How to keep a FUN Brides reception going ALL NIGHT LONG!

Don’t Stop the Party!

by Elisabeth Scott Daley, WED® and Peter Merry, WED®

Ever been to a Brides reception that was boring or ended early?  Maybe it just ran out of steam? What can you do to make sure your Brides reception will go the distance? Here are three simple suggestions that will help you have The Best Brides Reception…Ever! 

1. Start as you mean to go on! 

If you bring in your Brides party with high-energy music and personalized biographical introductions, you will show your guests from the very beginning that your reception is going to be a lot more fun than they expected. Work with your band leader, DJ/MC or Brides Entertainment Director® to jump start your festivities in the most memorable and enjoyable way possible

2. Entice them with Familiar Fun! 

Give your DJ, Band or Brides Entertainment Director® a list of dancing music requests that will appeal to the varied age ranges and tastes that will be present on your Brides day. This will be YOUR Brides reception, but choosing music that will include all of your guest’s favorites will increase your chances for getting most, if not all of them celebrating with you on the dance floor.

Remember, if guests aren’t familiar with a song, they are more likely to leave the dance floor. And finally, some people only “slow dance”…so be sure not to forget about them.

3. Consider your Fun Finale!

All good things must come to an end, and a fun ending is the icing on the cake of a amazing Brides celebration. To insure that your party ends in a memorable way, stay open to the idea of possibly doing your “ending” a little early if necessary.  If you are concerned about some of your older guests leaving too early and missing your finale, consider scheduling it earlier in the night while the majority of your guests will still be present.  Then announce the beginning of your “after-party”. This will give everyone a chance to experience your entire reception through to the conclusion while giving the younger guests the opportunity to stay later and dance longer.  Conveniently, it will also give older guests the freedom to leave without fear of appearing rude.

A Brides reception is the celebration of the beginning of your married life together. For many, it is the party of a lifetime!  Here’s to a party that will last long into the night and to great memories that will last as long as your love for each other.  Cheers!

About the Author: Liz Daley, Brides Entertainment Director® and Peter Merry, Brides Entertainment Director® are, respectively, the President and Founder of the WED Guild®, an international organization of Brides Entertainment Directors®. Liz and Peter travel throughout the United States performing and training entertainers with their Make It GRAND! and The Professional Processworkshops.

Big shout out to Grant & Deb Photographers for the fab photos! 

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I definitely felt the love at the Sheraton Athlone Hotel!

I visit a lot of hotels & Brides venues in my line of work as a Brides Planner. So you can appreciate I've experienced many different ways that many different hotels & Brides venues present their properties and what they have to offer.

So what makes one stand out from the rest?

Attention to detail...

and I don't just mean on their presentation skills or property.

A few weeks ago I got an email from the lovely Pamela Dooley of the Sheraton Hotel, she was {and hopefully still is} a 'fan' on Facebook and asked if I knew the Sheraton Athlone Hotel and if I would like to come down for a visit and a look around... we set a date and few weeks later James and I made the short trip inland to Athlone.

The hotel is located in the centre of Athlone, an impressive building that you can't miss. A shopping mall is adjacent to the hotel and it struck me as to how genius this was... perfect to 'pop next door' for hair spray, replacement tights, gel heels or any of the other vital things you often forget when packing for a Brides.

Now, I should mentioned, at this point, I'd not have the pleasure of meeting Pamela before, but she recognized me as soon as I arrived into the lobby. {Perhaps those online photos are a good idea after all!} Herself and the hotel's General Manager { Johnny O' Sullivan } gave us the warmest of welcomes, and we really felt like they were delighted to have us there.

We started our tour of the very impressive hotel; arranged over 12 storeys, the Sheraton Athlone Hotel has the most amazing views taking in an almost 360 degrees with vistas over 5 counties from the Bridal Suite!

We went on to look at some of the function spaces and personally I fell in love with their roof top terrace... and I know the Irish weather isn't always kind, but what an amazing place to host your drinks reception, right?! 

Of course if the weather is a little more seasonal they have a gorgeous space with outlooks onto the roof top terrace that work just as well! They also have the loveliest waiters, a delicious selection of drink reception options and some pretty funky pod table covers { as I said, its the attention to detail I notice! } 

The ballroom itself, the Hoey Suite, is stunning! Decorated neutrally to suit any colour scheme and with five stunning chandeliers { featuring hundreds of strands of sparkling crystals } that can colour change to suit your mood or colour scheme; it is a hugely impressive ballroom to seat your guests in! { This is also where I got one of my first surprise of the day, Pamela had put up my 'about me fun facts' on each of the projector screens! I finally got to see myself up on a big screen... another successful tick on my bucket list, all because of the Sheraton Athlone Hotel :) }

Of course the food is amazing... it would be with their super talented and award winning Executive Chef who was also so unbelievably kind to put on extra gluten and wheat free lunch options for me during our visit... while this was such a touching thing for them to do { especially considering it was all part of their own research I hadn't mentioned my intolerance } I get the the feeling that this is just all part of the norm for the Sheraton Athlone Hotel; they go above and beyond for any of their guests and couples!

Now I can't wrap this post up without mentioning the Spa... {I want to move in} ... gorgeous, luxurious, tranquil {I want to move in}... just wow... beautiful treatment rooms, amazing list of treatments, wonderful happy staff.... an amazing pool with loads of fun jet streams and a lovely little private dining area overlooking the pool, perfect for a spa day before the big day with your Brides party!

