Reception Ideas

1.If you want your guest to be greeted with a WOW factor , then giant topiaries are the in thing. Place either side of a main entrance, with pretty fairy lights entwined that can be switched on.
2.If you have a huge wall or new view from your reception room, then backdrops are the ideal thing that can create the right mood and atmosphere. Ask the supplier if coloured lights can be added to match in with your colour scheme.
3.If you have a specific theme for you day – stick to it. Don’t try and mix and match several themes as it will give the day a disjointed feel to it.
4.Rule of thumb. The simpler the decoration is the more elegant look will we be created, rather than one of a cluttered look.
5.In stead of introducing colour through accessories and floral arrangements , why not for a different colour table linen and Napkins to give a dramatic impression.
6.Martini glasses are all the range for the latest table décor. Save money by adding crystals to the glass with sunken decorative lighting and a single flower, it creates an effective centre piece, with out the cost of a huge floral arrangements.
7.Soft lighting – lanterns, candelabras will had a romantic and dream like effect to your reception – always check with the venue candles are allowed before setting your heart on this look!
8.Chair covers can transform your venue and pull your whole look together, very quickly and effectively and most important with out blowing the budget.
9.Mixing a bold colour with soft drapes creates a romantic, soft dreamy feel, Experiment with colours and ask venue stylists advice before making your mind up.
10.Don’t be afraid to ask your suppliers to do a mock up of what your tables, rooms, aisles etc can look like.

Catering

1.Most caterers will have a team of event planners too, ask what they provide it could be that as part of your catering package you can have a free toastmaster as well.
2.When thinking of menu choices it is vital to cater for the majority. What the two of you may like as a choice, your guests may not. Find out any dietary requirements for menus are decided.
3.Be realistic with your budget – don’t let theme compromise your wedding. As the wedding breakfast is a vital point of the day, guests will soon grumble if the food isn’t plentiful.
4.Themes are great in style and decorations but with regards to food less is more so maybe chooses canapés or starters to reflect the theme – but not the whole wedding breakfast.
5.First impressions count, so ensure the food tastes as good as it looks.
6.Ask your caterer to do a tasting session of the menus you have chosen from. A good caterer will welcome the idea, as they would not like you to have any surprises or disappointment on the day.
7.Ask advice of various styles of service, buffet, canapés, traditional sit down, this help with all over all theme and mood of the big day you are wanting to create.
8.Start planning early - the more you do at the beginning of the wedding planning means the least you have to do in the run up so you can enjoy the experience, rather than stressing.
9.Plan, anticipate, prepare: If you adhere to these three words when planning things you really can’t go wrong.
10.Don’t get to stressed out about seating plans, because like the English weather, good food too and be an excellent way of starting a conversation with a group of guests that don’t know each other.

Wedding Pictures

1.Your wedding day is a combination of public statement, massive party and the most special day in your lives. Ensure your photographer includes these three elements.
2.Ask friend and family who they had as there photographer. A recommendation from someone you trust is by far better then choosing and hoping for the best.
3.If your getting married away from your reception venue, why not let your guests leave first – tis will allow you the opportunity to get a few extra private shots and on arrival to your reception you will have the best welcome greeting ever.
4.Instead of a greeting line up, why not mill with your guests at the drinks reception this creates perfect natural shots.
5.Your reception could be the best place to take formal shots, as your guest will be more relaxed and there is more time available.
6.Take group shots first, then shots of the two of you, which can be done whilst guests are getting ready for the meal, as you are normally the last two in to sit down anyway.
7.When planning the wedding day timeline – include your photographer in this and ask there advice on how long certain shots take.
8.Also have a final meeting a few weeks before to ensure the photographer knows the timing and the shots you must have.
9.In the world of digital camera’s ask guest to email you their best of the day,. Its nice to have photos of how your guests so your day too.
10.Ask a photographer if the album there can be space to put your honeymoon photos, so the whole event of that year is in one album.

