At Sunday’s bridal show, Rent-a-Rita had a booth. One word - yummmy. The Peach Bellini margarita was to-die-for. I can’t wait to have an event so I can rent one of these fun and fruity machines.
Whether you’re having a BBQ bridal shower or a wedding reception, Rent-a-Rita will be a huge hit! And, if you are looking for an easy, signature drink for your big day, check them out. I am sure they can concoct a drink just for you. Instant fun!
This article is our first in our new series called Weddings 101: What You Need to Know Before You Hire. Enjoy this thorough, informative article from a Nashville wedding expert.
Guest Post: A Magical Affair, a Nashville event and wedding planning company.
When it comes to good eats at your reception, it’s all about taste. In this blog, we’re going to talk about how the time of day says a lot about what your guests expect you, as a host, to provide on your big day.
While your wedding is the biggest day of your life, to your guests, it’s still a party. And yes, it is your party, but you want to keep in mind that it’s important that you consider your guests while planning your reception. Remember that they are the people that have driven cross-country to share in your special day, and that they would probably like more than cake and some saltines at the end of a 24-hour drive. If you can only afford cake and saltines, trust us, forego the saltines and make it the best cake-only reception you can.
Receptions are one of the main things that your guests remember from years to come. The tales of your wedding will usually begin with the crazy stories about Aunt Milda drinking a few too many Chambord-laced champagnes, or how the two of you busted out the craziest first dance anyone had seen. Either way, making your reception memorable means creating good memories, and those aren’t the kind that start with “remember when Billy and Mary had saltines and spam at their reception? My, that was interesting.” Work with your budget to create a memorable (in a good way) reception.
A caterer is one of your big five planning items: Locations (ceremony & reception); photography; style (casual reception or awesome extravaganza event); dress; and yes…the food! Catering should follow after you’ve determined these three things: 1. Your budget (trust us, you want to figure that one out FIRST- there’s nothing worse that getting your heart set on a sit-down, plated dinner and then finding out you have the budget for saltines and cake), 2. Your location for your reception, and 3. the time of day. This blog will focus on the time of day and how it impacts your catering choices.
The Brunch or Lunch Reception (10 am- 1 pm)
- If you have an ceremony between the hours of 10 in the morning & 1 in the afternoon, your guests will generally expect a brunch or lunch to follow. Lunches are a great way to save money, because you can bring in the elegant elements you’d like to have at a dinner, but for less. For what you’d spend on a buffet at dinner you can do as a sit down at lunch. Luncheons, as you know, are usually smaller, daintier affairs, but there’s no limits on what you can serve: lobster & steak works just as well as soup and salad!
For planning the perfect brunch reception, do your research. The best research? Eating, of course. Go out to Sunday brunch and see what you like best. Do you want to have something your guests can customize, like an omelette station or a belgium waffle bar with exotic fruits and syrups? Wanting to do alcohol? Offer bloody mary’s, mimosas, or some fresh champagne. For the quintessential Sunday brunch, bring in fresh country ham, biscuits, and gravy. There’s a lot you can do to create an elaborate, sumptuous breakfast that will keep your guests talking for years to come.
The Mid Afternoon Reception (1-3 pm)
- If your soiree falls between 1 & 3, it’s safe to serve light refreshments. This is the ideal time for the cake and punch reception with a few light bites, like tea sandwiches, dips, and fruit. You could also do something fun and offer a wine tasting reception, with assorted fruits and cheeses. This is a very stylish alternative that helps you to save money (because you need less food and less service staff!)
If you choose this option, a great rule of thumb for the wine tasting party is to choose 3 reds and 3 whites with varying levels of sweetness. You can offer your guests the favor of their wine tasting glass at the end of the afternoon, and get jiggers that measure out a precise 1 oz pour for each taste. A standard wine tasting progresses from sweetest to driest wines, with food pairings along the way. Talk with your favorite local wine shop owner for tips on selecting affordable wines for your reception. By limiting the tastes to one ounce, you can save on wine and food while delighting your guests with an upscale and unique party offering that they’ll remember for years to come.
