Should you have a Bridesmaids' Luncheon?

You know well about the engagement party, bridal shower, bachelorette party, and rehearsal dinner, but there's one more pre-wedding event your 'maids may want to organize for you: a bridesmaids luncheon! As a totally optional get-together the bridesmaid luncheon can go one of two ways: the bridesmaids host it as a goodbye for the bride, or the bride and her mother host it as a thank you for the bridesmaids. Here, all you need to know about this additional pre-nuptial festivity.

First things first: A bridesmaid luncheon isn't a mandatory wedding event by any means, but it can be a welcome addition. In some circles, bridesmaids host a luncheon for their bride as a pre-wedding sendoff while in others, this is used as an opportunity for the bride to thank her bridal party. No matter whose hosting, this always happens around the wedding date (especially to the benefit of out-of-town girls), and is a great way for everyone to regroup or gather in celebration together. How elaborate this lunch is completely up to the hosts. It can be an elaborate party or it can be a simple get-together. The luncheon isn't even restricted to actual lunch! Some brides and bridesmaids choose to go out for after-work cocktails or spend a spa-day together leading up to the big celebration.

For brides, this also gives them the chance to present their bridesmaids gifts. The morning of your wedding is hectic enough, and a pre-"I do" gathering gives the bride a chance to really thank her girls for sticking by her side and present their individual gifts. Not everyone wants to tack on yet another event to the wedding, but for some, this provides some much needed respite before the storm of the ceremony and reception hits.

8 Tips for Pulling Off the Perfect Engagement Party

The engagement party officially kicks off the wedding festivities and starts the wedding-day countdown. Throw a flawless one by following our nine easy steps.

Decide who's hosting. The bride’s parents traditionally host the engagement party, but the groom’s parents, a friend or even the couple themselves can also throw one. . Also, it's perfectly fine to not have an engagement party at all, or to have two — perhaps in the bride's and groom's hometowns. It should be held within four month of the proposal, but at least six months before the wedding.

Who to invite. It used to be that you weren't supposed to invite anyone to the engagement party whom you weren't inviting to your wedding -- case closed. But now that so many couples live and/or host their nuptials far away from their families and friends, and the formality of engagement parties is evolving, expectations have changed and engagement parties now often include people who aren't invited to the wedding. If your friends want to plan an informal bar party and just email the invites a few weeks before, it's totally fine to include people you aren't sure will end up making the wedding guest list (coworkers, newer friends, college roommates). And if your parents' good friends want to host a cocktail party at their home in your honor, let your parents invite mutual friends and business associates you might not have room for at your wedding.

If, on the other hand, either you two or your parents are hosting, the old rule sticks. When the wedding hosts send the engagement party invitation, it's considered part of the official wedding parties and guests assume they're invited to the wedding too. To avoid a sticky situation later, start working on your wedding guest list now. Then trim the engagement party list down to your bridal party, immediate family and closest friends. Engagement parties are traditionally cocktail parties, and it’s a lot to ask for someone to travel a lot for a party that lasts only a few hours.

Where to Have It. Depending on how many people you want to invite, you can make an engagement party work almost anywhere. It's really up to the hosts. To choose the venue, think about the atmosphere you want: If you like the idea of having everyone in the same room, you might want to rent out a private room at a restaurant or a bar. For something more low-key, a house, backyard or beach club might be a better choice.

Send the invitations. Engraved invitations aren’t really necessary for an engagement parties, but you still want to get the word out. Keep the invitations simple — hand-write them yourselves or send the invite via email. If you decide to go the printed-card route, choose a clean, classic design; don't worry about color palettes or other details — your engagement party invitations don't have to match the rest of your wedding stationery.

Don’t ask for gifts. Between the bridal shower and the wedding, there will be plenty of opportunities for people to give you things. Let the engagement party be a legitimate celebration with no expectations.  Of course, some people will feel obligated to bring you something, and those gifts should be set aside. Don’t open them during the party. You’re not eight years old. No one wants to watch you open presents.

