Very Formal Wedding

• Attire: This style of wedding adheres to strict wedding etiquette.  The wedding gown should be elegant and traditional, with a long train and veil in a complementary length for the bride.  6-12 bridesmaids wearing floor-length dresses.  Mothers of the bridge and groom also wear floor-length dresses.  The groom and all the men in the wedding party wear formal attire.  If your wedding is scheduled for daytime, cutaways are appropriate.  Evening weddings require white tie and tails.
   
• Stationery: Plain white or ecru invitations with enclosure cards (reception and respond cards) that are engraved, thermograved or letterpressed in black ink.  Your wedding stationery should not have any accent colors or decorations (embossed flowers, hearts, etc.).  A blind embossed or debossed bevel border is acceptable.
   
• Ceremony & Reception: The ceremony should take place at high noon, late afternoon or evening, with 200 or more guests invited.  The ceremony is followed by a large, lavish reception.
   

Formal Wedding

• Attire: A traditional wedding gown with a chapel or sweep train and a veil for the bride.  2-6 bridesmaids wearing floor- or ankle-length dresses.  The mothers of the bride and groom also wear elaborate floor- or ankle-length dresses.  The groom and all the men in the wedding party wear formal clothes.  Stroller jackets with striped trousers are appropriate for daytime weddings, while evening weddings attire should be black tie.
   
• Stationery: Your stationery should be the same as for a very formal wedding.
   
• Ceremony & Reception: The ceremony can take place at any hour of the day, with at least 100 guests.  The ceremony is followed by a festive reception.
   

Semi-Formal Wedding

• Attire: A simple floor- or ankle-length dress for the bride with a hat or short veil for the bride.  1-2 bridal attendants wearing ankle-length dresses.  The mothers of the bride and groom also wear ankle-length dresses.  The groom and all the men in the wedding party wear dark suits.
   
• Stationery: Invitations with accent colors and designs (flowers, hearts, etc.).  They can be printed in raised, letterpressed or matte ink in a color of your choice.  Enclosure cards, including map or direction cards are enclosed with the invitations.
   
• Ceremony: The ceremony can take place at any hour of the day, with fewer than 100 guests.  The ceremony is followed by a festive reception.
   

Informal Wedding

• Attire: Informal wedding attire is usually characterized by a suit with a dress that falls just below the knee.  The bride has one attendant, usually a maid or matron of honor, wearing a dress that falls just below the knee or a nice pantsuit.  The groom and his best man both wear a suit, which can be accented with a colored tie.
   
• Stationery: A handwritten invitation announcing the location of the ceremony and reception.  Send announcements to those who were not invited to your small ceremony.
   
• Ceremony: The ceremony is held during the daytime.  The list is small and only includes relatives and close friends.  The reception is usually small, held at a local restaurant or at someone's home.
   

Please keep in mind that this is just a guideline, not a rule book.  You can use your own unique ideas to create the wedding of your dreams.  Today's couples are mixing some of the very formal traditions with the semi-formal.  The most important thing to remember is to plan a wedding that will make you happy and one that you can look back on with fondness.

Question:

My husband and I were married by our pastor in our church 10/3/08 in the presence of two non-family witnesses. My family is all out-of-town, so we didn't allow any family. (We wanted to go ahead and get married and my folks couldn't make it to town.) Now we want to have a church ceremony, reception in April to include all of our family and friends. We're leaning towards very simple...no "wedding" dress, bridal party, first dance, bouquet toss, sheet cake instead of wedding cake...does this sound appropriate? I guess it would be more of a renewal of vows. We're thinking an 11am wedding and a catered lunch in the fellowship hall. Nice, but not formal. The biggest struggle now is what kind of announcement/invitation do we send out? Can we send out a combo to tell folks we got married, and we're having a ceremony/reception that we'd love for them to attend? Is there an invitation from American Wedding that you would recommend for this scenario?

