The Different Styles of Brides Reception Food

Before picking the type of food for your Brides, you may want to pick the reception style. Do you want the traditional formal reception or would rather opt for a more casual reception? There are pros and cons to each of them, check out SimplyBridal.com’s Brides reception food infographic before making the final decision. You never know, you may even want to go with a specialty reception.

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Unknown Brides food, Food and Drink, infographics

The 8 Secrets to Selecting the Best Brides Reception Location

Finding the perfect reception site is pretty easy if you follow a few tips. The following tips will help you find that perfect reception venue.

1) Set a budget.

Many brides fall in love with a place without knowing the cost. Don’t rule a place out that is slightly more than you can afford, there are deals to be had, but know how much you can spend beforehand to avoid wasting time and emotions on a place you can’t possibly have.

2) Be flexible.

Many venues that are out of your price range might make a deal with you if you ask politely and are flexible with your preference. Off-season rates and weekday receptions are typically cheaper making a nicer venue possible.

3) Outdoor versus Indoor?

 Many brides dream of that outdoor reception under the stars. However, you should consider the comfort level as well as the time of year if you choose an outdoor venue. Insects, extreme heat, or extreme cold can ruin the best decorated space.

4) Food Safety.

Try to select a location with an on-site commercial kitchen for optimum flavor and maximum safety! Using off-site catering is typically more expensive and presents transportation and reheating issues which may results in less flavorful foods.

5) Ease of traveling.

Particularly if you have a lot of out-of-town guests, try to choose a reception location close to the ceremony. You don’t want them driving all over town, and risking getting lost, to find the party. 

6) Timing.

If your dream is to have an afternoon Brides, avoid a reception location in a metropolitan area that places your guests in rush hour traffic.

7) Consider whether the location will change.

Make sure you ask if the location has any plans to renovate. If you do select an outdoor location, find out what it will look later on. It’s unlikely the grass will still be green in winter. Also ask about plantings and decorations, does the location change those out for the seasons and/or holidays? And if they do, will those still go with the color scheme and/or theme you wanted.

8) Study up!

Search for reviews on the venue on the internet of Brides publications, and make sure they are positive. One of two negative reviews are acceptable but you don’t want 100. If you can’t find any, ask for references and then follow through and check them out.

Author Bio: Jennie is a Brides planner and event coordinator.  She assists her clients with finding Brides reception venues in Chicago.  She recommends visiting davidsbridal.com for a selection of beautiful and affordable Brides gowns. 

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Unknown Brides food, Food and Drink, Receptions

7 Foods To Avoid the Week Before Your Brides by SimplyBridal.com

It’s true! You are what you eat. It’s your big day and your Brides gown or suit demands perfection! This is the list of foods that you may want to avoid. 

The list was initially created for the bride and the groom, but is great for the bridal party as well for those tight fitting bridesmaids dresses. 

Top Tip: Skip the normal morning coffee the day of, and avoid bubbles (soda, and alcohol) until the reception. 

Take our infographic as a general guideline; I’m sure you’ll be just fine not following it to a tee.

SimplyBridal.com

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5 Tips to Stocking the Perfect Bar for Your Brides Day

What to do when there is no bar at your venue and you have to provide your own??

How much booze do you need? 

How you stock the bar for your Brides reception depends on several factors, obviously, if money is no object, you can just stock the amount you will need for the number of guests, but few have a limitless budget! For every 100 guests you might need six cases of beer, a liter each of whiskey, bourbon, rum and tequila, a couple of liters each of scotch and gin, several liters of vodka, half a dozen cases of wine, a case or two of champagne and perhaps some vermouth.

Consider 'mixing it up' & remember your non-drinking guests! 

You will also need some bottles of juices, liqueurs and flavorings if you plan to offer mixed drinks. You can speak to your bartender ahead of time to determine the most popular drink additives and also for better estimates on drink amounts. In addition to the alcohol, you should provide plenty of nonalcoholic options for children and any nondrinkers in the party. A few cases of regular cola, one of diet and two of a lemon lime variety with no caffeine should please most people.