I have to say, if its not obvious, I was just utterly impressed with everything and everyone at the Sheraton Athlone Hotel. Not only is it just a beautiful venue with wonderful people, it has 5 churches on its doorstep, the hotel itself is of course civil ceremony approved and if you fancy something a little different, there is a rather stylish museum just a stones throw from the venue that also host ceremonies too! Something to suit everyone!!

So if you are looking for a super stylist, super sleek, gorgeous venue, with amazing food and unbelievable people definitely go to the Sheraton Athlone Hotel { oh and bring me too!! }.

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Unknown Brides Venues, Ceremonies, Receptions, Top Tips, top venue

The DIY Brides Event with IKEA Dublin: Part Two

For those of you who missed Part One, do check it out for fabulous DIY ideas for your Brides ceremony and drinks reception; including a mosquito net Brides ceremony focal point, an heirloom bouquet made from curtain pole ends, fabric flowers, a wishing tree and a very easy photo booth idea!

Up in Part Two of The DIY Brides Event with IKEA Dublin round up we have:

• A Magnetic Table Plan 
• An adorable way to present your cutlery
• Sash Escort Cards 
• A hanging centerpiece 
• Net Curtain Overlays 
• Rose Fold Napkins { that take 10 seconds } 
• A Fairy Light Back Drop made from Net Curtains 
• A stunning Photo Booth 
• A ceiling rose { from net curtains that cost €6.00 for the pair! } 
• Super Simple Brides Favours 
• And a little childhood fun for adults! 

{ Big Shout Out to my dear dear friend Susan Kennedy from Lensmen PR & Photographic Agency who came along and took these great photos of the event... Susan is an absolute doll, do check her out if you are yet to choose your Brides photographer! }

Would you believe that that table overlay is actually a net curtain?? 

This easy peasy Table Plan was made from a magnetic notice board, fabric, lace, card and some magnets! Simple & Sweet!! 

This stunning rose napkin fold only takes 10 seconds and can be prepared weeks before your Brides and boxed up for delivery to your venue, if its not something they can supply for! 

What do you think of my fun & funky photobooth? 

Milk & Cookies { from these adorable milk bottles, available at IKEA of course, would make a super midnight snack for your partying guests! }

The whole DIY Brides Event at IKEA was a dream come true for me. It was a delight and an honour to be allowed into the store and create such {great} looks and DIY ideas to share with you all... as I mentioned before, there is a chance, due to the massive demand to attend both evenings, that it will be run again, so be sure you to keep you eyes peeled and sign up to our newsletter for future news!! 

Big thank you again to IKEA and all their amazing staff and of course to each and everyone of you who attended!! 

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Unknown Centrepiece Ideas, DIY ideas, First Dance, Ikea, Receptions, Style Ideas

The DIY Brides Event with IKEA Dublin: Part One

It's hard to believe after all the hard { but extremely fun } work we put in that the DIY Brides Event with IKEA Dublin has been and gone :)

A massive thank you to all who came out on during possibly the warmest and sunniest weather Ireland has seen in some time! Both nights were filled to the brim with eager couples and some of their Brides party. I know some of you missed out on tickets due to them being snapped up so quickly... but a little birdie tells me you might just got another opportunity to come along and see the 4 terrific scenes we created and see the amazing { if I do say so myself } and very simple DIY Brides Projects we created before peoples eyes { so stay tuned }!

So who would like to see some pictures?

{ Big Shout Out to my dear dear friend Susan Kennedy from Lensmen PR & Photographic Agency who came along and took these great photos of the event... Susan is an absolute doll, do check her out if you are yet to choose your Brides photographer! }

I was so excited to create, design and style four Brides scenes using IKEA products and as many DIY Brides Ideas as I could! Each of the DIY Brides projects I used were super simple, some requiring no skill or previous experience and one only takes about 10 seconds to complete! { And yes, someone did time me; I did it in less than 9 :) }

The Brides ceremony's main focal point was the Mosquito Net { only €8.00!! } decorated with artificial flowers { from 80c } with two matching floor lamps { yes, those are lights! } decorated with matching flowers and of course, from the ceiling we hung these fantastic paper cranes to tie in with the hugely popular bird trend that will be for Bridess in 2013 & 2014!

We showed couples how to make those lovely fabric flowers which we've used to decorate the bride & grooms bench and how they could be incorporated into pew ends or indeed {made on a smaller scale } made into an Heirloom Bouquet.

I showed couples how easy it is to make an Heirloom Bouquet from .... Curtain Pole Ends!! Yes... not brooches or buttons but Curtain Pole Ends... :)

NEXT UP....

Was the Drinks Reception Scene and the main focus here was our Candy Station, created using IKEA's new Pic 'n' Mix Station... { only €1.50 for 100g !!! } .... the sweets are divine, {quality control is important to me so I had a little taste or two :) }

We also showed couples how quick & easy it is to create a wishing tree as a guest book alternative and we created a great photo {booth} op for couples & guests using a simple screen and some bright colourful chairs & cushions... traditionally at a Swedish Brides this is where the bride & groom would sit and open up all the gifts and envelopes in front of their guests! { A tradition not to many Irish couples who attended the event where keen to adopt for their own Bridess :) }

So that completes Part One of the DIY Brides Event at IKEA Dublin... do check back later for Part Two which features the Brides Reception and 'Party' Scenes... you wont want to miss the stunning rose napkin folds I used { that take 10 seconds }, how I took net curtains and made a table overlay, fairy light back drop and a ceiling rose feature for a first dance, as well as an easy peasy magnetic table plan and a Photobooth from material and picture frames!

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Unknown Brides Decor, Centrepiece Ideas, DIY ideas, Ikea, Receptions, Style Ideas

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

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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