The Dilemma: To Serve Or Not To Serve Alcohol
I know a bride and groom with a dilemma: the bride comes from a family where wedding receptions a large joyous celebrations which include alcoholic beverages and champagne toasts. As tradition dictates, her family is paying for the wedding and reception.

The groom, on the other hand, is from a religious background that doesn’t include alcohol in their wedding receptions. Their wedding guests are mostly from the bride’s family and friends, but the couple feels they need to consider how to make their reception accommodating to both groups.

The Solution: BOTH

They have decided to host an early reception, with no alcohol, immediately following their wedding. All guests are invited to enjoy a great buffet, punch and wedding cake, dancing and the like. After two hours, they will have a champagne toast that will open the bar.

Making It Work:
They have appropriately informed their guests through their wedding program that no alcohol will be served during the first two hours of the reception, but will be served the final two hours.

As some of their relatives have strong beliefs about not drinking alcohol, I believe this is a really generous and considerate way of handling what could become a sticky situation. Those guests who have been told about the reception plans have expressed their gratitude to the bride and groom for thinking of them and the children who will be there.

I say, if this is how the bride and groom begin their marriage—by considerately adjusting their plans to accommodate others—theirs is a marriage that will be marked by unselfish love to one another and those important to them.

This wedding tip was brought to you by www.weddingandpartynetwork.com, your number 1 source for wedding planning.

You’ll never forget your maid of honor duties when you have this helpful wedding checklist! It fits easily in a wedding planner, a wallet, or your purse and conveniently keeps all of your maid of honor duties within reach. Your best friend is getting married and needs your help to make the wedding planning run smoothly. For you, it’s as easy as performing these few simple task!

Maid of Honor Pre Wedding Duties

• Help bride shop for gown (if she desires)
• Help bride shop for bridesmaids dresses
• Get the word out about the wedding registry, even if listed elsewhere
• Coordinate bridesmaids’ dress order, fittings, alterations, payment, and dressing
• Arrange the travel and lodging for the bridesmaids
• Organize bridesmaids on wedding day
• Fix the bride’s train before the processional starts
• Attend rehearsal dinner
• Create a wedding day emergency kit (just a reminder!)
• Plan and attend the wedding shower and/or bachelorette party
• Help with wedding planning tasks (a girl needs all the hands she can get!)

Maid of Honor Duties During The Ceremony:

• Walk down the aisle during the processional
• Adjust bride’s train once she reaches the altar
• Hold the bridal bouquet while the bride and groom exchange vows
• Carry the groom’s wedding ring
• Sign marriage license as a witness
• Walk in the recessional with the best man
• Organize programs, tossing petals, etc.

Maid of Honor Duties During The Reception:

• Stand in receiving line (if appropriate)
• Help bride bustle her gown
• Sit at head table next to groom (if wedding party is seated at head table)
• Prepare and present a toast to the couple
• Dance with best man during first dance (if the wedding party is asked to participate)
• Help direct vendors as needed (the bride shouldn’t have to worry with this on her big day)

Maid of Honor Duties After The Wedding:

• Take the bride’s wedding dress to the dry cleaner
• Help organize gifts and gift checks brought to the reception
• Help oversee wrap-up after wedding reception (if needed)

While it’s customary for guests to bring gifts to the wedding, it seems by the time the wedding takes place, the bride and groom have received most of the gifts from their registry. What many couples just starting out need, especially in this economy, is money. There is an old tradition—at least in the South where I’m from—of giving the bride and groom a “money tree” at their wedding reception.

Now, this can be accomplished in many ways, but the basic idea is to have a table specifically set aside at the reception with a “tree” on it—usually a large branch—that is in the center of the table. Paper clips and small envelopes are provided so guests can clip their bills or envelopes to the tree. By the end of the reception, the tree is filled with monetary gifts to help the couple as they begin their life together.

The money tree can be a decorative focal point at the reception. The branch can be placed in a large container, weighted down with rocks and covered with moss. The branch could be sprayed white or silver, and you could even put mini white lights on it for a beautiful effect. If you’re having a wedding near the holidays, a miniature Christmas tree would work great.

I think this is an especially helpful idea if the couple has just purchased their first home. Gifts from the money tree could actually pay their first month’s mortgage.

This traditional wedding reception idea was brought to you by weddingandpartynetwork.com, your number 1 source for wedding planning.

Keeping up with who-does-what at a wedding can be very tedious. Instead of worrying about what your bridesmaid duties are and threatening your enjoyment of the wedding, use this checklist instead! This wedding checklist of bridesmaids duties is the fastest and easiest way to recognize your part in helping things run smoothly. Wedding planning has never been so simple!

