Sweetheart Tables vs. Head Tables | Pt. 1

Posted on March 31, 2021
in Bridal Party, Event Tips
by lcr

Royal Dias or Grand Feasting Table?

Wedding planning can be exhausting, and one of the hardest parts is the seating chart. After worrying about where and how your guests will be sitting, some couples forget to seat themselves!

Choosing whether you want to sit close to your bridal party and family or on your own throne as wedding royalty can be a tough choice. The decision between a Head Table and a Sweetheart Table comes down to most couples’ preferences or logistics. If you and your hunny aren’t particularly swayed in one direction over another, here’s some detailed information about both options to help you decide.

Photographer: Plum and Oak Photography, Florist: Native Poppy.

Sweetheart Tables

A Sweetheart Table is exactly what it sounds like: a table meant for only the “Sweethearts,” aka the Bride and Groom. It will be one of the few designated places you and your significant other will be able to–frankly–escape the hordes of your adoring fans. There won’t be many moments over the course of the night where the two of you will be able to have private moments to yourselves, and having a designated seat away from the crowd might be exactly what you need.

Photographer: Elizabeth French Creative, Florals by a family member of the Bride.

A Remote Island Getaway

This table acts as a liferaft in the sea of your enthusiastic family members and will become your perching place for those few precious moments that nobody needs you for anything. Plus, everything on the table only comes in two’s, so you can afford to decorate! Without worrying about making 100+ copies of everything and buying in bulk, you can customize your special space all you want. Make it look like the table of your wildest dreams! (Or your wildest Pinterest boards…)

Photographer: By Amy Lynn Photography, Florist: KO Floral Designs.

No Need to Have Your Friends on a Leash!

Having your own table also grants your bridal party the freedom to mingle and pursue their own agendas throughout the night without feeling like they have to ask permission to leave the table. Most bridal party members will also be bringing a date, and they’ll want to be seated close to them. The Sweetheart Table keeps your honored friends out from under the spotlight and can entertain your other guests.

Photographer: Jordan Galindo, Florist: Layered Vintage.

It’s All About The Numbers.

Speaking of bridal parties, have you considered the size of your whole crew? Plus their dates? If you plan on seating only the designated bridal party with you, hopefully, their “Plus Ones” know somebody else to sit and talk with at their tables…

In general, extensive bridal parties tend to look a bit excessive if they’re all seated away from the rest of your guests at a Head Table. A group of people over twelve thick is tough to seat properly, especially if they’re all looking out in the same direction since you wouldn’t want anybody’s back to the rest of your guests. That can mean your head table is now around eighteen feet long! (If you want to talk to the ones at either end, start practicing your smoke signals now.) In this situation, unfortunately, those whom you wanted closest to you can end up not being the most remote.

Photographer: Gipe Photography, Florals by the Bride and Groom.

Musical Chairs

Think back to other occasions where a large group of friends and family got together at a restaurant. One of the biggest seating issues is making others have to get up or scoot their seats in every time you need to get up. Honestly, at your wedding, you only get to sit and relax for a total of about 45 minutes, if you’re lucky, and the toasts are long. You’re going to want every second of that seated peace enjoyed.

This seat-shuffling issue is removed by having a Sweetheart Table. It also makes you seem more approachable to your guests. Nobody wants to cause an inconvenience by imposing themselves on someone else’s space. By removing additional bodies, a direct line of traffic can form between your excited guests to you. Thus, creating a quicker flow of interactions and a more time-efficient process for the event overall.

Photographer: Shelly Anderson Photography, Florist: I Do Flowers For You.

Sentiments and Symbolism

Sitting at a Sweetheart Table can also be the first gesture a couple can make together in their married lives. It can signify that they are a single united entity forging a future path of their own. Many couples choose this option for that reason and the privacy it allows as well. Whispering sweet nothings in the ear of your freshly wedded spouse, without worrying about an audience, can keep the romance alive on such a crazy day.

Photographer: Lauren Scotti Photography, Florist: Siren Floral Co.

Still Can’t Decide?

With all of this said, the idea of a Sweetheart Table doesn’t sit right with some couples. They want their bridal party right at their sides, or they love the thought of a Head Table’s ability to make a bigger design statement.

Keep an eye out for Part 2 coming next week, where we’ll explore the other side of this decision and all the Head Table benefits!

Moving-Style Events

Posted on March 23, 2021
in Updates
by lcr

The Perks of Small Plate Stations!

A Moving Style Event (AKA a Progressive Event Reception or Cocktail-Style Event Reception) utilizes the idea of a continuous cocktail hour but with more substantial food options. It’s an extraordinarily efficient and crowd-pleasing way to feed and entertain larger guest counts no matter the venue’s size.

