Selecting a caterer for your reception is one of many important decisions you will execute regarding a stressful, exciting and very special day.

Every caterer will of course provide food for yourevent.  But, that being said, every reception is its own, depending on wants, needs, tastes and budget.  Creating a great reception has many moving parts.  When exchanging correspondence with your prospective catering choices try to have some ideas of budgets in mind.  This will help your caterer to be very specific when building your catering package.  You plan your wedding your caterer has many.

Some important questions to ask.

• Cost of the proposed menu yours or theirs
• Services provided included in that cost….Set-up, travel, service attendants, clean-up, china or disposable serviceware, linen and cake cutting
• Will you be provided a contract?
• What are the deposit requirements?
• When is a guest count required?
• When is the final payment due?

Just remember that when selecting your caterer you compare apples to apples in selection.  These bids can vary a great deal, make sure you are going to receive the quality food and services that are required for your reception.  Full Service and not full service catering prices will always differ.

Submitted by: 

Jonathan Jacobsen
Big Sky Catering
375-0937
www.bigskycatgering.com

Indoor Wedding Venue Ideas

You have dreamed of your wedding day since you were a little girl, and now your engaged and trying to put together your dream wedding. There are so many decisions to make and one of those tough decisions is whether or not to hold the wedding at an indoor or outdoor wedding venue. This decision affects many other decisions during your planning process. The venue can help you decide the wedding date, your wedding theme, to include decorations, wedding party attire, guest favors and more.

There are pro’s and con’s to choosing both options, and really it comes down to risk tolerance and personal preference. Holding your wedding at an indoor venue ensures that you and your guests are comfortable. You have air conditioning, even flooring, and comfortable seating for all of your guests. You’re protected from inclement weather and you have easy access to rooms dedicated to the bridal party for freshening up. High heels won’t dig into the dirt or the sand, and guests won’t sweat or get rained on. Plus, there are no bugs or critters to worry about. Allergies wouldn’t be a problem, and neither would sunscreen or bug repellant. Lighting would be continuous and even so your wedding photographer won’t have to keep adjusting his lens based on available light, and he won’t have to race the clock so that he doesn’t lose precious sunlight. This is a safe bet and if you don’t want the stress of risking everything there is to battle with the elements then having your wedding at an indoor venue.

If you love the look of an outdoor wedding, but don’t want the stress of possible rain, you can create the outdoor look inside as well. Lighting is a great way of creating ambiance at a wedding and indoor venues allow you to maximize its effect, creating the perfect mood and allowing you to have the exact lighting you desire. Indoor weddings also mean better climate control. The advantages of having your wedding indoors is the year-round aspect. Whether your wedding is during the winter, spring, summer, or fall, there is no issue with weather. There are so many options for an indoor wedding, from historic buildings, stunning hotel banquet rooms, luxurious reception halls to indoor greenhouses, just to name a few. The opportunity of having an “off-season” wedding in an indoor venue is also a plus, as hosting a wedding when venues are not busy may save you some money by the discounts that these venues can offer during their quiet season. Golf clubs, for example, welcome events with open arms and sometimes reduce their rental rates and offer special wedding packages to bring in some business during their off-season.

Submitted by: Dawn Rising — Delicate Designs — www.delicatedesigns-coord.com

Idaho Outdoor Weddings - things to consider

Outdoor Wedding Venue tips

Having an outdoor wedding is a trend we see more and more from Wineries, Inns and retreats to large city parks and gardens.  We are lucky here in Idaho, to have such amazing locations and natural scenery.  An outdoor wedding venue provides bridal couples the freedom to customize a design that is completely their own, with little to no limitations of an indoor venue.

There are a few things that are a must when using an outdoor wedding venue and a check list is very important to making sure every detail is accounted for, so your special day go according to plan.