-
The Dinner Reception (4-7 pm)
Anytime between 4&7 implies that you are going to serve your guests dinner. The popular option in the south is a full buffet with mixed heavy appetizers. This is by far a cost effective option to the seated, plated dinner. You can spice things up a bit by trying the newest trend: soup shooters! Roving trays of soup replace the standard passed appetizer in advance of the buffet dinner, giving your guests plenty to talk about as they marvel over your genius style. Plus, soup can be a very cheap option to appetizer offerings. If the weather’s warm, serve a gazpacho with chilled tomatoes. If it’s cold out, you could try this yummy purreed butternut squash soup. Either way, it’s fun, cool, and cheaper than puffed pastry wrapped lobster bites.
Either way, when your guests come at dinner, and you serve alcohol, make sure that you offer them enough for keep their stomachs full before hitting the road. It’s your responsibility as party host to ensure that your guests don’t over indulge in your alcoholic beverages and that you have food for them (and alternate beverage choices) for them to enjoy.
If it’s not in your budget to provide a full meal and you want to have an evening wedding, perhaps pick our next option.
The After Hours Soiree (after 7 pm)
- If you are hosting a ceremony after 7pm, it’s safe to assume your guests have eaten and you can try some of the more trendy reception offerings, like a dessert buffet (mmm) or even a late-night finger food extravaganza. Do you and your husband to be love sundaes? Then have a sundae bar? Big into Pizza? Have a pizza buffet. Later evening weddings & receptions allow for you to try a bit of the unconventional, and you can often do so with less expense.
For the perfect dessert reception, go with desserts that are exotic and fun (and different from wedding cake). Try tiramisu bites, cheesecakes, or custom-made chocolates to wow your guests and delight their sweet tooths. Or, if you want to do something fun and a bit upscale, offer some delightful dessert wines to accompany the dessert offerings. Port Wine, Ice Wine, and Champagne are delicious selections, but so are custom drinks, like a chocolate martini, Bailey’s Irish Cream, and signature coffees can all be delightful options (and tasty offerings) for your guests to enjoy!
I’m still sleepy but woke up to share my “Fab Friday Finds”…
This Friday, I am focusing on my finds from Perfect Wedding Guide, Nashville bridal show. Now, I will admit that there were great vendors that I probably didn’t get a chance to see because I had my own booth and wasn’t able to walk around as much as I normally do. So, if I missed you - sorry in advance.
New Finds:
1) Pretty Piece of Cake - Leanne of Wonderful Graffiti literally pulled me out my booth to taste their cupcakes. I thought, “Leanne, do you know how many cupcakes I’ve tasted? It’s what I do - bridal shows.” Before I knew it, I was at a pretty non-descript booth and she was pointing at them. So, I picked up the full-sized cupcake (which is rare for bridal shows) and tasted. It was amazing. It was lemon filled with blueberry. I’ll admit, I am not a big fan of palette surprises but when those real blueberries gushed, I was pleasantly surprised. The cake was moist and tasty and oh-so flavorful. There was no way to be pretty eating this cake. Prepare for blueberry teeth but a happy stomach.
2) Lavish Event Planning - Tara makes these lifesize letters that can be used to spell a word (maybe your wedding theme) or monograms. I’m all about wedding day personalization and these letters do the trick. Tara also does a custom painted dance floor. (see floor in the pic below)
3) Chef Penelope - I was only able to leave my booth for like 5 minutes and did a quick scan around the show for fabulousness and food b/c I was hungry. This was the only table that still had food when I did my rounds and lucky for me, it was good food:). Meatballs that left an interesting taste that made me curious. I asked the guy what it was and I think he said plum or something. But, I am a simple girl so he probably said something French and I was like “ok, whatever”. It had a good taste so I was sold.
4) Cakes by Shara - I have raved about Shara before but at the show, she introduced a new offering for the Nashville brides with a modest budget or any bride seeking a great looking cake at half the cost. Anyway, I’ll tell ya more about her “Rent-a-Cake” in my blog next week.
5) Savannah Tea Company - now, I am not a girlie-girl - I prefer Victoria Secret to Crabtree and Evelyn. BUT, I do have an appreciate for neat people/places/things. So, when I met these wonderful ladies (they were toooo sweet), I wanted to spread the word to girlie-girls everywhere.
