Weddingbee boards

Hi Ladies.I have just wrapped up a whirlwind summer wedding season, having attended a whopping 11 weddings since late April. That's right, nearly a wedding a weekend!

As a bride to be, I have been particularly watchful as to what "mattered" as a guest, and what was overlooked--in order to prioritize what is most important in throwing a memorable event. My takeaways:

1)LOCATION LOCATION! We went to weddings all across the globe this summer, from a French chateau to a Connecticut backyard. All were spectacular and unique--but the events which were true to their location were the most successful. Why turn a farm in Vermont into a Moroccan fantasy? The landscape should (and does) speak for itself. At the aforementioned Vermont wedding, we ended up ditching the stuffy Moroccan tent for a bonfire and a late night skinny dip, which ended up being the most memorable part of the evening by far.

2) FOOD MATTERS--TO A POINT. Let's face it--by the time most guests sit down for dinner they are a couple of champagne flutes deep. If you are having a cocktail hour, focus on spectacular passed hors d'oeuvres. This way, you can create a number of moods from mini burgers to foie gras, while dinner can be one delicious offering. Believe me; no one will think you cheap. At risk of sounding like a lush, I rarely remember fabulous dinners (even for the wedding at four star Daniel in NYC) but I always remember a great cocktail hour!

3)FLOWERS--MEH. I ran an informal poll (on myself) trying to remember the centerpieces at the weddings my fiancé and I attended. The result--zero recall. Honestly, if you love flowers and have the budget, go for it--but it certainly doesn’t make or break the guest experience. This leads me to...

4) LIGHTING. There is nothing worse then partying in an overly bright room. Pay attention to the mood, and light accordingly. It can set the entire tone. I went to a Preston Bailey fantasy at the Pierre which felt like a Miss America pageant, it was so overly lit. I wish the bride had swapped some flowers for some dimmers and votives!

5) CAKE. I like cake, most people like cake, but I can't say I ever eat it at weddings. Whenever they serve it I am on the dance floor, or off somewhere, likely at the bar ;) Don't stress too much on this if you don't have the budget or time. I seriously think this is one of the most overlooked things by guests at weddings.

5) PLAY THAT FUNKY MUSIC. Whatever your route with music (band or dj) let the professionals do their thing. Beyond the no play lists, the people you have hired know what makes a dance floor move. At the wedding of dear friend at Angel Orensanz, an old synagogue in lower Manhattan, I witnessed micromanaging of the DJ unlike I'd ever seen before. The poor guy was nearly stopped mid-song on a number of occasions, though all the guests were enjoying his picks. Let it go, and allow some room from spontaneity! Brickhouse is a wedding staple for a reason!

6) CEREMONIES ARE THE THING. I always cry at weddings. Don't overlook the ceremonies girls. I remember every single one, the look on my friends faces, and that reverent feeling...create a mood of love and togetherness and the party afterwards will be a guaranteed success.

I hope this helps!  

Great thoughts! It's so easy to sucked in to all the details in planning. I too rarely eat cake at weddings, it's a good reminder!