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Archive for the 'Reception hall tips' Category

How to Get the Best Possible Photos From Your Wedding Photographer

Friday, January 13th, 2012

Your wedding is bound to be one of the most memorable days of your life as well as your significant other’s.  When planning a wedding, hiring a quality photographer is necessarily to make sure those memories don’t fade away over the years. Quinns Wedding Cars out of the UK has compiled a list of fantastic tips to help you get the most out of your wedding photographer which we’ve posted below. Make sure to keep these tips in mind and let  Branches Catering handle all of your wedding needs to help make your day one to remember forever.

Source: Quinns Wedding Cars

A photographer is an absolute must at any wedding, as you’ll hopefully want to savor the memories for years to come. Photographs are arguably the best medium for saving memories.

But how do you get the best work out of your photographer? Well its mainly down to preparation, and choosing the right photographer based on his experience and skill level.

The following tips will also help to get better results on the day:

Arrange an Interview with Your Photographer

Make sure that you get an interview with your photographer before the wedding to ensure he will be able to complete the job to your specifications and taste.

You may want to ask him to bring along examples of photographs that he has taken in the past so you can check if his style is what you want your wedding photographs to look like.

Help your Photographer out!

At the interview you will also need help the photographer by revealing as much detail about your day as possible. Let him to understand how events will roll out and where you would expect him to be at specific times.

You may also want to give him any tips on locations that would be good for photographs. Is there a picturesque garden near the church that you would like some photos in…? All these tip-offs will help you to get the best possible photos out of your photographer.

Let Your Photographer be Creative

Remember that a photographer will probably have many years experience in his field, so you need to trust his skill and allow him to complete his work without restraining his creativity too much.

Understand the photographers background and look at any examples that he may have. Look at his style carefully and see if that’s what you want your photos to be like.

Very often photographers will inadvertently create a style, and this will be hard to change just for your day, so choose carefully.

Choose a Photographer That Communicates

You’ll want to make sure you hire a photographer that communicates well. If a certain location isn’t working well, you need a photographer that will have the confidence to tell you. You’ll also need to regularly communicate with him on the day to make sure he’s getting on ok.

Be polite and instructive and allow his creativity to shine. This, as well as the tips above, will help to improve the quality of your wedding photographs and get the results that you want!

For the original article: click here

Wedding Venue FAQ: What to Ask Before You Book

Friday, January 13th, 2012

Is your heart set on a particular reception site? Or are you torn between a few? Be sure to do your homework before you sign.

Branches Catering has been hosting events for 10 years and knows a thing or two about finding the perfect reception site. We know that asking the right questions on your first visit will make it much easier to find the right place for you. Branches Catering is located in West Long Branch, NJ. We cater to many locations along the Jersey Shore including Asbury Park and Laurita Winery in New Egypt, NJ.

Source: Bridal Guide

Bride and Groom at this Jersey Shore catering hallYou can’t really set a wedding date until you’ve secured a location for your wedding reception (and ceremony), so the sooner you tackle this task, the better—do it 10 to 12 months in advance, if possible. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, meet with the banquet manager (or other senior representative) at each place to hash out the details. Following are the key questions to ask before you decide to book.

What services does the rental fee include?

Some reception halls provide catering services as well as all the necessary equipment (tables, chairs, linens, tableware and so on), while others offer only the room, requiring you to take care of equipment rentals. The site should provide a banquet manager who will be present on the day of your wedding at no extra charge.

Is the rental fee cheaper if we don’t book a Saturday night?

If you book a Friday or Sunday night you’ll likely get a lower rate. Rental fees also vary per month—you’ll get a better deal if you book a date during low season (usually considered the months of November through April).

Are other events scheduled on the same day?

Try to avoid booking a banquet hall that’s hosting another wedding simultaneously—you want the staff’s attention to be focused entirely on your event. It’s more common for sites to book an afternoon and evening event on the same day, which usually isn’t a problem.

What is your alcohol policy?

