Archives for April 2009

April 30, 2009 by Celebration Advisor

Check This Off Your Wedding Planner–Wedding Payment Roles

I get tons of questions asking me who pays for what regarding the wedding. Does the bride pay for this? Can I pay for that? Can I ask someone to pay for this? Is it ok that the bride's family isn't paying for the wedding? Though a small novella would answer all of these questions, here is a simple checklist to let you know the traditional roles in paying for the wedding. Thank you, Emily Post.

Who Pays For What? — Traditional Expenses of The Bride or Bride's Family

The wedding consultant (wedding planner or wedding coordinator)
Wedding invitations, enclosure cards, announcements (all wedding stationery)
Wedding flowers which includes the bridesmaids bouquets, wedding bouquets, and any floral decorations for the ceremony and reception.
Wedding photographer and photographs
Wedding videographer and video
Any music used during the ceremony and reception
The entire reception (yup, this is the bride's responsibility in full)
Bridesmaids gifts and attendants gifts
The groom's wedding ring
Carpet for the aisle, rental of awnings, etc.
Cost of soloists and other wedding ceremony musicians/entertainment
A traffic officer if necessary
The bridal party's transportation to the reception
Transportation and lodging for officiant if invited by the bride's family
Any accommodations (lodging, fees) for the bridesmaids and attendants
Sexton fees

Who Pays For What? — Wedding Expenses of The Groom or Groom's Family

The marriage license
Grooms gift to his bride
Gifts for groomsmen, ushers, etc.
Formal wear accessories for groomsmen if not part of the clothing rental package
In some regions, the bridal bouquet
The bride's going-away corsage
Boutonnieres for the groomsmen, ushers, etc.
Officiant's fee or donation (this is always a groom's fee and is different than accommodations)
Transportation for groom and best man to and from the ceremony
The honeymoon package and expenses(yup, bride gets the reception, groom gets the honeymoon)
The rehearsal dinner
Accommodations for groomsmen, ushers, etc.
Bachelor dinner if one is being held
Transportation and lodging for groom's immediate family
Corsages for immediate members of both families unless bride includes these in her wedding flowers package
The bride's engagement ring and wedding ring

Who Pays For What? — Wedding Expenses of the Bridesmaids or Honor Attendants

Apparel and all accessories
Transportation to and from the city where the wedding is being held
Contribution to a group gift from the bridesmaids to the bride if being given
An individual gift to the couple if given (being in the wedding may be considered one)
A shower or luncheon for the bride if held

Who Pays For What? — Traditional Expenses of the Best Man or Ushers

Individual wedding attire rental
Transportation to and from the city where the wedding is being held
Contribution to a group gift from the groomsmen to the groom
An individual gift to the couple if given
A bachelor dinner or luncheon if held

Who Pays For What? — Traditional Expenses of Out Of Town Guests

Transportation to and from the wedding
Lodging expenses
Wedding gift

This may seem like a lot to absorb at one time. Don't worry about it! Print this list off and keep it for later. I hope this is helpful when you're creating the budget for your wedding. It's always nice to know who pays for what!

April 29, 2009 by Celebration Advisor

Help! Which Wedding Dress Style Should I Wear?

Ask The Celebration Advisor: Please settle an argument between me and my mom. What is the best wedding dress style for a late afternoon fall wedding in Niagara Falls, NY? I want a strapless wedding dress but my mom says it needs to have sleeves. She says it's tradition for late-year weddings. Is that still the proper etiquette for wedding dresses or can I get away with wearing the one that I want? ~Nancy, Niagara Falls, NY

Wedding Dress With Jacket For Fall Wedding

The Celebration Advisor: Nancy, I hate to admit this but you're both right! Traditional etiquette says that a full-length skirt and small jacket or sleeves is appropriate for a wedding ceremony during the cooler times of the year. This has a lot to do with what was socially acceptable at the time. Just as much of it was to keep the bride comfy. Also, a small wedding dress jacket can easily be removed for the reception but is seasonally appropriate attire. Sleeves can't be removed but no one said they had to be stiff and bulky.