Plan the menu. There's no need to plan a five-course meal with a four-hour open bar. Anything from passed appetizers or tasting menu stations to a family-style buffet or an eat-when-you-want cookout will work. Or get creative and serve up dishes that share something about you. “I had a bride and groom known for having Sunday Mexican dinners, so of course they brought it back with margaritas, mini fish tacos and great guacamole -- it just made sense and was a genuine touch,” says Lee. As for dessert, serve it if you'd like, but it doesn't have to be cake. Consider gourmet ice cream sandwiches, assorted baked goods or seasonal treats like candy apples or cotton candy.

Decide what to wear. Your wardrobe will depend on the setting of the party. Aside from the obvious (don't wear a long, beaded evening gown to a casual backyard bash), keep it simple enough that you don't outdo your wedding day look, but special enough that you'll still stand out. A sundress will work for an outdoor affair, or for a fancier fete, a cocktail dress is a safe bet. And what should your freshly minted fiance wear? While he doesn't have to wear a suit and tie (and certainly not a tux) -- unless the venue calls for it -- he should get as dressed up as you do.

Be sure to thank the party host. It doesn't need to be a grand gesture. It could just be a nice arrangement of flowers or something small but appropriate. They just threw you a party, so gratitude is in order. Even a handwritten note on special stationary goes a long way.

Celebrity Weddings Of 2014

Image Credit: Instagram/KimKardashian

Ah, KimYe! Who could forget the extravagance, the opulence and the madness that was Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's nuptials? It all started in Paris, France, with a private lunch with Valentino, followed by a lavish party (and live concert by Lana del Rey) at the Palace of Versailles. The next morning their entire wedding party - including their 600 guests - were transported to Florence for the ceremony itself. Kim wore a Givenchy Haute Couture gown - a long sleeved, backless, white lace gown - for her third trip down the aisle. Giving her away was her step-father Bruce Jenner, and serenading them Andrea Bocelli. The groom (and their 11-month-old daughter, North) also wore Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci. It all ended with an epic party, plenty of photobooth shots and, of course, fireworks. 

Image Credit: Twitter

The four day-long wedding of George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin took place in Venice and included more than a few parties. George’s close friend and ex-mayor of Rome, Walter Veltroni, officiated the ceremony. The vows themselves were perhaps the most romantic of all: a sunset ceremony at the seven-star Aman Canal Grande Hotel. Naturally, Clooney looked beyond dapper in an Armani suit, and his bride stunned in a classic Oscar de la Renta gown. (Two, in fact, she changed into a Gatsby-inspired, tasselled frock for the reception.) Guest included Matt Damon, Cindy Crawford, Bono, Emily Blunt and American Vogue editor Anna Wintour. Weeks later they hosted another do in the UK - at Danesfield House Hotel and Spa in Marlow-on-Thames, Buckinghamshire - for Amal’s friends and family. 

Angelina Jolie (finally!) married Brad Pitt at an intimate do in their French estate in August. The wedding was planned with, and by, their children, right down to Angelina's dress. The ivory silk gown was designed by Luigi Massi, the master tailor at Atelier Versace, incorporated her children's artwork. The back of her train and veil were covered with colourful drawings made by Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Vivienne, Shiloh and Knox. A bit mad, but totally charming! 

Image Credit: Instagram

Sir Elton John and David Furnish officially wed in December, nine years to the day after they entered into a civil partnership. The couple tied the knot at a romantic ceremony in front of family, friends and more than a few famous faces, including the Beckham family, Elizabeth Hurley, David Walliams and his wife Lara Stone, Ed Sheeran, Hugh Grant, Jimmy Carr, make-up artist Pat McGrath, Burberry boss Christopher Bailey and singer Lulu. The couple were eager to share their happiness, and so shared their pictures via Instagram using #sharethelove. 