Your catering fee might include a full open bar, for which you’ll be charged either a flat fee or by the hour— or you may have the option of being charged based on what, and how much, guests actually consume.

Are your health department and insurance certificates up to date?

Reputable sites meet health codes and carry liability insurance in case someone becomes severely injured while on the property. If there’s no paperwork to prove these things, you don’t want to do business there.

Are there adequate restroom facilities?

In general, you’ll need at least two bathroom stalls for every 100 guests; for 150 guests, four or more stalls are ideal.

Can you accommodate physically challenged guests?

While most buildings will have ramps and elevators, do a walk-through to see for yourself how well these features will meet the needs of your wheelchair-bound guests.

Are there any restrictions we need to know about?

If a site is located in a heavily residential area, you may be legally required to close down your party at a certain hour. Also ask about fire hazards — some sites do not allow the use of taper candles or sparklers, for instance.

What is your payment and cancellation policy?

Upon signing, you may be asked to provide a security deposit. Find out if, and under what circumstances, your money is refundable, and make sure this is stated in the contract.

Hint: Don’t assume anything! For example, if you’re getting married in the hot summer months, be sure to ask if your site has air conditioning. You don’t want any unpleasant surprises.

Outta Site

Renting an all-inclusive hotel ballroom or banquet hall is a great idea, since these usually offer well-trained staffs as well as a manager who will handle most of the details for you.

For the full article click here.

Wedding Reception Decoration - Why Decoration is Key to Your Wedding Reception

Thursday, November 3rd, 2011

This Jersey Shore catering hall has been the perfect venue for many couples from all around New Jersey. When a couple is looking to decorate in their ceremony and reception location there are a lot of factors they must keep in mind. We found these great tips to guide a bride and groom towards the perfect theme/decoration for their wedding day.

Source: 1weddingsource.com

With any wedding it is often the reception which will require the most planning and attention to detail. Your wedding reception will be the biggest party you will ever organize and as such it is important your wedding reception decoration is perfect.

When thinking about your decoration you need to take into account several factors including:

The style of your wedding
Your wedding colors
Your wedding theme
Your budget
Your venue

The style of your wedding will determine whether you have a formal reception, such as a sit down meal with several courses or a more casual reception perhaps with a buffet. Your wedding colors will provide the backdrop to your reception decoration and will determine things like table cloths, chair covers, flowers, balloons etc. Usually brides will choose a combination of two or three colors, with one of those forming the main color used throughout (often white or ivory), the remaining colors then become accent colors in the smaller details such as flowers, table centers, napkins and decorations.

If you have chosen a wedding theme then this will be the main focus of your decoration. With a wedding theme it is important to research all the small details and elements that you want to include, otherwise your theme could fall flat and be lost on your guests. Try to be true to your theme in terms of colors and design, for instance, an art deco themed wedding is usually associated with a scheme of black and white, therefore using hot pink and aqua blue would not work! Likewise a medieval wedding theme with table centers of tall martini glasses filled with crystals and feathers would look totally out of place.

Your budget will dictate everything, from the scale of your decoration to your choice of wedding favors. Make sure you set a realistic sum for your reception decorations, especially if you are having a grand wedding theme. That, said, much can be achieved by making your own decorations, including table centers, favors and hanging decorations. So if your budget is tight make sure you explore your DIY options.

Venue’s can often be the deciding factor when it comes to how your reception will look. Whilst many venues can offer a blank canvas, allowing you to decorate them however you wish, others can be rather more grandiose, meaning you will need to work your decorations around existing colors, fixtures and fittings.

The best way around this it to pick your venue with your wedding style or theme in mind. A beach wedding would obviously be at the beach, whilst a 1930’s themed wedding could take place in a ballroom or theatre. If no suitable venue can be found then your best option would be to hire a marquee and pitch it in a garden or hotel grounds. Marquee’s offer the ultimate blank canvas and many companies can offer decoration and furniture packages to suit.

For the full article with more tips click here.