Entertaining children

1.Create a children’s table – make them feel special with their own table , decorate in the same way as the adults table , but instead of favours include sweets.
2.Special Presents - For small bridesmaids and pageboys ask their parents advice on a favourite toy, buy this for them and it will entertain them all day.
3.Fun Decorations – Use your imagination for kinds – maybe instead on a floral centre piece, your place enable fruit and sweets.
4.Bubbles – place a bottle for each children, they love the effect of bubbles and it creates a romantic look in the reception.
5.Activity Packs – make your own packs up with crayons, paper, puzzles, think about the ages of the kids and ensure there is something suitable for all.
6.Treasure Hunts – Speeches can be boring for smaller guests so at this point why not set them on a treasure hunt you have done around the venue – ensure one adult is around to supervise.
7.Toy baskets – ask parents who are bring children with them to bring two of there toys, place in a large wicker basket and let the children share if there favourite toy / game is there they will some become occupied with it.
8.Photographer – Buy a disposable camera for each child and ask them to take photos of the reception – it will make the feel very important and it gives you the opportunity to see the wedding day through a Childs eye.
9.Children’s music – Ask the DJ to play some children’s songs at the very beginning it will create an atmosphere on the dance floor and hopefully tire them out.
10.Special First Dance – After your first dance – invite children up to have a dance with you both it will create some fab photo’s but them feel very special.

Flowers

1.Prioritise the budget – If food and drink are you priorities, spend less on flowers, if a decorative venue is high on your list prepare to spend more.  Around 5-10% of your overall budget should be allocated for flowers.
2.Get a florist that will work with your budget. Get their advice any good florist should be able to suggest less expensive alternatives that will still look good but in sure you keep to your budget.
3.Be prepared to compromise – if there is certain type of flower you love  but is expensive, have it in the arrangements that will be seen in the photo’s, bridal bouquet, button holes, etc.. 
4.Keep it simple – the longer the florist has to spend creating a complicated arrangement the more it will cost. Simple hand held arrangement can be elegant and effective with smaller costs.
5.Bridesmaids flowers doesn’t necessary mean a small version of your bouquet , try something different like flowers in their hair or a wrist corsage.
6.Double up – Yours and your bridesmaids bouquets can be used for top table floral arrangements , you have to put them down any way so why not display them. If have a church wedding with pedestals why not transport them to your venue and put either side of the entrance to your reception room. If you are having a civil ceremony – why not use the same flowers for the registar table as your top table.
7.Ask the church or civil venue if there is any other wedding taking place on the same day – you might be able to double up and share the cost of the flowers for certain areas.
8.Thnak yous – save money and use your table centre pieces as thank you presents allocate to may be the mother in law and mother of the bride, or to anyone that has helped you in the days preparations.
9.Your centre pieces don’t have to be flowers, balloons are just as affective.
10.Don’t get carried away – flowers can be a lot of cost for one day – so ensure the money is spent  on the flowers that will be enjoyed throughout the day.

Look your best

1.Ditch the Junk food – have a picture of your dream dress and picture yourself in it. For six months think about what you are eating by simply ditching the junk food, you will look and feel better, your complexion will be better and your mind will be able to deal with any stressful moments throughout the planning. It is one year in a lifetime.
2.Eat well - Cook extra veg and hold back on any creamy sauces and dressings. Grilled meat and fish and better for you and have a dessert as a treat once a week.
3.Having a bad day – need comfort food – imagine you’ve been stripped of your wedding dress and are standing in the aisle with your under ware only on – this image will soon stop the craving and get you back on track.
4.Fancy footwork – if you have started an exercise routine as part of your wedding day count down – invest in some good trainer to train in, this will stop your feet from aching and getting blisters, so on your BIG day you can enjoy walking around in those sexy strappy heels.
5.Saving money – you don’t have to join a gym, why not go for a walk or run 4 times a week. Even better do this with your groom to be as weddings can be stressful and arguments can arise from the smallest thing – so make this your time together , with a huge reward of getting fitter.
6.First Dance – Why not take dancing classes together this way it is a fun way to keep fit, but you can shock your guests with a first dance to be remembered.
7.Walk tall – good posture  will give you amazing poise and confidence. Imaging walking down the aisles throughout you day today tasks. You will automatically stand straight which makes you look slimmer and pull your tummy muscles in – over a period time this will held flatten your tummy.
8.What is your dress like – think about the style of your dress if you don’t like your arms, don’t go strapless opt for a dress which covers those areas, if you have larger hips, bum and thighs don’t opt for a straight down gown either. Ask  the dress shop for advice on styles the will suit your body shape. The right dress can make you instantly drop weight.
9.Enjoy – this is a time of happiness not stress and feeling this big day is a lot of hard work.  Enjoy every day, smile, cut back on snacks and sweets and see pounds drop of. If you miss a training session don’t give your self a hard time so start again tomorrow we all have off days.
10.The only person stopping you of looking great and fit for your wedding day – IS YOU!