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Choosing Your Reception Style
By Autumn Rhea Carpenter
Wedding receptions should reflect the spirit and
style of the couple’s wedding. A breezy beach
affair, complete with tiki torches and hula skirts
might be just the reception theme you’re seeking.
However, a black tie event, coiffed in the finest
table linens and sparkling champagne glasses might
be a better fit. The choices are unlimited and
couples should fully research their options.
Hotels, catering halls, country clubs, and
restaurants are some of the most popular sites for
receptions. Other sites often used for wedding
receptions include clubhouses operated by
organizations including athletic clubs, ethnic
clubs, service organizations, university unions and
even museums. These venues range in capacity from
intimate parties to grand affairs. These various
facilities also range in style from extremely casual
to the utmost formal.
With trends always changing, the couple’s
personalities should ultimately determine their
reception-style choice. “Their personalities will
definitely influence their reception venue choice,
from traditional to contemporary,” said Tanya
Posavatz, owner of Clink Weddings. “Also, if they
are one of the first of their peer group to get
married, their wedding tends to be more traditional,
whereas those who are the last to get married often
want something more unique.”
Trends constantly vary, but local wedding
consultants explain that receptions have become more
comfortable, yet remain stylized. There is currently
a trend toward family-style dinners, according to
Michelle Hope Lawrence of Michelle Hope Events.
“Guests are seated around a table and large platters
are placed in the center. Everyone can interact with
each other and sample whatever food they like,” she
said. “Another big trend is parties with movement.
Guests travel though different environments
throughout the evening. During the cocktail hour,
after the ceremony, guests are greeted with a bright
tone, which includes live jazz music and a yellow
décor pallet. The main ballroom opens for dinner
where the space is quieter with a wash of comforting
red, piano accompaniment and candle lighting. As
dinner ends, curtains are drawn to show off a velvet
lounge and disco shimmering in silver purple and
blue. Guests follow the newlyweds into the “club”
bliss for after-dinner drinks, dessert and dancing.”
The current reception trend is called ‘relaxed
elegance.’ “Most of my brides still want a
semi-formal party, but they don’t want it stuffy,”
said Posavatz. “They want their guests to have fun.”
“When a couple is deciding where to hold their
reception, they must discuss whether they like the
more traditional ballroom feel (everyone in one
room), or if they like the idea of people
circulating,” continued Posavatz. “Other issues they
should discuss are if they want an outdoor area
(especially if some of their guests are smokers) and
how far reception locations will be from the
ceremony and the out-of-town guests’ hotels.”
The physical comfort of the venue is a key element
to discuss. If your wedding is to be held outdoors,
the possibility of rain, wind, humidity or heat must
be factored in. You will also need to have a backup
plan in case of inclement weather. Indoor venues
need to be checked to make sure they have adequate
heating or air-conditioning, changing rooms for the
wedding party, restrooms and kitchen facilities.
Couples should not be afraid to ask questions.
Posavatz offered some important examples such as
“What is the capacity seated with a dance floor, for
buffet service and for plated service? How much time
do I get and does that include set-up and clean up?
Am I obligated to use vendors on your list or may I
choose my own?”
Lawrence added, “Is there a possibility there will
be another event right before or right after mine?
Are there charges for bringing in your own décor? Is
the fee all-inclusive? What are some of the options
available to the bride?”
Consider factors such as rental fees and discounts
for choosing a day of the week versus the weekend.
Is there an adequate ratio of staff to guests? Do
you need valet parking? Is the venue handicap
accessible?
Other things to keep in mind when searching for the
perfect reception site is whether the site can
accommodate dance space and music requirements. What
are the policies on beverages, food and catering
services, time restrictions and decorations? Are
tables, chairs, linens, silverware and other
accessories provided? Check on rental fee, deposits,
and date guarantees.
It is important to tour the facility before making
any final decisions. Looking around, asking
questions and if possible viewing the facility when
it is set up for a similar type of reception will
assure that the couple will be happy with their
decision. Once a choice is made the couple should
discuss any special needs they or their guests may
have with the banquet or site manager. The day of
the wedding will be too hectic to deal with any of
the details and when the couple arrives at the
reception, it will be time to celebrate.
Wedding receptions come in various styles and are
usually determined by taste and budget. Following a
morning weddings around 10 am, receptions include a
breakfast or brunch event. This may be served buffet
style or the guests may be seated at specified
tables. Pastries or a wedding cake should be served,
as well as coffee or tea. Serving alcoholic
beverages is optional and may include champagne,
champagne or wine punch, screwdrivers or Bloody
Marys.
Luncheon receptions generally follow a late-morning
or high noon ceremony and are served between 12 and
2 pm. They may be either sit-down or buffet style.
Buffet luncheons may include a variety of salads,
such as: potato, fruit, chicken, pasta or vegetable.
Sandwiches, cold cuts, and cheeses are often served
and are relatively inexpensive.
Tea receptions are generally held between 2 and 5
pm, usually starting not later than 3:30 pm. Coffee,
tea or punch, with and without champagne or wine are
generally served. Tea sandwiches or other finger
food, along with wedding cake, is the basic
requirement. This type of reception is the least
expensive to host and perfect when there is a large
guest list and a small budget.
Cocktail receptions are held between 4 and 7:30 pm.
If only cocktails are being served, with no dinner
to follow, the reception should start by 5:30 or 6
pm at the latest. Usually champagne, wine, punch or
beer is served and in many cases there is an open
bar, depending on the budget. Usually tuxedoed
waiters carry silver trays with hot and cold hors
d’oeuvres, garnished with flowers and tend to
guests’ every need.
A dinner reception usually starts between 6 and 9
pm. At a sit-down reception, the guests are served
at the table. Often the dinner is preceded by a
cocktail hour so the guests can mingle. A sit-down
reception provides for more organization and has a
more formal feeling. It is easier to get the guests’
attention when the traditional ceremonies are to
begin. There’s a set menu, with courses selected by
you and waiters to serve each course.
A buffet reception is one in which the guests serve
themselves. They may choose to sit at a table of
their choice or seats may be assigned. Try to avoid
making the guests wait in a long line. For a larger
number of guests, have two buffet tables, possibly
even one at each end of the room. Guests have more
menu choices and a buffet tends to create a more
casual, sociable atmosphere.
Food stations are another unique idea. They are
smaller buffet tables that are set up around the
room. Try a beautiful display of cheeses with breads
and fresh fruits displayed in baskets or an
ice-carved boat filled with jumbo shrimp and crab
legs. This “grazing reception” may feature regional
cuisine with themes and props, creating a feast for
the eyes as well as the palate.
In addition to determining the reception time, a
couple must decide whether their affair will be
formal, semi-formal or informal. A formal event is
usually held at noon or later in the day and a meal
with several courses is served. Tables are formally
set with a complete service of silver, crystal,
place cards, menu cards and a centerpiece. Guests
arrive to a live band or orchestra playing music
ranging from chamber music to pop for dancing.
Semiformal receptions may be held at any time and
can include a seated or buffet meal. Tables and
seating are assigned and there is usually live
music.
Finally, informal receptions may also be held at any
time and a more casual style will be exhibited.
Limited seating is appropriate. There can be live
music, a D.J. or pre-recorded music and the guest
list is usually more intimate in nature and number.
Finding the ideal reception location takes time and
effort. But remember that on your special day,
family and friends will be treated to a memorable
experience that truly reflects your personal style,
individuality and love.
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