Category:Reception Ideas’
Invitations 101
- by Stephanie
Putting words to paper makes everything seem a bit more real so for many brides. This is the moment that you feel that the wedding you are planning is finally here! Invitations are a great way to let on some details about your upcoming nuptials without giving away everything. Invitations set the tone and formality of the event as well. Now-a-days brides are more creative than ever and this week we plan to spend the next couple of weeks going over different types of invitations you might want to consider for your wedding festivities. Here’s what we’ll show you:
- Bridesmaids
- Engagement Party
- Save the Date
- Bridal Shower
- Rehearsal Dinner
- Wedding Invitation
- Thank You Card
We’ll start with the first one, the Bridesmaid’s Invitation:
Asking your friends to share in your special day is uber important! They are the people (because you can totally have a male bridesmaid or Man of Honor) that have already been by your side through thick and thin and sharing this day with them is almost as important as the groom 
. We have found a great source of pre printed selections here: http://bit.ly/dlapbx. Although a lot of these already have a poem or some sort of copy already included, a nice personalized note would be a fabulous addition!
I have to say this was my favorite invitation that I sent out (actually hand delivered) was to my bridesmaids. I went to The Invitation Chickshere in San Antonio and made a fun little card asking them to be a bridesmaid in my wedding. I think the girls loved it more than the gifts I got them later on! I spent hours searching the internet for the perfect wording and I came up with this:
You have always been there, more than just a friend.
You know just who I am and everywhere I’ve been.
You’re the one who I can turn to, any hour of the day.
Seems, I only have to think of you and you’ll be on your way.
No matter where life takes me, no matter where I roam.
When I’m with you my friend, my heart feels right at home.
So on my wedding day, I will need you more than ever.
Please say you’ll be my bridesmaid now…. and my friend forever.
Here is another example:
Our friendship just gets better, through every passing year.
But it really has been this one, that I hold truly dear.
In helping with my wedding, and knowing you will be,
sharing in this day, by standing up for me.
You’ve taken something special, and added from your heart,
all the things that made us friends, right from the very start.
And though our lives are changing, our friendship will stay true.
This my heart will count on, as my life begins anew.
Thank you for being such a wonderful part of my life.
OR this is a fun spin on how to ask your bridesmaid, a la Letterman style:
Top 10 Reasons to be My Bridesmaid
10. You look great in (color of bridesmaids’ dress).
9. Someone has to help me go to the bathroom in a ballgown.
8. I know you will plan a great bachelorette party.
7. I will give you a great bridesmaids gift.
6. I want the people at my wedding to see how beautiful my friends are.
5. These wedding favors won’t make themselves.
4. You get to have the best seat in the house at the ceremony.
3. I need someone to pretend to want to catch the bouquet.
2. My fiance asked for some hot girls to be in the wedding party.
And the number one reason you should be my bridesmaid is…because you are one of my best friends and I love you!
There are surely other ways to ask your bridesmaids, and you can use your endless imagination if you want to create your own poem/wording but whichever way you ask your nearest and dearest, they will surely remember how special you made them feel that day!
Wedding Flowers for Each Season
- by Stephanie
If you can spring for fresh flowers for your upcoming reception, we highly recommend it! There is no better way to add that extra flair to your wedding than with fresh flowers. Plus your reception space will be filled with the fresh aroma of these gorgeous additions.
A way to keep down costs for your fresh flowers is to purchase ones that are in season. You can even combine in-season flowers with flowers that are available year-round to make it more cost-effective. Here is a list of flowers that you can get all year round and by the season. Happy searching!
