The Wedding Reception is the event where the Bride and Groom greet their Guests as Husband and Wife. The party is held by the new couple and their Families to Thank the Guests for coming and celebrating this Event with them. There are many people to thank who have helped pull this occasion together. It is in here at the Reception phase of the event where the Thank You can take on a true meaning.
Entrance ways can make great focal points for passing Guests. Garlands, ribbons and tulle can be inexpensive decorations for these places. Outdoor or indoor railings, banisters and poles can be decorated with Pew Bows or Pew Decorations from Ceremony.
When looking at Reception site, scope out likely places to have private pictures taken. Have the area decorated ahead of time or use Bouquets, Pew Decorations or Bows. Alcoves or garden corners can make charming pictures. Be sure to mention them to your photographer or have a friend ready with a camera to slip away for a few private moments.
This section will deal with decorations at the Reception site, reuse of Ceremony pieces and ideas for decorating.
The first thing to greet You, the Guest, is the Guest Book or Registration Table. This table and the Gift Table are many times forgotten decorating areas at the Reception. The Guest Book Table should reflect the Wedding Theme as the Guests arrive. You should have the table decorated in a festive, welcoming manner. Many Brides will have one or two people there to greet Guests, have Guests sign the Wedding Book and direct Guests to their seating. A small Welcome sign with seating directions is a nice touch when not having people there. Simple to print up on a home computer and frame.
Entrance ways can make great focal points for passing Guests. Garlands, ribbons and tulle can be inexpensive decorations for these places. Outdoor or indoor railings, banisters and poles can be decorated with Pew Bows or Pew Decorations from Ceremony.
When looking at Reception site, scope out likely places to have private pictures taken. Have the area decorated ahead of time or use Bouquets, Pew Decorations or Bows. Alcoves or garden corners can make charming pictures. Be sure to mention them to your photographer or have a friend ready with a camera to slip away for a few private moments.
This section will deal with decorations at the Reception site, reuse of Ceremony pieces and ideas for decorating.
The first thing to greet You, the Guest, is the Guest Book or Registration Table. This table and the Gift Table are many times forgotten decorating areas at the Reception. The Guest Book Table should reflect the Wedding Theme as the Guests arrive. You should have the table decorated in a festive, welcoming manner. Many Brides will have one or two people there to greet Guests, have Guests sign the Wedding Book and direct Guests to their seating. A small Welcome sign with seating directions is a nice touch when not having people there. Simple to print up on a home computer and frame.
A simple Ribbon Wrapping of the table can add color. As can garlands of fresh or silk flowers or combination of the two. Vase arrangements work well here as do similar versions of Guest Table arrangements. Pictures, candles, personal mementos, and favors can help decorate the table.
Even the traditional Guest Book has gone through a transformation in today’s Wedding Event. Engagement and pre Wedding shoots provide the portrait pictures which are then framed and set up for Guests to sign with their Best Wishes. When considering this kind of Guest Book, it is best to have it lying flat on the table for signing. It can be awkward trying to lean over and sign standing up when in a stand or knock the stand over.
New to this Guest Book is a Do It Your Self project. Plain, white porcelain plates or platters are hand signed by the Guests with a permanent pen then baked for a lasting and useful Guest Book remembrance. Kits can be found on line or in craft stores in the Wedding section.
New to this Guest Book is a Do It Your Self project. Plain, white porcelain plates or platters are hand signed by the Guests with a permanent pen then baked for a lasting and useful Guest Book remembrance. Kits can be found on line or in craft stores in the Wedding section.
Thumb Prints of each Guest with a signature are used as leaves in pre-designed trees, peacocks, or balloons to be framed for the New Couple. Small wooden hearts are signed and dropped in to a shadow box, sealed later after the Bride and Groom add theirs. Wooden puzzle pieces big enough to be signed with wishes that the Happy Couple and Family can reassemble again and again. Rocks with messages to the Newlywed displayed in a clear vase or jar. There are so many unique and creative ideas to use for the Guest Book that one needs to visit the Internet for the idea that best suits Your Wedding.
This is also the place for the Guest Seating Chart. The Seating Chart has found new decorating importance. It is no longer just a list of names and tables, they have become beautiful works of art. Designed to enhance the Wedding Theme. Hand written on antique mirrors, chalk boards, window frames, framed in ornate antique frames. Names and tables on hand written escort cards are attached to keys, small paintings, plants, or stuck in to beds of flowers, moss, wood, crystal balls, candy- there is no end to one’s imagination. Many of the ideas are Do It Yourself which can greatly help the budget. Look to the Internet for an over load of more options.
