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You don't have everything -- and we mean
everything -- covered
till you've read our roundup of reception tips.
You've been one dutiful duo preparing for every possible wedding-day
catastrophe, from red wine hitting white silk to the nightmare of the
no-show vendor. Think you've got every last detail crossed off your
list? Maybe not! There are some difficult to anticipate problems out
there -- but you don't have to worry, because we're giving you the heads
up.
Wild
Child
The Problem: Your child attendants and young cousins: so angelic
during the ceremony, so C-R-A-Z-Y after overindulging in your sugary
wedding cake. Kids will be kids -- but that doesn't mean they must be
screaming, crying, and racing around a formal reception.
The Solution: You can put them in tiny gowns and tuxedos, but you
definitely can't force them to uphold a formal atmosphere. If you're
inviting kids to your celebration, you have to understand they might not
make it through without getting rambunctious. That said, there are some
great ways to keep them from knocking things over and making a mess.
Tykes that are part of the party should get their own table -- sans
centerpiece. Instead, cover the table with butcher paper and leave a box
of crayons at each place setting. Rather than a five-star meal, serve a
kid-friendly favorite, like mac 'n' cheese or chicken fingers, which
they'll like better. If you're worried they'll go wild, set up the young
ones with sitters, either on- or off-site. Get the crew an extra hotel
room and show a double feature of The Lion King and Shrek,
or hire a clown or magician to come in and entertain them. With the kids
out of your hair, you (and the many appreciative parents among your
guests) can keep things adult.
Damp
Dress Distress
The Problem: It's the morning of and it's raining. The ceremony
and reception are being held inside -- but first, the bride has to get
there in her voluminous princess-style gown. You could throw a tarp over
her or roll her up in a carpet, but we've got a more stylish option.
The Solution: No couple wishes for rain on their wedding day,
though we hear it is considered good luck. If you're worried you're
going to get lucky (even if it's not in the forecast), consider packing
a golf umbrella. Why? It's the only cover large enough to get the bride
from the limo to the church to the reception to the hotel without
letting raindrops mar her gown. And besides, some of our all-time
favorite wedding photos are of newlyweds smooching beneath an umbrella
big enough for two.
Think
& Drink
The Problem: You know it's a successful party when you start
running really low on supplies -- especially liquor. Everyone's had a
good time, but everyone might not be fit to drive. What do you do about
that?
The Solution: You already know that lots of responsible brides
and grooms book buses or shuttles to ferry guests back and forth from
reception to hotel. What you might not know is that you may need more
runs than you think. While no one's going to say they require a ride
prewedding, after a few too many cocktails they might. A couple more bus
runs will ensure you've got a seat for everyone to get home safely.
Not-So-Fresh Picked
The Problem: The main course hasn't even been served, and your
flowers are already starting to wilt. It happens to the best of flowers
-- a lot more often than you think.
The Solution: Brown might be a hot wedding color right now, but
not for flowers. When you're shopping around, stick to hardy blooms that
don't bruise easily and can go the distance (especially if you're
marrying in a particularly hot or humid place). Sunflowers, gerbera
daisies, dahlias, lilies, and hydrangeas are all reasonably safe bets --
their woody stems and slightly tough petals will last longer than other
varieties and hide their age. Avoid super-soft flowers like gardenias,
lilies of the valley, and tulips, which are more likely to wilt in the
spotlight.
If you simply must have these blooms, take preventative action. Your
florist should take care of properly cutting and feeding the flowers,
but you can help prolong their lives by keeping them away from radiators
and other sources of heat -- including windows with southern exposure.
Also, if you're providing the vases or containers for your centerpieces,
be sure that they've been washed with an antibacterial soap so that
nothing in your vessels is promoting decay.
The
Paper Chase
The Problem: When you chose your vendors, you dotted your i's,
crossed your t's, and got it all in writing -- except for all those
little details you worked out over the phone as you changed your mind
and renegotiated. A savvy move -- at least until it's time to pay the
bills and you're scrambling to remember exactly how much they said each
different bit would cost. You don't want to spend more than you planned,
but how do you deal with everything you didn't get on paper?