Image Credit: Instagram/Beyonce

Ever upping the style stakes, Solange Knowles married her video director boyfriend of five years, Alan Ferguson, in New Orleans this November. The DJ bride wore an Humberto Leon for Kenzo floor-length gown with an attached cape, followed by a killer, plunging, caped Stephane Rolland jumpsuit. The entire Knowles and Carter clan were there - including Beyoncé, Jay Z, and Blue Ivy, whom incidentally was the cutest bridesmaid ever. Solange and Alan said 'I do' at the Marigny Opera House in New Orleans, arriving on white vintage bicycles; the bride's bike basket carrying her bouquet! The night ended in a mild disaster when the blushing bride broke out in hives (all over her face, neck and chest, ek!) but she recovered in time to enjoy the most insta-perfect honeymoon in Brazil. 

Image Credit: Instagram/AshleyTisdale

Former High School Musical star Ashley Tisdale married her beau Christopher French in September. The couple had 100 guests at their wedding at a private estate - including Tisdale's BFF and bridesmaid Vanessa Hudgens. Based on the Instagram snaps the star shared post-nuptials, their do was a rustic chic affair with plenty of fresh foliage and homespun details. 

Image Credit: Jessica Simpson

Three years and two children later, Jessica Simpson has finally married Eric Johnson. The singer and the retired NFL player tied the knot at the San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara, California. Simpson wore a custom-made Carolina Herrera for the occasion. Wedding planner to the stars Mindy Weiss was on-hand to make the do as extravagant and opulent as ever. And grand it was: more than 250 guests watched on as the couple exchanged vows, including Ashlee Simpson and her then-fiancé Evan Ross, Jessica Alba, Cash Warren, CaCee Cobb and Donald Faison. The couple's son, Ace, who just turned one, served as a ring bearer and their daughter, Maxwell, two, walked down the aisle as a flower girl accompanied by Ashlee's 5-year-old son, Bronx.

Image Credit: Twitter/AshleeSimpson

Ashlee Simpson married Evan Ross in September-time, only weeks after he sister's big day. Rather than the opulent, OTT-feel of Jessica's do, Ashlee and Evan chose something more bohemian and relaxed - think huge dream catchers and tents. The bride wore a traditional lace gown, yes, but it had a modern crop top. Her bridesmaids wore long ivory dresses and carried rustic bouquets of white roses, freesias and fern. Topping it all off, the ceremony was officiated by Evan's mum, legendary singer Diana Ross. She also serenaded them at the reception. Lucky things. 

Image Credit: Twitter/KatieCouric

Katie Couric and her financier fiancé John Molner tied the knot at an intimate ceremony in East Hampton, New York in June in front of 50 friends and family. Despite being a small wedding, the couple involved their family as much as possible. Both Molner and Couric's children took part in the readings, while Molner's nieces were flower girls. Couric's youngest daughter sang for the couple, too. 

Image Credit: Instagram/TonyHawk

Rapper Eve married her British Gumball 3000 motor rally CEO beau, Maximillion Cooper, in a seaside ceremony in Ibiza, Spain, in June. The bride wore a stunning Temperley London gown for the nuptials, her hair neatly tied up in a crown plait. Guests included former professional skateboarder Tony Hawk, whom shared this picture of the bride and groom on their wedding day.

Image Credit: Getty Images

Kelly Rowland and Tim Witherspoon married ahead of the arrival of their first child. Their secret do is said to have taken place in May in Costa Rica, attended by family only. Family of course included Kelly's Destiny's Child bandmate Beyoncé and her sister Solange whom were said to be bridesmaids.

5 Tips for choosing a wedding cake

Fantasizing about the perfect cake for your upcoming nuptials? We've got you covered! We asked 20-year cake-designing veteran Joanne Bruno, of Palermo's Bakery in New Jersey, to share her best tips for choosing the wedding cake of your dreams.

CHOOSE A REPUTABLE BAKERY

Brides-to-be should absolutely begin their research online. Visit general wedding sites to obtain real customer feedback from other couples. Then visit the bakery's website to view images of their work. If the photos aren't up-to-date, their work isn't either. You want to work with a bakery with positive feedback from married couples and a wide range of cake offerings.

