Today is my daughter Desirae's birthday. I know every parent thinks their child is special, but in my case it really is true! I have two terrific kids – Desirae is a 'princess' and her brother Bryn is a 'prince'. As befitting of someone with such 'royal' bearing, my husband and I took the birthday girl and her brother along with Grandpa and Grandma out for a wonderful meal at John's – a fine restaurant in downtown Saskatoon. We enjoyed a leisurely meal together with lots of laughs from the re-telling of funny family stories and sharing of recent happenings since the last time we were all together. Reflecting on what a great evening we had together, made me think: Isn't that what special occasions are made of? Beautiful location, fine food, time with loved ones enjoying the moment.
How can a engaged couple planning their wedding translate the feeling of an intimate family gathering into their wedding day? To start, do a little investigating when trying to locate your ideal wedding venue. Make sure to select a venue that is the right size for the number of guests you plan to invite to your reception. If you go with a space that is too large, your tables will be spaced too far apart and the party dynamic will not develop. Each table will be like a separate island and there won't be any interaction with neighboring tables. If the space is too small, then you will have plenty of interaction with your neighboring tables but it will be from people bumping into each other as they try to navigate around tables that are placed too close to one another. Either of these situations will impact your party's mood, and probably not for the better!
When it comes to the menu, the bridal couple has the responsibility of making selections that their guests will enjoy. It's not easy to design a menu for 50 to 400 people (just try to get two people to agree on something!). If you find yourself perplexed as to how to appease all the different factions attending your wedding, then be sure to ask your catering staff for advice. The caterers are your food experts: they will know what menu choices are typically well received by the dining public and what food works best for large or small groups. If your family has a favorite recipe, check with your caterer to see if they would be able to recreate that family favorite for your guests. If your caterer is unable to accommodate your request, perhaps that recipe could be made for the rehearsal dinner or another of the wedding related events. Bring your family's favorites to the party and make all your guests feel like they are part of the family!
Sharing family memories and reliving fun times with your friends at your wedding celebration can help your guests connect with one another. Maybe your Uncle Frank and your college room-mate have never met before the wedding, but if you have memorabilia from family gatherings and pictures from your days on campus as part of the décor (as long as they are PG rated!), you will have your guests reminiscing about fun times and sharing stories with each other. Yes, the wedding is about the two of you; but you have to remember that you are the hosts of the celebration and you have a social duty to provide for your guests' comfort and pleasure.
When it comes to planning those special touches for your wedding day, I would be happy to help you implement your ideas into your wedding celebration. Feel free to call (306) 244-8482 and ask for Wanda or send a message by email at info@VIVAweddings.com or vivaweddings@hotmail.com. Our first meeting together is always free.
Thought for the day
A daughter is the happy memories of the past, the joyful moments of the present, and the hope and promise of the future.
- Author Unknown
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