Thanks in advance for your time!!!!
Shannon

The Everyday Etiquette Answer:

Shannon,

First of all, my best wishes to you on your recent marriage. Renewing your vows in April with family and friends in attendance is a very special gesture. I am sure your family & friends will really appreciate this.

I think you can send out an invitation stating when & where you were married in October and inviting family & friends to your "renewal of vows and celebration luncheon."

I might say:

Shannon and husband's name request the honor of your presence at the renewal of their marriage (wedding) vows Saturday, the (date) of April Two thousand and nine Eleven o'clock in the morning Church's Name Address (optional) City, State Luncheon Reception immediately following the ceremony Fellowship Hall

The info listed below is optional and should probably be in a smaller font size if included.

Shannon & husband's (first & last name) were married on the third of October Two thousand and eight City, State

The American Wedding has many invitations that would be perfect for this occasion. I think you can choose whatever style you wish. This is still a wedding ceremony and reception. My only advice is to be sure that the invitation reflects the tone of the wedding and reception. I would choose something simple that reflects you and your husband's personality. You do not need a reception card since the reception is in the church's fellowship hall. Since your luncheon is being catered, you will want a respond card so you can get an accurate head count.

I hope this information is helpful. If there is anything else I can do to help you with this special event, don't hesitate to ask.

Ms. Carey

Ask your own Everyday Etiquette questions

See more on Invitation Wording

Most newlywed couples prefer to have the receiving line immediately following the ceremony and not at the reception venue.  Most churches and other wedding sites will have an area large enough to accommodate the traditional receiving line.

Based on the custom of the wedding being hosted by the bride's parents, the traditional order of the receiving line should be as follows:

1. Mother of the bride
2. Father of the bride
3. Mother of the groom
4. Father of the groom
5. Bride
6. Groom
7. Maid of Honor
8. Bridesmaids (optional)

The fathers of the bride and groom are not required to stand in the receiving line but it gives them the opportunity to meet and greet all the wedding guests.  If one father stands in the receiving line, it is a general guideline that the other father does so as well.

In the case of divorced or remarried parents, the couple hosting the event is first in the receiving line. If both sets of parents are remarried, the same rule applies.  The order of the receiving line would be as follows:

1. Bride's mother
2. Bride's stepfather
3. Groom's mother
4. Groom's stepfather
5. Bride's stepmother
6. Bride's father
7. Groom's stepmother
8. Groom's mother
9. Bride
10. Groom
11. Maid of Honor
12. The bridesmaids (can be omitted due to line length)

There are certainly an unlimited amount of variables in the case of divorced or remarried parents.  It is best that the couple plans early, with their parents, to determine who stands where.  The guideline, that the hosts stand first in the receiving line, will come in handy to diffuse any conflicts or hurt feelings.  Some fathers would rather circulate among the guests and this would simplify matters for everyone.

Whether you have a large or small wedding, you and your family are the hosts.  Every guest should feel welcome and appreciated.  Let them know you are happy that they came to celebrate your big day.

There are few traditions that are important for your wedding reception.

Probably the most important and most celebrated tradition for your wedding reception is the cake.  The tradition of the wedding cake dates back to early roman times when a thin loaf of bread was broken over the bride's head at the end of the ceremony.  The breaking of the bread symbolizes fertility.  Guests would pick up the crumbs as good luck charms.  The tradition later evolved and spread to England.  In the middle ages, guests would bring small cakes with them to the ceremony and stack them together.  The couple would then kiss over the cluster of cakes.  Later the multiple cakes became one cake - today's modern day wedding cake.

The tradition of cutting the cake and sharing the first piece has a few different meanings.  One meaning is that by cutting the cake together and sharing the first piece, the couple is signifying sharing their lives together.  Guests will share in the good luck by eating the cake.  Another meaning is that by cutting the cake, the bride is breaking kinship with her family and by eating the first piece together, the bride is ready to accept all her new responsibilies as a wife and a mother.  In ancient Rome, it was said that the couple creates a bond when they cut the cake and share the first piece.  Wheat was symbolic of fertility and the sweetness of the cake was thought to bring sweetness to all areas of their lives.