They offer a neat tea room near downtown on 8th Ave South, that can host your bridal luncheons, small parties, etc. They have an awesome menu and they even do cakes.
Faves from the show that I already know and love…
1) Sherrell’s Floral Design - I’m really not sure when Tonya of Sherell’s is going to get a website one day, but I promise you - her work is incredible. For now, you can reach her at 615-289-5211.
2) Maples Wedding Cakes - funny story - so Jay comes by at beginning of the show and says that he has an orange cake that I would love at his booth. Honestly, at 20 minutes before show open, he could have said “I have a million dollars for you at my booth” and I would not have really heard what he said. I was going nuts (which is why I am NOT a wedding planner). So, at the end of the show, as I am passing his booth to take my stuff to my car, I see the orange cake and stop in my tracks. As I stand to admire the orange cake, Jay says “I’m still here” and I turn around and he is seated on the bench (worn out!). I didnt even know he was sitting there:). So, I tell him I love the cake and he says “I thought you would”. Then, I remember his comment from 5 hours before…the orange cake!
So, I run to Corrine (Weddings by Reese) and ask if she has a camera, which she does. (She’s a wedding planner, of course she’s always prepared.) She takes a pic of the cake and sends it to me that night. So, ladies - I hustled to get the picture for you - because that’s what I do! Believe me, the cake was even more feroush in person. (Feroush - meaning ferocious, hot, fab - coined by Christian of Project Runway. I can’t get enough of him!)
Anyway, I think it’s amazing that Jay could “read” my style and know exactly which cake I would love, based on my website, booth, etc. Bet he’s “in tune” with his clients. Ladies, this guy is kind of a big deal.
3) Weddings with Reese - She had a booth that could have been my booth’s twin. We really do think a like, probably why I like her so much. She had a beverage bar - with lemonade and coffee and she did the whole flavored syrup thing. Loved it! She incorporates neat details into her events so she always comes with a surprise.
4) A Magical Affair - loved the paper dress and other neat touches!
5) A Delightful Day - loved the black and white table covering and the gorgeous floral arrangement.
As you know, this week I am introducing the folks who helped with my 27 Dresses party. The following vendors provided treats on Sunday:
Down South Delights - Rita, the owner, reminds me of Mallory from Family Ties. I think it’s her stunning eyes. Anyway, she’s very professional, her food is tasty (especially the chicken!) and everything is presented so perfectly. Your guest will love the food and her remarkable presentation will bring instant decor to any room.
Edible Fruit n’ More - Fruit is such a colorful, healthy addition to any party and I love these adorable fruit arrangements. These are especially great for bridal showers/luncheons.
Reminder - don’t forget about the Clarksville bridal show this Sunday. I’m going with planners from A Magical Affair and Bridal Opulence. We’re carpooling because we’re so green:) and I’m all about chatting the whole way, which is what Courtney and I seem to do best. Anyway, we are going to find out what’s going and to learn how to ballroom dance; be sure to check out the class if you go.
It is also my husband’s birthday. Any ideas on what I can give him? He’s a huge sports fan and loves any Louisville team. Email me ideas.
Here’s is my final report on my top 20 favorites from Weddings, The Bridal show…drumroll please:
J.Botanical - Fun team with fabulous work. No website address so call Judy at 615-826-7263. (Tell her Ashley sent ya!)
Nashville Toffee Company - Add a this taste of Nashville to your wedding attendant gifts or “out of town” bags. The orange/red color scheme of their boxes are great for summer/fall weddings. (I know brides are always thinking of color complements!)
Black Eyed Pea - Best food I tasted and my girls loved them too. Great food, great staff…what more do you need. No website so call 615-264-3005. They are in Hendersonville.
Enchanted Florist - Breathtaking! I didnt met the owner, Caprice, but I hear she is awesome to work with. Can’t wait to meet her!
Accent TN - You couldnt miss their amazing table displays as you entered. Plus, they were friendly and had great floral bouquets.
