Here Comes The Bride
Prepared by Lisa
D. Russo
Photo by Robert Evans
Courtesy of
WeddingChannel.com |
ew occasions elicit more joyful emotions than a wedding. Loved ones gather to watch two people unite their lives in marriage. A wedding
symbolizes past memories, present joys and future dreams. It's a time to cherish and to celebrate. What better excuse to throw a party!
Wedding receptions provide the perfect opportunity for old families to reunite and for new families to get acquainted. According to tradition, the bride's family hosts a formal reception to thank guests for attending the wedding. The custom of a wedding party dates to the ancient Greeks, who celebrated weddings with elaborate feasts. In America, ornate wedding receptions evolved during the 19th century. The
traditional receiving line first appeared in the late 1800s.
While many wedding traditions remain popular, wedding receptions are developing a streak of individuality. Today, many couples plan receptions that express their distinct personalities. From medieval banquets to autumn picnics, options for a unique reception abound.
Of course, no party is complete without food. And, modern wedding receptions
serve a variety of refreshments. Some wedding guests enjoy a seated brunch featuring
everything from eggs Benedict to roast loin of pork; garden lunches often feature
varieties of food served buffet style and usually include champagne and cream
chicken on toast; a more formal sit down dinner offers guests a menu choice of
three or four items beginning with an appetizer, soup, salad, main course, a
tempting dessert bar and the traditional wedding cake.
In the midst of this variety, however, some trends have emerged. Many couples are designing menus that evoke their ethnic heritage, from Italian pastas to French pastries. Health-conscious brides are electing to serve lighter entrees and less alcohol. In addition, wedding cakes are taking on a life of their own, with delicious fillings and exciting flavors. However, food is only one of the many factors involved in planning a successful wedding reception. Often, making major decisions can help clarify smaller questions. For example, the reception site sets the tone of the entire reception. Start looking well in advance, at least six months before the wedding.
The length of the guest list often determines the feasibility of a reception site. Think about approximate numbers before considering specific locations. To avoid expensive temptations, determine the budget in advance.
Many receptions take place in hotel ballrooms or country inns. Other possibilities include universities, museums and gardens. The following profiles offer a glimpse into the wide selection of sites available.
Photo by Yitzhak Dalal |
A quaint inn furnished with period pieces and older antiques can serve as a welcoming place for conversation of newly introduced guests. With its fireplaces and cozy rooms, the location inspires a feeling of home. In pleasant weather, guests can mingle in the cobblestone courtyard. A sweeping staircase provides a dramatic entrance for the newlyweds.
The hotel ballroom offers a total package approach to wedding receptions focused
on relieving the pressure on the bride. A hotel wedding reception does not limit
the amount of guest... anywhere from 50 to 250 guests. Without alcohol, a reception
of heavy hors d'oeuvres can range between $25 and $40 per guest.
Before 1940, most wedding receptions took place at the bride's home. What better place for a family celebration than the family retreat! Hosting a reception at home requires greater effort, but it offers tremendous rewards. To share the responsibilities of throwing the important event at home, consider hiring a caterer.
According to one caterer, backyard-wedding receptions have recently become quite popular. Hosting an at-home reception requires a mind for details. It's easy to forget about tablecloths and place settings. To simplify the process, the rental of linens and decorations from reliable firms make it easier for wedding planner.
Some hosts, however, prefer to prepare the reception delicacies at home. Recruit family and friends to help get ready for the event. For personal specialties, however, prepare food ahead of time, freeze and reheat.
For cocktail receptions, anticipate about three drinks per guest. Serve a champagne punch and a variety of non-alcoholic beverages. Offer 10 to 12 different hors d'oeuvres, planning two of each per guest. When serving finger foods, remember to put out additional cocktail napkins.
For a sit-down meal, consider the following service idea. Circulate hors d'oeuvres among the guests on trays. Set the table with the first course, usually soup or salad. Place a bottle of red and white wine on the table and crystal pitchers of sweet tea and soda. Offer the main course buffet style, and serve slices of wedding cake for dessert.
Most importantly, enjoy the reception and the day! This is one special event that should be enjoyed by all. Don't let hosting duties interfere with your appreciation of this special occasion.
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Don't
Let Mother Nature Ruin Your Wedding
Courtesy of Getty Images
and ARA Content |
Wedding dress, $1,200; banquet hall rental, $10,000; flowers, $5,000;
cake $600; and that’s
just the tip of the iceberg. Before you know it, the cost of putting
on a wedding can exceed a lot of people's annual salaries. According
to Condé Nast's Bride's Magazine, the average wedding costs between
$20,000 and $25,000; many far exceed that amount.
With all the details that need to be taken care of before the big
day, insurance protection is often the last thing people think
about. According to Robert V. Nuccio, exclusive program administrator
for the Fireman's Fund wedding insurance program, and author of
this exclusive policy, it should really be the first.
"It's not just the bride and groom's happiness at stake on
their wedding day. Dad will make a big investment and it would
be a mistake not to protect it," says Nuccio, noting that recent
California fires, last summer's massive power outage in the Northeast,
and Hurricane Isabel all forced the cancellation or postponement
of weddings. Several of Nuccio’s customers were affected.
"The power outage could have spelled disaster for one of my clients,"
says Nuccio. "He had a $175,000 wedding planned at a very high
end hotel in New York. Because he had insurance, when the power
went
out,
we were able to approve the event's move to another hotel, 2 blocks
away." Nuccio authorized up to $43,000 in additional expense.
He notes that those with insurance were able to recoup their non-refundable
expenses and put their parties on at a later date.
When compared to the cost of the event itself, wedding insurance is relatively inexpensive. Depending on the coverage you select, insuring a $20,000 wedding would cost about $400. Weddings aren’t the only social events eligible for celebration coverage. Policies can also be bought for bar mitzvahs, anniversaries, birthdays, engagements, and baby showers.
"A misfortune not covered in a wedding insurance policy is cold
feet. That's a known circumstance," says Nuccio.
"We don’t
cover changes of heart."
For more information, call (800) ENGAGED or visit RVNuccio.com. |
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