In your defense, the modern wedding is all about the bride and which wedding dress style she prefers. While traditional values are still appreciated, there is no standard etiquette that brides are holding to these days. Most simply try to coordinate their hairstyle with the neckline of their gown, the style of dress they want with the formality of their wedding, the type of dress with the location and other important considerations. If it makes you comfortable and you think it looks good, it's perfectly acceptable in a modern wedding.

Consider These Beautiful Wedding Dress Styles for Your Fall Wedding

If you really want to go along with your mother on this, there are many beautiful wedding dresses with light jackets. Also consider lace sleeves or something similar. A long skirt can be gorgeous with many of the wedding dress styles of today.

Mermaid style wedding dresses are form fitting through the upper thigh but then loosen into a more flowing train.
Empire wedding dresses are usually made of lighter fabrics. They have a very short train that gives the bride a semi-formal look.
Column style wedding dresses are very simple. They are usually floor-length gowns without a train. These are usually the preferred dresses for second weddings and semi-formal affairs. These can be easily accentuated with a light jacket and still maintain a very beautiful appearance.
A-line/Princess wedding gowns are arguably the most popular style for modern brides. These are simple enough to allow the bride to move freely without 15 attendants for her train. However, they are also gorgeous and rather formal. They present the best of both worlds.
Ball Gown style wedding dresses are exactly what you'd think they are. Picture Cinderella's wedding and you're on the mark. These have full, elaborate skirts and a less dramatic bodice. You really are the queen for a day in a wedding gown like this.

If you want to hold your own in the debate, you are right also. Modern weddings have less stringent traditions. The brides of today are able to wear whatever they want. Many are even wearing colorful wedding gowns! If your mother's argument is mostly that "it's traditional," you can respectfully disregard that advice. The modern bride's wedding is all about her and what she wants.

Strapless Wedding Dress

If you want to wear something sleeveless, that's fine. If you want to honor your mother's wishes and wear sleeves or a light jacket, that's great too. I recommend column, a-line, or empire styles if you opt for a jacket. All styles can benefit from one but these seem to be the most suited and popular. (That means easier to find!!)

My best recommendation is to find a compromise. Ask your mother if a sleeveless wedding dress would be ok with her. Perhaps something with thin straps but not strapless (works great with an empire style). This way you can still choose a neckline, satisfy your mother, and look beautiful on your wedding day.

Let me know which dress you pick! If your mother is anything like my mother, you'll look beautiful in a wedding dress with sleeves. *grin*

Before I forget…A shout out to the wonderful people who let me use their photos!

* The photo of the bride wearing a wedding dress jacket was provided by Photographs by Lawrence, a wedding photographer in Marietta Oklahoma.

* The photo of the bride wearing a strapless wedding dress was provided by Prange's Florist in Gainesville Florida (she provided the gorgeous bridal bouquet also seen in the photo).

April 28, 2009 by Jamie Jamison Adams

The Attraction Of Photo Booths At Weddings and Parties

Photo Booths Way Back When

Since 1925, when Anatol Josephino invented the photo booth, kids and adults have been creating photo memories and having fun. In the early days, photo booths could be found on the boardwalk, in departments stores and amusement parks across the nation. It seems no one could resist the urge to mug for a picture when they happened upon a photo booth. In fact, you probably have a few of these photo booth pictures tuck away in a drawer somewhere right now.

Contemporary Photo Booths Make The Guest List

Photo Booth From Say Cheese

Why would a photo booth receive an invitation to a wedding, a prom, a birthday party, a family reunion, a Bar/Bat Mitzvahs or an asundry of other special events. Laugh-out-loud, unforgettable fun, that's what photo booths bring to the party. Renting a photo booth can inspire fun and create memories at any special event even a quinceanera, anniversary party, holiday party or a fun-raiser.