The Solution: Finish what you started. No matter how small, no
matter how nit-picky, get it all in writing. If you don't want to deal
with asking a vendor to amend the contract every time you make a verbal
change, simply follow up your phone conversation with a quick email
confirming what was just said. It doesn't have to be elaborate -- a
simple note saying, for example, "Thanks for taking the time to chat
with me earlier about the new menu ideas. I just wanted to confirm that
the price of the beef filet for 150 would be X." Save copies of your
messages and replies, compile them, and give the stack to a family
member to bring to the reception (or summarize in one email and ask the
vendor to okay it). That way, there will be no question or argument when
the time comes to pay your vendors.
Guests
Gone AWOL
The Problem: The ceremony's over, time for the cocktail hour.
Delicious hors d'oeuvres, fabulous drinks...but where are the guests?
Arriving in scattered clumps and clusters, still disoriented from the
trek between ceremony and reception site -- oh no!
The Solution: Unless your ceremony and reception site are one and
the same, you're going to have to deal with the logistics of getting
guests around. This doesn't have to mean splurging for a bus -- as long
as everyone has directions. Sure, you might have sent that adorable map
with your save-the-dates, but how many guests brought it with them?
To avoid having to assemble a last-minute motorcade or having anyone
muss up their keepsake map, include brief directions to your reception
site at the very end of your wedding program. If you're not keen on that
idea, print directions on small, separate sheets. When the ceremony
concludes, the same helpful folks who handed out your programs can head
to the back once again to give guests the directions as they recess --
leaving you with zero guests lost or late.
Let
There Be Light
The Problem: Little can beat a reception site with amazing sunset
views -- unless guests are blinded by it. Same goes for candlelight
receptions overwhelmed by natural light. Who knew what all those windows
could do!
The Solution: Don't fall out of love with your reception site's
great view -- simply arrange to see it at the time of day that your
wedding will take place. If you know that there will be a lot of light
(or just a little), you can plan your lighting accordingly. Remember
that the season will affect light too. Worried it will be too bright?
Rent sheer, colorful drapes or simply hang fabric so the sun can still
shine in -- it'll just tone it down a bit. Will your sunny site be too
dark come evening? Turn low lighting into mood lighting with
strategically placed candles.
Gimme
Shelter
The Problem: The great outdoors is a great spot for a wedding.
The flora, the fauna...the skies opening up and pouring rain minutes
before the start to the ceremony -- but naturally, now you're ready for
that one with umbrellas. But what about other complications?
When it comes to hosting an outdoor wedding, having a plan B is just as
important as having a plan A. And it doesn't just stop with renting a
tent. Once you're covered, solving one problem may create another, such
as guests coming in out of the rain and tracking mud with them.
The Solution: Unless the bride plans on holding her hemline aloft
for hours, go with plan C: clean 'em up! When you're talking to your
tent company or reserving your reception site, confirm with the vendors
that they have mats that can be set up at entryways or around the
perimeter so that guests can wipe their feet. That way, if the skies are
threatening, you can just remind your wedding coordinator or deputize a
family member to get things all laid out. It'll ensure your dance floor
stays spotless.
Dancing in the Dark
The Problem: Is someone turning down the lights on your romantic,
candlelit reception? No, wait, it's actually the candles that are
burning out! Yikes!
The Solution: You don't want your wicks to wear out before you
do, so when you're shopping for reception decor start by picking up one
each of a few different candles. On a day when you'll be home for a
while (we know you know, but never leave burning candles unattended),
light them all at the same time -- on the hour works best, since it'll
be easiest to remember -- and see how long they burn. You need not sit
there and watch, just check periodically to see how far they've made it.
Once you know your votives, tapers, or columns can cut it through
drinks, dinner, dancing and, of course, your grand departure, you're
safe to buy the quantity you'll actually need. And you'll be all set to
light up the night. |