Another must have tradition for your reception is the bouquet and garter toss.  This tradition symbolically passes the torch to the man and woman that are lucky enough to catch them.  The garter toss is the chance for a single man to share in the good fortune of the groom.  In the 14th century, the bride actually tossed the garter herself.  The tradition changed to the groom tossing the garter because of all the drunken men fighting to get a piece of the bride.  The bouquet toss has its roots in England.  It is believed that the bride could pass good fortune to others.  In order to obtain this good fortune, guests would try to tear off pieces of the bride's clothing and flowers.  In an attempt to get away with her clothing intact, the bride would throw her bouquet to the crowd.

Trying shoes and cans to the bumper of the couple's car is another tradition.  Loud noises were said to ward off evil spirits.  So by tying cans or other objects to the car, the loud noise made when the couple drove off would help ward off evil spirits as the couple begins their life together.  The shoes are a tradition that started in Tudor times.  Guests would actually throw shoes at the bride and groom.  If they or their carriage were hit, it meant that good fortune had been bestowed upon them.  In Anglo Saxon times, the groom would actually strike the bride with a shoe to establish his authority.  Brides would then throw a shoe at the bridesmaids to see who would get married next.  Throwing shoes at the bride is also a sign that authority over her is being transferred from her father to her new husband.  A variation was for the bride's father to throw her shoe at the groom as a toke of his surrender of his daughter.  This evolved through the years to just tying the shoes to the car.

See Important Traditions for the Ceremony

You should never consider having a cash bar at your wedding reception unless absolutely necessary.  Your wedding guests should not have to pay for their own drinks.  If you find that you cannot afford to host an open bar reception, then choose to serve only wine and beer or a festive punch.  You may offer two different punch selections, one with alcohol and one without.  Whatever your decision, remember that a cash bar is tacky and really has no place at a wedding reception.

If you decide to have an open bar, you may wonder how much to purchase.  As a general rule, you will need about 8 ounces of refreshments per guest per hour of the reception.  If your wedding is on a hot day, you may need more soft drinks because most people tend to drink more of them when they are hot.

A very good way to cut down on expenses is to purchase the liquor yourself.  First, check with the reception site for policies they may have pertaining to alcohol.  Some facilities insist on providing the beverages themselves because most of the money is spent at the bar.  But that is exactly the reason why you want to provide your own beverages.

When you have found a facility that allows you to purchase the drinks and alcohol, you will need to know how much to purchase.  Consult your local liquor store manager for help, but generally one bottle of champagne or wine (26 ounces) will provide 6 drinks; a keg of beer is normally 15 gallons or about 520 eight ounce servings.  Purchase 8 ounce cups for the keg to yield this amount.  One gallon of hard liquor (bourbon, gin, rum, vodka, etc.) makes about 32 mixed drinks.  For the first hour of the reception, plan on two to three mixed drinks per adult and one to two for each adult for each hour after that.  Provide soft drinks per person throughout the reception for adults and children who will not be drinking alcohol.

Your wedding reception is a time for celebration as well as an opportunity for the bride and groom to show their appreciation.

Generally, the food cost can be the most expensive element of the reception.  There are those who believe that if you provide the food, you will save a great deal of money.  But there are additional expenses to consider when planning for the food cost.  First of all, the chef will need plenty of room and several cooking utensils to prepare the food for a large number of guests.  He or she will need ample storage space in freezers and refrigerators that can accommodate large trays.  You will also need a large crew of people to be responsible for keeping the food trays filled and attractive during the course of the meal.

Most catering services will charge you a "per plate" rate, which means one plate per person. On average, a caterer charges $35 to $40 per plate depending on the menu you select.  But remember, this price includes the servers, the food, the table linens, dishes, silverware, tax and tip.  If you think you can provide a meal for less than that, then by all means, go for it.  But remember, on your wedding day, you will want to focus your energy on what is happening and not on whether the food table is running low on mini-quiche and broccoli florets.

