DNM1010
11-02-2005, 12:18 AM
A number of your planning decisions will be determined by the location you select, as well as the type of catering you choose. For example, if your reception will take place at a banquet hall with an on-site catering staff, your planning tasks will mostly be to select from an offering of menu and decoration choice, then follow up on the details. If your staging a wedding reception at a location whose main function is not that a receptions, or have chosen a location that is a completely blank canvas- a backyard, beach, or private home- then your planning will be much more involved and cover everything from the rentals to the caterers to the decorations and everything between.
The basic elements of reception planning are the space itself, physical comfort, decorations, catering, music, and dancing, if applicable.
The space you have chosen will undoubtedly have its own ambience, whether it needs to be transformed into something wonderful, or you merely need to complement an already spectacular room, such as a ballroom or deluxe banquet hall. Either way, you�ll need to take into account the space itself and any architectural or structural pluses or minuses. You�ll need to allow for the guests� physical comfort, in a way of adequate parking, restroom facilities, temperature control, and seating capacity. Adequate heating and air conditioning are a must, as is a backup plan in case of rain, hair or snow.
Lighting
While a large portion of the decoration will be the flowers and floral arrangements that you choose, there is more to consider. Lighting, place settings, and table setting are also important to the overall look and feel of your reception. In fact, lighting can run a close second to flowers for overall impact. Used correctly, it can transform a room into something magical. Overhead lighting, colored lighting, projected images on dance floors, and white curtained walls, spotlights, and twinkle light can all have a place in your reception scheme.
Other lighting elements to consider are moonlight, sunsets, paper lanterns, and torches. And don�t forget candles. From votives to ****rs to pillars, all add a spark of drama and a definite romantic glow.
� Arrange high and low pillar candles on a mirror to reflect more light.
� Fill shallow bowls with water and floating candles.
� Groupings of mismatched wineglasses or water goblets picked up at flea markets or antique stores make striking votive holders.
� Small clear or frosted votive holders wrapped with a beautifully colored ribbon or unique paper.
Special Touches
Other added touches that can transform a reception room, home, or garden into a warm romantic setting for an evening reception.
� Use the votive candles in other places, such as along walkways, around a pool, or in the bathrooms.
� Use twinkle lights to add a magical feeling to a room, or especially to a garden. If small trees are brought in to warm up a reception hall, add some twinkle lights to them.
� Consider luminara, garden torches, old fashioned tin lanterns, or paper lanterns for fun lighting effects.
Other Decorative Touches
Other elements can include draped fabrics, fountains, small potted trees, and shrubbery. Consider using ribbon or bows for bits of colorful decoration. From big wide satins to sheer delicate organza or cheerful plaid grosgrains, all make fabulous accents for the reception. Wrap them around pillar candles, tie them on doorknobs, and drape them across the backs of chairs. A simple, beautiful ribbon, artfully tied, makes an easy but striking napkin holder.
Tulle or netting can be draped over chairs, pooled on tables, or floated from the ceiling in ethereal cascades for a highly romantic decoration.
Balloons can add a fun celebratory touch, especially floating in a room with high ceiling. Check out the newer metallic and pearlescent colors or opt for the more traditional pastels. Ribbon streamers trailing down add to the effect. You might even consider a balloon arch.
taken from:
http://www.ultimatewedding.com/articles/get.php?action=getarticle&articleid=1648
The basic elements of reception planning are the space itself, physical comfort, decorations, catering, music, and dancing, if applicable.
The space you have chosen will undoubtedly have its own ambience, whether it needs to be transformed into something wonderful, or you merely need to complement an already spectacular room, such as a ballroom or deluxe banquet hall. Either way, you�ll need to take into account the space itself and any architectural or structural pluses or minuses. You�ll need to allow for the guests� physical comfort, in a way of adequate parking, restroom facilities, temperature control, and seating capacity. Adequate heating and air conditioning are a must, as is a backup plan in case of rain, hair or snow.
Lighting
While a large portion of the decoration will be the flowers and floral arrangements that you choose, there is more to consider. Lighting, place settings, and table setting are also important to the overall look and feel of your reception. In fact, lighting can run a close second to flowers for overall impact. Used correctly, it can transform a room into something magical. Overhead lighting, colored lighting, projected images on dance floors, and white curtained walls, spotlights, and twinkle light can all have a place in your reception scheme.
Other lighting elements to consider are moonlight, sunsets, paper lanterns, and torches. And don�t forget candles. From votives to ****rs to pillars, all add a spark of drama and a definite romantic glow.
� Arrange high and low pillar candles on a mirror to reflect more light.
� Fill shallow bowls with water and floating candles.
� Groupings of mismatched wineglasses or water goblets picked up at flea markets or antique stores make striking votive holders.
� Small clear or frosted votive holders wrapped with a beautifully colored ribbon or unique paper.
Special Touches
Other added touches that can transform a reception room, home, or garden into a warm romantic setting for an evening reception.
� Use the votive candles in other places, such as along walkways, around a pool, or in the bathrooms.
� Use twinkle lights to add a magical feeling to a room, or especially to a garden. If small trees are brought in to warm up a reception hall, add some twinkle lights to them.
� Consider luminara, garden torches, old fashioned tin lanterns, or paper lanterns for fun lighting effects.
Other Decorative Touches
Other elements can include draped fabrics, fountains, small potted trees, and shrubbery. Consider using ribbon or bows for bits of colorful decoration. From big wide satins to sheer delicate organza or cheerful plaid grosgrains, all make fabulous accents for the reception. Wrap them around pillar candles, tie them on doorknobs, and drape them across the backs of chairs. A simple, beautiful ribbon, artfully tied, makes an easy but striking napkin holder.
Tulle or netting can be draped over chairs, pooled on tables, or floated from the ceiling in ethereal cascades for a highly romantic decoration.
Balloons can add a fun celebratory touch, especially floating in a room with high ceiling. Check out the newer metallic and pearlescent colors or opt for the more traditional pastels. Ribbon streamers trailing down add to the effect. You might even consider a balloon arch.
taken from:
http://www.ultimatewedding.com/articles/get.php?action=getarticle&articleid=1648