Outdoor Wedding venue location:

Selecting a venue can be challenging, due to a lot more thing you as a couple needs to consider when visiting each location.  Below are a few items to consider:

• Size and terms: Larger enough accommodate your wedding guests, yet still able to provide an intimate atmosphere.  If on government land, what paper work and permits are needed, along with any special codes and rules?
• Level ground:  The perfect location will have plenty of level surfaces for a dance floor and tents.  Size up the level areas, not be to at a bottom of a hill, incase of rain before, during or after your reception, it may be muddy or very soft.
• Tents/Gazebo: This is a fantastic back up plan, to your outdoor venue. Even though the open-air concept is amazing, the weather; be it heat or rain, can be unpredictable. Make sure to do this well in advance, to get the best quality for the lowest price.
• Table/Chairs/Linens and other items: Some outdoor wedding venues may supply tables and chairs, but linens, tableware (plates, silverware, napkins and glassware) are all extras through a rental company. Renting and setting them up your self will cave cost, yet time consuming. Note: Average wedding reception table seats 8 people, so arrange table accordingly).
• Time: It is critical to visit the outdoor venue you’ve selected a few times, approximately the same time as you wedding and reception is scheduled, so you know how the venue will appear to your guests, photographer and many be where you will place the tents for shade.

Submitted by:

Diane Estey  —  Delicate Designs –  www.delicatedesigns-coord.com

What's old is new again

One popular trend brides are leaning towards is revitalizing styles from the 20s and 50s. Gowns are trending towards shorter and more color than the traditional white or ivory. Check out old TV shows or movies from those eras for inspiration for your wedding. Look at renting more traditional or older style venues for your wedding location to fit with a retro theme. You can probably find a great bargain on a “non-traditional” wedding venue rental.

Not only are the look and feel of weddings taking inspiration from the old – but brides are using heirloom items in their decor. Take a look at vintage items to spice up your decor – incorporate photographs of parents and grandparents into your decor. Utilize vintage napkin holders and chandeliers into your decor. Visit antique stores and second hand stores for a variety of old looking picture frames.

Look for other ways to include generational items into your theme as well. Perhaps (with a little altering) you can wear your grandmother’s wedding dress or your mother’s necklace. Your wedding is, after all, a celebration of the creation of your new family. Incorporating traditions and pieces from your family and your new husband’s family into your wedding day can increase the memories and traditions you are building.

Choosing an Idaho Wedding Location

No doubt about it, if you are an Idaho Bride there are many locations to choose from for your special wedding day without having to travel too far. Keep in mind these things when considering a location:

1. How many people are you going to invite?
   • Obviously, the number of people you are inviting will affect your budget, but will also have an impact on parking – make sure there’s enough room for everyone to park and consider how far Grandma will have to walk if that’s an issue.
2. What time of year are you planning your wedding?
   • Well, indoors or out? Weather definitely tends to change around here, and your Idaho wedding location needs to consider the time of year and what your backup plan might be.
3. What is your realistic budget?
   • Don’t just look at how much the facility costs to rent – consider also any special transportation for your wedding party, does the facility come with seating and tables or will that be extra? Also, how decorative is the area you’re looking at – will you want to bring in minimal or extensive wedding decorations or is mother nature enough if you’re looking at an outdoor wedding location? If you are outdoors, will you need tents for your guests and food?
4. Is your reception going to be in the same location as your wedding or a different location or different day?
   • Separate locations can be wonderful – but make sure you’re leaving enough time for transportation between venues and that you reserve each space for plenty of time to set up and clean up. If you’re an all in one location – do you need extra time or extra space for staging setup or to move guests around?

Whether you are an avid outdoor enthusiast or looking for a lavish dream indoor storybook wedding – there are a vast array of Idaho wedding locations for you to choose from. Consider everything – your day should be a representation of who you are as a couple and should above all make you feel special. To get you started on ideas – check out some of our wedding and reception location spaces available!