Another way to cut back on expenses is to host a dessert reception.  This is best served following an afternoon wedding, between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.  Cakes, pies and a variety of candies and cookies can be made well in advance and kept frozen until 24 hours before the reception.  All of these desserts displayed on silver or crystal platters, which can be rented from most party rental companies, looks lovely.  If you decide to have this kind of reception, be sure to make arrangements with a trusted friend or relative to return the platters on the next business day so you will not be charged a late fee.

Ultimately, the decision of who prepares the food for your reception is up to you.  Keep in mind that sometimes hiring a professional will save you a lot stress and money in the long run.

First of all, interview and go listen to potential bands and DJs that you may be interested in hiring. Music can make or break a party and your wedding reception should be the biggest celebration of your life! Whether you choose to hire a DJ or a live band, the music will help to create the atmosphere. Before hiring a DJ or band, ask for, and check their references. Ask past clients about the quality and proficiency of their work as well as the diversity. The music needs to be a variety of styles, from slow songs to upbeat tunes as well as popular music and old standards. Keep in mind that your guest list covers several generations.

Most DJs and bands will have a "play list" available for you to go through and make any changes. If you have a particular song that does not appear on their play list ask if it could be added.

One special song is usually the first dance of the newlywed couple. The top ten songs for this are:

1. The Way You Look Tonight
2. Just the Way You Are
3. I Will Always Love You
4. Unforgettable
5. Wonderful Tonight
6. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
7. Love Will Keep Us Together
8. Endless Love
9. We’ve Only Just Begun
10. All I Ask of You

Another special song you may want to select would be the bride’s dance with her father. Suggestions for this number include:

1. Daddy’s Little Girl
2. Thank Heaven for Little Girls
3. What A Wonderful World

Before hiring a DJ or a band interview them.
Here are a few questions that should help you in your decision:

1. How often, how long and how many breaks will they take? (5-10 min. per hour is standard)
2. Do they provide pre-recorded music during their breaks?
3. What will they be wearing?
4. Are there any other fees not included in the quote? (travel time, mileage, etc.)
5. Will they play overtime? If so, what is the charge?
6. What is the cancellation policy?
7. Are song requests from guests allowed at no extra fee?
8. Ask for their play list.

Before you sign a contract with your reception musicians have everything in writing. This should include how many hours they will play, how many breaks they will take, how they bill for overtime, the required amount for deposit, when the balance is due, amount of any taxes or other charges and whether a refund is allowed in case of cancellation. Once you have the play list selections made and the contract signed you can happily check off one more item on your wedding day list.

Here is a list of 50 romantic songs that can be played as part of the prelude, postlude or at the wedding reception.

• From This Moment by Shania Twain
• I Do, Cherish You by 98 Degrees
• Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion
• I Cross My Heart by George Strait
• I Knew I Loved You by Savage Garden
• I Need You by Leeann Rimes
• Everything I Do (I Do It For You) by Bryan Adams
• Power of Love by Celine Dion
• Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers
• Amazed by Lonestar
• Truly, Madly, Deeply by Savage Garden
• At Last by Etta James
• Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton
• I Swear by John Michael Montgomery
• I Finally Found Someone by Barbara Streisand and Bryan Adams
• Don’t Know Much by Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville
• After All by Cher and Peter Cetera
• Tonight I Celebrate My Love by Roberta Flack and Peabo Bryson
• Unforgettable by Natalie Cole and Nat King Cole
• I Love the Way You Love Me by John Michael Montgomery
• When I Said I Do by Lisa Hartman-Black and Clint Black
• You Had Me at Hello by Kenny Chesney
• Always by Atlantic Starr
• Endless Love by Diana Ross and Lionel Ritchie
• Your Love Amazes Me by John Berry

Read: Part 2: 26 - 50

Here is the conclusion to the list of the top 50 romantic wedding songs.

