Shower Themes

Showers on one's wedding day are supposed to bring the couple good luck but convincing a bride of that is difficult!  A bride would rather have sunshine and pleasant weather.  However, the other kind of shower that is part of the wedding tradition is welcome.

Wedding showers are gift-giving parties held for couples about to get married.  According to experts, the custom began in the 19th century and is primarily celebrated in North America and Australia.  Guests traditionally "shower" the bride-to-be with the items she will need to set up her new home.

And while the traditional shower is still a main focus, versions have erupted and become popular.  According to TheKnot.com there are some key trends in modern bridal showers beyond the traditional "women only" ones.

·         Couples showers - are increasing in popularity.  The guests are a mixed audience of female and male friends and relatives.  While gifts are still the main focus of the event, they are varied and include "guy stuff" in the mix of household gifts.  The shower is a party for good friends.

·         Power showers - are events that focus on the groom-to-be who is showered with a wide range of gadgets and power tools to stock the garage.  These  parties are guy focused and tend to be golf outings, poker nights or action movie themes.

·         Destination/activity showers - move out of someone's living room or the party room at a local restaurant and into a special spot or activity.  Some ideas include a spa day, horseback riding, or a day at a baseball game.  Because these types of showers can be expensive to host, the guest list is usually limited to the bride's closest friends.

·         Bride-involved showers.  This is tricky ground.  Some brides would like to be involved in planning their showers, rather than be surprised by the whole event.  However, "being involved in" is not the same as commandeering the whole event for yourself.  Traditionally, the shower is given by a friend or relative - not by the bride's mother or close relative.

·         Post wedding event -It is customary for the showers to be given prior to the wedding itself.  But with guests and couples spread across the country, some showers are  held after the wedding itself.

Call 868 628 9333 or email  mwilt@triniweddings.com   for more ideas and answers to questions.

Formal Place Setting

From the Emily Post Etiquette Book by Peggy Post

The one rule for a formal table is for everything to be geometrically spaced: the centerpiece at the exact center; the place settings at equal distances; and the utensils balanced. Beyond these placemats, you can vary flower arrangements and decorations as you like.

The placement of utensils is guided by the menu, the idea being that you use utensils in an "outside in" order. For the illustrated place setting here, the order of the menu is:
 Appetizer: Shellfish

 First Course: Soup or fruit

 Fish Course

 Entree

 Salad

(a) Service Plate: This large plate, also called a charger, serves as an under plate for the plate holding the first course, which will be brought to the table. When the first course is cleared, the service plate remains until the plate holding


the entree is served, at which point the two plates are exchanged. The charger may serve as the under plate for several courses which precede the entree.
(b) Butter Plate: The small butter plate is placed above the forks at the left of the place setting.

(c) Dinner Fork: The largest of the forks, also called the place fork, is placed on the left of the plate. Other smaller forks for other courses are arranged to the left or right of the dinner fork, according to when they will be used.

(d) Fish Fork: If there is a fish course, this small fork is placed farthest to the left of the dinner fork because it is the first fork used.

(e) Salad Fork: If the salad is served after the entree, the small salad fork is placed to the right of the dinner fork, next to the plate. If the salad is to be served first, and fish second, then the forks would be arranged (left to right): salad fork, fish fork, dinner fork.

(f) Dinner Knife: The large dinner knife is placed to the right of the dinner plate.

(g) Fish Knife: The specially shaped fish knife goes to the right of the dinner knife.

(h) Salad Knife (Note: there is no salad knife in the illustration): If used, according to the above menu, it would be placed to the left of the dinner knife, next to the dinner plate. If the salad is to be served first, and fish second, then the knives would be arranged (left to right): dinner knife, fish knife, salad knife.

(i) Soup Spoon or Fruit Spoon: If soup or fruit is served as a first course, then the accompanying spoon goes to the right of the knives.

(j) Oyster Fork: If shellfish are to be served, the oyster fork goes to the right of the spoons. Note: it is the only fork ever placed on the right of the plate.

(k) Butter Knife: The small spreader is paced diagonally on top of the butter plate; handle on the right and blade down.

(l) Glasses: These can number up to five and are placed so that the smaller ones are up front. The water goblet (la) is placed directly above the knives. Just to the right goes champagne flute (lb); in front of these are placed a red (lc) or white (ld) wine glass and a sherry glass (le).

