Intimate Affair
We’ve all been told that good things come in small packages. And when it comes to scaled-down weddings, the charm, elegance and intimacy will make the celebration memorable.
Across the country, smaller weddings are a growing trend. The rise in popularity of smaller weddings may in part be due to the increase in second and third marriages. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, in one in seven marriages, either the bride or groom is marrying again.
The increase in smaller weddings may also be due to the growing cost of hosting a wedding. Fewer guests require less food and other associated costs including linens, alcohol, flowers etc. Yet saving money does not have to mean compromising on your dream affair. In fact, a wedding scaled down in size need not be scaled down in individuality and elegance.
The scaled-down size of your reception may afford the chef the opportunity to stretch his limits. If you are hosting an evening affair, you may wish to offer a wide selection of entrees, including more exotic dishes such as venison, quail or lobster.
Desserts can be more extravagant as well. Do you crave crepes? A Grand Marnier soufflé? How about flambé cherries jubilee? The smaller size of your affair should allow the chef greater freedom to express his creativity.
Caterers and restaurant managers often recommend brunch and lunch time receptions for couples planning a smaller wedding. Many beautiful restaurants will specifically open during off hours to host these affairs, serving elegant Belgian waffles, eggs Benedict and sparkling mimosas by candlelight. Afternoon functions also tend to be less expensive. And for these daytime functions rather than having an open bar, why not try a consumption bar where people are charged based upon what their guests actually drink.
When planning a smaller wedding, consider the following tips for coordinating your intimate affair:
• Choose a site that sets the right tone and fits your needs. Have you always dreamed of being married in a quiet country estate? Does a more contemporary hotel fit your personality? Would you prefer to be married outdoors?
Room size is important as well. The room can’t be too large or people won’t socialize as well. And there should be plenty of parking. Make sure you’re comfortable with the way the facility is decorated. The surroundings will affect how comfortable you feel.
• Work with a caterer that is flexible and receptive -someone that will understand Uncle Morty needs a low sodium meal and Aunt Marcia requires something vegetarian. Menu creativity is important as well, and if you have fewer guests, you can afford to push the envelope a bit. If you are having a brunch buffet, consider a made-to-order omelet station or a raw bar of shrimp, clams, oysters and lobster. Perhaps a sushi station would complement the cocktail hour. Have you always dreamed of caviar and ice sculptures? Maybe an international coffee cart would add a nice touch to dessert.
While such attention to detail can enhance a meal, it’s important that you be certain the main entrees are also delicious...so, ask for a taste! At the time of booking, most properties will offer a free taste testing. If the clients are undecided about a couple of entrees they can come in and try them.
• Ask about the quality of the service. How many servers will there be? What will the ratio of guests to servers be? How experienced is the wait staff? Will the servers wear tuxedos? Do they offer white glove service? French service? And remember, the more experienced the staff is, the more they can handle.
• Make sure the music sets the right tone, because the musicians can make or break the party. If you want a party where everyone is up dancing, the DJ or band is very important. If you would prefer something more low key, a harpist, keyboardist or string quartet can set a very elegant mood. If the room is smaller, consider a band with fewer pieces. An electronic keyboardist can take the place of several other instruments.
Planning a smaller wedding offers many of the same challenges as planning a larger scale wedding. However, smaller weddings also offer the unique opportunity to create an intimate atmosphere. In planning your smaller wedding look for those opportunities each step along the way – from invitations addressed in calligraphy through the detailed reception planning, right down to the personalized thank you notes.