Is Mini the New BIG Trend?

           No one can argue that food is one of the most important parts at a wedding.  It is something that can set your wedding apart from others.  The big trend in 2012 is to have mini foods in all parts of the big day.  Whether it is during the cocktail hour, the reception, or the after hours, brides everywhere have been incorporating mini foods in a fun and creative way.  From mini pies and sliders to dessert shooters and mini cocktails, mini foods have been trending and we believe is a cute idea that is easy for your guests to eat and pretty easy on the budget.

            Examples of mini foods that have been used at previous weddings can go on and on.  Depending on the vibe you were desiring for your wedding, there are many great and unique choices out there for any type of event.  During the cocktail hour choices range from little salt-rimmed margaritas and mini coca cola bottles to blueberry martini jello shots and mini crab cakes.  For the reception dinner, couples can choose to have mini steaks to mini meatballs with a small spaghetti portion on top.  The cake can also be miniaturized by serving mini cupcakes or small individual cakes for each guest.  And for those who are having late night wedding receptions and want to serve after hours snacks, the variety does not have an end.  Mini tacos, sliders, bite-sized grilled cheese sandwiches, and espresso shots topped with mini doughnuts are just to name a few.  Basically, if you dream it, it can be miniaturized. 

 

            Saving money never hurts right?  Well whether you serve mini delights in a buffet setup or have it served butler style on trays, mini foods are a very creative and less expensive way to feed you and your guests. They also allow a maximum assortment of different foods and flavors into your menu that can satisfy anyone’s appetite.  Mini foods also can easily incorporate cultural foods and traditions into the special day.  Whatever the reason and the use of these tiny treats, this unique style of food can be a focal point and conversation starter at any wedding event.     

BBFN ( Bridal Bliss For Now),

Olivia

Finding the One

You already found the perfect guy, and you have the perfect ring on your finger, so now it's time to find the perfect venue to host your wedding celebration.

You'll find the same theme throughout our blog, but we'll say it again...

No piece of a wedding is one size fits all. Each element should be a reflection of who you are as a couple, including your venue.

Here are our top tips to keep in mind when choosing your venue:

• Have an idea of what type of venue you would like to consider for your event such as hotel, country club, banquet hall or specialty venue.
• Set a budget, inclusive of the space, and likely the food & beverage.
• Know the size of your guest list. Don’t forget that every person you will invite will not necessarily attend.
• Always visit the property, and take a site tour,before making your final decision. Pictures and websites can be deceiving.
• Read reviews of the venues you are considering and check with your friends and family to see if they have attended an event at the facility.
• Plan what time of day your event will be taking place. Pricing is considerably different between lunch events and dinner events
• Food service style: pricing is different between plated, buffet and family style service. Some venues do not offer all three types of service.
• Special features: Have you always dreamed your wedding would have natural light shining through floor to ceiling windows, sky high ceilings, outdoor gardens to stroll through, etc. Identifying, and finding these features can assist in narrowing your selection.

Have further questions? Contact a member of our team who can help make your venue selection easier.

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),
Olivia

After Party, After Glow

Today Katie Gutierrez, Event Architect from Oliveaire is going to talk about the party(s) after the party. Take it away Katie...

“I wanna rock and roll all nite and party every day!” Kiss could not of said it any better!

Ceremony… Success!
Reception… Success!
That’s it? It’s over already?
The reception does not have to be the end of the celebration. Keep the party going!

Not everyone will attend the after party, but etiquette would dictate that you should invite everyone. What kind after-partier are you?

For you night owls, you can continue the party at the hotel bar. It would be best to set this up ahead of time so that they may be able to stay open for a extra hour or two of friendly cocktail consumption!



For those who want to continue to dance, you can also take the party to a club or lounge. Transportation is the most important thing here! Make sure that if you do have an after party somewhere other than the hotel or reception venue, transportation is organized. Whether it be a bus that will bring the guests back, or designated drivers to be responsible to pick up some guests. Find the best late-night spots and you can continue to dance the night away!

For something a little bit more private, you can book a hotel room or suite. It would be great to invite some guests back up to the room to enjoy some light snacks, and a few drinks just to mingle!



If you’re more of a spontaneous couple, just wing it!

If one day is not enough, have a Post Wedding Brunch.

What better way to recover from a fantastic night than to continue the celebration the next day in a more relaxed atmosphere. Whether it be at a home, or even at the hotel restaurant, this is a great way to gather more of your guests and give them the opportunity to just unwind from the previous nights festivities. Typically those who attend the brunch are the guests from out of town and close friends and family of the newlyweds. A Post Wedding Brunch is great! During the brunch you are able to talk more intimately with each guest, as there won’t be that many. You can bid your out-of-town guests farewell, share photos, videos and even laugh at all the funnies of the night!

The party does not end there. You’ll have a lifetime to celebrate! Your new life has just begun as Mr. & Mrs. Continue to Rock and Roll!!

BBFN (Bridal Bliss for Now),
Olivia