Pre-Wedding Bridesmaids Duties:

• May assist in shopping for dress
• Attend at least one bridesmaid dress shopping event (unless an out-of-town attendant)
• Get fittings and alterations as needed
• Help with wedding planning errands
• Help plan wedding shower and/or bachelorette party
• Attend the parties!

Bridesmaids Duties At The Ceremony:

• Walk in the processional (might be with groomsman)
• Stand at the altar or stage throughout the ceremony
• Walk with a groomsman in the recessional
• Help bride dress and prepare for the wedding

Bridesmaids Duties At The Reception:

• Might be announced at the reception
• Sit at head table (if reserved)
• Take part in first dance (if wedding party is asked to participate)

Now you’re just a few short steps away from being the best bridesmaid in history! Simply help your friend shine on her wedding day and you’re both off to a good start!

Last month we featured the top five photos of tall wedding reception centerpieces. Each photo displayed one unique quality that made those tall centerpieces fun for any reception. This month we’re switching it up ever so slightly by bringing you the opposite. Now it’s time to give you some ideas for short and medium floral centerpieces for your wedding reception! When you’re discussing your wedding reception centerpieces with your florist, keep these photos in mind (or take a print-out of your favorites with you!)

*marching band fanfare*

Contemporary Wedding Reception Centerpiece

This is a beautiful centerpiece perfect for a contemporary wedding reception. It’s elegant, fun, stylish, sleek and sophisticated. In other words, the perfect decorations for the modern bride! These flowers have all of the components of a great wedding reception centerpiece. You have height with the foliage. You have color with the cool red roses. Plus, your eye is drawn to the cool angles formed by the grasses used to create width. Beautiful and intricate!

This contemporary wedding reception centerpiece was created by Ginkgo Floral Design, a flower shop in Toronto, Ontario specializing in wedding flowers.

Small Bowl Floral Centerpiece

This is a very beautiful and elegant centerpiece which is why it’s making the top 5 wedding reception centerpiece list this month. This is a picturesque centerpiece made using just three components:  a small round vase, a single orchid (similar flowers will work), and a few shoots of long grass. The way they mesh together so beautifully makes it hard to imagine the careful creation of the centerpiece. Definitely a favorite!

This beautiful photo of a contemporary centerpiece in a round vase was submitted by The Enchanted Florist, a flower shop in Mount Vernon Washington specializing in wedding flowers.

Mirror Underneath Centerpiece

The mirror at the bottom of these centerpieces make it perfect for a classy wedding reception. Light shimmers and bounces off of the mirrors and the square vases of the centerpieces for a beautiful and eye-catching appearance. The flowers in each centerpiece complement each other masterfully. Candles add a great touch whether lit or not. Tiny glass crystals (glass rocks will do also) add extra shimmer and sparkle. After all, what’s a girl without her accessories?

This centerpiece on a mirror base photo was submitted by Perfect Presentations, a wedding coordinator and florist in Tulsa Oklahoma.

Poolside Wreath Reception Centerpiece

Time for a dip? Not yet! First guests have to stop and enjoy the way the table centerpieces play off of the floating flower arrangements at this wedding reception. Centerpieces like these are beautiful because they really pop against a black tablecloth plus they look great with all of the other decorations. If you’re in the mood for an outdoor wedding reception, consider centerpieces like these that have stand-out and blend-in appeal.

This poolside table centerpiece photo was submitted by Apple Blossoms Floral Design & Gifts, a wedding florist in Tampa Florida.

Elegant Contemporary Tulip Centerpiece

When you think of contemporary centerpieces for a wedding reception, this is one that quickly comes to mind. Red tulips form the bulk of the centerpiece (or at least the most eye-catching part). Their stems are swirled around in the standing vase along with some long grass shoots. Add a little water and you have yourself the #1 table centerpiece for the month! This arrangement is great for any wedding reception because red is the color of passionate love. Red tulips? … it’s just like whispering sweet nothings in someone’s ear.

This contemporary tulip centerpiece photo was submitted by Nanz & Kraft Florists Inc., a wedding florist in Louisville Kentucky.

Most everyone has seen the recent video clip of the wedding party making their entrance to the wedding ceremony by dancing down the aisle—very creative and funny!

However, for those not quite that bold, I thought this would be a great way for the wedding party to make their entrance at the wedding reception. Most receptions begin with the wedding party introductions. Each member of the wedding party could enter the reception dancing. Or the wedding party could enter the reception with a choreographed dance. This is actually a rising trend in wedding receptions. Naturally, the bride and groom would be the last to enter, which could flow right into their first dance.

