Unique Receptions- Delayed Wedding Receptions
January 24, 2009 by Wedding Ideas
Filed under Reception Ideas
Comments Off
by Bridget Mora
It is not always practical or desirable to have a reception immediately following the wedding ceremony. That does not mean that you can’t have a party to celebrate your union – it is entirely appropriate to have a reception at a later date. These are some of the things to keep in mind when planning a delayed wedding reception.
There are a variety of reasons why a couple might choose to have their wedding ceremony and reception on two different dates. One of the most common reasons is in the case of an elopement. Other couples might choose to have a very intimate marriage ceremony with only immediate family, and then to have a big party later. Another reason that you might separate the two events is for geography. If most of your family and friends live in California, but you and your fiance plan to be married in New York, a delayed reception in your hometown would make a lot of sense.
When you are planning a delayed reception, the first question is one of timing. Ideally, you would like to schedule the two events as close together as is practical. This way, you are still in the spirit of the wedding, before real life starts to creep back in and take the edge off of your bridal glow. It also makes the party more exciting for your friends and family, if they are getting to see you for the first time after your ceremony at the party. If you have been married for months and months, it might feel more like a regular party than a wedding reception.
If you are planning to have a delayed reception, you will want to be sure to word the invitations carefully. It needs to be clear that this is a party in honor of the newlyweds, not an invitation to actually witness the marriage ceremony itself. The wording can be tricky, especially when you are issuing the reception invitations before the nuptials take place. It is much easier when the invitations are sent out after the fact. All you have to say is something like, “Please join us for a reception in honor of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. David Smith (Julie Frank), who were wed in a private ceremony on March 1st.” Then go on to provide the details of the date, location, and R.s.v.p. information for the party.
Most brides will choose to wear their bridal gown and wedding jewelry for the reception. You may want to also wear a veil for part of the event, especially if you are doing a ceremonial first dance.(It looks so pretty in the pictures.) Your guests will be delighted to get a glimpse of you in your wedding dress and jewelry. It would be somewhat anti-climactic for the bride to appear wearing regular party clothes. If your ceremony was an elopement and you did not wear a wedding gown, the delayed reception can be your chance to wear a fancy bridal ensemble. You do not want to feel as though you are wearing a costume, but a simple A-line gown could be very nice (you can skip the veil if you did not wear one for your ceremony).
The delayed wedding reception can really be exactly like one that follows directly after the vows, other than the timing. It can be a very practical solution for many situations, and is no less special for being slightly delayed. In fact, you may even find that having a little time between the wedding ceremony and the reception makes you feel more relaxed for the party, and that you will enjoy it even more.
Ask Bridget for advice in areas of jewelry or weddings. She writes numerous articles providing information for the customers of Silverland Jewelry.com. Wedding jewelry makes a wonderful keepsake that you will enjoy wearing for many years.
Wedding Reception Rentals Guide
November 24, 2008 by Wedding Ideas
Filed under Reception Ideas
Comments Off
Wedding Reception Rentals Guide
by Cori Russell
When you book your reception site, be sure that you understand what’s included in the rental fee. Each venue is different, so you have to clarify with the site manager which items the venue provides and which wedding rentals you must provide. (this list of questions to ask your wedding reception site will help you determine what’s included) As always, make sure that everything you have agreed upon is put in writing. Depending on the venue – and the type of reception you’re planning – you may need to supply some, if not all the items listed below.
Wedding Rentals Checklist
Tables
Here’s a breakdown of the types of tables you may need:
Guest Tables -
36-inch rounds seat 4-6 guests.
48-inch rounds seat 6-8 guests
60-inch rounds seats 8-10 guests.
6 ft rectangle seats about 8 guests
Cake Table(s) -
Appropriate size depends on size of cake, whether you’ll also have a groom’s cake, and whether you’ll display both cakes on the same or separate tables. 48-inch round usually works well
Head Table -
Seats bridal party. Often consists of rectangular tables placed end-to-end.
Sweetheart Table – in place of head table, small table that seats the bride and groom while the rest of the wedding party sits at guest tables.
Buffet Tables -
If you have decided on a buffet dinner, you’ll need to arrange several food stations, such as meet carving, etc. (Buffet tables may be provided by the catering company.)
Gift Table -
Size depends on the number of guests you are expecting.
Guest Book Table -
A small table for your reception guest book.
Chairs
For a seated dinner or buffet, you will need to provide seating for all reception guests. For a buffet style cocktail reception you may able to get away with enough chairs for half or more of the total number of guests. You may need to rent or purchase chair covers separately. High chairs for children should be available from rental companies.
Linens and Chair covers
Linens and Chair covers may be included with the rented tables and chairs, or you may need to source them elsewhere.
Tableware
For a formal sit-down reception, tables are usually set with complete place settings. At a buffet reception where guests serve themselves, plates and silverware may be located at the buffet table.
Tent
A large tent or canopy may be required for receptions held outdoors to protect you and your guests from the sun or rain.
Options: Tents and canopies come in different sizes and colors. A smaller tent (20-by-20 feet) will accommodate about 40 guests at a sit-down dinner. A 20-by-40 about 200, and a 60-by-100 about 500 or more. Depending on the shape of your reception area, you may need to rent several smaller canopies rather than one large one. Contact several party rental suppliers to discuss the options.
Take pictures of the site for references for your tent rental company. Although they should survey the facility themselves before they set up the tent, the pictures are a good reference for them when you first set up an appointment.
Heaters/Air Conditioners
You may need to rent heaters if your reception will be held outdoors and if the temperature may drop below sixty-five degrees. There are electric and gas heaters, both of which come in different sizes. Gas heaters are more popular since they do not have unsightly and unsafe electric cords. In warmer climates, portable AC units may be rented for outdoor events.
Dance Floor
The size of your dance floor will depend on how many guests you expect. They can range from 12 by 12 feet up to 20 by 30 feet or larger. Get some graph paper and make a floor plan, and bring this to you when you visit your rental company.
Visit this complete wedding rentals guide for a printable checklist you can file and keep with you to manage your rentals.
Cori Russell is editor for Elegala.com and Gala Weddings Magazine. Elegala.com is a complete weddings and wedding planning resource with a national directory of wedding venues and services, how-to guides, expert advice, checklists and photo galleries to walk brides and grooms through every step of the planning process.
For more wedding reception ideas visit Stress Away Bridal.