Chicas and Brides - Really neat gifts for bridesmaids and brides. You are only a bride once (hopefully) so enjoy it and let everyone know with these cute tees and totes.
Chef’s Market - they cater but they also decorate for your event. they consider themselves a “one-stop” shop, which makes life easy. Didnt taste their food but they had the most stunning table decor.
Street Tuxedo - They are locally-based company which is rare for tuxedo rental. I spoke with Dick and he was very informative. He said they have a great selection of inventory that’s local so they can get the styles you want, fast.
Jo’s Cakes and Catering - Wow! Her work doesn’t even look like cake. It looks like art. It is amazing. I didnt get a chance to chat with Jo b/c she was bombarded with brides but she should be added to your list for a custom cake. Her website doesnt do her work justice so check out my pics below to see her talent.
On Saturday, I attended the Bridesedge.com bridal show and thought I would recap for those who were unable to attend.
If you are a bride seeking a bargain or looking to plan a million dollar wedding on a $20K or less budget - this show was a must-attend! It offered a great assortment of budget-friendly, Nashville wedding vendors. It was not crowded so it was easy to chat one-on-one with your vendor of interest. The vendors were very nice and welcoming, perhaps because they weren’t exhausted from chatting with thousands of brides:) Everyone was smiling and friendly… how refreshing!
Here’s the best of what you missed:
Cakes by Shara - This was my favorite treat of the day! Simply cute, cute, cute! Loads of talent. Check out this custom cake designer, who’s big on style and taste.
(These cookies and mini cakes are great for bridal showers!)
Amber Leaf Events - What drew me to their booth was the extraordinary table setting pictured below. It was simply breathtaking and would leave your guests speechless. After drooling over the table, the owner told me more about the venue. Amber Leaf is an all-in-one venue that can accomodate up to 250/300 guests for wedding ceremonies and receptions. They can handle everything you need - from decorating to catering to the rehearsal dinner. Love it! I can’t wait to see the venue in person but it sounds like a great option for a bride seeking to minimize her stress. It is located in Gallatin, which isn’t a bad drive.
Myrick Studios - Not quite an option for the budget bride but absolutely stunning work. His images remind me of a fairy tale because they seem to pretty to be real - wow! Mike is a Nashville wedding photographer filled with talent. He looks like a cuter, younger version George Michael and has a laid-back personality. (Your bridesmaids will appreciate him as eye candy:) Visit his site and see for yourself. *Disclaimer - If you are a budget bride looking to splurge - check him out; otherwise, don’t tempt yourself. (Hey - dont want you going in debt for your wedding…but if you have to, this is one splurge item.)
Silver Strings - Linda of Silver Strings had the biggest personality of the day! She welcomed me into her booth and kept me laughing. She is a wedding musician and she seems to love what she does. One thing that really stood out is Linda’s willingness to work with her brides. If she doesn’t know “your favorite” song, she will learn it. That’s rare!
Frozen Moments Photography - Kay is another great photographer with an awesome personality. This guys seems to really “get” photography. And, his wife is really sweet so I am sure they will take great care of your wedding party/parents.
Hampshire Photography - A relatively newcomer but a great value! He offers three packages under $1000. Since he is a newbie, he is willing to work with his brides to ensure they get great pictures without blowing their budgets.
Dream Cakes Bakery - Olivia is the owner of this home-based business. She was the first booth I visited and her cake reminded me of a grandmother’s - simple yet tasty. Her cakes are a great value and she offers a wide range of unique flavors. Her ”Cookies and Cream” and “Elvis” cakes sound yummy. (Schedule a tasting and please invite me!) That’s Olivia with her wonderful cake pictured below. (She wasn’t expecting me to include her in the picture!)
Larrivieres On The Square - This caterer offered the best white chocolate bread pudding ever. I am not a fan of bread pudding but I couldn’t get enough of theirs. While I still can’t pronounce their name, I know it must be French for “yummy”.
Some of the vendors highlighted above are great for budget brides, others are appropriate for all budgets. Check them out and see what you like and what works for you.
Remember, with MyWeddingSecretary.com - you never miss anything going on in Nashville that involves weddings!
