TENT WEDDINGS

I received a call this week from a bride-to-be inquiring about our services.

She proceeded to tell me that they had a fairly small budget but they still wanted a nice wedding. Her parents have a great backyard overlooking a beautiful wooded area.They thought in order to save money they would have their reception in a tent in her parents yard.

I think it is a common misconception that tented weddings in your yard or a park is more economical than a traditional venue. NOTHING could be further than the truth.

There are so many things to consider when you are planning a reception in a tent.

The first thing you need to do is contact your insurance company regarding liability./especially if you are serving alcohol.

The next thing is to check with your local zoning regarding ordinances. (e.g., you may not be allowed to play music after a specific time).

Other important considerations are restrooms, parking (You may need a special permit), and proper lighting.

Below is a list of items you will have to rent:

Reception tent (there are many styles/sizes to choose from)
Caterer’s tent (to prepare food) unless you have a large garage the caterer may use.
Dance floor
China
Flatware
Glassware
Condiment holders, salt & pepper shakers, etc.
Tables
Chairs
Linens (napkins, tablecloths, chair covers)
Portable bar & bar supplies
Persons to serve, bartenders (caterers usually supply servers and bartenders)
Hot racks, food warmers
Coffee urns, tea pots, creamers, sugar holders
Portable restrooms
Additional lighting, if necessary

The cost of all of your rentals will be over and above any food and alcohol costs.

For an average wedding of 150 people, the costs of rentals, lighting and restrooms will cost approximately $8,000.00 to 10,000.00! If you want to floor the entire tent or line the tent with satin, it will be more!

You also will need to hire a reputable caterer.

If you are on a strict budget you are much better off having your reception in a traditional venue such as a hotel, restaurant or party facility.

If you do have a larger budget that will support a tented event..there is nothing more beautiful and romantic..HOWEVER....they take a lot more thought and attention to detail!

WINTER BLUES

I haven't posted in awhile...I am a victim of the WINTER BLUES! I have been busy with my weddings,, and the Nuptial Network Bartending Event...but other then that I have spent the last few months reflecting on my life!

I have received lots of e mails asking why I stopped blogging. I am really not sure why!! ha ha ha

I have so many irons in the fire, so many projects both personal and professional that my head spins! ha ha

I have been teaching lots of classes this winter.....Bridal Survival Workshops and "So, you want to Be a Wedding Planner." I really enjoy teaching and helping others to reach their goals. I also have been implementing lots of new services and programs.

My life to this point has been like a roller coaster....and the ride is still going strong. Right now I feel like I am at the top of the roller coaster hanging upside down!! ha ha ha

I am longing for Spring ..........I also am looking forward to a cruise in April with my family. It will be so awesome spending an entire week with my grandsons in an environment where they can't leave to go out with their friends or text messaging incessantly!! They will be stuck in the middle of the ocean with ME!! ha ha (poor kids)!

It has been a true joy watching my precious babies grow into delightful young men and celebrating all of their successes with them. The youngest, Matt in now a black belt in Karate while Ryan and Joel both made all county in football. Ryan (almost 18) was accepted to the first college of his choice, Utica College. I also had the privledge of taking him to his "road test" a real milestone in his life.

All in all I have been very blessed with a wonderful family and lots of loyal friends and my life is good!!

So, hopefully the winter blues will go away soon, and my roller coaster will turn me back upright!

I promise to blog everyday and continue to give all of you information to help you plan your special day.

Thanks to all who have cared so much to inquire where I've been!! :)

Your Wedding Cake

Cake and pastries by Gourmet Goodies


Think about serving your cake on a station rather than serving as dessert.

A lot of people do not like cake, so they leave it. Also, by the time the cake is served guests are dancing and talking and never go back to their table.

If you have it served on a station, guests can mingle and help themselves to cake whenever theey are ready.

You also may want to think about having a smaller cake and adding pastries and cookies to give your guests a choice.