Photographers capture a party guest in a moment of time. However, photo booths will capture your guests in the moment. Photo booths are entertainment and posterity all rolled into one wonderful party accessory. A photo booth naturally brings out the adventure in every guest. These candid pictures are a great way to remember the fun you had at an event.

Photo Booth Props From Say Cheese

It not just the photo booth that makes it fun, it is all the props that come with a photo booth rental. Neat hats, masks, boas and other props that guests can wear when they step inside of the photo booth are just a few of the great props that come with renting a photo booth. Along with the props, many rental companies offer a scrapbook package.

Photo Booth Scrapbook Package

The photo booth scrapbook package adds an extra element of fun. Guests can have their picture taken and then add it to the scrapbook along with a personal message. This makes for a wonderful piece of memorabilia after the event is over.

Photo Booths A Rising Trend

I can see why this new party and wedding trend is quickly rising to the top. It is an easy way to entertain guests as well as create and save memories. It appeals to the young and old alike. It fits well into the scheme of a wedding reception, a graduation party, a charity gala or a sweet sixteen party. As a party or wedding trend, photo booths have real staying power. After all, they have been around since 1925 and people are still drawn to them.

A special thanks goes to Say Cheese Photo Booth, an Austin Texas Photo Booth Company, who was kind enough to share some of their photos. I think they speak for all photo booth rental companies when they say "our mission is to inspire laugh-out-loud-unforgettably-fun memories everywhere we go." That's the attraction of photo booths and why you should have one at your next event.

April 28, 2009 by Jamie Jamison Adams

Limousine Service Ensures Wedding Guests In North Carolina Have A Safe Way Home

Making sure wedding guests are taken care of is an important part of the wedding planning process. Providing transportation for your wedding guests will ensure that all participants will have a good and safe time. This limousine question from a bride demonstrates how important both transportation price and safety are when planning a wedding

Ask The Celebration Advisor: I am actually asking about transportation from my wedding on August 29th 2009….maybe starting around 1000p – lasting through 1200a , or so.
I only want the reception guests to make it home, or wherever they plan to stay that night.

What is your charge for this type of service. The main places to carry them will be Tarboro and Greenville.

Thanks for your help 🙂 Sheila – Event takes place in Farmville.

Reply:

For weddings, limousines can offer guests a safe and luxurious ride. Since your event takes place in Farmville, NC but the guests will need to go to Tarboro, NC or Greenville, NC, you have three limo options:

A Farmville Limousine service willing to travel to Tarboro or Greenville.
A Tarboro Limousine service willing to travel to Farmville or Greenville.
A Greenville limousine service willing to travel Tarboro or Farmington.

In areas where cities are close to each other, a limo company from one town will serve the surrounding cities. So, you should be able to find a wedding limo service that is willing to travel to all three places.

Before you contact one of these limousine companies, you need to know what kind of limousine styles are available. The best style for extra large groups going to the same place is a limo bus. Not all limousine companies will have one in their fleet. However, if this option is available the pricing is usually very cost-effective. For small groups, the Hummer limo is a novel idea. For most weddings, the stretch limo is the standard style of choice and can accommodate large groups.

As for pricing, limo rental companies usually have special packages for proms and weddings. Luckily, the party limousine packages can be tailored to your special needs. I would first guesstimate how many guests will use the limos. Then divide the number into two groups – those going to Tarboro and those going to Greenville. That way when you contact the limousine rental company you will have all the necessary information to select the right wedding limo package.

April 28, 2009 by Leigh Morrisett

The Wedding Tradition Of Bridal Bouquets

Most brides today carry flowers because they are beautiful and it gives the nervous bride something to do with her hands. However, the carrying of flowers goes back as far as the beginning of marriage. Rooted in superstition, it was thought bridal bouquets consisting of odoriferous herbs and garlands worn or carried would ward off demons and evil spirits. Variations of this superstition are found in many cultures throughout the world.

