A Time to Celebrate
Chalet Studio Photography, Windsor, ON.
When Mom and Dad got married in the ’50’s, it was likely in the front parlor of her home or the church or synagogue that the family worshiped in. While things have changed dramatically in how marriages occur, your selection of a location for your special day is still very personal and sets the tone for your entire wedding day.
Inside or outside, in the country or out of the country, or on a sandy beach; these considerations all contribute to the final outcome of the day.
Where your wedding will be is only second in importance only to your choice of spouse. The place or places you select will make all the difference. Your Wedding Day mood will be filtered through the ambiance of your locale. The backdrop for your photos and video are impacted by the surroundings you select. Choose wisely.
It is imperative that you are realistic with your budget and that you stick to it. Once you decide where your reception will be held, you’ll need to decide whether you want a special theme, or if you just want a classy, well- coordinated and elegant look.
The wedding reception will be the first time you receive your relatives and friends as a married couple. It will be one of the most joyous parties that you and your spouse will ever host.
The reception may be simple, or it can encompass a full-course dinner and dance. If the guest list is small, consider a sit-down meal, but larger parties are better-served buffet style or with food stations set-up throughout the room.
Because your reception can be held nearly anywhere, your first consideration in choosing a site is accommodating the number of people you are inviting. Your may want to rent a hall, a hotel ballroom, a country club, or even a yacht. Vineyards and old railroad stations are also becoming popular venues. Today’s couples are inventive and are thinking about their personalities when planning a venue. They are seeking uniqueness as well as a comfortable environment.
Trevor Booth Photography, Windsor, ON
If you’re being married in a season and locale like southwestern Ontario, which is noted for good, reliable weather six months of the year, there may be a lovely garden, historical mansion, outdoor stadium or arboretum available.With some creativeness and innovation, your wedding will be a memorable and beautiful celebration; one that all your invited guests will long remember!
Once you have decided on the number of guests that you are inviting, you are ready to begin interviewing reception sites and caterers. Remember that the services of a professional banquet facility or caterer can enhance and expedite the planning of your reception. Reserve your spot well in advance and promptly pay any necessary deposit.
Visit the reception site and map out how you’d like it to be arranged. If you opt for a receiving line, plan where the guests will be entering the room and decide also whether the line will be formal or semi-formal.
At a sit-down dinner, the order of service should be; bride, groom, maid of honour, other attendants, parent, and guests. Once all have been served, the best man presents the traditional toast to the married couple.
If you are cutting a cake, it comes after dinner. The couple cuts the first slice and shares it. Then, the caterer finishes serving, while the newlyweds visit with their guests. Before the bride and groom leave, the bride may toss the bouquet, while the groom may fling his bride’s garter. It all depends all the couple and their wishes.
Finally, you and your groom leave the reception for your honeymoon or a few nights away from your normal routine. As you leave, your family and friends will send you off with their best wishes for peace, prosperity, and happiness in your new life together.
Remember that the most magnificent receptions are brought to life with the kind of creative planning afforded by an organized agenda, with the collaboration of bride, groom, and several key vendors. Set the stage for a successful celebration with a well-thought-out plan of action.
*For more bridal planning information: info@theweddingguide.ca