If not planning on these extensive steps the Guest Book Table is a wonderful place to reuse Pew Bows or Pew Decorations, or even an Altar pieces (if not to overpowering) in a basket on the floor. An excellent place to put the Throw Bouquet or reuse a Bridesmaids bouquet. An option if too many Bouquets are on the Head Table or not using Bouquets on Head Table or Cake Table.
Scattered flowers are of great use here to create a bed for the Guest Book or create a small arrangement .
The Gift Table is usually located some where near the Guest Book Table. This also can be decorated with Pew Bows, Pew Decorations, or garlands. Tulle and ribbon are other options. Both tables can be accented with open napkins in a Wedding color.
Many Guests donʼt bring a wrapped gift, but a card. Be sure to accommodate these Guests by using a floral decorated basket or box for cards on Gift or Guest Book table. Here again, the Do It Yourself card box can be any thing you decorate. Bird cages are very popular, re-purposed a suitcase or antique train case, rustic mailbox, a leather satchel for the Steam Punk theme. Think out side the box. Consult the Internet for more choices and photos.
Many Guests donʼt bring a wrapped gift, but a card. Be sure to accommodate these Guests by using a floral decorated basket or box for cards on Gift or Guest Book table. Here again, the Do It Yourself card box can be any thing you decorate. Bird cages are very popular, re-purposed a suitcase or antique train case, rustic mailbox, a leather satchel for the Steam Punk theme. Think out side the box. Consult the Internet for more choices and photos.
WEDDING FAVORS
One of the many decisions made by the Bride is to pick the Favors for the Wedding Reception. In todayʼs world of Wedding Coordinators and Budget Package Weddings this wonderful Wedding item can be missed or given low priority.
Most Brides see them as a necessary evil, part of the total package but not really important. That is where they are wrong. Favors act as the take-home “Thank You” and remembrance of Your Wedding Day. The Wedding Favor can also be a powerful decoration tool at the Wedding Reception for Guest Tables and at other places throughout the Reception site. It can also help cut cost when combined with the Centerpiece total.
No longer restricted to candied almonds, candles or potpourri. Todayʼs Favor market is larger than ever. New materials like resin composite join the traditional glassware, crystal and porcelain in unique forms. The new designs are fabulous.
From place card holders to miniature picture frames to miniature Wedding Cakes and tea cups. Your Wedding Theme can come alive with the possibilities. You can still find an over whelming array of traditional candy Favors in new bags, tulle rounds, boxes, cones, candle shapes and containers. With more personalization than ever. You can have not only your names but pictures too, printed on the candies in any color you desire.
One of the many decisions made by the Bride is to pick the Favors for the Wedding Reception. In todayʼs world of Wedding Coordinators and Budget Package Weddings this wonderful Wedding item can be missed or given low priority.
Most Brides see them as a necessary evil, part of the total package but not really important. That is where they are wrong. Favors act as the take-home “Thank You” and remembrance of Your Wedding Day. The Wedding Favor can also be a powerful decoration tool at the Wedding Reception for Guest Tables and at other places throughout the Reception site. It can also help cut cost when combined with the Centerpiece total.
No longer restricted to candied almonds, candles or potpourri. Todayʼs Favor market is larger than ever. New materials like resin composite join the traditional glassware, crystal and porcelain in unique forms. The new designs are fabulous.
From place card holders to miniature picture frames to miniature Wedding Cakes and tea cups. Your Wedding Theme can come alive with the possibilities. You can still find an over whelming array of traditional candy Favors in new bags, tulle rounds, boxes, cones, candle shapes and containers. With more personalization than ever. You can have not only your names but pictures too, printed on the candies in any color you desire.
Any Container is fair game to become a Favor. Mason jars have become a fast growing trend, filled with hot chocolate mix, candies, cookie mix. A simple ribbon decorated glass at the Guest Table or Beverage Table; a brass container filled with chocolate coins; miniature wine, champagne or liquor bottles gaily decorated; mini paper bags containing chocolate truffles; Cake pops. Small succulent plants or trees, honey, coffee, seeds, wine stoppers, the list is only limited by the imagination and your Wedding Theme. The Internet is abundant with ideas for Favors like these and places to purchase them.