I think this is a great way to kick off the wedding reception giving the guests a great view of the newlyweds with a little wedding reception entertainment to boot.

One of my favorite songs is the classic “At Last.” I can see that being a perfect “first dance” song, but any song that is meaningful to the bride and groom would work well. After the first dance, the bride and groom could proceed to cutting the cake or greeting guests, and then continue with the father/daughter and mother/son dances. I’ve attended receptions where the official dancing didn’t start until the reception was well underway, and I really like this idea of starting the reception with some upbeat, celebratory music.

Don’t feel left out! When you’re talking with your florist about the flowers for your wedding reception, consider taking tips from the flowers in these photos. This month we are taking a look at tall floral centerpieces that are perfect for any reception anywhere. There are tips for personalizing tall centerpieces for your wedding reception as well as nifty ideas for your florist. Unique is the key and these arrangements are definitely that! When you need ideas check out these great wedding reception flower photos!

*tribal drum rhythyms*

Tall Calla Lily Centerpiece

Want something quick and simple with all the elegance of a time-consuming arrangement? Try calla lilies arranged together in a tall rectangular vase! Whether a wide rectangular vase or something more square, calla lilies enhance the shape of the vase. Calla lilies also add the height needed to attract the eye. Unique vases paired with beautiful and classic flowers like calla lilies are an excellent addition to the wedding reception flowers.

This calla lily centerpiece was submitted by Kings Creek Flowers, a florist in Miami Florida specializing in wedding flowers.

Eiffel Tower Reception Centerpiece

If you’re looking for unique, this is the way to go. This tall centerpiece features roses coming out of an L.E.D. base in the shape of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. This kind of centerpiece is great for themed wedding receptions or wedding receptions modeled after the enduring sensuousness that Parisians are famous for.

Even if the Eiffel Tower isn’t your thing, the idea of a vase in the shape of something important to you or a famous landmark is something worth discussing with your florist.

This Eiffel Tower centerpiece was submitted by Perfect Presentations, wedding consultant and wedding florist in Tulsa Oklahoma.

Lighted Vase Centerpiece

Anything that draws attention to the centerpiece itself is a winner. Unique ways to light the design are key to getting a quick glance in the direction of the flowers. (”Oohs” and “ahhhs” to follow) This unique floral centerpiece features a simple frosted vase with a few string lights on the inside. They glow almost like fireflies in the twilight sky in this photo. The full, massive appearance of the flowers at the top of the centerpiece really pulls the arrangement together in a fun way.

This lighted vase centerpiece was submitted by Always In Bloom, a talented florist in Knoxville Tennessee specializing in wedding flowers.

Ricker Rocks & Orchids Tall Centerpiece

These centerpieces feature three key components for a truly beautiful and unique centerpiece for any wedding reception. First, the vases are a break from traditional round or cylindrical vases used in many arrangements. Square and rectangular vases add a hint of something more classy but not classic, stylish and not dated.

Another great appeal of the tall centerpiece is that the vase is lined with river rocks. This breaks up the look of simply flowers in a vase. Plus, the color contrast works splendidly with the orchids inside the vase. Finally, the flowers themselves are gorgeous and appealing to the eye with their stunning green color.

This tall centerpiece in a rectangular vase was submitted by Monday Morning Flower & Balloon Co., a florist in Princeton New Jersey.

Floating Orchids Wedding Reception Centerpiece

You can count on floating flowers centerpieces to get a great reaction at the wedding reception. These are so unique and up-and-coming that many brides are discovering their “awe” factor thanks to local florists who specialize in contemporary floral centerpieces. This beautiful centerpiece features orchids under water with a floating candle on top. Clear glass rocks at the bottom sparkle and shimmer for a complete look

This beautiful floating centerpiece was submitted by Apple Blossoms Floral Design & Gifts, a wedding florist in Tampa Florida.

Recently, I heard of an elementary school teacher who was getting married and invited her class of first graders to the wedding. She not only invited them, but she made sure they would enjoy the wedding reception, too.

She went all out on a special food table filled with some really creative foods that kids enjoy. There were heart-shaped peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, fruit roll-ups lined up like soldiers on a silver platter, a fruit centerpiece filled with fun-shaped melons, apple and orange slices, strawberries and grape kebabs. There were also kid-friendly chicken nuggets with a variety of dipping sauces, and ants on a log (celery sticks smeared with peanut butter with raisins on top). A local bakery had made schoolhouse shaped cookies decorated with icing for a sweet treat. She even had small cartons of milk on ice in a silver punch bowl.

