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Breaking wedding traditions: How to throw a fantastic wedding reception brunch

More and more couples are opting for wedding receptions in the morning, in place of the traditional evening affair for various reasons. Choosing brunch instead of dinner can considerably lower the catering and venue expenses. Or it could be so they want a unique wedding twist, or even so that they can set off on their honeymoon early and enjoy more time together.

Whatever be the reason, reception brunches work well when planned and executed properly. In fact, wedding reception brunches are convenient, and your guests will enjoy the function.

Here is a quick and easy guide to getting the little details for your wedding reception brunch perfect.

Keep the atmosphere friendly instead of formal

Unlike the formal plated dinner, brunches have a casual air. This allows you to have a more intimate gathering and enjoy quality time with your guests. The ideal location for a wedding brunch is outdoors, so plan your seating to utilize the beauty of the natural setting. Outdoor wedding brunches are ideal in spring or fall, when the weather is pleasant and the beautiful landscape adds a natural charm to your wedding. Plan the décor so it works well in natural lighting, and add elements like fresh flowers or vividly colored balloons that are casual, yet colorful.

Winter brides can also benefit from reception brunches, as the evenings are usually dark and depressing and daytime is more refreshing. Consider warming up your venue with a log fire and decorating with holly and mistletoe. Add to this, an enchanting white backdrop, and you will have a fairytale wedding to remind your guests of your lifetime event.

Plan your food choices wisely

A formal food service may seem out of place during the day. Opt for an interesting buffet instead. Include food choices that allow your guests to eat well, but not feel weighed down. The platter should include both breakfast and lunch-style dishes, so your guests can have their pick. Choose food that is great for late morning or early afternoon. Frittatas, cheeses, pancakes, pasta and sandwiches are good choices. You could also add a few exotic dishes like dimsums or chicken curry for a pleasant variation. Omelet and pancake stations, or s’more bars would be well-received and also add some action.

Don’t skip wedding cake or drinks

Just because you are getting married in the morning, you needn’t skip the wedding cake. Choose a light flavor like lemon or vanilla, and keep it fresh and welcoming with white frosting. Or you could replace the wedding cake with wedding cake cupcakes in multiple flavors instead. Since the portions are small, your guests will be tempted to try it. You could also get creative with a dessert buffet, and give your guests a variety of treats to choose from.

For drinks consider refreshing and lighter choices like cocktails, white wine, fruit juices, scented teas and fruit smoothies. If the weather is warm, fizzy drinks infused with lemon or ginger, or yogurt smoothies would be nice.

Doesn’t all this sound romantic? If you are smitten by this idea of wedding reception brunches, go ahead with it. Don’t forget to get the perfect wedding dress for the occasion; visit us at Best for Bride to do so.

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Expensive Flowers for Weddings

For those who have an unlimited budget when it comes to planning their wedding, expensive flowers are more than likely one of the top things that they are considering. If flowers are the area that you are most likely to splurge on, you may be interested to learn more about these specific flowers. If you are trying to save money on your wedding flowers, be sure to steer clear of these options.

Casa Blanca Lily

This is considered to be the most expensive flower for weddings. Unfortunately, they are also some of the most beautiful options as well. If this is your favorite flower and you are planning to include it with your décor, be prepared to spend a pretty penny on it. However, you can save some money by only using it sparingly and including other flowers in the arrangement as well. Red roses pair very beautifully with this flower and are a very popular addition to a Casa Blanca Lily wedding.

Gardenia

Not only are gardenias beautiful, they also have a fantastic aroma that comes along with them. Since they are very expensive, you may want to choose a different flower for your wedding, however. One option to think about is going with a different type of flower and wearing gardenia perfume instead.

Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are also a beautiful option and are extremely popular. One of the best things about them is that there is a huge variety in color options that you can choose from. However, since they are so expensive, an alternative might be necessary. One fun idea is to go with Snapdragons instead. Not only do they have a similar look as what hydrangeas offer, but they also have a good variety when it comes to different colors as well.

Lily of the Valley

The flowers are beautiful and there is not really an option that can replace their unique look. They also have a fantastic scent to enjoy as well. If you are determined to have them in your wedding, you may need to look for some silk options rather than real in order to save your budget.

Orchid

These delicate flowers offer a beautiful look for any wedding. They also come in a variety of colors and are stunning to look at. With expenses running high for brides who choose this flower, you may need to find some other areas in your wedding to save money on. This can help you to pay for this lovely flower so that you can still have them in your wedding.

Conclusion

There is an endless amount of flowers to choose from for your wedding. Even if you cannot include these beautiful and expensive options in your wedding, you will still be able to have a beautiful wedding. Just remember, keep your eyes open for discounts and be open to making a few changes here and there in order to keep your budget intact.

Remember; stop by Best for Bride for help with all of your wedding planning items. You will be able to save money on dresses, décor and much more when you shop in the store.