Year-round florals: 
Aster (if from Africa)
Gerbera (Gerber Daisy)
Winter (December-January)
Aster (US grown)
Filler foliage: Ivy, Holly, Baby’s Breath, Wax Flower, Hypericum Berries
Spring: March – May
Filler foliage: Banana leafs, Heather, Wax Flower, Baby’s Breath
Filler Foliage: Mint, Baby’s Breath
Fall: September – November
Filler foliage: Ornamental Cabbage, Hypericum Berries, Euonymus, Heather, Baby’s Breath & Wax Flower
Reception ideas: Color Ideas for Your Holiday Party
- by Stephanie
It’s never too early to start planning your next holiday party! There are so many fun ways to celebrate the glorious season and lots of fun themes and color palettes to choose from. Wow your guests or co-workers with these stunning ideas:
Color combos you might not expect for the holidays: 
- Lime Green, True Red and Black: These bright versions of traditional holiday colors dress up very well with black decor and bring a level of chicness to the event.
- Tiffany Blue and True Red: Perfect mesh of a winter wonderland meets traditional Christmas. This seemly odd color pair actually comes together quite nicely.
- Any Color Plaid: Plaid is not just for school uniforms, it’s a staple for the holidays. So mix it up and find a fun plaid and mix with traditional holiday elements such as ornament balls and pine cones
- Bright Pink, Orange, Yellow, Blue and Purple: Think of your conventional Christmas tree lights and kick it up a notch. These bright colors will be an unexpected and fun twist.
- Turquoise, Lime Green and Blue: Retro party in full swing. These fun and funky colors can make for a twist in your winter wonderland theme as well.
- Hot Pink and Lime Green: Great way to play off red and green. These colors add a lively spark to your decor and ultimately your guests will love the delightful spirit of the season.
- Black, Hunter Green and White: Last Christmas we did a dashing combo of these colors with black and white damask linens and hunter green accents. Talk about opulence! This combo was spectacular.
If you favor tradition, there is nothing wrong with going with colors that you are used to and grew up loving. Who doesn’t equate red and green with the holidays? So think along the lines of Christmas trees, bows and snow (even if we are in South Texas)! These color combos shine:
- True Red, Green (and Gold): Super traditional, yet never understated. The first thing you think of when it comes to the holidays include these two colors. So spice up your party with holly and mistletoe. You can even add in a little gold to make it a polished look. We love this union of traditional colors in our facility because it pairs so well with our carpets and other decor.
- Blue, White and Silver: The ultimate way to frost your guests than with colors that will glimmer and dazzle in your guest’s memories.
- Silver and Gold: The perfect way to treat your guests to an elegant celebration. This luxurious blend of metallic shades will take your event to the next level.
Anyway you cut it, color adds that special sparkle to any event. Whether you are interested in a super formal event or just a fun get together, adding those thoughtful touches will leave your guests remembering what a special time they had.
And if you are still looking for the perfect location for you holiday party, we are here to help! We currently have a few dates available for holiday parties! It may be July, but it’s better than waiting until last minute to book. Contact Stephanie at 210.615.0009 for more details!
Signature Drinks
- by Stephanie
Now-a-days it’s easier than ever to customize your wedding. Customized extras can range from monogrammed cakes or table napkins, uniquely “you” invitations with custom artwork, distinctive lighting displays, expansive dance floors, or even your 
choice of over-the-top chocolate fountain!
This year signature drinks are in! Brides and grooms are having fun with customizing their signature drinks to connect their reception to their distinctive personas. Giving your drinks a unique name or choosing drinks with colors which match your wedding theme can give your wedding reception that extra flair. A “Sultry Susan” could pair nicely with a “Mega Mike Vodka Surprise!” for example. Top off the details of your own creation with customized stirrers, or by adding small flags with customized messages. You’re guests will be amazed at how much effort you put into your wedding reception, so wow them every chance you get. Another fun fact is even though it’s unique and memorable to have signature drinks on your wedding day, but can actually cut costs from your alcohol bill by only serving beer, wine and your signature drink!
And remember; try to choose a signature drink that will appeal to most of your guests. Ladies should aim for something for the girls while the men may find offering 2 or 3 or their favorite beers is not only fun but your guest will love the variety from light and dark beers.
Have fun with it, mixing, stirring and shaking different drinks in search of your perfect signature drink!
Cheers!!!