• Event site indoor
• Event site multi-use
• Event site outdoor
• Hotel accommodations
• Hotels – full service

Don't forget the Mother of the Groom in your wedding planning and help

Typically, the mother of the bride is quite involved in the excitement of the wedding planning, but often the mother of the groom is ignored, though she may want to be involved as well. If the groom is an only child or has only brothers (no sisters), the only way for the mother to “experience” the excitement leading up to the wedding is if the bride includes her in the pre-wedding activities.

Traditionally, the parents of the groom host the rehearsal dinner, prepare a list of names to receive invitations, and pay for the rental of the groom’s tuxedo and perhaps another item or two, but that is about all. They tend to be largely forgotten when other decisions are made unless they are sharing in the costs of the wedding. (If they are helping with the costs, they should definitely be consulted about decisions for which they may be paying.)

If the groom’s mother lives near the bride, she might be asked to go along to visit the ceremony or reception location, to go shopping for items needed for the wedding, or to go for a gown fitting (or even to shop for the gown). If she lives in another city, she might help plan a bridal shower for the bride in her hometown or, if she lives near the bride, she might help plan one for the groom’s relatives (though her name should not appear on the invitation). If she lives in another city, she might plan a reception to be held after the wedding. If she doesn’t live nearby, let her enjoy the pre-wedding excitement through e-mail, notes, and photos.

The bride and groom should jointly make the final decisions concerning the wedding, but keeping everyone informed and involved will strengthen relationships, both with the bride and her future mother-in-law and between the bride’s mother and the groom’s mother, and you will create lasting memories of shared experiences.

-Submitted by Glenna Tooman, Memory Makers Event Planning, LLC
© 2006, all rights reserved
www.memorable-events.com

Have your guests take advantage of shuttle busses

With a bit of planning, it is easy to make your wedding more earth-friendly, from the invitations that you choose to the attire, the food, and the dishware. The suggestions discussed over the last month can be incorporated into other events as well, from anniversary parties to company picnics.

By making a few changes, you can do your part to make the Earth a better place and reduce the glut of landfill waste.

Transportation - If you will have a number of out-of-town guests attending the wedding, you might arrange transportation for them so they don’t need to rent cars. Most hotels will provide shuttle service to and from the airport. Many cities offer trolleys and/or shuttle buses that you can rent by the hour to transport guests to and from the ceremony and reception. If your city doesn’t offer such a service, then rent one or more passenger vans and ask a friend or relative to act as chauffeur.

-Submitted by Glenna Tooman, Memory Makers Event Planning, LLC
© 2006, all rights reserved
www.memorable-events.com

Donate silk flowers or use real biodegradable bouquet

It takes only a few changes to make a big impact on the amount of generated waste. Following are suggestions for environmentally friendly choices that you can easily incorporate into your wedding.

Decorations - As you plan the decorations for your ceremony and reception, omit items such as balloons and crepe paper. Instead, choose flowers, herbs, leaves, grasses, and other natural materials. Rent vases for centerpieces from your florist or from a rental center. That way, the same item is reused many times. Consider using potted plants, including pots of herbs, for centerpieces. If you don’t have a garden in which to plant them later, give them as gifts to people who helped with the wedding.

Flowers - If you like the look of silk flowers and you have a use for the bouquets and arrangements later, then use silk. Otherwise, use live flowers, which will biodegrade. After the wedding you might donate large arrangements to your church or to a nursing home, shelter home, or assisted living center where the residents can enjoy them.

Check back next week for more green wedding planning tips!

-Submitted by Glenna Tooman, Memory Makers Event Planning, LLC
© 2006, all rights reserved
www.memorable-events.com

• Is there enough space to accommodate the anticipated number of guests?
• Is adequate parking available?
• Will the noise disturb neighbors?
• Will the homeowners need or want to make repairs or landscape? Some people use a special event as a catalyst to make home improvements; just don’t start remodeling the kitchen 3 weeks before a major event.
• Do the homeowners or neighbors have pets that might be a problem, such as an excitable dog?
• Do any guests have allergies or asthma that might be triggered by plants or pets?
• Is the home or yard handicapped-accessible, if necessary? Could someone in a wheel chair or using a walker get through doorways, down narrow halls, or into restrooms?
• If the event will be held in a yard, are there obstructions, such as sprinkler heads, that might cause a problem? What about insects? Is lighting adequate for evening events?
• If weather is bad, sidewalks may need to be shoveled; guests may need to be met with an umbrella, and space will be needed for wet or muddy shoes and coats.