In India the bride and groom are sprinkled with flower petals to ward of evil. It is said that a Roman bride carried herbs such as rosemary in her veil to ward off evil spirits. In fact, the modern tradition of carrying flowers and herbs in the bridal bouquet stems from this Roman practice. With many cultures sharing their wedding traditions over the centuries, the primitive superstition of smelly garlands went by the wayside. Brides began to use flowers as a way to symbolize emotion, virtue of love and marriage transforming the tradition.

Flowers such as roses became symbols of love for western weddings. Herbs and flowers were mixed together as a symbolic gesture. Over the years, wedding traditions have been manipulated blending old tradition with contemporary ideals. Old Greek wedding traditions used ivy and ribbons; weaving them into crowns for the bride and groom to symbolize unity. This tradition of greenery and ribbons has been incorporated in many modern wedding bouquets. In fact, it is commonplace to see bridal bouquets with greenery and ribbons intertwined in the flowers.

Although wedding flowers are a long standing tradition, the use flowers has become more of a tradition of elegance than one of warding off demons. Thankfully the tradition changed and flowers are now used to decorate the wedding. The bride can now carry a bouquet for beauty and not as protection from evil spirits.

April 24, 2009 by Leigh Morrisett

Go Green On Your Teen's Party

Coming up with a party idea for a teenager is difficult. If I can come up with a party theme, I find it usually helps. A friend of mine decided that her son's passion for the environment would make a great theme for his 14th birthday party. This teenager is all about being eco-minded and recycling. So going "green" for his party was a natural choice.

She bought recycled birthday party invitations, paper plates and napkins. They held the party at one of our local parks. For entertainment, the kids participated in a trash scavenger hunt. Of course, she pre-arranged this activity with the park rangers. Yep, my friend had a good idea, one that provided entertainment for the kids and a community service for the park.

Each scavenger (kid) was given a list (on recylced-paper) of trash items: soda bottles, water bottles, papers, etc. The first to bring back all the trash on the list won a prize. In my friend's case, she went with a green prize (as in cash). It wasn't much money, but, the teens sure enjoyed the hunt for trash.

As party favors, she gave each guest a pair of cotton gloves (used during the scavenger hunt), a few packets of seeds, and peat pots filled soil. Her bakery made a recycle birthday cake that was unique. No, it wasn't previously used. It was in the shape of a recycling container including a recycling symbol with a number 14. Although decorations were kept minimal, she was able to find recycled products including napkins and plates at her local party store.

All of this she did for her son, the eco-friendly kid. This party was a hit with his friends and one that he whole-heartily enjoyed. I heard him tell her "it was the best party ever, it was fun and not wasteful".

Side note: they recycled everything they used that day and collected.

April 21, 2009 by Leigh Morrisett

Quinceanera More Than A Cultural Celebration

la fiesta Quinceanera- A Young Woman’s Fifteenth Birthday Celebration

In Spanish "quince" means fifteen and "años" means year. Originating with the Aztec culture, the la fiesta Quinceañera or Quinceaños is the custom of having a special 15th birthday celebration. Later the celebration was incorporated into the Mexican and Latin American cultures. Through the years these cultures have added their own traditional elements to the celebration.

Quinceanera

Historically the celebration has been referred to as Quinceaños and the celebrant as the Quinceañera. Many today refer to both the party and the participant as Quinceañera. Although this is a cultural celebration, the symbolic atmosphere surrounding this coming of age party offers a way for any family to recognize the importance of family and community in the transformation of a young girl in to a young lady.

A Quinceañera – Where It Begins
Traditionally, the quinceañera begins with a very important ceremony held in a church where a special mass is celebrated. During this ceremony, the priest presents the young lady as an adult member of the congregation. This begins the formal recognition of the young girls transformation into adulthood.

