Discuss: Long Tables

Last week when I was writing the discussion post for the week on having a big or small wedding I came across many photos of table seating options when searching for a photo. I've only ever been to weddings with probably about 150 guests each that only used standard sized tables that were round or rectangle. However, I've been seeing neat ideas of arranging tables in a way that make for a banquet setting. Some examples include long rectangular tables lining reception halls or U-shape tables to encourage discussion among many guests.

Source: stylemepretty.com via Melina on Pinterest by Corbin Gurkin Photography

I can't help but think that if I had to do it over again, considering what a maze it was getting around all the rounds we had, I might have liked to go with long rectangular banquet style seating. Maybe it minimizes the amount of guests in a space but I think I would have liked that!

So what do you think? Which do you prefer and which are you doing or did you do for your wedding?

Do leave a comment below or take the discussion over to the Wedding Pickle Facebook Page! :-)

Discuss: Blank Canvas Venue

Before I get into today's topic of discussion I have to talk about the 14 Day Love Challenge that I did. I actually miss posting a challenge everyday because it made me have to think about a way to show love to my husband. I'm really wanting to focus this year on goals to be a better wife, cook, homemaker, and pug mommy. I'm going to have a heart to heart with myself and put together a game plan to make those these happen!

I'm thinking of adding a weekly challenge to the blog. What do you think? It will be similar to the Love challenge but will focus on loving your man, along with loving God, others and yourself. After all, being a better person living in Christ makes you a better wife thus making a better marriage. Maybe start it up in March? I'd love to know your feedback on this idea if it is something you'd like for challenging yourself as well!

Now on to discussion. I was watching a show I never heard of on Bravo called The Ring Leader. I didn't know they had a wedding planning show, but the one re-run episode I did see was of a modern wedding in a large industrial space that was an absolutely blank canvas to work with. The wedding ended up being a spectacular event.

I had me thinking of how much effort it takes to completely transform such a space. Other venues lend themselves to a wedding's decor just in its architectural style and/or decor. Often times this works perfectly for themed weddings and often don't need much in additional decor to set the tone or theme of the wedding. But then you run into the issue of finding that perfect venue to fit your style. A blank canvas venue solves that problem but costs much more in decor. Of course you have to also weigh in the cost of renting the space of the venue of your choice.

Source: tanjalippertphotography.blogspot.com via Kelli on Pinterest

I love the idea of transforming a blank canvas but I also love using the venue itself as a part of the look for a wedding. So let's discuss! What is your preference for your wedding? Have you booked your venue and is it a blank canvas? Are the costs of decor eating you alive? Do you have a venue that doesn't need much in decor but makes you feel slightly restricted? Which venue type do you prefer and why?

Feel free to comment below or take the convo over to the Wedding Pickle Facebook page!

Ceremony/Reception at Different Venues

I was so excited when I walked into a Starbucks and found out that the Gingerbread Latte was back. But I was even happier that I was still able to buy a Pumpkin Spice Latte. I'm not sure how much longer those will be in but I'm going to enjoy those while I can!

If you have already booked your venues for your ceremony and reception, I'm betting that some of you have them booked at different locations. It might be a short walk down the road or a 20 minute drive. There are a few things to take into consideration to make sure things run smoothly for your guests from ceremony to reception site.

Source: thebridescafe.com via Katie on Pinterest Photography by Brent Van Auken

The Gift Table - If your guests brought a gift and know that the reception site is a drive away after the ceremony, they should leave the gift in the car, however, if the reception is a short walk away, your guests might bring their gifts out of the car with them. They might not want to walk back to their car, but it can be annoying to have to hold the gift during the ceremony. Have a spot at the ceremony site if this is the case and just designate an usher or a friend to bring the gifts to the reception after the ceremony is over.

The Sign-In Table - If you are having your ceremony site at a church, sometimes the church has it's own guest book (mine did) Guests might think they sign that and you will miss out on who came and what messages they might have left you! Have the church guest book moved so that guests end up signing yours instead.

Transportation - Including a map and/or directions in the invitation is always nice since GPS can lose someone if the location is remote or confusing to get to. Also, if the reception site is pretty far and/or doesn't have much parking available, consider having a shuttle to take guests to the reception site while you are away taking your pictures!

Time - Depending on the distance, the reception commute takes time out of your day's itinerary. Think about this when you make plans on how long to book the venue, and how long to have the photographer or videographer stay to record the day's events.

Are you having your ceremony and reception at the same or different locations? How are you handling the transition from one to the other?

Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. - Psalm 103:1

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Dialogue: First Dance and More

We all know there is the First Dance, the Father-Daughter Dance and the Mother-Son Dance. I definitely had them during my reception but maybe you are thinking of cutting the dances due to time constraint. I remember going to a wedding where all there was was the First Dance. I don't know about the other guests but it didn't phase me at all that the other two dances were missing!

Source: tylerbranchphoto.com via Lindsay on Pinterest

If you only have a venue or your photographer for a certain time, it certainly makes sense to cut the things that aren't top priority to you.

Or maybe the groom and his mom or you and your dad don't really get along or have much of a relationship. No need to be uncomfortable for tradition!

So let's discuss! Are you cutting some dances? Cutting the bouquet/garter toss to make more time for other things? Why or why not? Does it concern you what guests would think? Do you feel torn that you might regret cutting something? Let's talk!

Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him. - 1 John 3:21-22

Be sure to Like Wedding Pickle on Facebook and carry the conversation there too!

Dialogue: The After Party

Just this past weekend my husband and I went to a beach bar with some friends to hang out and what do I see? Why a bride in her wedding dress and her bridesmaids in their dresses of course! I also saw who I think was the mom, and of course the guys still dressed up as well. I thought to myself, "Oh, that's cool, she just got married! How sweet!" But then when I really got to thinking about it I wondered if I would have gone to a bar after my reception to party some more and if I would have gone in my gown. (My reception lasted until midnight anyway so no after party there! lol)

Source: bing.com via Amy on Pinterest

 by Josh McCullock

Anyway, it got me thinking if a lot of people do after parties. I even worked a wedding once where they had a small after party at the pool at their venue. I don't mind an after party, but going to a bar with drunkards everywhere in my gown, well, that wouldn't happen. I would have switched into a party dress. Then again, like I said before, I didn't really need an after party after my reception! Not to mention how exhausting a wedding day is.

So tell me, are you planning to have an after party? Are you going to a bar or are you hosting it at your venue or at someone's home? Are you having a late one or an early one since maybe your wedding was a daytime one? Are you switching to a party dress?

Or, is your reception a party enough? Do you prefer to just be with your groom? Would you want to have one even though you don't plan to?

Discuss in the comments or take it to the Wedding Pickle Facebook page!

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the holy spirit. - Romans 15:13

Dialogue: Cake Presentation Event?

Holy cold mornings! I cannot believe the drastic temperature change just after Labor Day weekend! Of course I'm used to fall in Oklahoma so I expect Fall here in the Florida panhandle might be nicer. I am anxious to see what the cold season is like here.

We all know that when people go to a wedding they want to see the kiss, the bride's dress and THE CAKE! I really love cake so much that it really was important to me to have the best cake I could ever want. I had the whole backdrop with lights, a special marble table, and had it all set on its own so that it can be reveled in its glory. Though I didn't get the cake I wanted, I always have to share my resentment on that, :-( 

Source: stylemepretty.com via Carolyn on Pinterest

I recently came across a different idea for displaying the cake. Maybe it isn't so different but as much as I love cakes, I was surprised that I didn't think of this when I was getting married. A Cake Presentation Event!

Changing the music, dimming the lights, putting on the spotlight like when you do your first dance. Having the cake hidden until it is wheeled out to be seen by all and giving the time for people to take pictures of it, just before you go up to do the Cake Cutting.

Seriously, if I had the means at the time of my wedding (and my actual cake) I would have definitely done this! Of course this does take more party time away if you are on a time constraint from your venue. I guess removing some events like certain dances and the bouquet/garter toss, etc. can allow for this if you really wanted it.

So, let's have fun dreaming about cake! Tell me, would you do a Cake Presentation Event? Is it overdoing it to give the cake so much emphasis? Are you totally into this idea? Or do you think it is not really worth it? Do share!

Don't be afraid to carry the conversation on the Wedding Pickle Facebook page!

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." - Acts 4:12

Guest Post: Christian and Dance Songs to Love!

I'm still without internet and working out of McDonald's Wi-fi and waiting on the movers to arrive, but while I'm missing in action, I've got another guest blogger for you. If you love music, Colleen's blog, Soundtrack to I Do, is one you should check out. She is so kind to now provide a wedding song list for the readers of Wedding Pickle!

Hi guys! Colleen here from Soundtrack To I Do. I’m so happy to be guest posting for Melina, I’ve been a fan of the Wedding Pickle for some time now. One of the things that I love about Melina and her blog is her dedication to and openness about her faith. So I wanted to tie that in with the focus of my blog – music!