Cedar Plank Salmon on Pesto Risotto

 

Moving Style Receptions are essentially more elaborate cocktail-style events, and because of all the movement and mingling, this style of reception is often more relaxed.

It’s designed to promote mingling and is excellent for a room full of talkers, dancers, and movers.

Your guests can eat and drink more of what they like, and when your guests are happy, your dance floor is full.

 

Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

 

This laid-back yet elegant reception style is perfect for couples looking to entertain their guests with something away from traditional formal dining.

Often filled with lawn games, photo booths, and lots of dancing, cocktail receptions give guests the freedom to enjoy themselves without seating charts and strict timelines getting in the way.

 

Kahlua Pulled Pork Slider with Waffle Fries

 

Seating

Before planning a cocktail reception, it is essential to consider your guest demographic (older guests generally need more accommodation).

After deciding to go with this kind of reception, we highly suggest informing guests in the invitation that the dinner will be cocktail-style so everyone can wear their best dancing shoes, (and leave the uncomfortable ones at home.)

Some wedding professionals will argue that progressive parties are most successful when a bride and groom provide stable seating for 50% of their guests with supplemental furniture. Others will advise providing more accommodation than your guest list demands. We say, reserve a few tables for those you know will need a seat (lookin’ at you Aunt Esther), and have the young folk perch on some vignette-style decor:

  • Smaller tables that place 4 or 6 encourage movement and keep large groups from posting up all night.
  • Soft lounge seating in small groupings throughout the space softens the look and lends to that cozy club vibe.
  • Ottomans are your best friends, and you can never have too many pillows or throw blankets!
  • Add in some scattered cocktail tables.
  • Be sure to place some lounges around the dance floor as well to bring guests into the party.
  • If you space these elements throughout the room, you’ll draw guests to the various areas while also providing great conversation pockets.

 

Mac n Cheese Bar

 

This reception style means guests can choose their food at their leisure but aren’t required to wait in a single line, unlike the buffet style.

They can bounce freely between multiple food stations, reducing wait times.

It also creates a lively vibe, as guests are always moving to and from stations, mingling with others along the way.

 

Street Tacos

 

Foodservice is what ultimately sets a progressive reception apart from the standard wedding. Nobody wants to attend a 5-hour cocktail party with minimal appetizers, so the food’s function is imperative.

These receptions are categorized by flowing food and station-style service, and it’s all about presentation.

 

Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich with homemade Kettle Chips

 

Stations differ from buffets in that they are smaller and feature specific food items at each, and our events specifically offer at least three small plate stations off of our menus. Essentially equating to three tiny buffets for your guests to visit!

 

Mashed Potato Bar

 

Start the evening with passed hors-d’oeuvres and light bites, moving to small action stations – we’ve kept in mind to serve items that are easy to consume, limiting fork use, and always dance floor approved!

If they’re hungry, they will come to the food, so there’s no need to announce food service has begun. The guests will follow the lead of the bride and groom and the wedding party.

 

Braised Short Ribs on Goat Cheese Whipped Potatoes

 

Be sure there is food available throughout the night!

A smooth transition from light to heavy, then sweet, is critical for a perfect night, but don’t forget the late-night snack! (Nobody thinks to provide sliders and fries or milk and cookies when the late-night munchies strike. You could be the first!)

Some of our most popular station combinations are the Spinach, and Artichoke Grilled Cheese served with a Creamy Tomato Basil Bisque, Braised Beef Short Ribs in a Demi-Glace with Goat Cheese Whipped Potatoes, and our famous Mac n’ Cheese Bar that comes with a variety of toppings sure to please guests of all ages.

Not only will this keep your guests full, but it will also help define the evening as you go and offer tasty surprises throughout the night!

 

Sundried Tomato and Artichoke Heart Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Creamy Tomato Bisque

 

Key Points to remember:

This foodservice arrangement offers all the pros of a buffet without the downside of a long wait in line!

Without a venue full of tables, you can invite more guests; for a younger crowd, more movement and less sitting during the reception can create a fun atmosphere.

Your guests are going to remember being full of fantastic food, drinks, and dancing the night away; what more could a guest want?

 

Chicken and Waffles

 

Contact us for more information and ask our coordinators for the full menus to explore for yourself!

 

Thanks, True Photography, for all these incredible food photos!