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Planning a Fun Wedding

Guest involvement is one way to bring more fun into the wedding. When the guests become engaged in the activity, they are transformed from quiet spectator to feeling like they are part of the big day. Planning a fun wedding isn’t difficult. Here are some ways to turn up the fun by getting guests involved.

When all the guests feel appreciated, they are more relaxed and ready to embrace the event. Some ideas for appreciated guests before the ceremony include serving light cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks before the ceremony and a make your own corsage or boutonniere table. Give guests a chance to mix and mingle before the ceremony. For a corsage and boutonniere table, provide guests with sturdy flowers, ribbon, and easy to follow directions. This is a nice way of showing guests that they are important to you.

Set up a small table at the reception with a board that says, “Plan a Date for the Newlyweds.” Pens and something for guests to write on should be on the table. Some people have used large popsicle sticks for guests to write their ideas and then place them in a mason jar. Another idea is to use cardstock shape cutouts to write on with a decorated box for guests to put their suggestions.

An outdoor reception can be transformed to an art studio for guests to create a masterpiece for the newlyweds. A large canvas can be set up in an outdoor area with balloons attached to the front. The balloons should be partially blown up with a bit of paint inside. When setting this up, the couple should choose colors that work well together and match the room decor where the finished art will be displayed. The guests stand a safe distance away from the canvas and throw darts at the balloons.

Not all guests like to dance. If a guest attends the wedding and doesn’t want to dance, the guest is often left to sit at the table. Give non-dancing guests a comfortable lounge space for enjoying each other’s company rather than sitting at the tables like they are waiting for it to be over. Another option to encourage everyone to get involved is to hire a dance teacher to teach a simple dance to the guests. Then, guests can have fun trying a new dance together.

While many couples are banning social media from their weddings, others are embracing it. Perhaps you don’t want guests tweeting during the ceremony. Set up guidelines for including social media in your special day. By doing so, you are including guests in creating an additional record of the wedding day. Couples start a Twitter or Instagram account for the wedding and give guests the username and password. They post the information on signs encouraging guests to contribute.

A wedding should be a joyous event. Some people seem to forget that it’s okay to have fun at a wedding. Creating a fun environment is one way to make your wedding memorable. For more fun wedding ideas, browse the Best for Bride blog for ideas.

Posted on by Olga Pomeransky — 2 Comments

Shopping tips for the mother-of-the-bride: Look gorgeous and not matronly

It is your daughter’s wedding day, and you have to find a dress to wear. Let’s face it! This is a difficult task.

After your daughter, you are the next person who will be scrutinized by the wedding guests on this big day, and you do not want to disappoint.

Just because your little girl is getting married, it doesn’t mean you should restrict your dress choices to ones that are matronly, and a safe choice. This is your chance to shine too, and a well-dressed mother will be appreciated.

So, here are some tips to help you find a dress that will allow you to look glamorous, and be a perfect reflection of the woman you are.

Forget safe choices

As they age, women are usually uncomfortable flaunting their figure, even though they may look better than they did when they were getting married themselves. The so-called age-appropriate dress choices are often boring and without personality. Don’t make this mistake when you choose your mother-of-the-bride dress.

When you look at dresses, choose a flattering silhouette, and a pretty design that matches your personality. Go for a color that isn’t blah! You don’t need to expose skin to look glamorous, a dress that fits well, and enhances your best features can do this for you. You don’t want to upstage your daughter at her wedding, but make sure you don’t disappoint either. For once, choose a design that isn’t your signature style, and you will feel fabulous everytime you hear a flattering comment.

Don’t be afraid of experimenting with the latest trends

If there are mother-of-the-bride dresses that incorporate the latest fashion trends such as ruffles, asymmetrical pleats, off-the-shoulder necklines and embellishments, its because they are what women of today love. So, don’t think the latest trends are not worth your attention. You have nothing to lose by trying it on and checking whether it suits you. If the dress reflects your spirit, take it; if it is a little too girlish for your choice, leave it.

Sometimes, a dress in an unusual shade may have a stunning effect, so keep your mind open and you may find a fantastic choice. To know your options, make sure you check with your daughter on which colors would go with the wedding color palette. Once you know your options, you can make a good choice.

Customize to suit your taste

If you love a sexy, stylish gown, but are worried of whether you may later think it is inappropriate or regret it, consider having sheer sleeves added, or pair it with a matching wrap or mock bolero, and you can have the best of both worlds. Also, when choosing a dress, pay attention to whether it covers or camouflages problem areas. This will allow you to feel more confident when wearing it. Consider using good shapewear that will support your figure, and you will immediately feel the difference.

Accessorize with a matching stole or scarf, and attractive jewelry, and make the effort to look fantastic on your daughter’s special day. Don’t forget to add a matching pair of comfortable, but elegant shoes to complete your look.

Check out our mother-of-the-bride collection at Best for Bride. You are certain to find a dress that is totally You!