How to keep it simple. 

If budget is a concern, you should definitely stick to a few popular items rather than trying to please all your guests with the availability of their favorite drink. This is your Brides reception after all, not the local pub. Provide beer and wine along with one or two less expensive, versatile spirits like vodka or light rum, with "on the rocks" or "with soda" the only options for a mixed drink. Another less expensive option is to provide only one type of mixed drink, such as margaritas or daiquiris.

How to manage consumption! 

Even if money is no object, you don't want your guests drinking themselves into a stupper, you do, after-all want them to remember your big day!  While it is nice to give everyone options, limiting each person to a certain number of drinks will not only help your budget, but also help guests not to overdo the drinking. Let each guest know upfront that there is a bar limit of two to three drinks to avoid any misunderstandings. Post signs around the bar itself in large print, especially if you would rather avoid making an announcement.

What to do when there is no budget at all? 

If the drink budget is very small, consider offering only non-alcoholic drinks and a few bottles of cheap champagne for use during toasts. To appease your drinking guests, you can tell them that your venue's bar-tending restrictions mean the reception will be "BYOB." { Provided this option is approved by your venue}

Jennie is a criminal attorney in San Diego and assists her colleagues in numerous Vista CA DUI cases.

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Unknown Food and Drink, Receptions

Top Tips on how to find the Brides Caterer that is right for you!

Congratulations, you're getting married!  Now, all you have to do is plan a Brides that everyone will enjoy.  No big deal, right?

Putting together a Brides may be one of the most stressful things you will do.  However, if you take a deep breath and relax, you'll be enjoying all of this in no time.  Hiring a caterer is a large part of your budget, so here are a few tips on how to find one that's just right for you.

Source

Where to start?

A lot of us have never worked with a caterer before, so just finding one can be a hurdle.  If your reception is at a hotel or country club, the facility will more than likely have its own caterer.  Check them out, but keep in mind their first loyalty is to the facility, and your bargaining powers are limited.  Ask florists and Brides photographers for recommendations.  They work in the industry and undoubtedly know some reputable names.  If your favorite restaurant caters, they are a good choice, because you are already familiar with them, and they know you.

Make Appointments!

 Be sure to make appointments with several caterers.  It'll give you idea of what is available in terms of service and food.  When you call, give the caterer an estimate of your per-guest budget. If you have an idea of the type of food you would like, ask for some sample foods to be prepared for your initial meeting.  Since this is a very busy time for you, and it'll save you a second visit for the purpose of tasting.  The sample menu should include appetizer, entrée, and dessert.  By the way, if you have a friend who is a gourmand, that's the person to accompany you to the caterer.  That friend will probably be an experienced judge of a variety of foods and can give you good input.

If the caterer charges you for a sampling, don't hesitate to ask why.  There might be a good reason, but test menus are the norm, and you might want to be careful of a caterer who doesn't provide one. 




How to save money on your food bill!

Caterers aren't cheap, but there are ways you can save money.  If you are able to schedule your Brides during a 'down time,' i.e., not on a Saturday night or during a holiday season, you have more financial bargaining power, as the caterer might be more anxious for some business during that time period.  Also, don't reject an inexperienced or new caterer out of hand.  Such a person could very well be an outstanding chef just starting his or her business and might be happy to get the job at a fraction of the standard price.  Since a good reference will be critical to a 'newbie' caterer who is vying for business, he or she will more than likely bend over backward for you.  It's a good option, just make sure you this person can cook up to your standards.  Ask what his or her specialty is and give it a try.

Consider having a Brides buffet instead of a sit-down dinner.  A sit-down meal is more formal, but a buffet gives people a chance to mingle.  Also, with so many people on special diets, going gluten-free, or vegans, a buffet gives them a wider selection of food from which to choose.

Remember the extras! 

Ask your would-be caterer whether he or she provides rentals and/or liquor, how many servers there will be, and how much time will be needed to set up and take down.  Also ask about deposit and refund policy.  A good caterer should refund the deposit if notified within a reasonable time-frame.

                                                                                Source

Making your decision. 