Bridal Party 101 | Responsibilities

Posted on March 18, 2021
in Bridal Party, faq, Updates
by lcr

There’s More Than Just Partying in the Bridal Party

Expected Duties, Planning, and Etiquette 

Whether you have tons of experience being part of a bridal party, or it’s your first time, we’ve collected all you need to know about the roles and duties that they come with. In general, the wedding party–meaning the people the happy couple chooses to stand up with them during the ceremony–is responsible for helping the happy couple plan, stay sane, and cheering them on during the big day. The wedding party’s most commonly known duties include taking photos with the bride and groom on the wedding day, planning special pre-wedding events like the bridal shower or bachelor/bachelorette parties, and helping the bride and groom get ready before the ceremony. They also usually have a special seat at the reception. We understand that every wedding is different depending on how involved family members are or how large the bridal party ends up being. So as a party member, always reach out to the happy couple to offer help!

 

General Bridal Party (Bridesmaids/Groomsmen/Maid of Honor/Best Man)

Each couple will customize their bridal party to fit their ideal group’s idea for their big day. It’s up to the party members to be available to help make the magic happen as smoothly as possible and offer their services in any way they can. Most couples tend to worry about burdening their friends with the planning details, but if you feel comfortable offering an extra hand anywhere, they’ll be forever grateful. Below, we’ve gathered the general responsibilities expected of all members of the bridal party.

  • Offer to help with wedding planning and pre-wedding events.
  • Be knowledgeable of, spread the news about, where the happy couple is registered, when and where the ceremony will be taking place, and where to send gifts.
  • Help choose wedding day attire and accessories if asked.
  • Help the Maid of Honor and Best Man with details to plan the bachelor/bachelorette party.
  • Pay for own wedding attire and travel expenses.
  • Attend any pre-wedding events. (Depending on if they’re co-ed or not.)
  • Purchase wedding day attire and accessories promptly as requested by the couple.
  • Attend the wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
  • Offer the happy couple and their families help and emotional support on the day of the wedding.
  • At the reception, help make sure everything goes according to plan.
  • Being social and helping make guests feel welcome.
  • Getting the party started on the dance floor.
  • Decorating the getaway vehicle to help give the happy couple a proper send-off.
  • Attend the send-off or post-wedding brunch.

 

Maid of Honor

Being chosen as Maid of Honor (MOH) is an incredible honor. Essentially, the bride is asking you to be her go-to for anything she might need, from engagement to the final send-off. Not only are you head of the bridesmaids, but duties also include planning the bachelorette party and being the bride’s right-hand woman on the big day. The bride usually gives this role to a sister or her closest female friend. Before accepting this honor, check out the duties listed below that rest on your capable shoulders. (Anything we’ve italicized is uncommon, although considerate, duties to offer to the bride but can vary depending on the situation.)

  • Manage the bridesmaids and mediate any conflicts that may arise.
  • Maintain a level head throughout the bride’s wedding planning.
  • Oversee and keep track of pre-wedding expenses for the bridesmaids.
  • Help the bride shop for her wedding dress and bridesmaids’ dresses.
  • Coordinate any necessary bridesmaid fitting and ensure bridesmaids are getting their dresses and accessories on time.
  • Offer to address wedding invitations and assist with miscellaneous wedding projects. 
  • Organize and host or co-host the bridal shower.
  • Organize and plan the bachelorette party.
  • Offer to help the bride pack for the honeymoon.
  • Make sure the bridesmaids all arrive at the wedding on time with everything they need.
  • Assist with the bride’s appearance during the ceremony and rehearsal. (Keep an eye out for smudged makeup or stray hairs and help her with her veil, dress, and arranging her train during the ceremony.)
  • Hold the bride’s bouquet during the ceremony.
  • Hold the groom’s ring during the ceremony if asked.
  • Sign the marriage certificate.
  • Give a toast to the happy couple at the reception.
  • Make sure the bride eats and drinks water.
  • Help transport wedding gifts from the reception.

 

Best Man

According to history, the best man was a groom’s kidnapping accomplice and willing to fight to the death for the bride’s honor. These days, kidnapping is thankfully off the agenda, but the best man still has many important responsibilities. Serving as the groom’s right-hand man throughout the wedding planning process hasn’t changed. He’s also in charge of wrangling the other groomsmen during wedding planning and on the big day. This role is usually filled by the groom’s brother or closest male friend. Below, we’ve listed some of the other duties that come with this title. (The duties in italics are optional and vary depending on the happy couple and their family’s traditions.)

