Up-and-Coming Trend March 9, 2008

It used to be that the parents of the bride and groom stayed at the reception until the last guest left to thank them for attending. Those days have given way to the upcoming trend of the bride and groom staying until the last guest departs. The reception is an upbeat and energetic party and no one – including the honored couple – wants to leave. The party mood is still strong at 10p or 11p in the evening and more couples are choosing to spend more time with their guests.

The combination of a comfortable atmosphere, good food and close family and friends make for the perfect opportunity for couples to replay the highlights of the wedding day. After the organized events have finished is the perfect time to get caught up on the things that the couple might have missed during the ceremony or reception.

Brides and grooms should ask to see and digital candid shots or video footage taken by their guests. It is fun to see how you looked walking down the aisle or the reactions of your bridal party during your vows. This is also a good time to spend some extra time with those family members and friends who came especially far for your big day.

When the weather is going to be nice, choose a restaurant or after hours hot spot within walking distance of your guests’ hotel. If your are having your reception in a hotel which has a bar on-site, you might be able to negotiate post-reception drink specials for you and your guests. Either way, take full advantage of the time you have with the people who love you most.

Everyone Loves a Favor January 20, 2008

A local favorite: Located in Emporia, the family owned Virginia Favorites, Ltd. is the maker of the best peanuts, jams, ham and more! It is especially great to give your guests a taste of home when they’re coming in from out of town. Send them back with a savory memory.

Hand blown glass: Nothing says the holiday quite like a glass ornament. While the beautiful creations from Kugel House can be hung from anywhere, during any season, the best use is as a tree ornament. No two of their blown glass balls are the same , which makes each one that much more special!

Give them sweets: Not just any chocolate covered favor will do. The delectable treats from The Cookie Batch and Edible Gifts Plus are sure to satisfy even the pickiest sweet tooth. Whether you want a monogrammed white chocolate covered graham cracker or a milk chocolate fortune cookie with sprinkles, you can find it all!

Color matching cocktails: What could be better than having your favors match the color of your wedding?? That is exactly what I was thinking when I stumbled on the colorful Cocktails by Jenn collection of drinks on the Internet Wines & Spirits website. The only colors available are blue, green, red, yellow and brown (for chocolate, of course). Feel free to have some fun with things by mixing red and yellow bottles if one of your colors is orange – or blue and red bottles if one of your colors is purple.