I may be biased, but I happen to think that music is one of the most important details on your wedding day. It sets the mood and it says a lot about the bride and groom (whether they want it to or not!) Something to consider for Christian couples (and non-Christian too!) is song lyrics and whether the songs played are appropriate for your guests and/or fit you as a couple. Especially when it comes to the reception music, because a lot of dance songs these days have some pretty scandalous lyrics. You can always give your DJ a no-play list, but if you are especially worried about it, you may want to give him or her a yes-play list (not that you would actually call it that – but you know what I mean.) Create a list of songs that represent you both as a couple, or at least don’t misrepresent you. I wanted to offer up some great songs that you may want to use on your wedding day, if you’re interested.  First, a few sweet love songs by Christian artists in case you need inspiration for a first dance or ceremony song. And secondly, a list of great dance tunes that have clean lyrics but are also great for getting people out on the dance floor! (They also span the last few decades – so you can cater to the younger and older crowds!) Hope you like them!

{Laffler Photography}

Christian Songs

Dancing In The Minefield – Andrew Peterson

When I Say I Do – Matthew West

God Gave Me You – Dave Barnes

Hold You Up – Matthew West

Amen – Dave Barnes

They Danced Alone – Matthew West

He Was Walking Her Home – Mark Schultz

Wouldn’t Change A Thing – Matthew West

On A Night Like This – Dave Barnes

When Love Comes Home – Matthew West

{We Heart It}

Dance Songs

Do You Love Me – The Contours

Don’t Stop Believin‘ – Journey

She-Wolf – Shakira

Twist And Shout – The Beatles

DJ Got Us Falling In Love – Usher

Livin‘ On A Prayer – BonJovi

Celebration – Kool & The Gang

Put A Ring On It – Beyonce

Hey Ya! – Outkast

Shout – The Isley Brothers

Smooth Criminal – Michael Jackson

I Gotta Feeling – Black Eyed Peas

Dancing Queen – ABBA

Party Rock Anthem - LMFAO

Great Balls Of Fire – Jerry Lee Lewis

Vogue – Madonna

Firework – Katy Perry

Sweet Home Alabama – LynyrdSkynyrd

I Want You Back – The Jackson Five

Beat It – Michael Jackson

Boom Boom Pow – Black Eyed Peas

ChaCha Slide – DJ Casper

Ain’t No Other Man – Christina Aguilera

Now That We Found Love – Heavy D and the Boyz

Dynamite – Taio Cruz

We Are Family – Sister Sledge

Holiday – Madonna

Crazy In Love – Beyonce

Old Time Rock & Roll – Bob Segar

1999 – Prince

Only Girl In The World – Rihanna

Footloose – Kenny Loggins

Forever – Chris Brown

Thriller – Michael Jackson

Paper Planes – M.I.A.

Last Dance – Donna Summer

Say Hey (I Love You) – Michael Franti & Spearhead

Guest Post: Why Get Wedding Insurance?

I have to say, I can get used to living in Florida! We finally found our new home, and now it is all about setting up our internet so that I can be in full blogging force again! (I type this using the hotel's internet, lol) That and our belongings are still on the way so I don't even have chairs! I have a great guest post for you today. I haven't touched on wedding insurance on my blog yet but it is important to talk about it and consider having it so that you don't end up being in a pickle you can't predict!

Hello everyone! I’m Lissahn of Wrapped Couture, and I’m sitting in today for one of my favorite bloggers and fellow TWIPS.  I was asked to write about Wedding Insurance and here’s my take on it.

How many times have we seen the debate on whether or not to have a full bar at a wedding reception? A cash bar is out of the question and the wedding reception won’t be the same without alcoholic beverages and a signature cocktail or two.  Of course we want to entertain the guests and make sure that they’re happy as well.  What happens when they become a little too happy?

{Source}

Did you know that having Wedding Liability Insurance can help, in the event that someone is injured due to alcohol related accidents or property damage done to your reception venue.  In fact, many venues are now starting to require liability insurance, which comes in $500,000, $1 million, or $2 million policies.  The last thing I’d want to do is worry about an accident when I should be enjoying my honeymoon.  A guest having had too much to drink, not able to drive home, or someone deciding to dance from the chandelier, does not equal fun.

