*Tips by Beverly Clark


Ceremony

Religious:
Determining the type of wedding ceremony is a decision that should be made by both you and your fiancé according to your personal preference and religious beliefs. If you and your fiancé both have similar religious backgrounds, this decision may be easier. However, it is important and should be discussed so that you both feel comfortable. If you are of different denominations, you may mutually agree on one religious wedding ceremony, try to combine ideas from both, or create your own ceremony. Make sure you are aware of all practices, beliefs, and regulations of the congregation you select.

Civil / Non-Denominational:
A civil wedding ceremony is performed by an authorized official. We will provide a Non Denominational Minister who will work with you on planning the details of your Ceremony, right down to the vows.

Military:
The groom and military attendants dress in appropriate uniforms (white in summers, blue in winter). Officers carry a sword or saber, and boutonnieres are never worn. An arch of sabers, swords or rifles, which the new couple walks through, is formed at the exit of the wedding ceremony and/or entrance to the reception. Non-military attendants, fathers, and the bride should dress in traditional formal attire. If the bride is a military officer she may opt to wear her dress uniform.

Reception Styles

Luncheon:
Luncheons are similar to brunch wedding receptions and may be either sit-down or buffet style. They generally follow a late morning or high noon ceremony and are served between 12 and 2 p.m.

Dinner:
A dinner wedding reception is usually started sometime between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m. In many cases cocktails and hors d'oeuvres are served in the first hour, with a sit-down or buffet dinner following. A cocktail hour of some kind gives people time to go through the receiving line and mingle with friends, especially when a sit-down dinner follows.

Seated, Buffet, Stations:
Seated dinners usually, but not always, have a more formal feeling, and most of the time is preceded by a cocktail hour so the guests can mingle. A sit down wedding reception provides for more organization. It is easier to get the guests attention when the traditional ceremonies, such as cutting the cake, are to begin. On the other hand some people feel the sit-down service tends to quiet a party down, and discourages people from mingling

A buffet wedding reception is one in which the guests serve themselves. They may choose to sit at a table of their choice, or seats may be assigned. The buffet table is arranged with a variety of food and can be either round or oblong, with the food placed around the edge. It may also be rectangular with food served from behind one side, or with food displayed along both sides. The way the tables are arranged will be determined by the area available and the number of guests.

Another idea which is unique and adds to the décor of the area, is what is called food stations. They are smaller buffet tables which are set up around the room, or on the covered veranda. We'll decorate them with floral displays and unique serving pieces. They will not only look beautiful, but are a fun way for the guests to eat, and will increase the mingling of the guests. You may add to this eating adventure a chef carving a roast, serving hot won tons from a wok, or a chicken crepe made right in front of the guests' eyes.

Reception Timeline

As with your ceremony, the time goes by quickly, and it is a good idea to make a timetable for yourself, musicians and photographer. Of course, this will be just a guideline to help maintain a smooth flow of events.

Most receptions last from three to five hours. Adjust your schedule accordingly. Below is a sample schedule:

6:00 pm
Wedding pictures are taken, if they weren't before the ceremony. Guests start mingling and getting something to drink. Music has begun.

6:30 pm
Receiving line is formed, guests pass through. Guest book is signed, and table cards picked up, if any. Hors d’oeurves or finger food are passed

6:45 pm
Parents, Grandparents & Wedding Party are announced into the Ballroom.
Buffet is announced or guests are seated, if you are having a sit down meal. Wedding party is seated and served. Food is served to guests. Best man proposes the first toast.

7:15 pm
Any speeches are made by the bride, groom or family. First course is cleared from head table. Bride and groom have the first dance. Guests may follow on the dance floor

8:15 pm
Tables are cleared. Guests may mingle or dance. Musicians announce cake-cutting ceremony. Cake is cut and served. Dance music resumes

10:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Bride throws bouquet. Groom throws garter. Bride and groom change into going away clothes. Bubbles, sparklers or fresh petals are given to guests, then used to see off the bride and groom as they run to their car. The bar closes, music stops and guests start to leave. Parents gather personal belongings and gifts before leaving.