But she didn’t stop there. There were tables specifically for the students and their parents to sit, decorated with their school colors—green and gold. Wedding favors were at each place and included pencils, crayons, notepads and other school supplies wrapped up in cellophane bags tied with green and gold ribbons.

It struck me how much this teacher had really thought of her students and wanted them to have fun and feel welcome on her most special day. I’m sure each of those children will never forget that teacher or her wedding day.

Wedding Receptions: The First Party Of Your Married Life

Your first party together as husband and wife – the wedding reception – is a celebration of your love and commitment, a truly momentous event that should be glorified as such. Family and friends will come from near and far to help mark this important milestone in your new life together. And you will have the time of your life. Great wedding receptions are talked about and remembered fondly by guests and wedding party members alike for years and years.

Just think of all the great memories you will make together as husband and wife surrounded by the most important people in your life.  What a great way to start your journey together.

However, before you put on your dancing shoes and let your hair down, there is a lot of planning that goes into making your wedding reception perfect. While there are many aspects of the wedding reception to consider, if you take care of the core five ingredients (food, music, decorations, location and photographers/videographers), it will come together beautifully.

Food: Success Begins With Great Taste

Just imagine, as your guests enter the reception hall they are greeted by a stunningly beautiful ice sculpture that sparkles and glistens in the warm candlelight. Near the buffet table a chocolate fountain gurgles a cascading sheet of rich milk chocolate and nearby an elegant champagne fountain bubbles out the sweet lavish liquid. The aroma of a delicious meal fills the air, leaving your guests with a feeling of excitement for the festivities to come.

Feeding your guests a great meal may just be one of the most important aspects of your reception. A caterer can take the worry and hassle out of feeding a large crowd. A professional wedding caterer can help you plan the menu and tailor it to the desired atmosphere of your wedding reception.  He or she can help you add those special touches like a delicious chocolate fountain, an elegant ice sculpture, or maybe even that bubbling champagne fountain.

Music: To My Ear and Theirs

Think about how much fun you’ll have twirling around the dance floor to your favorite song. Or maybe your entire wedding party will wow the crowd with your own choreographed version of  “Thriller” which could make your party one of the most unique receptions your guests have ever attended. Just think how much fun you and your wedding party will have, not only learning the dance but showing off your new smooth moves as well. A professional choreographer can help you create that special dance.

Music sets the mood for dancing and fun and is a vital part of a good reception. A professional DJ can help keep things lively and get everybody out on the dance floor. You’ll be surprised to see your aunt kick off her shoes and get down to “She’s a Brick House,” but a good dj can make even the most prim and proper guests want to get out there and shake it. Plus think about all the good memories you’ll have of dancing and being silly with your friends and family.

Decorations: A Feast For The Eyes

Imagine your guests entering the reception hall. On a table strewn with bright rose petals, photos of the bride and groom greet them at the door.  Bunches of sweet red roses surrounded by the soft glow of romantic candlelight grace round tables draped with rich cream colored linens. The shimmering candlelight along with soft music create a picturesque atmosphere for your wedding reception.

Or maybe picnic tables and buckets full of drinks for guests, lanterns strung through the trees above the tables and whimsical palm tree centerpieces with Jimmy Buffet playing in the background is more your style. Whatever your style may be, there are wedding decorations to make your reception the ideal one for you.

Decorations can make any reception location look amazing and are a must for a great reception. When selecting your reception decorations look for items that match the look and feel of your wedding. If you have a very formal wedding, a formal reception hall would be appropriate. If you have a laid back beach wedding, a more casual laid back reception would match the wedding and your attire.

Location: The Best Place To Celebrate

A church hall, a hotel banquet room, or a garden party all make great places to hold your dream wedding reception. When selecting your reception location consider:

• the number of guests
• whether an indoor or outdoor location
• proximity to the ceremony
• nearby accommodations for out-of-town guests
• availability on the date you have selected

When booking your reception location it is important to do so well in advance to secure the date you need. When it comes to places to hold your reception, the sky is the limit. If you can dream it you can probably do it. Just make up your mind and make it happen and you are sure to end up with the reception location of your dreams.

Photographers and Videographers: Capturing A Moment In Time

There will be so many moments you’ll want to capture and preserve forever : like cutting the cake, your maid of honor’s heartfelt and teary toast, your first dance, the daddy-daughter dance and all the other great moments at your reception. What better way than with photos and videos that will last a lifetime? A professional photographer can capture great candid shots of those special moments and the special people at your reception. Those creative toasts can be relived again and again on video. A professional videographer can help you preserve those precious words and wishes.