We all like to have a good time, but unfortunately we also have to be prepared for unpleasant incidentals.  Even when we decide that having alcohol is too much of a hassle for us and decide not to make it a part of the reception, I’ve seen guests who have snuck in their own alcohol.  It can turn your intended event into something entirely different.  I’ve always said it’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.  For as little as $150, you can have a policy that’s $500,000 from WedSafe.com.

{Source}

There is also Wedding Event Insurance that protects your wedding day from cancellation or postponement due to extreme measures, such as extreme weather, sudden illness, or an accident.  It also protects against the bride or groom being in the military and their leave has been canceled or a vendor not delivering as promised on your wedding day.

The planning of a wedding should be fun and exciting. We don’t like to think of the bad that may happen but we should want to plan ahead for the possibility anyway.  You want to protect your investment into your wedding day and have the peace of mind that things will definitely all be ok after your wedding day has come and gone.

Dialogue: Desserts in Place of the Cake

Since I will be guest blogging on Thursday, I decided to move my usual weekly Dialogue to today! This week I want to get your views on the alternatives to having a wedding cake.

I see options of pies, mini cupcakes, cookies, etc. I even see those desserts coupled with the wedding cake for guests. Call me old fashioned, but I am a big wedding cake person and I also believe that the wedding cake is all the dessert guests need because it is the star of the reception (other than the bridal couple!)

 

Source: None via Kara on Pinterest

Of course, I am a lover of the other desserts. Ask my husband and he will tell you of a song I sing often, "I love cookies, I love cake . . . " I know some desserts other than a wedding cake might hold more meaning for a couple or show their personality better.

So let's talk! Tell me what you plan to do? An alternative instead of cake? What alternative? Or are you going to have both?

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. - Romans 12:3-5

Pickle: Dancing on Pretty

Do you have one of those hotel conference rooms with ugly carpet or an outdoor setting in need of a dance floor? 

The Pickle: Ugly floor at venue or boring wood dance floor

The Solution: Custom dance floors

It is as easy as googling dance floor rentals in your city. You may be surprised by what you see on what you can do to make your dance floor unique to you! Take a look:

via Dance Deck

via Dance Deck

via Precious Occasions

via UK Dance Floor Hire

See? Now to make sure you don't break your bank make sure to only order what you need. Make it too big and your party may look scarce, make it too small and you may have some dance injuries and spilled drinks on dresses. The floor rental company should know how much space you need based on your number of guests.

According to Dance Deck, "A good rule of thumb for planning an event: 30% of the total number of guests will be on the dance floor at any given time."

That means if you have 150 guests, about 50 will be on the dance floor throughout the night. With approximately 3 square feet per person, you would need about 150 square feet of dance floor. 

Once you've made your party uniquely your own, have fun and dance the night away! Are you doing a custom dance floor, special lighting, monograms, etc for your dance space?

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. - James 1:12

Dialogue: Holiday Weddings

Having your wedding on a holiday has its pros and cons, people are already off, meaningful anniversary, but then you have competitive dates for the best venues and vendors, it may be more expensive due to demand, etc. Whatever the reason you decide to have your wedding on a holiday make sure to think about what the wedding will look like.

I'm not big on cliche but sometimes people dream of that pink and red Valentine's wedding, the blue and silver Christmas wedding, or the red, white and blue 4th of July wedding. Like I said before. Cliche.

I'm not saying don't go for the typical colors for the season or holiday. Just make it your own. Infuse your personality into it.

Use a non traditional color. Like this winter themed wedding. Using turquoise and a palm tree setting.

 Photos by Drew Anderson Photography submitted via Two Bright Lights

Create a non-traditional style. Like if you are having the red and white Valentine's wedding, maybe go with a contemporary style rather than flowers and hearts.

Photo via PrestonBaileyDesign.com

Just some ideas. Of course, I suppose if you always dreamed of a snowflake, winter wonderland, Christmas wedding then forget what I said, lol. Ever seen David Tutera's My Fair Wedding? I love how he takes cliche themes and makes it one of a kind for the couple. :-)

What are you doing to make your wedding uniquely you? Are you having a holiday wedding? How are you incorporating the holiday with your unique style? Share your thoughts and ideas!

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. - 1 John 1:9

Dialogue: Odd Venues

It is common for weddings to be in hotels, parks, beaches, chapels and churches. But, now ceremonies and receptions are being held in various places. I got married in a church and had my reception in an event hall. Pretty typical. I actually wanted my reception at the art museum. Is that odd?

The lobby of the Oklahoma City Museum of Art where I almost had my reception.