There is a new trend surging through the Wedding Favors and that is the Ceremony Favor. What is that? These favors are given at the Ceremony as part of the Event. Sun glasses, fans, sun lotion, the folded handkerchief set on the chair with the program, a warm blanket, flip flops for the beach. It is a wonderful way to show your Guests you are happy they came, and as Hosts are looking to their Guests comfort.
How to chose? A Wedding Favor should reflect the Bride and Groom's personal appeal. You should consider Favors early in your discussions on the Wedding Theme. Talk to friends and family, visit a Wedding Fair, look through Wedding magazines and books. Browse the Internet, blogs and websites. Go to stores which market Wedding items, such as Favors and their supplies. They will have lots of examples and can be helpful in your decision.
Once you have decided on a Favor and itʼs design, they will be able to give you the amounts needed and instructions on how to assemble the ribbons and supplies. Many stores offer the option to actually make the Favors for You for a fee.
There is no one place to look. There have been many a Bride that finds her Favors at a store other than a Wedding type shop. The important point when looking is the total number you need. Buy a few extra for decoration at other Reception spots or as special “Thank You” gifts.
Let's start with the basic acetate ribbon. Used for favors, it is usually in sizes #1.5 (1/4”) and #3 (9/16”). Either of these ribbons printed with the names and date fill your basic requirement.
Up grades to a satin or picot ribbon will increase the cost. Both satins and acetates are available with metallic edges. But not all ribbons can be printed on. Some may be too narrow for the type others too large. The new innovations in laser printing make the job faster and allow for other ribbons to be printed. Check with favor shop or dealer for complete selections.
Double Ribbons are a basic bow with a second ribbon behind, printed or not, of the same color or a different accent like gold or silver. A nice up grade for any Favor. You can also combine a printed ribbon with other ribbons of a slightly larger size or different materials, such as a sheer or iridescent type ribbons.
Double Ribbons are a basic bow with a second ribbon behind, printed or not, of the same color or a different accent like gold or silver. A nice up grade for any Favor. You can also combine a printed ribbon with other ribbons of a slightly larger size or different materials, such as a sheer or iridescent type ribbons.
Tulle and netting have also seen a change. The six inch rolls of tulle, still used in favor making, now come in a variety of widths and lengths and can be used throughout the Wedding. The new tulles now have stars, hearts, glitter, and other adornments adhered to it. There is also a larger variety of colors and sizes to chose from. New fabrics are being used like the crushed tulle in vibrant colors.
The tulle rounds can now be found in different combinations of materials such as, polyester laces and fabric like designs with metallic threads. All these innovations and ideas coming from You, the Bride who wants more in her Wedding Favors.
The tulle rounds can now be found in different combinations of materials such as, polyester laces and fabric like designs with metallic threads. All these innovations and ideas coming from You, the Bride who wants more in her Wedding Favors.
There are several modes for distribution of the Favors;
The most familiar is where the Bride and Groom hand out the Favors at each Guest Table, to each Guest, along with their appreciation for coming and sharing the Day. This is a lovely way to have a chance to meet and talk with all the Guests from both sides of the Families.
A lengthy procedure when pressed for time, as many rented Receptions sites have a limited time for use. An second option to have Someone else pass out the Favors. A Friend, Sister, Parent, Bridesmaid or Junior Bridesmaids, or who ever you would like to have serve as part of the Wedding. Perhaps give them a small corsage or boutonnière to point out to others that they are part of the Wedding group.
Third option is to use the Favors as part of The Centerpiece, this can also be a cost cutting option. By combining Favor cost and Centerpiece cost as one total. As the Favors have already been distributed, having to pass them out is no longer required.
A fourth option is to place the Favors at the Guest Book Table. As each Guest arrives, he or she will be sure to see them as they sign the Guest Book. It is always a
good idea to have someone at the Guest Book Table to help keep an eye on things. If you do not have someone at the Guest Book Table or no Guest Book Table at all, be sure to appoint someone to take the Guest Book to each table to have the Guests sign it You may also take it with you as you distribute the Favors. Encourage your Guest to put a personal note to you along with their names.