Champagne Wedding With Beer Pockets: Recession Proofing A Wedding

Tuesday, October 25th, 2011

There are enough stresses that go along with planning a wedding, the recession doesn’t have to be one of them. With these tips from HuffPost Weddings you can have your dream wedding at the perfect venue and still have money left for your honeymoon! Visit Branches to find out more about our wedding packages, beach reception and garden ceremony options.

Source: HuffingtonPost.com

With so many people out of work and struggling to make ends meet, there’s little money left to have any fun — let alone pay for the elaborate wedding of your dreams, right? Not so fast! You can have the wedding of your dreams if you are willing to get creative. And you don’t need to DIY (Do-It-Yourself) every single piece of décor. Here are some insider tricks of the trade to help you reduce costs while still having your dream wedding.

1. Offer your vendors cash up front in exchange for a discount. Vendors will often give a better rate knowing that you will save them credit card processing fees and the hassle of waiting for payment.

2. Choose your flowers wisely. Many brides don’t realize the hidden costs of flowers. You can still have something beautiful without having to pull your grandma out of retirement. Think about using less expensive flowers. There are so many wedding blogs and websites — my fave is Pinterest — to find inspiration for that perfect look with more affordable choices like carnations, roses, or daisies. Also purchase your flowers from a flower mart or wholesaler instead of a florist. Think of where your florist gets his/her flowers and go direct!

3. The trendy idea of a DIY wedding really means ‘Driving Insanity to You’. So many brides think in order to save money they have to do everything themselves. Not true. In fact, it may end up costing you more! For example, order place cards online with the design and color of your choosing for only $0.65 each. They’ll arrive completely finished, and all you’ve had to do was email the guest list to the printing company. To DIY, you’d have to buy pre-cut blank cards for about $9 a pack, plus printing ink and pretty pens… and they still won’t look as good. On top of the money you just spent, you’ve lost your mind trying to merge and print. No amount of money is worth your sanity during the most exciting time of your life!

4. Pick a black and white color scheme. It’s glamorous and sophisticated and chic, yet cost effective. Your printing needs are one color instead of full color print jobs, white flowers are often less expensive, and many venues have in-house black and white linens so no rentals are necessary. Opting for things in black or white is less work for your vendors than trying to find that perfect shade of coral. This means less expense for you.

5. Choose a less elaborate Save the Date. Lose the custom magnets with your photo, and send a cute vintage postcard. Not only will you save money on envelopes, but you will also save on postage. $0.29 to mail a postcard versus the regular $0.44.

To read the full list of money saving tips for your wedding, click here.

Romantic Retro Wedding Dresses, Vintage Bridal Accessories

Friday, September 30th, 2011

Retro designs have been making a comeback and there is no shortage of retro-style dresses and accessories in the wedding industry. Whether you’re throwing a beach wedding or having a beautiful garden ceremony, you’re look will be classic and lovely. We found some great images from OneWed.com to help you make your decision for the wedding style you’d like to achieve.

Source: onewed.com

Have you checked out the Ruffled shop? If not, you’re missing out!

Birdcage Veil from the Ruffled Shop

Romantic Birdcage Veil from the Ruffled Shop

For the vintage-inspired bride, this online boutique is a dream come true! You’ll find retro tea-length wedding dresses with bateau necklines and on-trend sleeves, and feminine, frilly petticoats. But the wedding hair accessories and veils are what really took my breath away!

From delicate bridal headbands to mini pouf veils, there’s even a dainty wedding hat. Each piece lovely, romantic and perfect for your wedding day.

Are you swooning? Which dress or accessory do you love?

Wedding hair accessory from the Ruffled Shop

Wedding hair accessory from the Ruffled Shop

Wedding hair accessories from the Ruffled shop

Wedding hair accessories from the Ruffled shop

Wedding hat from the Ruffled shop

Wedding hat from the Ruffled shop

Wedding hair accessories from the Ruffled shop

Wedding hair accessories from the Ruffled shop

Elegant wedding dress from the Ruffled shop

Elegant wedding dress from the Ruffled shop

Retro-inspired wedding dresses from the Ruffled shop

Wedding dresses from the Ruffled shop

For more about the Ruffled Shop and other wedding ideas click here.