Once you have interviewed five to six prospective caterers, you are in a position to make a decision and to barter.  If the caterer who did the best tasting doesn't meet some of your other qualifications, such as set up, price, etc., now's the time to bargain from strength.  You have several others who want your business.  Suggest to your top choice that you would consider a hire at a somewhat reduced price.  It never hurts to ask, and the answer may surprise you.  Few businesses are willing to loose a job over a few dollars.
With a little bit of effort, your Brides meal will be a memorable and successful event.

About the Author: Virginia Fidler writes about the best Hudson Valley ceremony and get tips for starting a Brides business here.

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What one bride really thought of her Brides at The Westin Dublin.

I am sure over the last few months it’s been obvious I am in love with all The Westin Dublin has to offer its couples on their Brides day. But you no longer have to take my word for it, today we are delighted to share with you a recent bride’s thoughts and experience of her Brides at The Westin  Dublin. 

Sarah & Andrew on their Brides Day

1. Tell us why you chose The Westin Dublin for your Brides Venue? 

Firstly, it was in Dublin!  We live in Tokyo and it was important for us to find a classic venue that fit the criteria we wanted for our Brides Day.  After that, it was the fabulous Banking Hall, it catered for our numbers perfectly and is 1 of the most stunning function rooms we had ever seen. Although it’s a magnificent room, it feels intimate. As we had many guests travelling in from the US, Asia & the Middle East - the location of the Westin was perfect as it’s so central.

2. What was so unique or special about the venue for you?

I guess being in our home city, Dublin was special - we were really proud that our foreign visitors got to see a period style Irish building in all its finery - the Banking Hall has a great story to it!

3. What's your favourite memory of your Brides day there? 

There are so many, photos on the balcony of the presidential suite... with loads people on the streets around Trinity College waving up to us... that gave us a laugh! ...but also looking at all our guests enjoying the arrival drinks in the mezzanine area was lovely.. it’s a nice space for people to mingle and I guess the 1st time you get to see all the months of planning pay off!

4. What's your favourite photo, taken on your Brides day, at The Westin Dublin?

On the stairs in the presidential suite actually; the suite offered so many opportunities for great photos!

5. What did you serve at your reception? Tell us about the meal?

 I don't think the bride ever remembers the meal!!  ..but I've been told by so many guests since that it was delicious!  

On arrival there was a drinks reception with canapés.  For our meal, we had Irish smoked salmon to start, fillet of beef as our main and then a pear tart as dessert!

6. Did you do anything special or different on your Brides day at the venue? 

As we live in Japan, we had a Japanese toast with Saki and presented each of our guests with personalised Masu cups (traditional saki cups) ... it was great fun when my brother did a traditional Japanese toast! I'm sure our guest from Tokyo thought we were all mad when we drank them like shots instead of sipping them!  Only in Ireland!!

7. What would you say to couples considering The Westin Dublin as their venue? 

Go for it!  It was a fabulous venue and the staff were a dream to work with... that helps when you're organising a Brides!

8. What would you say about the staff at The Westin Dublin?

Where do i start...I couldn't fault the staff on anything!  It was a pleasure dealing with them all, from Brigitte, the Brides Coordinator to Goroid, the Function Manager.  Even Karl in the Mint bar was so personable in all dealings with him over the months of planning.

The day before the Brides we were chatting to Brigitte and Goroid, I was joking, saying that I couldn't find my favourite brandy and was disappointed not to have it as my medicinal tipple on my Brides morning.  An hour later, without mentioning it, Goroid appeared with a bottle for me - he had made a few calls and sourced it from some supplier in Dublin. After a stressful few days his kindness literally brought tears to my eyes! You can't put a price on that kind of customer care!
And Brigitte, our Brides Coordinator ... Need I mention arriving at the hotel with dirt on the train of my dress... This was dealt with such calmness and a drink put in my hand while the dress was being fixed up! Such a class act!

9. What are your thoughts on the Bridal Suite at The Westin Dublin? 

Beautiful for photos...But it’s so big you may not see your new husband/wife until you check out!

