Planning a Wedding Reception

So you are getting married! Congrats! Now the fun begins on the planning of your special day. No big deal, right?  You just pick a date, place, flowers etc and party.   Not that easy.  Don't get me wrong, have seen beautiful weddings and fabulous receptions put together in a matter of hours (Literally the day of in one case!) - but for MOST weddings, it takes a lot of planning.  Lets focus in on the reception.  Hopefully these tips will help you cut down on stress.

1. Which is most important to you - the date or the venue? -  No guarantee the venue you would like will be available on your date, if you are not planning a year or two in advance.  And many venues charge more for the primo days - Saturdays or Holidays.  So, the more flexible you are on the day, the better deal and better chance you will be able to book that perfect place.

2. Venue - Indoors vs Outdoor - Outdoor receptions are becoming very popular.  Brides either romantically envision a beautiful outdoor party - with perfect sunny weather and beautiful starlit night, or choose to have a backyard affair to help on costs. Which would be great, IF Mother Nature wasn't so fickle.
Indoor receptions you have a controlled climate (so what if its windy/cold/rainy outside?), but prices can vary, and every venue does have its own set of dos and don'ts.
If you DO opt for an outdoor affair, please review our tips on Outdoor Weddings.

3. More on the Venues:
size DOES matter - Meet with the venues and check to see if the place is the right size.  Putting 200 people in a room is one thing - putting 200 in a room with cake table, buffet, bar, dance floor, Head table, DJ area etc is another.  And along the same line - putting 100 into a large grand ballroom that could hold 300 is just as bad.  Too much space and 'mingling' of guests tend to be cut way back, with people staying within their own circle so to speak.

Barn Receptions -  Becoming an extremely popular setting are Barns.  You can even find many that are set up for weddings.  Things to consider with a Barn venue are :
     1. Is it enclosed or an open "pole barn"?
     2. Does it have heat? AC?
     3. What kind of floor?  (Some have sawdust or dirt)  Sawdust, hay, etc can cause problems with those who have respiratory problems.
     4. Electricity - will the venue allow for a band or DJ and special lights?

Now that you have your Date and Venue, lets move on.

4.  Book your Caterer and DJ - Do not think you "have plenty of time" for this.  Caterers and DJs fill in dates fast, often only booking one event per day.

Caterers:  First you must decide - Buffet? Sit down/ Served meal? Appetizers/finger foods only?  There is not 'right or wrong' here - the choice is yours.  But do think of your guests (and the fact you will be in white) as to what foods you will serve.  Also:
     1. check with the venue - some do not allow outside caterers in.
     2. Ask how they keep the food hot/cold.
     3. Do they supply plates, utensils etc
     4. Do they serve it or just drop off they food?

Now for the DJ:  The DJ can make or break your reception, so choose wisely.  Things to look for in a DJ service are:
     1. What kind of music do they have? - Most have every genre.
     2. Do they supply dance floor lighting?  Up lighting? Video Screens? Your name in lights? Bubbles? - Not all have all the 'bells and whistles'.  And just how fancy you want your affair is your choice.
     3.  Do the offers MC services? - Will they make all announcements such as cake cutting, bouquet toss etc?
     4. What is their "style" ?  What do they wear, how do they make announcements, interact with your guest etc.  You will not want one that is in a tux and formal if you are wanting your guests to "let their hair down" nor would you want a ball cap wearing 'Club style' DJ at a wedding reception doing the Yo Yo Yo into the mic with older adults as guests.  How much DO they talk on mic during a reception? ( some tend to be too chatty, others not enough)
     5.  How is the music selected? - Do you have control over what gets played?  What doesn't get played?
     6. Can they do requests that day?
     7. Do they offer day of Coordination? - Will they keep things running smooth for you?

After you get Date - Venue - Caterer - DJ locked in - then you can worry about making it all pretty.  The florists can do both your bouquet and centerpieces or a party rental place that specializes in wedding decor can transform any place into something special.

Just remember - not everyone will remember where it was held, how pretty the centerpieces where, or even what the food was like - but they all will remember how much fun they had.   So, whether its a fancy affair in a grand Ballroom with filet mignon , or a simple backyard reception with BBQ - the DJ will be your most important decision.

For more information on 2 Wolves DJ Service visit our website: www.2wolves.com
   

Outdoor Weddings Take Extra Planning

Picture Perfect Tented Wedding

Outdoor Weddings have always been popular, and the trend is really growing.  They can be more cost effective (no need for a venue - a backyard will do) can hold more people (limited only by ground space) and are 'kid friendly' ( you can set aside a 'play area').  They also can be a romantically fresh setting ( nothing more romantic than a dance under the stars)  BUT - outdoor weddings can be a huge gamble - you are betting against Mother Nature.

Weather is top concern when planning any outdoor affair, now double that for a wedding.  Of course, rain (or snow) is the number one issue, but extreme cold and heat as well as bright sunlight and damp evening dew come into play.  When it comes to planning an outdoor wedding, the brides need to follow the Boy Scout Motto: BE PREPARED!

1. Be Covered:  unless you have a pavillion in your backyard, tenting is a must.  Of course, tenting offers some protection against those stray showers, but also offers protection against the harsh sunlight and the evening dew for you and your guests.  Be sure to provide tenting as well for your DJ or Band (they need to keep equipment protected), and for your food (sun and potato salad don't mix).
2. Be on Guard:  The last thing you want is for your guests to be eaten alive by mosquitos, or worse, stung by a bee.  Spray area down with a good repellent like Yard Guard.  We also recommend using citronella - candles or oil in tiki lamps can be incorporated into your decor, adding to the romance as well as offering protection.
3. Be Aware: That pretty ivy growing up the tree just might be Poison Ivy ...The serene creek just might be home to Cottonmouths.  Nature is full of surprises - Double Check everything
4. Be Cool:  Or warm as the case maybe.  How much fun can anyone have if they are sweating or freezing? Set up fans in summer, and outdoor heaters in winter.  Do not rely on the indoors - thinking those who get too hot (or cold) are welcome to go inside to cool off ( warm up), unless that is where you want the party to end up at.
5. Be Hydrated:  WATER - it is vital for those summertime weddings.  Tea and punch are nice, but water is a must have. (and cheap!)
6. Be Ready:  All the above will not work if it comes severe weather.  Be sure to have an alternative plan to move it all indoors.  If you plan to move into your house, be sure to already have it 'mapped out' as to where everything will go to avoid last minute stress

Successful Backup Plan

2 Wolves DJ Service has done many of outdoor weddings, and this list comes from our accumulated  experience over the years.  What tips would you offer?  What are the best (or worst) outdoor weddings you have seen?