• Come Away With Me by Norah Jones
• The Prayer by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli
• I Believe in You and Me by Whitney Houston
• Me and You by Kenny Chesney
• Valentine by Martina McBride
• Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley
• I Will Go With You (Con Te Partiro) by Donna Summer
• You Were Meant For Me by Jewel
• Every Breath You Take by The Police
• Faithfully by Journey
• Greatest Love All by Whitney Houston
• Have I Told You Lately That I Love You by Rod Stewart
• Take My Breath Away by Berlin
• You Light Up My Life by Debby Boone
• Bless the Broken Road by Rascal Flatts
• Beautiful In My Eyes by Joshua Kadison
• Here and Now by Luther Vandross
• When I Fall In Love by Celine Dion and Clive Griffin
• I Could Fall In Love by Selena
• Making Memories of Us by Keith Urban
• Lady In Red by Chris DeBurgh
• Moon River from Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Henry Mancini
• Cherish by Kool and the Gang
• We’ve Only Just Begun by The Carpenters
• Honestly by Stryper

Read: Part 1: 1-25

Hour 1:

• While the bride and groom, family and wedding party are having formal photographs taken, have waiters serve your guests cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

Hour 2:

• The wedding party is announced. Traditionally they are announced in the following order: groom’s parents, bride’s parents, flower girl and ring bearer, bridesmaids escorted by groomsmen, maid/ matron of honor escorted by the best man and finally the Bride and Groom.
• Bride and Groom’s first dance
• Champagne toast (marks the end of cocktail hour and cash bar begins).
• Dinner served or announcement is made for people to begin going up to the buffet.

Hour 3:

• The bride and groom cut cake.
• Special dances in order: Bride and Groom’s first dance (only if it wasn’t done in hour 2)
• Bride with her father, then the Groom with his mother, and Wedding party dance.

Hour 4:

• Bouquet toss
• Garter toss
• Bride and Groom’s last dance
• Bride and Groom’s grand exit

Whether you are having a formal or informal wedding reception, it is important to plan ahead and establish a schedule of when you want certain things done. Planning out your reception ahead of time will save you from a lot of confusion and needless distractions on your wedding day. Here are some hints:

• Put your schedule in writing and give it to all of your wedding vendors. Also, give this schedule to your wedding attendants and immediate family members so they know where they are supposed to be and when (i.e. for picture taking, formal announcements, or special dances).
• Be as detailed as possible when preparing your reception itinerary. Include names, times, specific locations and song titles for special dances.
• When putting together your schedule, don’t get too hung up on the exact times. The times on your schedule should act only as a guide and to keep things moving in the right direction and make sure that everything gets done.

The order of events is up to you, but should be firmly established ahead of time. For example, some brides prefer to do their first dance with their husband very early into the reception, before dinner is served. Other brides prefer to do it after dinner, when the real dancing begins. However, keep in mind that wedding guests should not begin dancing until after the bride and groom have their first dance. So, if you want people to begin dancing early in the reception, you will need to schedule the first dance right away.

The Reception

• Parents being announced
  
  
• Wedding party being announced
  
  
• Bride and groom being announced
  
  
• Bride and groom’s first dance
  
  
• Wedding party dancing
  
  
• Bride’s dance with father
  
  
• Groom’s dance with mother
  
  
• Best man toasting bride and groom
  
  
• Bride and groom with champagne glasses
  
  
• Bride and groom’s kiss after the toast
  
  
• Wedding cake
  
  
• Bride and groom cutting cake
  
  
• Bride feeding groom the cake
  
  
• Groom feeding bride the cake
  
  
• Kiss after cake cutting
  
  
• Bride tossing bouquet
  
  
• Groom removing garter
  
  
• Guests dancing
  
  
• Bride and groom’s last dance
  
  
• Bride and groom waving goodbye from car/limo/carriage

There are several things that will be needed to be taken care of after your reception is over. You, the bride and groom. will not have the time to make sure these are carried out, so ask someone ahead of time to take care of these tasks for you. You should ask someone in your wedding party, or a member of your family, to do this for you. Here is a check list of things to take care of after the reception is over:

• Pay all the vendors
  
  
• Cake knife or Server Set
  
  
• Toasting Glasses
  
  
• Top layer of Wedding Cake
  
  
• Gifts and gift envelopes
  
  
• Guest book and pen
  
  
• Left over decorations
  
  
• Left over favors
  
  
• Left over flowers and centerpieces
  
  
• Left over food
  
  
• Take back rented items (pillars, stand. tables, etc.)
  