After the church service (similar to a Bat Mitzvah), the young lady continues on to a reception similar to a sweet sixteen party. Since community and friendship play an intricate part in this celebration, she is accompanied by seven female attendants (damas) and seven male attendants (chambelánes) as she makes her entrance at the party. Every component of this celebration plays an special part in the symbolic nature of this young girl's emergence into adulthood.

Appropriate Attire For A Quinceañera

Ella Park Bridal Quinceanera Dress

In keeping with the formality of the celebration the attire is also very formal. The young lady shows her respect and honored status by wearing a beautiful ball gown usually with a petticoat or hoop slip. Pure or soft colors, such as white or pastel colors like pink, blue or yellow, are often the dress colors chosen.

Customarily, the quinceañera girl chooses to wear a white dress and has her damas wear a pastel color in the same style of dress. With cumber buns that match the damas' dresses, the chambelánes wear tuxedos. Although these are the more traditional colors, this celebration is defined by the personality of the young lady.

Many young 15 year olds want their special celebration to be unique. So, you may see them wear dresses that are red, purple, or even a mixture of colors.

Invitations For A Quinceanera

Quinceañera invitations are just like any other party invitation. Styles can vary from very formal to theme invitations and sent several weeks in advance of the party. Invitations should be sent no later than a month before the quinceañera. This will give guests plenty of time to find a formal outfit for the party.

Formal invitations are sent inviting special friends to be the attendants for the celebration. These invitations are sent several months prior to the celebration. This allows for coordination of all the participants as well as time for dress and tuxedo fittings.

Accessorizing The Quinceañera

You will find accessories hold great importance in this celebration. Some important accessories are gloves, scepter, tiara, a quinceañera doll, as well as ring or bracelet. A tiara and scepter signify not only that she is a princess, but that she reigns over her past childhood and looks forward to being a responsible young lady.

The quinceañera doll is usually given to her by her grandparents and will often be made of porcelain and have the same style and color dress as hers. The doll symbolizes the last doll she will ever get as she has now stepped into womanhood. This is only one of many symbolic gifts given to the quinceañera.

Her "padrinos" (godparents) present her with a very special gift of honor; usually a bracelet, necklace or earrings.

Celebrating the Quinceañera – Decoration, Music and Photo Ops

The party can be a very lavish affair or a simple get together. Decorations can be anything from balloons to streamers as well as candles and flowers. Yes, even themed quinceañera parties, such as a 50’s theme, can be found at these celebrations. Basic traditions still apply. However as with any party, each girl has her own unique way of celebrating her fifteenth birthday. Some young ladies choose a horse drawn carriage to take them from the church to the reception area. Others may choose a limousine which can transport all her attendants.

The celebrated young lady often takes her first waltz or dance with her father. After she has danced with her father, the quinceañera is free to dance with her chambelánes or even her damas. You may even find a bit of a new twist on the dance floor with a choreographed dance done by the quinceañera girl and her damas and chamblanes. This is often done to more contemporary music played by a live band or by a Disc Jockey. Video is recommended for this part as photographs don’t capture the fun movements of the dance. You will also want to make sure that you have hired a photographer for formal pictures of the young lady with her damas and chambelánes as well her family.

Treats For Quinceañera Guests – Party Favors, Food and Drink

Chocolate Fountain for Quinceanera

Most quinceañera celebrations are catered. While any food can be served for the party, Latin food is often served. Items such as enchiladas, peccadillo, and tamales make great choices. The main attraction at the food table is the cake which is ornate and similar to a wedding cake. Some cakes have cute cake toppers, while others are elaborate multi-tiered cakes with artistic ornamentation. Beverages run the gamut from punches to soda and from wine to champagne. You will often find punch fountains, champagne fountains and even chocolate fountains at these celebrations.

