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Adults may think that these events are fun and exciting, but the kids may be bored.  Don’t forget about the kids!  It’s a good idea to have something small so that the kids can have things to do. 

Think about doing something along the theme of your wedding.  If there is a “princess” look to your wedding, then have coloring books from Cinderella and crayons for them to use during the reception.  You can also provide stickers for them as well or sticker books for them to play with.

Another thought might be to have a separate table where all the kids can gather to color, draw or have other projects for them to be involved with while the reception is happening.  Here’s a thought – if you have a friend who is a pre-school teacher or a young teenager who like kids, why not have them attend to the kids table.  You could also hire someone for the day to do this for you so that none of your guests are taken away from the action.

If you have your wedding and reception at a church you may want to ask if you can have the kids go to a separate room for thier own “fun time” too.

Just a few thoughts arounds kids.  It’s fun to see the videos where the little ones are dancing and having fun, but why not provide other activities for them as well.  You can do it cheaply too.  Find little gift bags at the 99 cent store add a small 8 piece crayon set for .79 a few stickers & then get just plain drawing paper for the kids to draw on – total cost less than $2 for each child.  It works, they are happy & you should see the cute notes that the bride and groom get from the kids.

Make them feel special and a part of the whole experience.  Kids can have fun and be GREAT at your event, you just need to plan for them in advance.

Happy Planning

When you are finally at your day, how much time have you alotted for things?  Your set-up and teardown, have you done a “dry run” to see how much time things take to complete?

Recently I was at a beach wedding, there was a canopy that needed to be placed & all the chairs needed to be set.  The time of an hour to an hour and a 1/2 was given for the set-up.  Do I have to tell you that taking things through the sand to the beach & the set-up took alot longer than expected.  The set-up took well over and hour, with positioning things, hanging curtains, placing chairs, tables & the decorations. 

Not to mention that when that was done the bride along with the mother & father of the bride had to leave to go to a nearby hotel & get ready.  When they arrived the photographer & make-up person where there waiting patiently for them.  Father & mother of the bride proceeded to get ready while the bride got her make-up done & then took several pictures. 

Needless to say the ceremony went off about an hour later than expected.  But you could say things happened for a reason, because the photos where absolutely stunning.  The sunset was magnificient. 

This time issue though put the wedding party & guests late for dinner at a private restraurant as well.

That being said, time management is very important to your overall day.  If you have a wedding coordinator, then he or she should be involved in every aspect of what you want and expect.  Be sure to discuss with them how and where you would like items placed both for the ceremony & reception.  They can be a BIG help for a BIG hinderance.  The more you are able to communicate your desires the better you will feel about everything. 

Time Management is a HUGE issue.  Everyone should know what is expected so that you (the bride) feel comfortable that everything will be completed when and how you requested.  When it comes to the details, time plays a big factor in getting things done.  You do not want your guests arriving with only 1/2 a room finished or no flowers on the alter. 

Make sure that time is made a priority when you are planning.

Happy planning.

Recently one of our guests ask the question – Champagne or cheaper fizzy wine?    

We say there are several options available that can be done. Budget as in most “normal” cases seems to always be an issue, so suggestion #1 to help keep cost down you can do a Signature drink that is served to everyone and have Champagne for the traditional toast(s).  This way you can help to reduce the bar costs.

Suggestion #2: You can serve only wine (of your choice – 1 or 2 only) to everyone and eliminate the bar cost all together.  Don’t do champagne at all. 

You could use Sparkling Cider for your toast(s).

Take also into consideration the time of day.

Having a morning event, then neither may be appropriate.  You could then have sparkling cider in this case.  Yes, it might be 5 o’clock somewhere, but not at your event, so why muck things up with drinking.

Early afternoon events, you  may want the Champagne only or include the wine for those guests who really want to drink, but limit the choices.

Now when you are talking an evening event, this is where it starts to get expensive.  Most of you guests will ”expect” some type of alcohle!  This is where a signature drink can really help the budget and then serve Champagne for the toast(s). 

We can tend to be on the budget conciouse side of things, so signature drinks work really well when you are having your event at a venue.

No let’s talk elsewhere for a quick moment.  Say you are having your wedding and/or reception in a family backyard, then beer, wine & champagne would be great.  No bar tab or bar tender fees (unless you are having one). Get it done cheap.  But now if that same theme is at the Country Club, not so much – they will usually have a portable bar & bar tender for you upon request.

You have to do the math.  No we are not back in school, but alcohol can make a major dent in your budget – sometimes as much as 30%-40%, so watch out.  Remember to consider the time of day, your guest list and the mood you want to set for your event.  It’s not to say a “drunken” party can’t be fun, but if that’s not who you are, then consider not having alcohol at all.

Look at your budget & then you have to make the decision for what is right for you and your guests.

Best of luck with you upcoming wedding.