  
• Return unopened bottles of alcohol
  
  
• Wedding dress, if changing into going away outfit Groom’s tux

Candy buffets are popping up everywhere and when done right they can be beautiful! It’s a fun and beautiful way to add some more sweets to your evening. If you are using the candy buffet in lieu of favors, you’re sure to please everyone.

Stopping at a table piled high with treats before heading home will ensure your guests have a very sweet ending to a night filled with love. Who doesn't love a table beautifully decorated with mountains of candy? They’ll have to stop; they won't be able to resist.

You have a million possibilities when choosing your candy. You can match the candies to the colors of your wedding. You can go with all white, or you could even just choose your childhood favorites. Rock candy on the little wooden swizzle sticks are a great choice because they come in nearly any color you can imagine.

Of course you do not have to use just candy. Anything candy or chocolate coated would work also, pretzels, raisins, etc.
Play around with flavors, choose ones that contrast and compliment. There are sweet and sour, hard and soft, or gummy, and chocolate. For around 150 guests, you may want to consider about 6-8 different candies and buy about 10-15 pounds of each. It sounds like a lot and it might even be a bit too much; however, little tiny pails of candy is not what we are going for here. Think big people! Even if it is too much, leftover candy is never an issue! Just remember that some candies may need to have their container labeled.

Make sure the table really catches your guest’s attention. Dress the table in your wedding colors. Use table cloths, tulle, a vase or two of flowers. Try different types of clear containers (glass or plastic, you know your guests best). Go for vases, fish bowls. Those huge martini and wine glasses, you get the idea. We’re looking for depth here! Now pile the containers full of your candies. Space the containers out so the guests can easily access the treats, which is a good reason to add some height to your display. Don’t keep all of your containers on one level, lift them up by sliding small boxes, upside down buckets, and/or milk crates under your table cloths. Make sure the openings of the containers are large enough for a scoop.

Include a small note on the table advising guests what this is. Add something cute, maybe even a little goofy. Such as “Sweet Dreams from the Mr. and Mrs.!” Make sure you place bags on the table and stickers to seal them with. Or small take out boxes that fold in.

Most important - have fun. Spending some time in the candy store picking out sweets and maybe sampling a few would be a great way to cut loose when the wedding planning starts taking a toll.

If your style is modern, use bold color in the space where you will be having your wedding reception. Personalize your decor by wrapping simple plastic or glass cylinder vases with broad silk ribbons that go with your color scheme. A can of spray adhesive, a roll of ribbon, and a pair of scissors will be all you will need to make a simple, but impressive statement.

If your reception venue does not furnish table settings, visit your local rental center and find out what is available. Most rental centers have a wide variety of styles and colors. For a modern twist, consider renting square dinnerware and glassware. For centerpieces you should have no problem finding square votives and pillar candles. The geometric shapes will look very sleek and stylish.

Bold colored and unusually shaped paper lanterns can add so much to a large space without breaking your budget. Party stores, as well as the internet, will give you more choices than you will want to deal with. It is always a good idea to have your color, style and shape in mind before you start your search. Colorful lanterns add a delightful element to any celebration and an economical way to create the mood.

Outdoor partyware offers a wide range of bold colored glasses, plates and cups. Check your local department store for plastic cocktail tumblers. Find a solid color that matches your color scheme and then place one white hydrangea in each container. Grouping three or four together would make a stunning centerpiece. These arrangements are lovely to look at and very easy on the bottom line.