10. What is your favourite spot/ place in The Westin Dublin?

Without a doubt, the Banking Hall... it is a gem in the centre of Dublin city!  ...and it still gives me Goosebumps thinking of the room set up with the candelabras lit on each of the tables.  That room as a Brides function room is incredible - the word I'd use for it is...'Dreamy'!!  

Big thank you to Sarah & Andrew for sharing their special memories with us. 

This is a sponsored article. 

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Unknown Brides cakes, Brides Details, Brides Venues, Destination Bridess, Food and Drink, Real Bridess, Sponsors, Top Tips, Your Brides Questions

Brides Cake Alternatives: Thinking Small.

Guest Post by Anna Knight

There are so many mouth-watering Brides cake options out there that it can be hard to know where to start (apart from sampling as many as humanly possible, of course). Increasingly though, couples have been creating stunning displays of single-serving treats in lieu of the traditional cake. If you’re thinking of going small on your big day, here’s some food for thought!

Make a statement
 
The cake is the centrepiece of your Brides banquet, so if you’re going to replace it, it better be with something equally visually arresting. Cupcakes are a versatile choice as you can set them up in so many different ways, such as building a tiered cupcake pyramid with different flavours on each level. You can top the sugary mountain with a standard-size cake, so you needn’t forgo that all-important cake-cutting moment. Or try giving your highest tier a quirk by using a single giant cupcake, complete with decadent swirls of buttery frosting. Yum!

 

Everybody’s happy
 
OK, so you can’t please all of the people all the time. However, by putting a wide range of options on offer you can certainly increase the number of guests who do leave your reception stuffed and satisfied! With single servings – whether you’re going for cookies, cupcakes or chocolate truffles - you get the chance to mix all types of flavours. Plenty of people don’t like traditional fruitcake, but you’d be unlucky to host a Brides where no one likes Oreo flavour or banana or red velvet or peanut butter…you get the idea. Offering a broad selection of smaller bites will mean picky eaters and omnivorous guests alike are equally happy.

Fuss-free feasting
 
Kids: They’re messy. Cake: It’s messy. When two inherently messy things collide, the result is seldom pleasant. Implement some damage control by providing one-bite dainties such as macaroons. Without crumbs or sticky frosting, they melt on the tongue in seconds; and with every colour in the rainbow available, they don’t lose marks on kid appeal. Your adult guests benefit too, as these delicate delights will leave them bloat- free and dance-floor-ready in a way that heavy Brides cake never could.

 

Variety is the spice of life
 
Once you stray from the idea of a single Brides cake, you open up a world of truly endless options! From doughnuts to chocolates to cutesy cake pops, you’re sure to find something that fits the aesthetic and feel of your Brides. You can even go healthy with a beautiful fruit display, perfect for summer. Or skip the solid centrepiece and set up a massive chocolate fountain, surrounded by stacks of strawberries and marshmallows for dipping. That way, guests will have something to gather around, and the sweet stuff keeps flowing all night long.

Whatever option you go with, every aspect of your Brides is an opportunity for you to get creative – and cake is certainly no exception. And remember, sometimes great things really do come in small packages!

About the Author

Anna Knight is lead contributor to SimplyBridal. She loves fashion, especially jewellery and shoes. She adores simple, classic pieces and even designed her own Brides dress. She tied the knot in 2010 in a small, intimate ceremony, but can't wait to renew her vows in Bali.

She currently lives in a partially remodelled apartment with her husband and two Yorkshire terriers.

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Unknown Brides cakes, Centrepiece Ideas, Colour Ideas, DIY ideas, Food and Drink, Top Tips, Unique Ideas

Stunning Brides Cake

I had to share.

Randomly came across this cake on Pinterest and thought you would all love it.

Have not been able to establish who is the Cake Designer or where it came from, so it this is your cake, or you know who made it, please get in touch so I cam give credit and so that we can all check out more of your fabulous designs!

In the meantime, I wouldn't want to cut this beauty... far to gorgeous and I absolutely LOVE the colour combination, don't you?

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Unknown Brides cakes, Colour Ideas, Food and Drink