Showers: Private homes are excellent locations for bridal showers, either indoors or in the yard. All you need is space for seating, food and gifts.

Rehearsal Dinners: A backyard is an excellent location for a casual rehearsal dinner. You might have a BBQ or hire a caterer. Tables, chairs, linens, dishware and special items like large coffee pots, can be rented. Be careful of music levels and disturbing neighbors.

Weddings and Receptions: Many homes can accommodate only a small ceremony in the house, but a larger one in the yard. Space will be needed for guest tables, ceremony seating, food tables, gift and guest book tables, cake or dessert table, and beverage tables. It is not necessarily less expensive to have a wedding at a home because of the cost of renting tables, chairs, linens, dishware, and other items. If weather could be a problem, it may be necessary to rent tents or canopies, as well as an item to create a focal point for the ceremony (an arch or small gazebo). Dancing can occur on a patio or deck. If that’s not available, then a dance floor may need to be rented.

The homeowner should plan to mow the lawn the day before the wedding, not the day of it, so grass stains on shoes and clothing can be minimized. The lawn should not be watered within 24 hours of the wedding.

If parking is a problem, it may be necessary to arrange for guests to park at a nearby school or church then be shuttled to the home. Blocking narrow streets can result in guests being ticketed for blocking a fire lane if a fire truck is unable to drive down the street, even if there is no emergency.

Neighbors should be informed of the event and the times so they won’t mow their lawns or engage in other noisy activities. They can be encouraged to keep dogs inside if the dogs would bark at guests.

Be careful of loud music. Many communities have noise ordinances that must be observed. Be certain that band leaders or DJs are willing to cooperate.

The homeowners should decide in advance whether they want caterers using the kitchen or guests entering the house to use the restroom. If not, porta-potties can be rented. Plan on one for every 50 guests.

If a caterer will be engaged, let them know where they will be working and where water and power outlets are located. If you don’t want caterers in the house, then set up a work area in a garage. If alcohol will be served, you may be able to do it yourself, but you will reduce your liability by hiring a professional bar service or at least a professional bar tender.

Be sure to provide plenty of trash containers. You may also want to set up a recycling station with containers for glass and cans.

Clean-up: The clean-up after a home event can be huge, so don’t leave it all for the homeowner. Instead, arrange for people to help with dishwashing, trash removal, stacking rented tables and chairs, and other chores. Choose someone to be in charge of removing gifts and any personal items, such as a bride or groom’s clothing.

Having a special event at a private home can be more personal and relaxed, but it involves a lot of work and often more expense than having the event elsewhere, so consider your options carefully before deciding on a home event.

©2009, Glenna Tooman, Memory Makers Event Planning, LLC

For these events, the clients chose to use decorative lighting to toally change the look of the room. One couple used columns of purple light shining upward, against the walls, creating a deep purple glow near the floor and suffusing the room with a soft lavender glow. The room looked elegant and inviting. The other couple, who were married on the beach, chose orange lighting to add to the tropical theme of their reception.
You can use lighting in various ways to add to the ambiance of your event, wherever it is held.

Though lighting an entire room can be expensive, there are ways to minimize cost, such as using only a few strategically located spot lights shining upward from behind a screen or curtain or focused on an architectural feature. Most any color can be used, though some are more flattering and inviting than others. Colors such as blue tend to make a room look cold, while red adds energy and keeps people moving.

If you want to do something to set your event apart from the ordinary, consider adding special lighting. One of the Wedding Party Show vendors offers colored lighting and event decorators can help with spot lighting.

© 2009 Glenna Tooman, Memory Makers Event Planning, LLC