If you are using a garden theme for your wedding, consider using live plants instead of flowers for all your decorating needs. Consult with a representative from your local nursery and find out which green plants are at their peak during the season you plan to get married. Live plants last longer than fresh cut flowers, and are usually less expensive. As an added bonus, you can then give the plants to your guests before they leave, as a small thank you gift.

Modern style is not fussy or lacy. Modern is simply, elegant.

There is an extremely popular trend emerging from the New England area of the United States, referred to as a Candy Station. This is an especially big hit at child friendly wedding receptions.  And yes — there ARE child friendly wedding receptions!  These Candy Stations can be as elaborate, or as simple as your style and budget dictates.

If the style of your wedding is informal, or on the casual side, consider taking one corner of the reception venue and arranging clear glass canisters filled with different types of old fashioned penny candies. If you are planning a formal wedding, designate one table to showcase an array of truffles, or other bite sized morsels. Chocolate covered pretzels, raisins and nuts would also be a welcome addition to any Candy Station. For a wedding in the fall, order candy apples for all of your guests, and tie the wooden sticks with a small ribbon to go with your color scheme.

Keep in mind that the candy you offer should stay in keeping with your overall color scheme. Stay away from the neon colored jelly beans and shocking pink bubble gum, unless of course, it does go with your wedding colors.

If you have a relative, or close friend, who is ‘famous" for their fudge or other homemade sweets, you may want to commission her or him, to prepare you a special order. This candy could be packaged in small, white boxes for your guests to take home. Most stationery companies offer these boxes for just such purposes. Some will even print the bride and groom’s names on the lid. For added elegance insert tissue paper before the candy is placed inside. The tissue paper could be in the color of your decor, for even more flair.

A Candy Corner will give you another opportunity to be creative. Use your imagination and start the trend in your area. This is a delightful addition to any wedding reception and your guests will surely remember how "sweet" it was.

Read more:  Reception Ideas -  Candy Buffets

Most girls dream of wearing a beautiful, long, white gown on their wedding day and they usually do just that. Now, imagine walking into the reception hail and seeing everything illuminated in white as well!

Billowing, white, transparent fabric hanging from the ceiling along every wall with soft candlelight on every table will add to the heavenly mood. Centerpieces consisting of one creamy white magnolia bloom floating in a water filled glass container placed on top of a round mirror will reflect the light, and enhance the room even more.

Keeping all the decor within your white color scheme will look clean and sleek, but very striking. Infusing your wedding with simple but meaningful details will resonate with your guests. If the reception venue has only dark colored chairs, inquire if they have chair covers in white. If they do not, call your local party rental center. This will be an added expense but well worth the overall effect.

Using a touch of silver ribbon here and there will not only tie in the mirrors, but will add a bit more sparkle to the room. Most caterers use white dinnerware, clear glassware and silver, or stainless steel utensils, so the tables will appear uncluttered and very elegant.

Wedding cakes decorated with only white icing are very beautiful. Cake toppers do not have to be the traditional couple standing arm in arm. There are several options available at most bakeries, or search the internet for a unique, all in white, modern figurine. Or, continue your magnolia theme and use three flowers gathered together with florist tape as the cake topper. Simple, yet beautiful!

Now you may be wondering about the attire for the attendants. The bride should be the only one dressed in white! Your attendants could wear dresses in pale gray, or a very pale blue. The groomsrnen could wear light gray tuxedos. The groom may opt to wear a tuxedo in a darker grey than his groomsrnen.

Keep it simple, but remember the details.

Charles Mingus said, "Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that’s creativity."

Correct lighting in any space can make a world of difference, and is the one thing that can make design come to life. Not everyone can afford elaborate lighting, but it doesn’t have to be expensive to be effective. Simply using an up-light on the ceremony area will draw attention to you, and away from any flaws. The right lighting can disguise faults and any decorating problems in the space.

Most public venues are subject to the local fire codes, and comply with them, as well they should. These codes apply to candlelight as well as electric lighting, and any electronic equipment that may be required by your DJ or live band. Be sure to discuss these codes, and any other decorating policies well before the day of your wedding!