(m) Napkin: The napkin is placed on top of the charger (if one is used) or in the space for the plate.






In General:



 Knife blades are always placed with the cutting edge toward the plate.

 No more than three of any implement is ever placed on the table, except when an oyster fork is used in addition to three other forks. If more than three courses are served before dessert, then the utensil for the fourth course is brought in with the food; likewise the salad fork and knife may be brought in when the salad course is served.

 Dessert spoons and forks are brought in on the dessert plate just before dessert is served.


 

Planning a Cocktail Reception?

 

 

National Bridal Service and Weddings Beautiful certified consultants such as TriniWeddings are available to answer questions and offer guidelines for brides who are planning a cocktail reception.

·         Brides should stay open to various ideas and suggestions even though their chosen venue may offer set menus. In many places it may be possible to mix and match from various menus.  Many food suppliers are open to creating a custom menu for you based on your budget - as long as it meets their minimum pricing.

·         If your plan is to have a lavish cocktail reception most food professionals will suggest that you plan to serve an assortment of no more than eight to ten appetizer items.  If there is no meal to follow, plan on each guest eating two or three of each item.  The simple guideline is twenty four pieces per guest.  You should use this guide as you work with your caterer to see how he/she plans to provide coverage for your guests.   Be aware that this amount will obviously vary based on the length of your reception.   Many couples will follow cocktails and hors d'oeuvre with coffee and desserts. The quantity and type of appetizers you choose to serve would influence your dessert options.

·         Once you have an idea of the cost for this type of reception, you may want to consider a buffet which can be less expensive.  However, a buffet can have a very different  feel from the lavish serving of appetizers, elegantly displayed and passed one item per tray on silver servers.

·         You might consider setting up several mini tasting stations where guests can help themselves to the less expensive choices.  Space the stations so that there will be no traffic jams.  Using these stations for some items, reserve the more expensive items for tray service from white gloved waiters.  Having choice items passed gives you a measure of control.  Make sure that each mini station is set with plates, cutlery and napkins.

·         This type of reception works well when you choose to serve champagne and other non alcoholic sparking beverages.  For variety, consider asking a bartender for ideas to create a special signature cocktail for your guests.

 

For more ideas and answers to questions call 868 6288  or email info@triniweddings.com

SOME GENTLE REMINDERS OF THINGS NOT TO DO!!!!

 

With all of the advice available to a bride on “What to do about…”, there are also a few “don’ts” to keep in mind.

#1 – An important reminder comes from the brazen actions of one or more pretend guests who – according to recent newscasts- walked into three different wedding receptions and walked out with the gift boxes that contained cash and cards.  Wedding planners continue to remind brides to make sure that someone (close to her or a security guard hired for the occasion) must be in charge of the gift table.  Don’t believe that just because you are having your reception in a church or well known club your gifts are safe.  Always make sure that someone you trust will be in charge of the gifts.  It is ideal if all gifts are sent to the bride’s home before the ceremony, or be collected from the store after the wedding, but we all know that most of the gift cards/cash are brought to the reception.  The table for gifts and the box for cards should never be out of surveillance.  And once all of the guests have arrived at the reception, the gifts should be either locked away in a room provided by the venue or entrusted to a family member for transport and or safe keeping.

#2 – It is never correct to enclose gift registration information with your wedding invitations.  Some stores may offer to give you enclosure cards for that purpose, but politely decline.  Wedding guests have always found out where a bride was registered by asking a friend or relative.  Today  the bride’s web page politely provides that information .  Likewise, do not include in your invitations the corner copy that reads “Cash Gifts Preferred” or “Cash Gifts Invited”.  Really tasteless!!!!

 #3- Don’t have a cash bar.  Having one is like inviting guests to dinner and then charging them for the food.  If your budget won’t cover the beverages of your choice, then pick other beverages.  Offer beer and wine.  Offer a special cocktail created for your reception.  Offer punch.  Have waiters pass champagne.  There are lots of creative options.

 #4 – Never seek sponsors to donate things like liquor or wine for a mention or advertisement in your program.  That is so NOT DONE.