Just like any birthday party you will find party favors. Decorate the tables with party favors such as little mint tins with the name of the young lady and the date, chocolates that go with the theme, or even place cards held up with commemorative take home candles. All make sweet gifts to say thank you for celebrating this special day with me.

A quinceañera is a very special tradition that many Latin cultures hold dear. It is a time to say goodbye to their young daughter, cousin, sister, or friend and say welcome to the beginning of adulthood and responsibility. It holds religious significance as well and often the priest will ask the young lady’s friends to commit to her, to help her in making good decision as she grows older. It is a time to say goodbye to her childhood and embrace her newly found womanhood.

While rooted in Latin American tradition, you can have a quinceañera party for any one who's turning fifteen. Taking the basic idea of this tradition and making one of your own for your teen, will make an outstanding party any teen will proud to have. Since "quinceanera" is merely Spanish for fifteenth year, all you need is a beautiful party dress, some attendants and of course a soon to be fifteen year old and viola! A quinceañera party is well on its way.

A special thanks goes to:

Get The Picture Inc , an Austin Texas Photographer, who shared their beautiful photo of a Quinceanera with tiara.

Ella Park Bridal, a Wedding and Quinceanera dress company in Newburgh Indiana, who gave a gorgeous example of a Quinceanera gown.

Festive Ice Sculptures and The Chocolate Fountain Co., a provider of awesome chocolate fountains in the Watford Ontario area, for the fantastic photo of the chocolate and fruit table.

April 21, 2009 by Celebration Advisor

Eight Simple Taste Testing Tips When Hiring A Caterer

There should be little confusion or hassle when hiring a caterer. With all of the other things to do when planning a wedding or party, hiring a caterer should be a simple event performed near the start of the planning process. Taste testings are very definitely encouraged. After all, this is the only trial run that you will get before enjoying the meal at your event. To keep everything running smoothly, remember these eight simple tidbits when taste testing options from your local caterer.

Eight Simple Tips For Your Taste Testing Events

1 – Often it is a representative of the chef that presents the food. If this is the case at your taste testing event, ask if it is possible to pay your compliments to the chef. This positive feedback will be well received by the chef and likely work in your favor later.

2 – Bring others along who will be helpful in selecting the proper foods. Your wedding consultant or party planner can offer helpful tips during this process. Your mother, maid of honor, groom and others very close to you are also able to offer constructive advice during the sampling.

3 – There will be many options when sampling foods from a caterer so remember to pace yourself to enjoy each of them. A small bite or two is all that is necessary to enjoy the tastes of the dish.

4 – Discuss particular preferences with your wedding caterer or party caterer. If you have a favorite food or type of food, feel free to discuss foods with these particular ingredients that will be included in the meals. This information will be very helpful for the caterer to note later in the planning stages.

5 – Discuss alternative ingredient options with your caterer. If you like something but want it to be "vegetarian friendly," simply ask your caterer if this is possible.

6 – Look for signs of quality foods and other ingredients. Catering is not limited to the expensive or the inexpensive tastes. You want the best for your guests regardless of the budget so look for signs of freshness and quality when talking with your wedding caterer or party caterer.

7 — Ask your caterer to present the food to you the way it is to be presented at the wedding reception or party. If it is to be served buffet style over warmers, ask to try the food in this manner. If it is a passed tray reception, ask your caterer if it is possible to sample the food this way. This will help gauge how the food will taste at the reception as well.

8 – Though it does not necessarily pertain to the quality of the food, it is important to take note of the attentiveness of the wait staff. Pay attention to how the front end (servers) and kitchen (chef) communicate with one another. Do things move fluidly or in a disorganized manner? This tip is particularly important if you plan to hire the caterer's wait staff.

Ready to start taste testing?

April 20, 2009 by Jamie Jamison Adams

Will Japanese-American Wedding Guests Go For Charitable Party Favors?

Ask The Celebration Advisor: Hi: Regarding Party Favors at a reception only event.