Next, you should visit the bakery in person and meet with the staff. It's important to walk out of the bakery with an image of the cake — either drawn or rendered via computer — so that there aren't any surprises. If you don't feel comfortable with the bakery staff, you won't be happy with your cake. Most cake specialists have a dedicated staffer and a separate area in which to sit down and review wedding cake design. If the sales associate rushes you or fails to answer basic questions, you should consider going somewhere else.

GIVE YOURSELF ADEQUATE TIME TO PICK A WEDDING CAKE

Three to six months is enough time to plan the cake. Once a bride knows her color scheme and the wedding venue, it's good to get the cake designed and ordered before she enters the 'crunch period,' which is usually the last two months.

MAKE SURE YOU LOVE HOW THE CAKE TASTES

I can't stress this enough: Arrange for a cake tasting before the cake is ordered. If the cake has multiple flavors, taste all of them. Basic flavors like chocolate, strawberry and vanilla will vary depending on how the cake is made, its formulation, its frosting and more. Don't assume — taste!

Also, with regard to taste, avoid the exotic. A good bakery can make vanilla taste amazing. Exotic flavors sometimes alienate guests who don't recognize the flavor.

GET CREATIVE WITH THE DESIGN

The age of the cookie-cutter tiered white wedding cake with a plastic figurine at the top is long gone and, personally, I'm happy to see it go. Many brides bring their color scheme (wedding gown, bridesmaid dresses) into the shop for color coordination. Others are coordinating the jewels they wear on their special day with cake adornments — pearls, diamonds and rubies, for example. If a bride is wearing them, we can replicate the look on a cake.

Also, themed weddings need a themed cake. From outdoor spring weddings to religious ceremonies, any type of wedding can be accommodated with a custom cake.

NEED INSPIRATION? TRY A CAKE TREND

Matching the bride's dress to the cake is a big trend this season. We've matched the ruffle on a bride's dress to the cake. We've also matched specific pieces of heirloom jewelry on the bride to the wedding cake.

We're also seeing a return to classic buttercream frosting — the original style of frosting that looks more realistic and has a richer flavor than modern frostings. As for shapes, ovals are really this season's hottest shift. Round is traditional, square can be a lot of fun, but an oval-shaped cake draws a lot of attention and allows us more room upon which to create.

DON'T MAKE THESE CAKE MISTAKES

There are two cardinal sins of planning a custom wedding cake: The first is waiting until the last minute to design and order a cake. Most bakeries have their custom cakes calendared out weeks in advance. Special ingredients and decorations sometimes need to be ordered and, in some cases, created from scratch, which takes considerable experimentation.

The second mistake is to have too many people providing input. I've seen many brides driven crazy because they involved both sets of parents, friends, cousins, the entire bridesmaid party, etc. When you come to the bakery, keep your entourage down to one or two people at the most. Choosing a cake is about what feels good to you as the bride.

PHOTO BOOTH RENTAL TIPS

The popular trend of having a photo booth at weddings isn't going anywhere just yet. They offer a great way for both the happy couple and the guests to have fun and commemorate the occasion. If you’re thinking of adding a photo booth to your big day, we have some tips to help you choose the right one.

To learn more, we turned to Danielle Nelson from photo booth rental company, Capture POD. "The demand for photo booths at weddings has been growing," she says. "Photo booths offer soon-to-be-wed couples a 3-in-1 solution for photography, entertainment and party favors, and it’s just as much fun for children and seniors as it is for young adults."

There are many different types of photo booths now available for couples to choose from so she shares her top three tips for picking the best one for your nuptial needs.

Get a visual

Many photo booth rental companies don't post pictures of their booths on their websites. Before renting one based only on price, request to see the photo booth in person and test it out before making any commitments, Nelson advises. If you're not able to see the booth in person, then request multiple images, as well as the booth's dimensions.

"Photo booths come in all shapes and sizes. A visual not only allows you to see if the booth matches your wedding's aesthetic, but also lets you see if the booth's size is ideal for your event space," she explains. The Capture POD for example, has curved walls, while other booths may have a boxier shape or be completely open with just a backdrop. Some booths are a solid color while others have text and graphic design.