For advice on potential other “don’ts”, call TriniWeddings at 868 628 (WEDD) or email info@triniweddings.com

The Rehearsal Dinner

The rehearsal dinner is an integral part of the wedding celebration.  It is a happy and relaxing time for family and friends.  It is designed to bring people together and  it sets the tone for the ceremony and celebration to come.

Traditionally, the groom’s family hosts the party.  They invite the immediate families of the bride and the groom, the officiating clergy and spouse, the complete wedding party and their spouses or dates.  If there are out-of-town guests include them in the evening’s festivities.

It is usually held immediately following the wedding rehearsal held the night before the ceremony.

At the dinner use a seating chart and place cards to help people ensure that they meet each other.

While the bridal couple and their parents usually sit at the head table, more and more couples are choosing to mingle with their guests.

As the host, the groom’s father makes the traditional toast to the couple and at this time he should introduce everyone as some guests may be unfamiliar with those in attendance.

This party is a perfect time for the couple to present gifts to  their attendants, especially if the items are to be worn at the wedding.

While it is a party, ensure that it doesn’t last too long.  Every member of the wedding party needs to get a good night’s sleep so that  they look their best at the main event the next day.

Some ideas for a successful wedding

·         It sounds like a no brainer, but one of the most important elements of your day is the timeline.  You don’t want to end up paying your vendors overtime charges  or keep your guests waiting because  some element of your wedding  ran late.  Staying as close to the timeline as possible is the key to throwing a successful event.

 

·         Instead of decking your space out in crazy centerpieces and crystals, focus your energy and money on things like creative entertainment elements.  One couple we worked with brought in an artist to paint the party scene.  Another hired a caricaturist and guests took home custom portraits at the end of the night. Yet another had a photo booth where guests were  provided with two pictures. One was a keepsake and the guests were able to paste the other picture in the guest book and write their greeting underneath.  Then again there is the Ad Lib where guests are guided to write fun things about the couple. These kinds of activities really make the experience special for everyone.  They also minimize the waiting time while photographs are taken.

 

 

·         While edible and charitable favors are popular, every now and then we see a very specific favor that works great with a fun story or background.  For instance, there was a couple who met on an airplane and gave luggage tags as favors.  If they’re relevant, small keepsakes can be charming favors.

 

·         As your most photographed accessory, your bouquet should harmonize with your gown.  Different dress styles and fabrics set the tone for wedding flowers.  Think:  delicate florals like peonies or lisianthus for a soft lace gown, and architectural blooms like calla lilies or orchids for a modern dress.

 

·         Choose arrangements that look like they belong in your venue.  Small loose clusters of colorful wild flowers would look out of place in a formal ballroom, while glamorous groupings of all white orchids with crystals would not seem right in a rustic setting.

For more ideas feel free to  arrange a Conultation  with TriniWeddings . Call us at 868 628-9333 or email mwilt@triniweddings.com

Entertaining Tips

 

You’re married!  You've received new dinnerware.  You are planning your first dinner party.  Here are some tips for the big event.

How many people to invite?  A dinner party for six or eight is ideal.  A successful party depends on the right combination of people so think about personalities and individual interests before you invite the potential guests.

Choose the right table covering to complement your dinner plans.  Formal entertaining still calls for a linen tablecloth with matching napkins.  Informal entertaining lends itself to colorful cloths with either matching or contrasting napkins.  Many hostesses choose to use place mats – either alone or layered.

Adding a special centerpiece can reflect your personal style.  Just remember that:

• A centerpiece should never block a guest’s view.
• The size and shape should be in proportion to the size of the table.
• Flowers should not be so fragrant that they overpower the food.

Using candles at the table adds a romantic touch to the dinner.  Here are some expert tips on candle use.

• Ivory candles are the preferred choice for a classic table setting.
• If you keep your candles in the refrigerator they will burn evenly and slowly.
• All candles should be displayed with charred wicks and should be placed at least two or three inches apart to prevent melting into each other.
• If you forgot to extinguish the candles and some of the wax melted onto the tablecloth, you can remove the wax from a washable cloth by scraping off the excess wax and running boiling water through the fabric.

Following these tips for the first dinner party should help insure that you’ll feel more comfortable in your role as hostess and will be happy and eager to repeat the lovely evening you provided for your guests.