To learn more about Branches Catering for your perfect wedding day Contact Us.

Fall Wedding Ideas

Wednesday, September 21st, 2011

When you’re getting married, any time of the year is perfect. Each season offers different benefits and adds beauty in it’s own way. Chiff.com has some tips for brides-to-be for planning a fabulous fall wedding. Check out Branches Catering and newest venue, Laurita Winery for wedding locations and packages.

Source: Chiff.com

Getting married when autumn color is at its most vibrant?

There’s no better time, in fact, when the planet seems to blaze a trail of warm fall colors in celebration!

As the trees begin to combine green with brilliant reds, yellows and oranges (in northern climes, especially), many brides take the cue from Mother Nature and incorporate these vivid colors into their fall wedding themes.

Popular fall wedding colors

Rich browns, cream, terra cotta, eggplant purple or cobalt blue are included into the fall color palatte so popular with modern brides.

Although spring and summer are usually the best time for flowers, fall is no exception. The season offers a rich variety of nature’s bounty including multi-colored mums, carnations, freesias, and other flowers paired along with bright fall foliage.

Deep red roses have also become popular at fall weddings and blend in beautifully with other darker hues. Cornucopias fit the bill for decorative accents along with baskets brimming with colorful gourds, apples and pomegranates.

Cocoa Red Orange
Cocoa Mocha Ivory
Sapphire Wine Eggplant
Navy Blue Silver Periwinkle

Fall wedding venues

If you’re lucky enough to live up north, you can plan the ceremony and/or the reception around a location that takes natural advantage of brilliant fall colors.

Consider a local winery, a cozy bed & breakfast, an orchard or a country lodge. Early autumn also lends itself nicely to an outdoor ceremony in a gazebo, botanical garden or near a lakeside park setting. Again, depending on your location, wrap up your wedding with a breathtakingly beautiful fall foliage tour honeymoon.

Favorite fall flowers

Allium, Anemone, Baby’s Breath, Carnations, Chrysanthemums, Cockscomb, Freesia, Gladiolus,Iris, Gloriosa Lily, Orchids, Queen Ann’s Lace, Statice, Star of Bethlehem, Sunflowers, Zinnias.

Fall wedding favors

In keeping with the season, small jars of jam or preserves make flavorful favors for your guests to bring home and enjoy. Also think about fall colored candles, or autumn spice cookies wrapped in a ribbon of country calico. Small potted yellow mums make for a special ‘thank you’, as well, wrapped in colorful paper tied together with elegant gold ribbons.

For the full article click here.

10 Tips For Your Beach Wedding Ceremony

Thursday, August 18th, 2011

This Jersey Shore reception hall loves having beach wedding ceremonies!  Summertime weddings are very popular, whether the bride and groom are local to the beach or the county.  Summer weddings can also seem very simple to put together, and with these 10 tips from NJ Wedding, planning your perfect beach wedding ceremony and reception will be a dream come true!

Source: NJWedding

Beach weddings continue to draw more couples to the water’s edge for their ceremony. With a little planning, your beach ceremony can be the wedding of your dreams. Here are 10 pro tips for making your seaside dreams come true:

1. Imagine your ceremony.

Do you see yourself and your friends in formalwear, strolling along the sand? Or do you have a handful of flowers, bare feet, and a short dress while your partner rolls up his pant legs and you get wet? How formal or informal your ceremony is will affect your choice of everything from ceremony location to invitations to bridal party wear. Keep guest comfort in mind and choose save-the-date cards and invitations that express the degree of casualness in their dress-you don’t want people showing up in floor-length silk dresses if they are going to be standing near the water line with their feet wet.

