Posts Tagged ‘Reception’

I don’t know about you, but for me, the one consistent, undeniable thing at the end of a good party: I’M STARVING!  And judging by the number of late night fast food runs (and the number of people you see doing the same) I know I can’t be alone.  So here’s food for thought: why not have something warm, filling, and absolutely delicious saved and served to your guests at the end of the reception?  And why not do something that end your big day with tons of fun and flare?  Sound delicious? Yeah, we thought so too.

Authentic Food Truck!

One awesome way to wow your guests is to have an authentic food truck set up shop outside the reception for a Grab n’ Go snack to take for the ride home.  Not only is this yummy, it’s a great way to show off your individuality.  Myself, I’m a California girl and literally dream of taco trucks.  But for yourself, maybe burgers and fries, and ribs, or even gyros are your favorite.  Either way, get down with the greasy goodness and serve your guests with something scrumptiously special to you two.

Individual Servings of French Fries

Another interesting thought: having your favorite pizza joint deliver directly to the reception.  Now, of course, you can’t just call at midnight as you’re standing among 100+ starving guests and expect a miracle, but calling ahead and making arrangements is a more likely possibility.  Now to keep things simpler (and quite possibly less expensive) you can also talk to your caterer and discuss having pizza, sliders, or anything else that suits your fancy served at the end of the night.

Sometimes even pizza can't save us!

However, if your late night cravings tend more toward frosting then fries, sprinkled goodies rather than grease, popsicles rather than pizza, there are still plenty of options.   And many of your guests may just agree with you.  Cookies and individual milk cartons are a delightful parting gift for guests.  For a winter wedding, to-go hot chocolates and coffees and a tasty treat like donuts sends your guests into the cold with something to warm the ride home.  Or on the other side of the calendar, summer classics like popsicles or even s’mores would make a wonderfully sweet end to the night.

Individual Milk and Cookies!

Whichever way you decide to go, your guests will definitely appreciate the late night snack to tide them over on the way home and the evening will inevitably end on a high (and yummy!) note!

Music is crucial for creating ambiance. It sets the mood for cocktail hour, enhances dinner, and develops an energy that brings your reception to life – so once you’ve identified the “feel” you are looking for, it is time to hire the perfect professional.

The editors of Brides Boston magazine asked us for advice on which local vendors are perfect for reading a crowd, giving off an old-school vibe, or creating a club atmosphere.  Without a wedding planner it can be challenging to find the right entertainment for your wedding, so don’t hesitate to contact us – our extensive vendor list will bring your party to life.

If you haven’t picked up your copy of the Fall/Winter Brides Boston issue, here’s a sneak peek…

Our network of regional vendors is the key to finding the perfect fit for your wedding style. Let us help create the perfect atmosphere for your big party – schedule your complimentary consultation today!

Cheers,
__Jessica

Hope you’re enjoying your Saturday morning! With coffee in hand let’s take a look at one fantastic venue just south of Boston…

At a recent wedding industry conference we discussed non-traditional wedding venues, and it reminded me that I have one last installment of the Roger Williams Park venues. We’ve featured the Casino and the Carousel so far, but of the three main wedding spaces in the park my favorite is the Botanical Garden.

Part III: Botanical Gardens

With ample parking and landscaped paths the journey to the Botanical Garden is a very pleasant experience. The majority of the structure is a glass greenhouse that offers a great view inside and out.

Several fountains dot the interior gardens – this one is inside the main door. Some of the fountains can be turned off and covered with flooring in order to increase the space for ceremony chairs. All of the potted plants are mobile and can be removed to create an aisle.

{  pranzi catering }

This is a sample of a ceremony in the entry space. The fountain has been covered and the plants moved to create an aisle. Looks great!

As you walk through the ceremony (or cocktail) space there is small hallway with bathrooms that separates the first greenhouse from the second, larger greenhouse. This is the first peek into the main event space.

The main event space is far larger than it appears. All of the small potted plans would be removed, leaving space for approximately 10 guest tables between the two fountains (one on each end) that you see here. For day time events there is a screen for the glass ceiling that can be drawn to reduce the direct sunlight.

And the entire facility is climate controlled – perfect for any time of year! Providence is a great town for a wedding, and this is just one of many gems to consider.

Let us know if we can help you find the perfect wedding venue in Providence, Boston, or beyond!

Cheers,
__Jessica

Fenway Park is a Boston icon, and now the engagement party/rehearsal event/wedding venue of choice for some Red Sox fans. If you are looking to scope out the park’s space, make plans to attend the September 12th bridal show. They have more to offer than warm beer and cold hot dogs – promise!

Fenway Park Bridal Festival

Sunday, September 12, 2010
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

For more information and to purchase tickets check out the website

Last night I got the chance to test drive a photo booth! Nanette from Photo Booth Favors showed me how it is done then let me try it out. I think your guests could have a lot of fun with this, don’t you?