I remember my husband and I attended a wedding in an event hall where the ceremony and reception took place in the same space. The guest helped themselves to some buffet food while waiting for the space to be converted. I thought it was a darling location, my husband thought it didn't feel like a wedding. (He is one of those traditionalists that believe all weddings should be in churches) In fact, many people you know probably have opinions on where you choose to have your ceremony/reception.

The church where I got married

It is nice to see weddings taking place in barns, in the woods, museums, restaurants, and famous landmarks, in the mountains, on a boat. Heck, someone got married in a McDonald's, and a Wal-mart too I'm sure. It really shows a couple's personality and story. Besides, is God not everywhere? Most importantly, if he dwells in your heart, then church wedding or not, God is present at your wedding.

Where are you having your wedding? Where do you wish you can or could've had your wedding if money and people's opinions weren't an issue?

"Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him?" declares the Lord. "Do I not fill heaven and earth?" declares the Lord. - Jeremiah 23:24

Pickle: Table Setting

If you are setting up your own tables for your reception, bridesmaid luncheon, rehearsal dinner, etc., you probably want to make sure you know what goes where.

The Pickle: You don't know how to set up a table setting properly.

The Solution: Watch below and also find some tips I found from across the web.



Some tips to remember:

• Don't put the forks on top of the napkin if not on top of the plate. (Life123)
• Put the Place Plate one inch from the edge of the table. (missouri.edu)
• The napkin doesn't have a set place, it can be on side, on plate or in water glass. (table-settings-with-pictures.com)
• Work outside in when using utensils.
• Forks on Left, Knives on Right. 

I don't think you have to be perfect. It isn't a royal or presidential dinner. Get the basics, then make your table pretty to reflect your personality!

While Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. - Mark 2:15

Pickle: Luxe Potty

In a previous post about potties, I mentioned how there should be 1 bathroom for every 35 guests. If you are having your wedding at home or outdoors, you may need to get bathrooms in. But Port-a-potties? Eww.

The Pickle: You need to get additional restrooms to accomodate guests but you don't want a gross state fair vibe going on.

The Solution: Go upscale. There is upscale for everything, you just got to look! Start with the search term "luxury portable toilets" in your area. You can rent ones with AC or Heat, flushing toilets, skylights, handicap access, etc. Here is what I found:

A luxury interior by Royal Flush Fresno

 Ceiling Detail by Royal Flush Fresno

Private Stalls by Blue Ribbon Restrooms

A pretty exterior by Elegant Restrooms

Oh, if only all events used these! Going to a regular port-a-potty at night with no lights is a scary thing. . .  Anyone have toilet stories to share? Do tell!

 

 

I must speak and find relief; I must open my lips and reply. - Job 32:20

Dialogue: Burgers and Fries Reception

Oh yes, we love our fast food addictions. Burgers, fries, tacos, nachos, pizza, etc. Great for a Friday night outing. Great for a girls night out to be little piggies with our margaritas and cosmos. But for a wedding?

Why not?

projectwedding.com

This lovely post tells how a caterer turned an idea for burgers into an actual menu for a couple's reception.

Tacky or unique? What do you think? All this is making me hungry!

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Pickle: No-Show DJ

It is always a bride's biggest fear. What if one of my vendors don't show up? You can generally get a feeling of reliable vendors before you book them, but the control freak in you may be freaking out. Especially if it is one of those DJs that don't do contracts. Today I want to focus on a back-up plan for a DJ who is MIA.

The Pickle: The DJ cannot make it.

The Solution: You can frantically call a DJ in the area, pay fees, call a speaker rental location and hook up your laptop and play your playlist. You can do these things and pay a lot of money and stress out for something you may not find.

Or you can prepare ahead of time.

1. Find a Back-Up
Call your friends and family to call their friends and family to go on the hunt for a speaker system. If you find someone, see if you can borrow it. Offer a payment if it is someone who is more of a stranger to you. Before the wedding, you, or someone close to you can pick it up. Arrange for it to be readily accessible in case you got a no show for your DJ. Maybe you have a friend who knows how to set it up. If not browse the web. Check out one explanation of how to connect your laptop to speakers from Yahoo! Answers.

Photo from homeauvi.com

 2. Make Your Playlist
We all have extensive music libraries with all our favorite music. Make a playlist of music you and your hubby-to-be enjoy. Save it on your computer, make a CD copy and sync it to your mp3 player. If you have the speakers, you will need the music. These back-ups will be it.