2. Establish a theme — or not.

Some beach weddings strive to retain a formal, elegant air-perhaps seashell or starfish motifs on the invitations, programs, and small touches during the reception will make the statement for you. Other beach weddings choose a theme-sailing, Hawaiian/tropical, New England clambake casual. Use this to determine the rest of your choices.

3. Think about how many guests you have.

If you have fewer than 50 guests, you may want to have them stand in a circle or semi-circle while you and your sweetheart exchange vows. More than 50 guests requires seating-it will take longer for everyone to arrive and guests grow restless and tired. Make sure you have chosen a location that will allow chairs on the beach, and don’t forget to check on rental costs.

4. Make sure guests are comfortable.

Larger, more formal weddings mean you need to rent flooring for people to walk on and to be seated. Remember that for people with disabilities or weakness, walking on the sand can be challenging, if not impossible. Remember to make arrangements so these guests can watch the ceremony, too. Parasols are also a thoughtful gesture, and they make for great photos.

5. Consider the roar of the waves.

The great thing about the ocean is that it provides background noise that helps drown out sounds of traffic or construction. The downside is, it can also drown out your ceremony. Look into renting a small public address system so your guests can hear your ceremony. Some wedding officiants have these available for a nominal fee-make sure to ask.

6. Decide upon the best time of day.

Morning weddings lead to brunch or luncheon receptions. The beach is usually quieter and more private, and the rising sun makes for preferred lighting. Guests appreciate the less-intense sun, too. Mid-day weddings on the beach should be kept shorter and shade should be provided, often in the form a tent for guests. Check with your ceremony site and your party rental provider for suggestions on the best way to accommodate your guests. Evening weddings also provide a break from intense sun, and the lighting can make for wonderful photographs. Some places will be still filled with beach-goers, though, so keep that in mind when you choose.

7. Mark a distinct location for the ceremony.

If you are having a small ceremony, you may wish to place large seashells, candles, or luminaries around the edge of the space so guests know where to stand. Consider raking the sand to smooth it out and create a strong visual impression. For larger ceremonies, the aisle can be marked with seashells, candles, luminaries, or torches (many party rental providers offer these and can guide you in the best choice). You may also want to rent a chuppah or an arbor for you and your partner to stand beneath for the ceremony itself.

For the full article, click here.

Summer Weddings: Summer Wedding Myths Busted!

Wednesday, August 17th, 2011

Summer may be drawing to a close for some, but at this Jersey Shore Catering Hall, there is always time to plan for the next summer wedding.  Some people may be skeptical about attending or even hosting a summer wedding, but this Central Jersey Reception Hall is here to put those myths to a halt!  This article, courtesy of The Knot, helps brides nervous about throwing the reception of their dreams by creating some alternative solutions in the sweltering heat.

Source: TheKnot

Summer Wedding

Myth #1: You have to have an outdoor wedding

If you live in a cooler part of the country where the lush, green months of summer are precious, it may seem like you absolutely must head outside for your summer wedding. But if an outdoor wedding isn’t what you’ve always dreamed of, an indoor space can be just as summery (and much more reliable). For one, if you’re in a super-hot climate, an indoor wedding may be more comfortable for your guests not wanting to bear the heat. But beyond that, you can use your creativity and design skills to make an indoor space suit the season. Hang summer lanterns or create a summer flower-strewn indoor aisle. Indoors or out, find your perfect wedding reception venue.

Myth #2: You have to use bright summery wedding colors

While many summer couples look to vibrant colors to reflect the season, it’s most definitely not a requirement. If bold and bright just isn’t your style, there’s no need to hew to a palette of intense hues. Going with a subdued color scheme can actually be more unexpected — for example, icy blues will exude a cool and refreshing atmosphere. For a surefire palette that works with almost any style — from ultra-formal to relaxed and natural — look to a combo of whites and ivories with green accents. An apple green hue will give a preppy, fun feel, while a deeper green like loden or moss will imbue your nuptials with a subdued elegance. See photos of our favorite summer wedding colors.