I have a cousin, who just told the bride, that there is a new trend in party favors. In lieu of giving out party favors, the couple "donate to their favorite charity"

I am questioning this, because, first and foremost, this relative is NOT a wedding planner, nor does she have any background in weddings other then being a "guest."

I desperately need your advice, because the bride is from another country and has selected this "relative" to be her "wedding planner"

HELP Helen from Los Angeles Ca

Many many thanks.

PS: We are a American-Japanese family. And I know that most of the relatives will be expecting a "token" favor.

The Celebration Advisor:

Donating to a charity is a very admirable thing to do. Many couples are choosing to forgo the wedding party favors in lieu of a charitable donation. While wedding favors are not a requirement, many couples give favors as a way to thank guests for participating in their day. Many cultures believe the bride and groom must give guests a token of their appreciation. Therefore the culture of the families involved dictates the proper etiquette concerning wedding favors. For example, in Mediterranean countries the wedding favors are Jordon almonds which represent the bitter and sweet sides of marriage.

In the Japanese culture wedding guests are thought to bring luck with them for the bride and groom and thus should be given a gift (favor) in return. I doubt that a charitable donation as a wedding favor would be deemed an appropriate gift in the Japanese culture.

Although it is nice to have family help plan your wedding, knowing the etiquette that governs all parts of the wedding is crucial. It is essential that you follow proper etiquette so as not to offend any of your guests. That is why professional Los Angeles wedding planners are well versed in several cultures and their wedding traditions and etiquette. This gives them the ability to incorporate contemporary fads with cultural wedding traditions.

I would highly recommend that your cousin consult a local Los Angeles wedding planner that can work with your family "wedding planner" to combine cultural wedding favors and etiquette with contemporary ideas.

If your cousin really likes the idea of a charitable donation party favor, I would combine it with a bag of candied almonds or chocolates. This way the bride gets what she wants without offending her guests.

April 20, 2009 by Leigh Morrisett

Kentucky Derby Party: Race To A Good Time

The Kentucky derby is not just a horse race, it’s a party! You can throw a derby party, just as exciting and fun as the race itself. The actually Kentucky Derby is held the first Saturday in May, but you can have a derby party any time.

A derby party should follow the traditions of the real derby after all those traditions have been going on since 1875. So what are the traditions?

A Mint Julep drink (iced bourbon, sugar syrup and mint ) is one of the traditions. So, be sure to include that as one of your cocktails.

Ladies, get out your favorite hats and wear them in high-style as this is a huge tradition.

Good food is the best tradition. However, it isn't stringent as to the kind of food. An easy way to feed your derby party guests is with finger foods: such as, shrimp cocktail, bacon wrapped prosciutto, finger sandwiches and crudities.

Since the derby is know as the running of the roses, you must have roses! Use a few real or paper derby hats (these are felt hats that men wear) lined with water proof paper or another container and fill with water and roses as decorations. Not good at arranging flowers? Have your florist create a rose centerpiece for your food table or a few arrangements with roses that you can use for decorations. Don't forget to decorate your tables. You can use white, black or pastel green colors for your table linens and napkins. if you’re having the party on the day of the derby, pastel green colors are great. It gives everyone a feeling of the green grass area around the race track.

Every party needs a little fun. For entertainment, you can place "bets" on who will win the real race and use party favors as the prizes. On non-race days create your own Kentucky Derby race. Make the track from brown felt and include horses that you have cut out from some horse theme party decorations. Place numbers on the cut-outs and have guests make up horse names. Give guests a scorecard with each horse name and odds. Then have them place "bets". Use dice to move the horses around the track. Roll the dice and see who wins.

The Kentucky Derby is a fantastic event to watch. Having a party that revolves around the race is even better. So if you are looking for a reason to host a party, have a Kentucky Derby party.

Remember you can have a Kentucky Derby anytime. It makes a great theme for birthday parties, anniversary parties and even retirement parties.