Clearly, even with the camera’s 4….3….2….1… countdown I was caught off guard. I guess that’s part of the fun!

Just a little something different I thought to share. Have a great evening!

Cheers,
__Jessica

I love traditions. But there are some really, really terrible ones out there — two of the top offenders: 1) the guest book and 2) saving the top layer of your wedding cake (for your 1st Anniversary). The problem with these traditions is that 99% of couples never look at their guest book after the wedding. Let’s not even talk about the taste of a 1 year old cake…

The wine bottle guest book is born! Voila – one solution for two imperfect traditions! A friend did this for her wedding two years ago, and it looks like she just may have started a trend.

{  wedding chicks }

Whether you select 5 different bottles for your 1st through 5th anniversaries, or just two large bottles for each of your 1st and 5th, it is something you will actually enjoy. I imagine sharing a glass of wine after dinner and reading the funny messages left by family and friends (you know the messages are going to be good!!).

{  vin vini vino }

This photo gave me the idea of having friends and family sign different bottles – whether you are a bourbon connoisseur or are more of a G&T kind of couple, the bottles will be more than just a beverage container. They’ll become conversation pieces when you entertain.

At the end of the day, find something you enjoy and integrate it into your wedding. Which would you rather have: 150 golf balls with messages from family and friends or another dusty book on the shelf?

Cheers,
__Jessica

This weekend I visited the Sherborn Inn with one of our fantastic couples, Jessica and Mike. After talking through the details of their ceremony and reception I walked around and took some photos to give you a better idea of what this venue has to offer.

Guests will enter through this side entrance to the Inn. There is a small parking lot with handicapped parking immediately in front of this door, with plenty of other parking available just around the back of the Inn.

{  front parking  }                                                            {  back parking  }

As your guests enter the Inn they will find the baby grand piano – a nice place for escort cards. The Inn is open for public dining during private functions, so staff is on hand here to greet and direct everyone to the appropriate place. The main wedding dining space is just beyond the fireplace, and we’ll get to that, but first check out the bar that is down the hallway on your left…

The exposed beams and chandeliers make the bar a great late-night place for after the rehearsal or wedding. But back to our tour of the wedding space…

As you walk past the fireplace and piano you enter the main reception space. The private event bar, available only to your guests, is on the left side of the wedding reception space, just before the guest dining tables. On the right, the dance floor space and DJ.

{  in this photo the room is set for 90 guests  }

The tables pictured here are for dinner stations and the DJ. Plated meals will increase the size of the dance floor and reduce the amount of time spent on dinner. Just a little something to keep in mind.

The Tent and Field

At the back side of the Inn is a tented patio, arbor, and field for outdoor ceremonies or cocktail hours. Jessica and Mike plan to have their ceremony in the grass, then welcome guests into the tent for drinks and hors d’ouevres.

Whats the rain plan? We will have the ceremony under the tent and move cocktail hour inside.

{  these tables will have linens for an outdoor cocktail hour  }

{  a ceremony set under the tent  }

The field is accessible through the arbor just beyond the far side of the tent. Plan to have your ceremony face the Inn so everyone can enjoy the view without the sun setting in their eyes.

Other Spaces at the Sherborn

These smaller spaces can accommodate small groups, early arrival guests, or just a private dining space for a related wedding event (like a bridal shower or rehearsal dinner).

{  Keeping Room }

{  Coolidge Room  }                                                  {  Bullard Room  }

Hope your having a great week!

Cheers,
__Jessica

This weekend we meet up with Tyra Bleek of Tyra Bleek Photography for a photo shoot and couldn’t be more thrilled with the outcome! It took a bit of planning and designing to come up with the style, details, and decor but it was worth every moment.

How did this all begin? It started with about the most generic thought anyone could muster: “I would like to create a 1920s style photo shoot.” There was something appealing about the elegance and glamour of the time that is vintage but extravagant — even if vintage isn’t your style, the sophistication of the Roaring 20s has a certain appeal that can inspire even the most lavish weddings.

We employed a pink, black, white, and silver color palette. A blush pink table cloth with a black and white runner was the backdrop for the centerpiece display and table setting. After promising to take excellent care of the family silver, we took candelabras and trays from the hutch and started pulling the details together.

It was a true pleasure working with Tyra. She has an incredibly way of working with people so that even the most nervous grooms are comfortable being in front of her lens — the most important quality in a photographer (in my opinion). It means that in your wedding photos you will be the naturally beautiful, relaxed, smiling person that everyone loves. Add to this her eye for great shots, professionalism, and creativity and you have a great photographer on your hands (or in your wedding vendor list!).

Cheers,
__Jessica