When your grandchildren ask about your wedding you will be able to show them the video of your first dance or the cake cutting. You will also have keepsake photos of you looking gorgeous in your beautiful wedding dress that you can pass on through the generations. That is why selecting a wedding photographer and or videographer is so important. You and your spouse will enjoy looking back at all the wedding reception photos and video and remember the beginning of your great journey together.

A special thanks goes to:

Mendon Massachusetts photographer, Blueberry Photo for the use of their bride and groom photo.

Bentonville Arkansas Caterer, Catering Concepts for the use of their fruit platter photo.

Uniontown Ohio Photographer, Curtis Photography-Videography for the use of their wedding reception dance photo.

Tulsa Oklahoma Wedding Florist, Perfect Presentations for the use of their wedding reception decorations photo.

Did you know that the average wedding costs over $23,000? While there is no shame in spending more or less than this, the averaged wedding costs can still add up quickly. Most brides overshoot their wedding budget goals by as much as 15%! To avoid breaking the bank with your wedding planning, here are some budget-friendly tips for brides-to-be!

Wedding Budget Tip 1:  Avoid The Busy Season

The majority of weddings occur between May and October. In fact, October is the new June. Late fall weddings and winter weddings are beautiful and allow brides to reduce costs by catching vendors and wedding supplies when they’re not in great demand!

Also, consider marrying on a Friday or throughout the week. Marrying on a weekday may be less traditional, but it’s a fun and unique way to make your ceremony special (and save money!). Weekend weddings are great but reception halls charge the most for Saturday evening weddings. By marrying on a Friday, you’ll be able to save on the reception costs, enjoy great options for the ceremony location, and spend a three day weekend with your groom!

Wedding Budget Tip 2:  Pass Up The Dessert Tray

Wedding cakes are a huge reception expense. Since this is the most important piece at the reception, no bride wants to cut it out completely. Instead, opt for a smaller wedding cake. Also consider a cupcake wedding cake. This tasty trend allows guests to enjoy a small portion of the same great flavor. The biggest treat for you? Cupcake cakes usually run about $60 compared to hundreds for a traditional wedding cake.

If a smaller version of your dream cake won’t feed everyone, consider having a sheet cake of the same flavor along with your wedding cake. An evening of dancing, drinks and good food doesn’t leave much room for dessert. Consider passing up extra dessert options which quickly add up (on the hips as well)!

Wedding Budget Tip 3:  Go Green With The Wedding Flowers

Opt for more greenery in the reception arrangements. Most guests won’t know which flowers are in or out of season so trim the cost of your wedding flowers by using more greenery. The wedding ceremony flowers are a beautiful addition to the ceremony but remember that this is where guests spend the least amount of time. Most spend more time at the reception so consider putting the budget emphasis on your wedding reception flowers instead.

Wedding Budget Tip 4: Go Green With The Wedding Invitations

In the age of technology and conservation, eco-friendly wedding invitations are a big perk. If you want to send standard wedding invitations, consider replacing the RSVP cards with a note on the invitation that asks guests to RSVP at your wedding website. Wedding websites will save a ton on less important wedding stationery. (Oh, and invitation liners are unnecessary. You’re breaking no etiquette by opting out on these.)

Wedding Budget Tip 5:  Double Up With Wedding Favors

Wedding favors are a must-have for most brides according to traditional wedding etiquette. Wedding favors can be practical and functional though! Consider favors that double as place cards or serve a purpose after the wedding. Personalized bottles of bubbles serves as wedding favors and can be used instead of tossing rice or bird seed after the ceremony.

Wedding Budget Tip 6:  Opt For A Cocktail Reception

This is a good way to glam up your reception without spending lots of money on food and decorations. Waiters carrying trays of hor d’oeuvres is a glamorous look and a frugal choice for brides. Many wedding caterers have their own wait staff, so consider hiring a local caterer with wait staff for a glamorous but easy-on-the-wallet reception.

Wedding Budget Tip 7:  Buy The Music, Not The Band

A band at the wedding is always fun, but consider a single musician or a dj instead. Going this route with wedding reception entertainment will save costs simply because you’re paying for one person instead of multiple people.

Wedding Budget Tip 8:  Share The Menus

Instead of giving each guest a menu at the reception, opt for one or two per table. These can look elegant when placed between beautiful table settings or when stood on either side of the table’s centerpice. This saves paper and printing costs plus adds to the decor of the table.