, computers, dress in all black etc. You could serve appetizers rather than entrees for this type of theme as well. Playing the movie during your reception is a cool idea for background scenery.

Wedding Stats

Posted on Apr 15, 2008 under Wedding Stats | No Comment

Wedding Statistics

*After the wedding…

72% of all Brides say they would have spent more time choosing their reception entertainment.

Almost 100% say they would have spent more of their budget on the entertainment.

During wedding planning, Brides say their highest priority is their attire, followed by the reception site, photographer and caterer - reception entertainment is the least of their priorities. Within one week after the reception, 78% of Brides say they would have made the entertainment their highest priority!

When asked, 81% of guests say the thing they remember most about the wedding is the entertainment.

65% of all couples that chose a band to entertain at their wedding reception, said, if they had to do it all over again, they would have chosen a Disc Jockey (DJ).

A reception is by definition an “Entertainment” function. Don’t cut corners on the Master of Ceremonies!

More info is available by clicking the button on the right > > > > > > >

*These statistics were published in St. Louis Bride and Groom Magazine in 2003. Sources include: Simmons, 2001; USA Today, 2002; National Bridal Service, 2001; The Knot, 2002; Brides Magazine, 2001 www.SoundProEntertainment.com

Renting A Hall

Posted on Apr 14, 2008 under Wedding Venues | No Comment

10-03-2006-12-28-43-812-copy-2.jpgRenting a HallIf you prefer to rent a hall or space for your reception, you must consider many things before making this decision. You will have to think of the prices for the hall rental, the cost of using their servers (most halls include servers in price and they are not negotiable), decorations, flowers, meals, drinks etc. When you wish to rent a hall for your reception there are some things that the hall will include in your rental that you can’t avoid paying for such as: servers, decorations, and wine. However, some halls will give you the option to pick and choose the extras that you want.Depending on the type of hall that you choose to rent, the costs can vary greatly. For example, if you rent a large hall, you could pay more than if you rented a legion hall.

You might also want to consider that if you are starting with a small budget, that renting a hall might not be worth the effort and money, or it may leave you with less options.

There are a few tips when renting a hall that could keep a great deal of your costs down. Let’s take a look at them.

1. You should only consider renting a hall if you have invited 50 or more people to your reception.2. When renting a hall, you have to decide if you are opting for a cash bar or an open bar. A good compromise is to purchase a few cases of beer on your own and host a cash bar for those who want mixed drinks if you are trying to keep costs down.

3. Rent a hall that you can decorate yourself

For more information click on the button to the right>>>>>>>

Wedding Etiquette

Posted on Apr 10, 2008 under Wedding Etiquette | No Comment

dscf2594_edited-1.jpgWEDDING ETIQUETTE (Do’s and Don’ts)

Glass Clinking- Bride and Groom must stop what they’re doing and KISS!

Bride and Groom should buy each other a wedding gift.

Attendants should cover their own expenses which include: Travel, Bridesmaids Dresses, Tuxedo Rental, Bachelorette/Bachelor Parties, Bridal Showers.

Once the Bride and Groom have finished eating dinner, walk around to each guests table and say Hi!

Best Man should start the Toast, Father of the Bride should say a few words followed by Maid of Honor (if she wants to). Groom & Bride should end the toast with a “Thank You” to all the guests for coming.

Tipping- (Tipping is a personal expression of gratitude) Remember gratuity is built in the Food and Beverage bill (if at a resort.) It also may be added to the final bill of the limo company. Check with the catering contract to see if they add gratuity.

Be sure to read your contract regarding gratuities

People to tip- DJ $50-$150, Officiant $50-$75, Priest, Rabbi, Clergy $75-$100 donation, Organist/Musician $50-$75

The dance floor should be on the small side. Reason is, your guests will be more likely to dance on a smaller vs. larger dance floor and once the crowd gets dancing it gives the illusion of a packed happening party spot. It makes great stories the next week when your guests tell their friends that it was so packed at your wedding, people were dancing on the carpet!

Turn the house lights down when the dancing starts. Darker is more intimate and will keep the dancing going longer.

Make sure the bar is in the same room as the dance floor. Bars are like kitchens, everyone tends to gravitate there.