Consider your guest list

Before deciding on a photo booth for your event, think about who will be at your wedding. Is your crowd younger or older? Will they know how to operate a photo booth? Will small children be tall enough to be photographed?

Nelson suggests asking your photo booth rental company what the start to finish process will be for guests using the photo booth. "Testing the booth prior to the event before booking is highly recommended so that you can experience it for yourself," she says. "A photo booth is no fun if no one knows how to use it."

Add a personal touch

Many photo booths will let you personalize your photo strips. Ask to see the designs that they currently have available and what changes can be made to them, Nelson advises. "Your guests will most likely hang on to their photo strips for a long time, so make sure that your prints look the way you want your big day to be remembered," she says.

She also suggests finding out if your rental package includes props, and if so, whether they can be coordinated with your event. If not, ask your rental company if they would be willing to buy some. Lastly, if your rental only offers a black curtain, ask if you can provide your own background. "This way your photo booths will look and feel more a part of your wedding. Every bride loves her wedding colors."

5 Tips to throw a great bridal shower or bachelorette party

It's one of the few agreed upon duties of being a maid of honor -- you need to throw a party for the bride! Whether it's a traditional bridal shower, a wild bachelorette party or a little bit of both, as a bridesmaid it's your job to give the bride an event she'll remember and treasure. We know that balancing the needs of the bride, her guests, and your pocketbook can be tricky so we have some steps for you to follow to put on a great party.

TALK TO THE BRIDE

You may be thinking of a classy lunch at a country club, the bride may be thinking tequila shots at a bar. Get together with your bride and find out what she has in mind. Ask her if anyone else is throwing a party for her. It may be that a friend of her mother's might want to take the traditional bridal shower while you take care of the girls gone wild night out. It's also important to ask the bride how involved she does or doesn't want to be in planning the event. Most brides have enough on their plate and will be happy to let you take the planning reins, but others have trouble giving up control.

TALK TO YOUR FELLOW BRIDESMAIDS

Although the maid or matron of honor generally takes the lead in planning the shower, the other bridesmaids usually serve as co-hosts. Planning a party with a group can be more difficult then doing it single-handedly, especially if you don't know the other girls all that well. After you've talked to the bride and know what type of event she has in mind, you should talk to the other bridesmaids. If you're all in the same location the meeting should be face-to-face, if not, use IM or a conference call to get everyone together.

SET A BUDGET

As co-hosts, you and the other bridesmaids are responsible for paying for the party. It's likely that you and the other bridesmaids will all have different financial situations. Find out approximately what each host can contribute, and make a budget. Knowing your budget will help you decide if the party should be held in someone's home or at a venue, and what food should be served.

If you're having a night on the town where each girl will be expected to pay for her own dinner and drinks, your hosting budget should go to the transportation and tip. Hiring a limo or other transportation is a great idea for a fun night out but it can put girls who can't afford to contribute, or who need to be home earlier, in a difficult situation. Group transportation should be optional and should be paid for by the party hosts, not the guests. Don't forget to think about the driver's tip when making your budget.

PICK A THEME

If you're having a traditional bridal shower, having a theme can help you organize the event and make decisions about food and decorations easier. It can also help guests decide what gifts to buy.

GET A GUEST LIST, SEND OUT INVITATIONS

Unless the party is a surprise, the guest list is set by the bride. For a bridal shower, the guest list should include her mother and future mother in law as well as any in-town female relatives. Sisters of the groom or other close female relatives should also be invited. Only people who are invited to the wedding should be invited to the shower.

HAVE FUN

All the hard work of planning the bridal shower or bachelorette party boils down to one thing: fun. It's the whole point, so don't hold back.

Cupcake craze

Cupcakes for your wedding are sweet, simple, sophisticated bites of pre-packaged goodness that offer variety, portability and creativity. Try some of these ideas for your wedding.

