Congratulations to all the new Brides-to-be

Did you know that a majority of engagements take place at Christmas and Valentines day? Which makes the first of the year the kick off for the planning season. So off we go.

The last few years I have been focused on publishing my book Frugally Fabulous Wedding Receptions and I am looking forward to having more time to devote to providing information that will help brides have memorable receptions that are elegent, well planned and as economical as possible.

As we move further into the planning season I will be scouring resources for information to pass along to help achieve this goal. I also encourage you to comment with money saving ideas you have come across, questions, or subjects you would like addressed in future posts.

I have been associated with a "Wedding Library" locally and what I have observed is that there seems to be a greater chasm between moderate economical weddings and the over-the-top wedding spectaculars, than in previous years when the economy was stable. I network with several wedding planners and, while one was focused on helping her clients have a memoral event within a set budget, the other calls herself an Event Coordinator and wouldn't accept a client unless they had what I consider a extravgant amount of money to spend on creating a specific theme and atmosphere for their reception. One got the impression that the reception wasn't about celebrating two lives joining together, but was more about the "show". Maybe because I am of a different generation this seems foreign to me. So, perhaps the first step in your planning process is for you and your fiance to determine what mood you want to set for your reception. Assuming it is about celebrating the joining together of your lives, what environment appeals to the two of you? Ultra formal, relaxed formal, casual, ultra casual? Or a mix?

I have helped my clients with weddings that fit in all of these catagories and have discovered several things that I think make a reception a sucess for everyone involved The 1st key is that the reception be well planned so the weddng party and the families are as relaxed as possible. If the core group is relaxed and enjoying themselves, the guests will pick up on that. The 2nd key is timing combined with the appropriate music, whether a professional DJ is present or not - more about that in a future blog. Having the reception on a time schedule further reduces the stress because there is a sense of order. And the 3rd is good food. Which does not necessarily mean ultra extravagant, exotic and expensive. With so many people eating on the run, ordering to go, or popping something out of the freezer into the microwave, foods that are unique -but still have a home made quality - seem to be very appreciated. I have one sauce recipe for ham that has 5 ingredients, takes 3 mintues to prepare and has gotten me numerous marriage proposals! I think the key is that the sauce has a unquie quality which enhances the flavor of the ham, provides eye appeal - but most importantly - the guests have never ordered it off of a restaurant menu. So, perhaps instead of spending thousands to put on an Event, you can achieve the effect you desire in other, more memorable ways - which will be explored in future blogs. Also watch for new recipes modified for larger servings and lots of money saving tips.

Have a safe and happy New Year.
Gail