Tag Archives: reception

By Rebecca Barnes, Publisher of Brides & Weddings Signup for Bridal Buzz newsletter A wedding is a beautiful occasion where two people come together to celebrate their love and commitment to each other. It’s a day filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories. One of the most important aspects of a wedding is the speeches and toasts. They offer the couple, their families, and their friends an opportunity to express their love and support. If you’re struggling to come up with speech and toast ideas for a wedding, don’t worry. Here are some tips to help you create a memorable speech or toast that will be cherished for years. Speech Ideas for the Bride and Groom Thank Your Guests Start by thanking your guests for being a part of your special day. You can express gratitude for their support, love, …

By Lisa Beth Miller Someone asked me this week if it was acceptable for a bride to completely change her look for the reception celebration. I answered with a definite “Yes!” Once all of the formal group pictures are taken, it is completely acceptable to switch looks for the reception! Here are a few ideas: The bride could, of course, change from her long gown to a shorter, edgier dress that is easier to wear while dancing. A whole new dress is not mandatory, but for some brides, it is a fun idea! I definitely recommend keeping dress #2 in the white or ivory color family in order to stay visible throughout the event. Also, keep the second dress choice classy and appropriate. Just because there is dancing at the reception does not mean the bride should put on her …

By Lisa Beth Miller Sponsored by Hylton Performing Arts Center Looking for the perfect venue to host your upcoming wedding or event? Look no further than the fabulous Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas, Virginia. We chatted with Susan Landess, the Sales & Community Relations Manager at Hylton, about this incredible venue and its many possibilities. “The Hylton Performing Arts Center is a stunning, architecturally designed building containing multiple venues for events and performances.  Event spaces include everything from the Didlake Grand Foyer, our main lobby with two story window wall and art gallery on the second floor, to the intimate Lovey Hammell Lounge with private service kitchen and restroom. In between, we have a variety of different styled and sized spaces.  In the new Education and Rehearsal Wing that just opened before COVID, we have two more stunning spaces – …

By Amy Falkofske Sponsored by Catering by Uptown Catering by Uptown is not only a caterer, but a full-service wedding planning business. You’ll be in good hands with Catering by Uptown’s team of five wedding planners, whether you’re looking for a small casual wedding or a large elegant wedding. With Catering by Uptown, you also have seven different venues to choose from in Maryland, D.C. and Virginia. Before the Big Day You’ll first meet with a member of the sales team, who will set up a virtual tour at the venue of your choice. They will assist you in writing up a proposal and coming up with a package that meets your needs and your vision for your special day. Once that’s all set, you’ll start to work with the planning team. Catering by Uptown’s planning team is like a …

By Michael Evans Putting together a great wedding doesn’t happen by accident. It takes careful planning and the enlistment of talented event professionals. Use the following tips to help plan your perfect day. Take some time and visualize your event: close your eyes and walk through it in as much detail as you can, from start to finish. This takes a little time, but you’ll find that it enhances creativity and helps you anticipate and avoid problems. Your site sets the tone for the experience: make sure your site fits the guest list — don’t try to squeeze too many people into the venue. And don’t pick a huge site that will make a small gathering feel uncomfortable. And remember, you’re not just choosing a site for an event — you’re also choosing a backdrop for your wedding photos. Be clear about your reception’s purpose: This helps you create the right setting, mood and format. For example, if …