Reception

Cake Cutting Guide

To cut oval tiers, move in two inches from the outer edge and cut across. Then slice 1-in. pieces of cake. Now move in another 2-in. and slice again until the entire tier is cut.

To cut round tiers, move in two inches from the tiers outer edge; cut a circle and then slice 1-in. pieces within the circle. Now move in another 2-in., cut another circle, slice 1-in. pieces and so on until the tier is completely cut. The center core of each tier and the smaller top tier can be cut into halves, 4ths, 6ths and 8ths depending on size.

Cut petal-shaped tiers similar to round tiers as diagram shows.

Cut hexagon tiers similar to round tiers.

To cut heart-shaped tiers, divide the tiers vertically into halves, quarters, sixths or eighths. Within rows, slice one inch pieces of cake.

To cut square tiers, move in 2-in. from the outer edge and cut across. Then slice 1-in. pieces of cake. Now move in another 2-in. and slice again until the entire tier is cut.

Be sure there are boxes provided for cake top and leftovers.

Alternatives to rice throwing might include doily cones filled with confetti, little bags of bird seed or potpourri, or even bottles of blow-bubbles for a festive touch that everyone can have fun with and is gentle to the environment.

An earth-friendly favor that also serves as a balloon weight, decoration, and centerpiece all in one is a tree seedling. The seedlings are 6-8 inches tall and can be decorated with mylar tissue, curling ribbon or tulle for the perfect party favor that will live for years.

Having a hard time finding a reception hall? More and more couples are choosing locations that match their personalities. Boats, mansions, wineries and museums are among the most popular.

An elegant option for cake cutting music is violins and flutes played in a semi-circle around the newlyweds for a more romantic presentation than The Bride Cuts the Cake.

With the rising awareness of drinking and driving, more families and wedding parties are riding home safely and in style with limousines. Elegant sedan cars instead of limousines may help trim costs to enable more family members the consideration of being provided a safe ride home.

Carriages, vintage cars and Rolls-Royces are popular for couples who want to make a statement on their wedding day.

For receptions, breakaway centerpieces are a thoughtful touch. Individual bud vases, ornaments, or small plants all gathered in one basket can be taken home by guests as a memento.

Help break the ice among guests by having the best man announce at the beginning of the meal that the bride and groom will only kiss when a table or group stands up, singing a verse of a song with the word LOVE in it.

A lighter and more economical option for your bar is a White Bar, with vodka, rum, champagne and wine for the base stock.

Treat your guests with little take-away bags of sweets, cornucopia filled with flowers, or a memento of the occasion.

FYI: With a domestic-brand beer, a half-barrel keg contains 15.5 gallons, while the quarter-barrel contains 7.75 gallons. If you are using a 10-ounce cup, this totals to about 200 cups of beer for a half-barrel, while the quarter-barrel contains about 100 cups. (Imported beer kegs are sized differently, with a half-barrel containing 10.7 gallons. Youll also find that domestic taps may not fit an imported keg.)

An alternative to seating name cards is to number the tables, and provide each guest with a personally addressed envelope that contains their table number. Calligraphy adds an impressive touch, and guests will appreciate being spared the search for their seats.

Make a card of all the married couples at the reception and put in a basket. When people are calling out for a kiss, pull a name out, that couple has to show the new couple how they have to kiss.

Questions to Ask When Visiting a Potential Reception Site

_____ What is the rental fee? What exactly does it include?

_____ What is the maximum attendance the room or area can handle  for a seated dinner, buffet, or hors doeuvre reception?

_____ Is the reception site to be shared with another wedding group? How are the facilities divided? How is privacy ensured?

_____ For how many hours does the rental fee reserve the space? Are there charges for overtime? When do they begin?

_____ Are there any restrictions on when the site is available? Any price discounts for certain time periods, days of the week?

_____ Do you have a piano, other musical instruments on the premises? Is there any charge for use?

_____ Are there any regulations concerning the type of music; number of musicians; duration of the music?

_____ Are there regulations on decorations, flowers, photography?

_____ Do you have air-conditioning (for warm weather weddings)? Adequate heating (for winter and early spring nuptials)?

_____ Do you have an in-house caterer or preferred list of caterers? Can I bring in the caterer of my choice? What are your liquor requirements?

_____ Do you have any liability insurance in the event a guest is injured?

_____ Do you have enclosed, adequate kitchen facilities? (Caterers may add surcharges for appliances  a stove, refrigerator.)

_____ Can the site be used for the ceremony?

_____ Is there a dance floor? Is dancing allowed? Where?

_____ Are there any additional charges for required services (i.e. security guards, parking attendants, doormen, lawn workers, etc.)?

_____ Can you confirm the reservation in a letter that will outline all the details, including the room assignment?

_____ What are the deposit and refund requirements?

_____ Is there adequate parking for my guests? Will they be charged? Can these charges be waived?

_____ Are there rooms available where we can change into wedding attire, going-away clothes?

_____ Do you have a microphone?

_____ Can we review staging, lighting, audio and video needs?

_____ Is there a comfortable area for guests to await our arrival from the ceremony site? Will hors doeuvres, drinks be served?

_____ Where is the best place to set up the receiving line?

_____ What is the name of the banquet manager? Will he or she be on hand that day? If not, who will be in charge?

_____ Is a security deposit required? How much is it? When can I expect a refund?

_____ Do you provide tables? Chairs? What kind  round, oblong, how many to a table?

_____ Do you have a floor plan available for sketching the reception layout? Where will the cake table, gift table, brides table be located?

_____ Are table covers/skirts available? Colors available?

_____ What are the colors of the facility?