3. Be in Constant Communication
You will do this with all your vendors of course. Confirm that the DJ knows the date, time and location. Check with them the week before. The day before. If they are easy to communicate with, more than likely, you may not have a problem. If they take forever to get back to you and never answer the phone, I would worry and really get on the back-up plan.

Anyone having fears about vendor no-shows? How are you handling it? Did this happen to anyone? Tell what happened!

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." ~ROMANS 12:18 NIV

Dialogue: Do You Really Need Arranged Seating?

Where should Sally sit? Jack and Jill just divorced, where do we place them? Oh, the many questions you will ask when you are working on your seating arrangement. It is just unnecessary stress to add to your already stressful planning.

Wedding Wire has a free tool you can use for seating charts HERE

 I recently came across this question and answer forum on theknot.com that I disagreed with. The question was whether or not to have a seating arrangement for a buffet style reception. The answer was that arrangements are a must unless it is a tiny (under 50 people) reception or a backyard barbecue. Uh, I felt insulted by this. My reception was large, over 150 people, buffet style and no arrangement. It was in a nice, beautiful building and people didn't dress in t-shirts and jeans. Far from a barbecue if you ask me. It also wasn't a crazed free for all, so not having assigned seats didn't kill anyone.

I believe you can still be formal without adding the stress seating charts can put on you. I don't believe you really need it, not even for a sit down dinner. I think it is just up to you and what you want and what you dreamed of for your wedding.

There is one thing I do believe should be arranged and that should be seating for your family and close friends. There were so many people at our wedding that didn't even know me or my groom! There was no way I was going to have my family and close friends take a back seat to people I didn't know.

Now, you see all those cute name card ideas in magazines. I love those! If you don't want to do a seating chart but still want to do those cute name cards, go ahead and make them. Your guests can take theirs and use it to save their seat and keep as a wedding favor if it is really elaborate! Why not kill two birds with one stone?

Photo Credit: Martha Stewart Weddings

Pickle: Buffet vs. Sit-Down

You can't decide what to do for your reception. Do you have a buffet and let people pick what they want, or do you have a set menu with a sit-down dinner? You may be tempted to go with what costs less, but you should know a few things before putting down that deposit.

Photo Credit: Theknot.com

The Pickle: Would a buffet or a sit-down dinner be better for my reception?

The Solution: Consider your options. Ask these questions when considering a caterer:
What is the pricing? By the hour, by the head, by the food provided? Is there a minimum?
Does it include the work of servers? How much if it doesn't? How many would be needed for buffet? For a sit-down dinner? Does it cost extra for vegetarian plates? Food for vendors at a reduced price?

Then ask these questions to yourself:
~ Is my wedding formal, semi-formal? A more formal wedding would have the sit-down dinner, while the buffet allows for a more casual feel.

~ How much of my budget is allotted to my catering? If the food of your reception is one of your budget priorities, then a sit-down dinner wouldn't make you cry when you put down the extra dollars.

~ What food are you wanting to serve? If you are planning a dinner of food that isn't generally what people would eat, then you may be wasting plated meals and money. A buffet allows for people to chose what they want.

~ How much time do you have? Sit-down dinners take more time, while buffets can be come and go. This can make a difference on over-time fees. 

So, as you can see, it comes down to budget and what you are going for. All in all, either option can still have beautiful presentation. Always check portfolios to see how caterers set up their food.

Pickle: We Did Not Just Run Out of Food!

If you are opting for a buffet for your reception, you better be talking with the caterer about how much food will be provided. If the food is running low towards the end of the reception, good. No wasted food. But if your food is running out half-way through, something went wrong. Maybe it was an inaccurate head count. Maybe your budget couldn't afford enough food for the amount of people who came. Maybe a few of your guests went back for 3rds or 4ths.

Photo Credit: dexknows.com

The Pickle: Your buffet is looking naked a little early in the game.

The Solution: The most effective way to make sure you have enough food is to get as close to your head count as you possibly can. Even if you need to make phone calls to people who haven't RSVP'd yet, do it. If costs money and you don't want a party foul just because you didn't have an accurate count. "It is getting close to the wedding and I need to send a final head count to my caterer, just checking to see if I can count you in!"

http://www.mgpweddings.com/

 The other way to prevent this dilemma is to make sure you hired a caterer who knows what they are doing. Always check references. Just know that even the best caterer cannot provide enough food if 50 people show up unexpectedly. You also don't want to spend money on extra food for people who never intended to show up forgetting to RSVP.

Get that head count!