|
NEW YORK _ The post-ceremony reception is the most social _ and expensive _ part of your wedding festivities, so plan it with care, advises Bridal Guide magazine editor Diane Forden. "The options can be overwhelming," she says, noting these considerations to help you sort out what you want and can afford: n Budget. Your guest list will provide the basic math on how much you can spend on each person. n Location, location, location. Inspect the potential site, and visualize if it will be big enough to let your guests mingle and dance comfortably. The management's idea of "comfortable seating" may be too close for real comfort. n Food, music, atmosphere. If food is your main consideration, check out a favorite restaurant. But perhaps the band you hire is a big attraction, so finding a spacious dance floor and good acoustics take priority. For more low-key, delicate ambience, you may want to invest more in floral displays. n Long into the night. Suppose you want your guests to enjoy themselves into the wee hours. Investigate the closing time of the location and if the establishment has any problems with guests drinking and dancing until dawn. A hotel or private club may be your best bet. n Something different. You don't have to pick a conventional location. According to Forden, many bridal couples choose offbeat sites such as art galleries, lofts, or athletic clubhouses. Use your imagination. n Delegate it. Maybe you hate all the planning rigmarole. Then why not such choose a place that will do everything in-house, such as a hotel, country club or catering hall? A special events manager will know how to take care of the food, flower and bar setup, and you'll only have to deal with this one person. |
The Salem Evening News | The Daily News of Newburyport | The Gloucester Daily Times | NorthShoreOnLine