Myth #3: You can’t have a formal wedding

Yes, high temperatures probably mean you should skip the stiff, heavy dresses made of taffeta and brocade. But you don’t have to put your bridesmaids in dresses with high hemlines and have your groomsmen don loafers if it’s not your style. Decide on a level of formality, and then work with your bridal salon and tux shop to explore your options. For a sophisticated, formal summer wedding, consider elegant silk sheaths for your bridesmaids and lightweight dark suits for the guys. You should be able to find attire that reflects the formality of your event but won’t leave you sweltering.

Myth #4: A city wedding won’t work

Summer is a season when many urbanites head for the hills or the beach. But if you’ve always wanted a chic city wedding, you can still have it even in the summer months. A rooftop ceremony or reception will give you an outdoorsy touch without sacrificing an urban feel. Loft spaces are great for summer weddings too. Awash in windows, you can avoid high temperatures while still taking advantage of bold sunsets and glittering skyline views.

Myth #5: The heat will ruin everything

Sure, summer can be hot. But don’t let the naysayers get you down. If you know there’s a decent chance it will be especially hot on your wedding day, make plans to avert any weather-related disasters. Avoid wilting blooms in the bouquets and boutonnieres by asking your florist to steer you toward hardier blooms, like orchids and lilies. Consider water-submerged centerpieces featuring Mokara orchids. Because the flowers are completely under water, they’ll keep cool all night long. And as for your wedding cake, get fondant instead of buttercream to avoid a melting mess. If you’re set on the rich taste of buttercream, display the cake during your cocktail hour and then have the cake cutting at the beginning of your reception.

For the full article, click here.

Vanessa Minnillo’s wedding: Top 10 tips

Monday, August 8th, 2011

Preparing for your big day can be confusing and stressful, and nobody knows that more than newlywed Vanessa Minnillo. Thankfully, she’s posted her top 10 tips for those brides-to-be  to make the wedding both memorable, and stress-free! When you’re done, make sure to check out what Branches NJ Catering Hall can do do help make the wedding of your dreams a reality, either at our hall, or somewhere beautiful off-site.

Source: She Knows

Vanessa Minnillo has married the man of her dreams. In the process of getting hitched to Nick Lachey, the 30-year-old learned a thing or two about being a bride and the wedding planning process. Here are Vanessa Minnillo’s top 10 tips for other brides!Newlywed Vanessa Minnillo

Vanessa Minnillo, whose big day was featured on TLC’s Nick & Vanessa’s Dream Wedding, writes on her Twitter page:

Tip 1: Try on different styles of dresses. Even if u know what u want, it may surprise u. Go for it all & be girly! Most importantly, HAVE FUN

Tip 2: I Love a “little” splash of color! I had a beautiful bouquet of gloriosa’s, BUT I didn’t put my matron of honor in a fuchsia dress

Tip 3: Listen to your groom & have elements of what “he” wants in the Wedding. After all, it’s both of your day. Nick had great suggestions.

Tip 4: A welcome bag w/”personalized” goodies is always nice! We did beach towels w/their names embroidered, & all the beach essentials.

Tip 5: Make sure to take time before the wedding & spend it with ur fiancee. A night with a glass of wine, or a weekend away. #QualityTime

Tip 6: To save money: use venue’s place settings & glassware, but we brought in our personalized linens and chargers for a more custom feel.

Tip 7:If you can, have multi-photographers. We loved Yitzhak Dalal, & he brought 2 others w/him. There’s always more than one angle u want!

Tip 8: Consider weather when planning an outdoor ceremony. The ONE thing I regret is we didn’t have fans or a.c. at the ceremony. #sweating

Tip 9: Do something special for ur fiancee b4 the ceremony, a gift, &/or a hand written card. Let them know how u feel & that u Love them!

Tip 10: HAVE FUN! Once it’s the day of, try ur hardest not to let ANYTHING get in the way. You’ll regret it if u obsess about small stuff!

*Tip 11: Secure a wedding sponsor or three and air your nuptials on television to help off-set the cost of your dream day.