  • Help manage groomsmen and mediate any conflicts that may arise.
  • Oversee and keep track of pre-wedding expenses for the groomsmen.
  • Coordinate suit or tuxedo fittings for all groomsmen and ushers.
  • Organize and plan the bachelor party.
  • Offer support to the groom and groomsmen during wedding planning and on the day of the wedding.
  • Help orchestrate toasts at the rehearsal dinner.
  • Make sure all groomsmen and ushers arrive at the wedding on time and with everything they need.
  • Hold the bride’s wedding ring during the ceremony if asked.
  • Sign the marriage certificate.
  • Give a toast to the happy couple at the reception.
  • Coordinate with the happy couple’s parents to ensure all service providers have received the necessary payment and tips.

 

Other Party Members

Parents of the Groom: The Engagement Party and Rehearsal Dinner are usually the groom’s parents’ responsibility in Western Cultures. Depending on the cultural traditions of each family, this may change.

Parents of the Bride: As mentioned above, in typical western culture, the bride’s parents are the designated Wedding Reception Hosts. Recently, we’ve seen more happy couples become their own reception hosts, so this tradition of “who pays for the wedding” can be adjusted accordingly.

Junior Bridesmaids and Groomsmen: Typically, junior bridal party members are do not attend the Bachelor/Bachelorette parties, but for young adults between 9-15, including them in the bridal party is a great way to get them involved in the big day. They usually stand up with the happy couple during the ceremony and are included in any engagement parties or co-ed bridal showers.

Ring Bearers and Flower Girls: This role is usually reserved for children between 4-8 years old, and responsibility for attendance and attire goes to their parents. It’s recommended to include them in the wedding rehearsal to get a little practice for the big day. Flower Girls traditionally walk right before the bride to scatter petals while ring bearers can be fit into the processional wherever the happy couple sees fit.

 

Final Notes

The responsibilities we’ve listed usually come pretty naturally since you’re there to support your friends in their love story. So enjoy the day, and always remember to offer your help wherever you can! Being part of this big day is a ton of fun! Planning a wedding isn’t for the faint of heart, and your friends will be forever thankful that you’re there to lean on.

 

 

 

 

Vendor Spotlight! | Sound Illusion

Posted on March 9, 2021
in Vendor Spotlight
by lcr

ABOUT

Sound Illusions is a full-service Event & Wedding DJ for; lighting, montages, entertainment, music, rentals, & parties! Serving San Diego & North County Areas for over 20 years, whether you plan a wedding or event, Sound Illusions can provide all your entertainment needs. We notice their obvious dedication to each client’s specific tastes every time Sound Illusion is here with us at the Ranch. They endeavor to go leaps and bounds over our expectations to provide memorable musical and lighting experiences. Professionally, we can count on their friendly demeanor and trust that our events will run smoothly. Sound Illusion has been awarded Wedding Wire’s “Couple Choice Award” 8 years in a row, The Knot’s “Best Of Weddings” award, and rests comfortably in The Knot’s “Hall of Fame.” Let Sound Illusions work with you one-on-one to create the exact look you have been searching for and create musical energy that will have all your guests raving about your big day!

“We were super excited to get the party started and really looked forward to our music selection – we selected all of the songs for our cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing. We got lots of compliments from our guests, which was awesome since we did take a lot of time putting the music selection together. Also, we were engaged for almost two years – we held out for our date, 9/21, because of Earth, Wind, and Fire. We closed out the party with ‘September’!”

 

SERVICES

Music: Customize your music selection to plan what you want to hear and when.

Lighting:

  • Uplighting
  • Market, String Lighting, and Lanterns
  • Custom Monogrammed Light

Photo Montages: Complete photo slideshow services with custom Photo Montages.

Rentals: Custom rental services for Canopies, Projectors, Screen rentals, Tables, Chairs, and other items for your big day.

Ceremony Services: Provide music for your ceremony as your guests arrive and while the bride walks down the aisle via a complete second system for your ceremony that includes lapel or handheld wireless microphones.

“Using vendors who have previously worked at your venue is so helpful! Our vendors were all familiar with LCR, which I think was a crucial part of having the day run as seamlessly as it did.”

 

CONTACT

Have the event of your dreams with professional music, lighting, and event rentals!

soundillusionsdj@yahoo.com

or call at 619-517-8377

Check Out These Real Weddings With Sound Illusion!

Kate + Danny | Jordan Elizabeth Photography

Ginny + Michael | Singler Photography

Hillary + Jacob | Chasing Light Photo and Film

Bridal Party 101 | Thank-You Gifts

Posted on March 3, 2021
in Bridal Party
by lcr

All the Key Players on Your Big Day

Plus, a bit of fun gift inspiration to get you started.