Candlelight is very enhancing to the mood and atmosphere of a space, and is also very flattering to human faces! Most fire codes allow candles, but not exposed flames. The flame needs to be enclosed in glass or below the surface level of the container it is in. Try using hanging votives by suspending them at different heights around the room in glass urns. Fishing line is nearly invisible and strong enough to suspend glass containers from the ceiling.

Another inexpensive, but stunning way to use up-lighting at your reception is to incorporate white, round, touch lights in the centerpieces. Consult with your florist about using this idea. This type of light requires AA batteries and should last all evening. These lights do not emit much heat and you will have no worries about open flames on the tables. The effect will be subtle but striking.

From the logistic side of things, remember that elaborate lighting requires time and additional help. Be sure to plan ahead and stay true to your vision. Good lighting is important, and can create a feeling of celebration and elegance.

The tradition of the bride tossing her bridal bouquet to a crowd of single female wedding guests is a long standing one. Some brides even order two bouquets from the florist, one to keep, and the other to toss. The tossing bouquet is usually a smaller version of the original one.

Lately, a new and unique twist to the tossing of the bouquet, in addition to the bridal bouquet, is to order a breakaway bouquet. This arrangement appears to be quite large, because it is actually six smaller bouquets gathered together with a large ribbon, tied in a bow. Before the bride tosses it, she unties the bow, and tosses all six bouquets at once. This type of bouquet is extremely popular with all the little girls that may be at the reception. This is also a delightful way to spread that long standing superstition of "who will be the next one to walk down the aisle?" Imagine the delight of all your younger guests who are fortunate to catch one of the breakaway bouquets! Toss the breakaway bouquets to all the single girls under eighteen, and the tossing bouquet to those who are eighteen and older.

Be sure to have the florist color coordinate the tossing bouquet with your bridal bouquet. If your bridal bouquet is made up of expensive blooms, ask the florist to substitute similar flowers that are more moderately priced. Carnations can be dyed to go with any color scheme. The blooms are large and will pack a dramatic punch but for a reasonable price.

Every bride will have several choices and decisions to make pertaining to the wedding and reception. The tossing of the bouquet should not cause a lot of stress for her, but she should explore all of her options, and then go with the one that most pleases her.

For wedding receptions that serve alcohol, deciding what and how much can be a confusing and frustrating decision. So we’ve decided to address some of the different options offered to you.

Cash Bar

While most times considered a faux pas, cash bars are a more popular option in recent years. A lot of couples consider a cash bar because it tends to help cutting down the price tag of the reception. But, most people find it offensive to have to pay for their drinks at your wedding. The only other perk to this option is that if you do not have free alcohol flowing all night it’s much more likely that your guests will not over-indulge and possibly cause a scene. You know your guests best, so only you can make the call on whether or not you will ruffle a lot of feathers with this choice.

Open Bar

Open bars are normally stocked with the works: mixers, beer, wine, hard alcohol, just like a normal bar. Which means, yes they are more expensive, though they are the most common choice. Keep in mind you have a few options. If you have a large amount of heavy drinkers on the guest list, you may end up with a larger bill than you had budgeted for. A possible option would be controlling the open bar by cost. Tell your bar host that once the tab reaches (your budget here) to shut it down or turn it into a cash bar.

Limited Bar

This is where you offer a small variety of drinks. For instance you could just offer beer and wine. Typically you choose just one red wine and one white wine. For beer, choose a domestic, a light, and a popular import. Keep in mind it’s more common to have a red wine with a heavier meal so you may need to purchase more of it. Then not only limit what drinks are available but limit the amount of time they are available for. Or try serving drinks only from seven to nine.

To help save money on your alcohol costs try looking into discounts, some places will give you a pretty substantial one if you buy a large quantity. Don’t forget to ask if they will allow you to return unopened containers of alcohol. Determining how much alcohol you will need to purchase is not always the easiest task either. Check with your caterers/bartender for tips.

Cheers!