7 minute read
Your Restaurant for the Reception
7 Ways to Wow
Your Guests
Advertisement
1. Choose a wow factor venue!
Consider all the various ways you hope guests will experience the day. The property will dictate what guests see, feel, smell, touch, sometimes taste, and experience. Will they be comfortable in all temperatures? Are there ample restrooms for the headcount? Are the restrooms up to the standards you expect for the type of event you are having? Is there natural light for photos?
2. Offer a welcome beverage before the ceremony or immediately following, before the guests line up in a bar line for a drink or a bathroom break.
This will be such a pleasant surprise for them and really elevate their experience. It will significantly support the bartending team as well. They are extremely busy in the hour that follows the ceremony so serving a welcome beverage is an incredible support to the service team.
3. Provide transportation for as many guests as the budget allows, especially for those who have traveled out of town and are unfamiliar with the area.
If heavy drinking is expected, shuttle that group as well, especially at the end of the night. The safety of the guests is of the upmost importance, and since the COVID pandemic, ride services like UBER and LYFT can be unreliable. Many of the incredible venues are in more rural locations where it is harder to get a taxi or on call vehicle service. Charted transportation is the way to plan!
4. If it fits your venue, consider doing a ceremony/cocktail hour/dinner/dancing all at one facility, or without guests having to drive between sites.
The shuffling between various locations can add so much stress and unexpected issues such as travel delays, traffic jams, and parking headaches. If important relatives are stuck in traffic, you will not want to continue the event without them, and it will affect the entire wedding day timeline and ultimately detract from the celebration timeframe.
Stephanie Jenkins Photography
Bonus tip: Select an attractive bookcase or display and have the florist do a little styling. Perfect for the photo album! 5. Create a budget.
It’s always better to invite the amount you can afford to “host well”, rather than a massive number of attendees because you feel obligated. Being a guest at a wedding is such a treat, make decisions that help the guests feel special and cared for. It’s better to host 80 very well than 180 in an inadequate way.
6. Serve late night food!
So much of the take away from the memorable guest experience will be related to how they feel when they leave. If their tummies are full – they will remember your event fondly. Reception food choices can be fun and should reflect your personality! Popsicles, ice cream sandwiches, chicken and waffles, gelato, cheese sticks, a pretzel bar – you name it, the options are endless! Choose something fun and unique for a memorable wow feature.
7. Hire the best event planner you can afford.
This will buy the best peace of mind you will need to be able to relax and enjoy the weekend of the event. If you’ve engaged with a seasoned professional, they will be able to guide and lead the process to a successful event. The guests will notice how smoothly everything runs and how relaxed you and the family are. Many families say that a skilled event planning team is one of the best investments of their wedding weekend!
Kim Moody is a Proprietress and Director of Events at The Estate At River Run, the area’s newest luxury venue in Goochland. Kim is also the Lead Wedding Planner at the award-winning Kim Moody Design™, a multi-planner design studio (since 2004!) that offers services exclusively to clients at The Estate at River Run. Learn more at TheEstateAtRiverRun.com
804-740-6301 12379 Gayton Rd Richmond, VA 23238
SCAN TO SEE MORE FEATURED WEDDINGS ON OUR BLOG!
The “To Do’s” Before the “I Do’s”
Rentals – The Forgotten Checklist
By The Sales Team at Party Perfect
Depending on where your reception is taking place, rentals may play an integral part in making sure you and your guests have a fantastic experience. Plates, glassware, utensils, tables, and chairs are among the most common items needed, but there are several other things to consider when making sure nothing is forgotten, especially if you are renting a tent. Ask yourself these questions and get your vendors involved to make sure everything is covered.
❑ Do you need electrical power?
If you are having a beautiful outdoor wedding under a tent, you will likely need additional power sources. Many vendors will require it. *TIP – Look into generator rentals.
❑ Do you have enough catering equipment?
Check with your venue, caterer, or food provider to see what is included. You can always rent or buy additional items such as tables, linens, chafing dishes, serving utensils, beverage items, etc. *TIP – Prepare for more than you think you need.
❑ Water and trash – Did you remember these essentials?
Do you have access to either of these onsite or by your caterer/ bartender? If not, then you can rent both! *TIP – Look into water station rentals and trash bins with extra liners.
❑ When you got to go, you got to go! Where is the restroom?
Do you have access to restrooms, or do you need additional restroom facilities? *TIP – Consider portable restroom trailers for outdoor weddings. They’re actually very nice! ❑ Do you have guests with special accommodations attending your wedding?
Take into consideration your guests with dietary restrictions, handicapped accommodations, or even elderly family members. *TIP – Talk to your food provider, pay attention to parking and terrain the venue, and provide your loved ones with a comfortable chair to enjoy the evening with you. ❑ Where will everyone park?
Make sure there is ample parking for all guests. *TIP – Do you need additional lighting for the parking lot? Rental companies can help!
There are so many beautiful and affordable tent rental styles to choose from these days. Here are a few questions to answer and considerations to make:
❑ If you are renting a tent, is the ground primarily a firm flat area?
❑ Is the location easily accessible for delivery and pickup with a large truck? ❑ When can the rental company deliver and install as well as pick up and break down? ❑ Will a venue contact, or coordinator be onsite during setup and breakdown? ❑ Do you need a catering/food prep tent? ❑ Do you have any gas, water, or sewer lines in the yard? Make sure to call the utility company if you are at a private residence. ❑ Do you need a permit? Make sure you have them for ABC and any tents over 900 sq. ft.
MJ Mendoza Photography
We know that navigating your way through rentals can be a daunting task, but local rental agents are here to help! Reach out to one today and let them guide you through the process so you can focus other aspects of the planning.
rentals
You’ve booked your venue, now it’s time to fill the space. Rentals, amongst other things, are essential! Have you ever shown up to an empty wedding? No! In this section we share everything you need to know about finding the perfect lighting, tables, chairs, and more to bring your wedding to life!
wedding countdown
4-6 MONTHS Carefully choose & reserve rental items
attire
It's time to talk about what you're going to wear! Together with our tips, we'll help you find the perfect attire for you and your sweetheart.
wedding countdown
10-12 MONTHS Choose wedding party attire
