Wedding Trends & Wedding Planning Advice - StrictlyWeddings.com Wedding Blog » Wedding Reception

An Intimate Affair – At Home Wedding Receptions

jlee — Wed, 04 May 2011 05:31:21 +0000

Are you thinking about an intimate wedding affair? Maybe you or your family have a beautiful home and garden that would perfectly suit your plans for a wedding for just a few friends and family.

In these photos by Elizabeth Messina, the beauty of the location and elegant, old-fashion place settings, make this homestyle wedding go from simple to simply divine.

If you are thinking about a more intimate wedding, you will be surprised (or maybe not) just how many things you can use if you go hunting in the china cabinet or silver drawer of your mother or grandmother. We think they’d be thrilled to share.

Check out the bride’s lace and crystals on her gown and how it’s tied-in to other touches in the decor. The invitations are elegant (but again simple). Just because your wedding preference is “smaller,” does not mean you have to loose any of those luxurious additions.

Bridal tip: Having the reception at your home

jlee — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 05:48:54 +0000

Always make sure there is plenty of room for the number of guests attending the wedding.
Be careful that the overall aesthetic of the home does not interfere with the color palette and style of your wedding décor. You may want to think about choosing colors that will work with the existing hues or find a space in the home that offers a clean slate for any palette.
Check in with the city to get info on traffic regulations or permits regarding parking, and if hiring a valet company, confirm that they have somewhere to park all the cars.
Design a detailed floor plan for your wedding vendors to ensure they’ll have room to get their job done.
When designing your menu, ask the catering company if they will need access to any stoves or ovens, or if they will be bringing their own heating devices.
If the event is scheduled to be outdoors, have a back up plan in case it rains. Using tents can require a permit so ensure you have the proper one(s) in place.
Let your neighbors know as a courtesy since you’ll be taking up street space for hours.
Budget for a service to clean your house before and after your reception; it’s a lot less stressful on everyone!

Source: Jordan Payne Events

Light Up Your Wedding Night

jlee — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:28:51 +0000

Looking for that “something” that will really make your wedding feel like a fairy-tale? Look no more, lighting is the answer! This luxury is a small price to pay for a big and bold statement. Whether you’re having an afternoon reception of hors d’oeuvres and mimosas, or a seated dinner affair at 8, the simple addition of lighting can be transformational. Lighting can be used to give a cold room a sense of warmth and glow, or change an elegant ballroom into a personal fashion statement for you and your hip groom.

This couple used Jordan Payne Events to transform The Worthington Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas into an exotic lounge. Fun, Flirty, Creative…Clearly, this was an event no one could forget with such stunning lighting. Absolutely an art form!

Jordan Payne Events provided this classic wedding look shown below as well. Here is an example of more subtle lighting, a look well suited for the simple and elegant bride. With warm golden tones, this lighting will surely make your guests feel welcome, invited and comfortable. Beautiful with all wedding colors, especially those in the warm color family (reds, gold/yellow, browns, etc.), and complimented by the beautiful chandelier in Arlington Hall at Lee Park in Dallas, Texas. Timeless!

Next time you’re brainstorming ways to add that “special touch” to your reception, remember, don’t skimp on lighting. It’s worth every penny!

Source: Katy Brooks

Photography by Gary Donihoo of f8Studio

Photography by Joseph Ellis of Joseph Mark Photography