Not every couple answers the question of who gets a gift the same. With all the mayhem of wedding planning, it’s important to remember the little people who were there for you each step of the way. It’s best if you start with a list of the wedding party and family who’ve been instrumental in planning your wedding or offered support. Mark down gift ideas by each name to thank them for being there through the dress shopping, celebrations, and planning help. If you aren’t sure where to start, browse sites with tons of options, like The Knot Wedding Shop or Amazon.

 

Maid Of Honor

Bridesmaid wrangler, fashion expert, bachelorette planner, and the person whom you’ve bestowed the highest honor in your party. The gift you give your maid of honor should reflect the starring role she’s played in your life. If you decide on something traditional, like jewelry or a silver compact, personalize the gift with her name or perhaps a phrase or joke meaningful to your relationship.

Olive and Piper Primrose Studs

Buy on OliveAndPiper.com

These chic, oversized earrings are great for your MOH to wear as a sparkly statement piece with their bridesmaid ensemble. They’re also versatile enough to be worn after the wedding to add some sparkle to a little black dress.

Best Man

He’s helped keep you from drowning in wedding planning details, don’t forget to show home much you care! Gift him something the two of you can do together, such as a day at the golf course, or consider a tried-and-true gift, like a personalized pocket watch or pen.

Cooler Chair

Cooler Chair

Buy on TheKnotShop.com

If your BM is less into the flashy stuff and more about getting out in nature, check out this nifty cooler! Beachgoers, tailgaters, and campers alike will make great use of this chair-cooler combo, and it’ll be part of many gatherings in the future.

The Bridal Party

Your bridesmaids and groomsmen are your ride-or-die crew, so we know you’ll want to find something they’ll love. Some engaged couples like to go ultra-personal and give each person on their wedding party list an entirely different gift. It’s a great idea for super small bridal parties, but for those groups of 20+, you can find something in “bulk.”

They’ll appreciate whatever you give them, so don’t stress about it! These days you can add customizations like nicknames, astrological signs, and monograms to just about anything. So, when in doubt, go for something utilitarian you know they’ll be able to use, like a customized champagne flute or beer mug. There’s always the jewelry-for-the-wedding-day route as well, but if you head down that road, try to write them each a sincere note to make your gift truly meaningful.

Bloody Mary Gift Set

Bloody Mary groomsmen gift box

Buy on Mouth.com

Help your Bridal Party out by thinking about their morning on the day after your wedding. A hangover kit or this fun Bloody Mary kit sounds like heaven after a wild night of celebrating.

Personalized Yoga Mat

Personalized yoga mat bridesmaid gift

Buy on PersonalizationMall.com

If you’re looking for a wedding gift for bridesmaids who never miss a yoga class, how about new yoga mats? Have them personalized with their names or a cute quote.

Family Members

Your family–parents and grandparents especially–have been your #1 fans since the very beginning. No matter who’s paying for your wedding, it’s essential (and customary) to present both sets of parents and grandparents with a gift. Some couples also include siblings, stepsiblings, stepparents, and anyone else they dub as significant to this list of VIF (Very Important Family). A night out at their favorite restaurant, a monthly service, or a sweet framed favorite photo are all great options, and they’ll feel touched you thought of them with everything else going on.

Get gift inspiration for the mother of the bride, the mother of the groom, the father of the bride, and the father of the groom through these links.

Close Friends and Day-Of Wedding Helpers

Candlelighters, Church Ushers, Ceremony Readers, and guest book attendants tend to either be close friends (that aren’t in your wedding party) or younger cousins, nieces or nephews. If you’re close to your officiant, or you have a friend playing guitar for the ceremony, get something for them as well. A book, a nice bottle of wine, or a small piece of jewelry are all viable choices for anyone who’s a non-vendor playing a special part in your day.

Flower Girls and Ring Bearers

This might be their very first wedding! For any kid under the age of 10, we recommend gifting them something that’ll keep them occupied during “boring” moments of a rehearsal dinner and reception. Think sticker books or crafts (like bracelet makers or coloring kits). You could even put together a fun goodie-bag for them, including parent-approved snacks!

Bloomsbury “I’m a Flower Girl” Activity and Sticker Book

Flower Girl Book

Buy on Amazon.com

Kids love gifts, and parents always appreciate something that will keep them occupied for a few minutes. This interactive activity book helps kiddos to understand what a wedding is all about.

Finally, Gifts for Each Other

With all of the surprises you’re planning for your friends and family (and the gifts you’re most likely receiving from others), don’t forget the most important person of all: your partner. These gifts won’t need extravagance; sweet and simple love notes on a busy wedding day mean the world. Whatever your budget or gift, you can never go wrong by including a secret engraved message to commemorate the day.

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