TASTINGS FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY

Photo from www.sparkleandhay.com

Before you do any tastings with your Caterer narrow it down by selecting the same menu and ask for a proposal from all of them to compare apples to apples. Keep in mind that you should limit the number of Caterer you do tastings with to a manageable level. This helps both you and the caterer to know you are serious and not just shopping around.

So here's some etiquette that goes along with tastings.

1. Let them know your menu and budget to see if it works for both you and the Caterer. This also allows them to suggest some great alternatives.

2. Select your specific menu. Your Caterer may suggest a sampling menu instead of a plated menu. This allows for you to taste a wider variety of options. This should include any specific allergies, likes or dislikes.

3. Some Caterer offer open tastings that are for groups to try and are sometimes free. These are a representation of their style and foods and give a wider range of food options. Once you actually book with them you can become more specific with your desires.

4. Tastings are not social events and should be kept to no more than 4. Preferably it should be 3 to allow for a tie-breaker.

5. Eat before your tasting. This may sound crazy but you don’t want to be hungry. You want to sample and experience what you are having. This will allow you to make a rational decision.

6. Be upfront and honest about your likes and dislikes at the tasting. This will allow the Caterer to adjust to your specific tastes.

7. If you need any specific menu options for some of your guests (i.e., vegan, gluten-free, etc.) let them know now. After you book is not a good time to find out they are not flexible in this area.

8. Ask about the other items besides the food. What is the staff/food ratio (plated requires more staff than buffets)? What is their uniform and do they have options on their dress?

9. Take Notes and if everything clicks for you now is the time to confirm.

Good Luck and relax once you have your Caterer selected.

South Asian Weddings

Yesterday, the Morrow Center had the privilege of hosting the Atlanta Wedding Professional September Networking Luncheon with Occasions Magazine.

The theme was “Your Big FAT Bollywood Wedding” where Nirjary Desai, President/Founder of KIS (cubed) EVENTS along with her panel of experts informed 80+ guests who included vendors, meeting and event planners on South Asian wedding traditions.

There is a lot of detail, tradition and cultures that are incorporated into South Asian Weddings. South Asian weddings include everything from henna (mehndi), gorgeous clothing, delicious food, luxurious wedding design and careful attention to detail.

South Asian Weddings are full of fresh scented flowers, horses and numerous ceremonies which can last as long as a week.

Weddings are a centerpiece of South Asian culture and not only are the bride and groom involved in every detail, the families play a very intricate part in the ceremonies as well.

Therefore, the word “wed” which in Greek means “pledge” is exactly what a wedding is. No matter what culture it is or what country it takes place in, the wedding day means you are pledging yourself to the other and unifying two families into one.

www.KISCUBEDEVENTS.com

www.OCCASIONSONLINE.com

An Altar of Beauty

How do you envision the altar on your wedding day as you walk down the aisle towards your groom who is waiting anxiously to greet you?

The wedding altar is a very integral part of the wedding. It is where everyone’s eyes will be focused during much of the ceremony.

First you must ask yourself what style are you striving to accomplish on your wedding day.

There are several ways to decorate the altar from floral arrangements to silk rose petals. Other options could be wreaths, potted plants, and garlands which are beautiful ways to personalize your surroundings.

Candles partnered with decorative hurricane lamps offer a romantic back drop to any wedding. You may choose to have just a few lit candles to having the entire room lit by candles only. Candles should be placed around the altar so that they complement the design of the space.

Second, know your budget. Remember with a little creativity, you can transform the altar from very simple to very elaborate.

Third, consult with the facility where the ceremony is being held to see if there are any restrictions.

Remember, the wedding altar will be the framework for many of your photos. Make sure all eyes are on you and the groom during the wedding ceremony — make your wedding altar decorations stand out. Let your decorations be a true reflection of yourselves and your marriage.

Lighting the Unity Candle in Your Ceremony

The act of lighting a unity candle is packed with symbolism, a tradition that joins the families of both the bride and groom in an act meant to show the union of matrimony. The bride and groom's mothers will both light a candle, and occasionally the grandparents will join in, lighting their own candles. Each set of parents will pass their flame on until it reaches the bride and groom. Then the bride and groom will take their own candles and light the unity candle. They may choose to blow out their candles to symbolize the union of a new individual, or leave them lit to symbolize that they retain their personalities even in marriage. The ceremony usually takes place after the vows are read.

As for where the ceremony came from, the origins of the unity candle are still a little hard to peg down. Sometime in the last 50 years or so in America it began to spread, igniting a trend that was quickly adopted by many Christian marriages.

The Calla Lily Unity Candle Set pictured above is from www.weddingmountain.com

A modern twist on the unity ceremony is the ever popular Unity Sand Ceremony. Couples take turns pouring colored sand into a central vase, which represents the union not only of them but their friends and families as well.

The separate sands once poured into the unity vase can never be put back into their separate vases. They are forever entwined just as the lives and loves of the bride and groom.

After the United Sand Ceremony, the couple has a keepsake to remember their wedding day.

Visit www.unitedsandceremony.net for ideas or products.

Multi-purpose Centerpieces

A great way at your next Celebration is to be creative and save money is with a multi-purpose Centerpiece.

These can be anything from the standard picture frame/place setting to some more creative ways.

Here are two examples for your next event:

The Puzzle Party Platter is a new, creatively designed product that solves the puzzle of how to juggle a cocktail and a snack plate at a social event -- and it doubles as a uniquely shaped interlocking serving platter as well.

The Puzzle Platter’s generous surface size provides party guests plenty of space for hors d'oeuvres, and it allows them to simultaneously handle a drink glass and have a free hand as well. The Puzzle Platter offers an easy to hold, elongated handle on one end, and an open notch on the opposite end that securely holds any size wine glass. This new party accessory makes it easy for guests to roam about the room or patio with drinks and snack in hand.

As an added bonus, the innovative design allows for the Puzzle Platters to be connected together in a daisy chain-like pattern for a visually appealing buffet setting. The hand-crafted Puzzle Platters are made entirely from eco-friendly bamboo, so they are lightweight yet sturdy. They are coated with a food-safe, maintenance-free finish for easy cleanup and reuse.

Another that works as a favor and centerpiece are called Wanderfuls.

This is a concept that you personalized from the colors, size and type of candies to create your own unique centerpiece. They are great as both your theme colors and a favor for your guests to take home.

This works for Wedding, Proms, Sweet 16, Quinceanera, Anniversaries, etc. This saves also on what to do with your Centerpieces at the end of your event.

So get creative and save at your next Celebration!

www.totallybamboo.com

www.wanderfuls.com

Weddings on a Budget

It is always a challenge to stay within your budget, especially during these economic times.

Even in the best of times Wedding Budgets tend to grow like the proverbial Kudzu!

There are several steps the Wedding Couple can take to stay within their means and still have a wonderful Celebration.

Like a house or any other big purchase there is an emotional attachment to your Wedding. You should strive for that perfect day just keep it in perspective.

On average, US couples spend $24,066 for their wedding. However, the majority of couples spend between $18,050 and $30,083. This does not include cost for a honeymoon or engagement ring. Understanding wedding cost now can help you with your wedding budget later.*

The most costly part of the Wedding is not the clothes or place but the size. Remember that most places will charge a per person cost for food and beverage. Keep your numbers in line. You can always have a casual, larger reception for all of your guests that you could not accommodate at the Wedding or Reception.

To further understand and get a handle on your Budget visit sites like www.costofwedding.com.

Remember that you can have it all in moderation.

Good Luck and Congratulations on making it within your budget!

*www.costofwedding.com .