*We kid, we kid!

Congratulations to Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo on their gorgeous wedding!

For the full article: click here

A Wedding Planner’s Top Tips for Cutting Your Big Day Budget

Thursday, August 4th, 2011

As wallets start to tighten across the country, your big day may start to be a real strain on your finances. Luckily with these tips from MintLife, and great deals from this Jersey Shore catering hall, your wedding doesn’t need to break the bank.

Source: Mint

You’ve decided on a date and even found the perfect place. Now what?

If you’re overwhelmed by the seemingly endless list of costs associated with the Big Day, you’re not alone. With the U.S. economic recovery still on shaky ground, brides are spending decidedly less today than they did two years ago, according to BRIDES magazine’s 2011 American Wedding Study. On average, a wedding cost $26,501 in 2011, down more than 5 percent from 2009, the last time the survey was published. Still, that’s up $8,000 from almost a decade earlier.

How can you host the wedding of your dreams without maxing out your credit cards, or, even worse, taking on more debt? Here are my top five tips on what every bride can cut back on and still host an event to remember.

Cut the Guest List

Thinking about inviting that long-lost relative? Don’t. A wedding should be an intimate gathering of the people you love and who love you back. If your wedding comes up in conversation with someone who isn’t on the guest list, simply say, “We’re keeping our celebration small by only inviting only close family and friends. I’m excited to share our wedding photos with you.” I know it’s hard to cut the list, but brides are getting the message – the average guest count dropped about 5 percent to 141 in 2010 from the previous year, according to TheKnot.com & WeddingChannel.com 2010 Real Weddings Survey. My pick for the perfect-sized wedding? 100 people; 35 if you’re hosting a destination event.

Cue the DJ

I love a great DJ! In fact, I wish I hired a DJ instead of a swing band for my wedding almost nine years ago. I would much rather hear “Bad Romance” sung by Lady Gaga than by the best impersonator any day. Plus, a DJ costs approximately one-third of what a band does, according to the TheKnot.com & WeddingChannel.com survey. Still, resist the temptation to create a playlist on your iPod — I’ve seen that strategy work exactly once.

No One Will See Your Feet

The ultimate wedding shoe? The Gigiritz, a satin peep-toe from Stewart Weitzman. But at $298, it’s a budget buster for a one-day event. And, no matter what you tell yourself, you will never wear your wedding shoes again – even if you die them black. Instead, consider slipping into some ballet flats, or, better yet, a pair of white or gold Havaianas Slims, the stylish Brazilian flip-flop you can order online for $24. Not only will you be able to spend the money you save on something else, you won’t be tempted to kick off your shoes during the reception. And you can wear them again if your honeymoon is on the beach.

Let Them Eat…Sweets

The average wedding cake costs almost $500, according to the BRIDES survey. And, let’s face it – you can’t get away with serving only cake, no matter how good it is. Better to skip the cake altogether, and, instead, roll out a dazzling display of desserts – cupcakes, petit fours, miniature ice cream cones and truffles of all flavors. I also love the idea of displaying a variety of individually wrapped sweets, including Hershey’s Miniatures, in large glass containers and inviting guests to fill up a goody bag to take home. Want to splurge a little? A full-blown Viennese table is a showstopper.

The Rest is History

Welcome baskets. Calligraphers. Ceremony programs. Wedding favors. All are needless expenses. Eliminate them. I’ve never seen a welcome basket that contained anything more useful, or creative, than a map and a bottle of water. In lieu of hiring a pricey calligrapher, invest in several $2 Marvy calligraphy pens and address the invitations yourself. Call in friends and family if you’re not up to the task, but never use computer-generated address labels or send an Evite. Regarding ceremony programs, I can’t tell you how many of the most beautiful creations I recently scooped off the floor. And, finally, there is no favor you can give your guests that will compensate them for the time and money spent attending your wedding. Show your guests how much you appreciate them by thanking each and every one personally before stepping out onto the floor for your first dance.

For the full article: click here