Head Table Favors are a special Favor reserved for the Wedding Party, close Family and Friends. These Favors usually reflect the Guest favor in some way, but have an added touch of glitz. They make a lovely memento to Wedding Party participants and additional decoration to the Head Table. Any Favor can be turned in to a Head Table favor by up grading itʼs parts. Fancier tulle, pearl sprays, more tulle layers, metallic ribbons, rhinestones. Not only for use on the Head Table, these favors can be placed on Parents tables, Cake Table, bathrooms, any where a special touch is desired. They make a lovely keepsake for those special people could not attend the Wedding event or live too far away too attend. Glasses are a favorite, either engraved or printed, for Bridesmaids and Groomsmen. You can also include the Family tables. Bolts of printed favor ribbons can be a unique decoration tool. My Bride was given the wrong color, ivory instead of pink, ribbon for her favors. Ordered uncut, she brought the ribbon to me in two bolts (100 yards each) of printed ribbon. To her delight, I used them in all Pew Decorations for the Ceremony. Which became Parent and Family Table decorations at the Reception. The incorporation of the printed ribbons made the decorations that much more special by being specific to that day. |
Many a Bride wishes to get away from the traditional ribbons and such. For her the Confetti Card is an answer. These small cards can be folded or flat in a variety of Wedding and other like themes. Secured to the favor by ribbon or glued directly on to the favor. With todayʼs new computers and printers you can design and print our own confetti-type cards or a confetti card with photos. Look for pre-designed confetti cards on the Internet or Wedding section of a craft store. |
The next alternative is a Printed Label. Normally used on bottles of wine or champagne. The original bottle label can be removed or left on. Many nonalcoholic Weddings are using this method on sodas, water, fruit and sports drinks. These large labels can be found for the computer, in gummed or self adhesive, usually at office or stationary stores. You can find kits for Your favors which come with sticker labels You customize with names and date from a home computer. Add the candy you want and Your favors are done. Look for these kits on line or in a craft store. |
Place Cards are usually used in formal sit down Receptions or Dinners. They can designate the table or the seating place for each Guest. A new twist on this theme is to print on business card paper or precut business cards the Wedding information, Thank You, or both. Mounted in a decorative card holder reflecting your Wedding Theme. Printed from your own computer this small touch can have big impact.
The Kissing Bells are part of a long tradition of ringing bells in celebration of events with in a town or rural area. In ancient times, Bells were always used to ward off evil spirits. We still use them today, not to ward off evil spirits but to celebrate the New Couples happiness. Used in miniature as a favor or place card. They are rung when Guests wish to see the Newlyweds kiss and show their happiness. This act can also be invoked by lightly tapping a glass with a knife. There are several poems which explain what they are for that you can attach to each bell for Your Guests. Find them on the Internet.
The Kissing Bells are part of a long tradition of ringing bells in celebration of events with in a town or rural area. In ancient times, Bells were always used to ward off evil spirits. We still use them today, not to ward off evil spirits but to celebrate the New Couples happiness. Used in miniature as a favor or place card. They are rung when Guests wish to see the Newlyweds kiss and show their happiness. This act can also be invoked by lightly tapping a glass with a knife. There are several poems which explain what they are for that you can attach to each bell for Your Guests. Find them on the Internet.
Bride’s Room, although a discussion on decorating in the Bride’s room belongs with the Ceremony, it is here. Today many Wedding Events, Ceremony and Reception, take place at the same site. The Bride’s Room is traditionally a room set away from the Ceremony crowd where the Bride and her Bridesmaids, Mother and Father, Flower Girl and Ring Bearer dress in their Wedding attire. It is in this room she waits for the moment she will go to walk down the aisle. But can be impersonal and uninviting when set in a large hall like facility or industrial setting. Simple decorations of a vase of Wedding flowers along with a framed picture of the Wedding Couple. Add a festive, familiar feel to the room. You can soften the edges by decorating the doors with tulle. This also helps Bridesmaids locate the room as they arrive. |
Bathrooms, the last place you think of decorating. But should be higher on Your list. There is a welcoming feeling to have a bright spot of color when one walks in to the bathroom at a Wedding. It can take away the the impersonal feeling you can get when attending a large gathering of people. You may think they don't notice but they do. Even the men.
A bud vase with flowers, soap dish with fancy soap, a few Wedding favors, candles or a votive. Try tying colored tulle over the stall doors of the women’s bathroom. A quick and inexpensive way to add festivity to a other wise plain area. Place an air freshener of your choice to customize the scent. These small curtsies can make a big impact on Your Guests.
A bud vase with flowers, soap dish with fancy soap, a few Wedding favors, candles or a votive. Try tying colored tulle over the stall doors of the women’s bathroom. A quick and inexpensive way to add festivity to a other wise plain area. Place an air freshener of your choice to customize the scent. These small curtsies can make a big impact on Your Guests.