Grooms' cakes trends

A significant focal point of weddings is the cake. It’s on display, in photos and there are traditions that go along with it like the ceremonial cutting and the bride and groom having the first bite. But it’s often the brides that take responsibility for choosing its color, flavor and theme. Lately though, men are taking more of an active role in their wedding day dessert.

Grooms' cakes: Behind the trend

In recent years, adding a specialized grooms' cake has gained nationwide recognition. Grooms' cakes are an old Southern tradition and I think the concept has just come around again. It's a fun tradition that many couples are finding enjoyable and an extra way to personalize their big event.

Grooms' cakes: Why get one?

Since today’s weddings are typically planned with the bride’s list of must-haves in mind, a special cake for the groom provides a simple way to include the groom in the reception festivities and excitement. It's a fun way to bring a little personality to an event and make your groom feel extra special. Whether the groom-to-be is a travel enthusiast, sports fanatic or aspiring musician, it’s important to recognize special elements of the groom’s personality in a fun and creative way.

Grooms' cakes: Options

Grooms' cakes come in all shapes, flavors and sizes and the possibilities are endless. There are few limitations when it comes to developing grooms' cakes. I’ve created a golf bag, replicated a sports stadium and even designed an armadillo cake. Additionally, since most grooms are unaware of their cake, it’s a great way to add an element of surprise on the wedding day.

Whether or not you get your groom a cake is up to you and whether it fits into your overall vision. If you do opt for a second cake to represent the groom, just have fun with it first and foremost. Choose something that means something special to you.

How to save money on a bar at your wedding

If no one in your family drinks, you've just saved a bunch of money on your wedding reception. For everyone else though, it is expected that some form of alcohol be served - even at a morning wedding.

THINK ABOUT THE BAR EARLY ON

Although decisions about what to serve can come later, you need to at least be aware of issues surrounding a bar when you begin to talk to wedding venues. 

Many venues will require you to purchase extra insurance if you're serving alcohol. Some will include a bar package in your rental price. You will also need to discuss the bar, and who is responsible for serving with your caterer.

ALWAYS HAVE A BARTENDER

Even if your wedding reception site and your caterer allow you to handle the bar any way you wish, you'll want to hire a bartender. A bartender will save you money by pouring appropriate size drinks, and save you headaches by not serving underage or already drunk guests.

GET MARRIED DURING THE DAY

An afternoon or Sunday evening wedding will have less drinking.

CREATE A SIGNATURE DRINK

A signature cocktail, especially one that's heavy on the fruit juice can save you money.

CLOSE THE BAR DURING DINNER

Only serve wine during dinner, and make sure the waiters pour the wine as opposed to leaving it on the table.

CLOSE THE BAR HALF AN HOUR BEFORE THE END OF THE RECEPTION

Close the bar too early and you'll lose guests, but leaving it open until the reception is over not only can cost you money, but it can be unsafe for your driving guests.

Bridal Shower Ideas For a Movie Star Bride

We all know brides-to-be can be divas at times, so why not just embrace it by treating her like the star she wants to be? Without being cheesy, the gray, pink, and blue bridal shower incorporates a number of movie-themed details any celeb-obsessed bride would love. Plus, it's perfect for award season! Read on for how to throw your own Hollywood-ready bridal shower.

For an ice breaker, put a sticker with an actress's name on it on each guest's back, then have everyone ask each other questions to figure out which actress they are.

Glittery blue and pink starbursts jazz up the dessert displays.

This easy and inexpensive project adds a big punch. Order wedding movie posters, pop them in cheap frames, and hang them around the room.

 Take your own paparazzi shots with Polaroids on hand.

Have a popcorn bar station for guests to add their own seasonings. And mini pink boxes make it even cuter.

Remember who's the star! Mini cheesecakes are topped with the bride's first initial.

Personalized cocktail napkins add a sweet touch.

Sangria and pink lemonade are served in keeping with the pink theme.

Keep the foods small and classy — definitely award show worthy.

Fashion trends to influence your wedding cake design

Fashion is a powerful force. It defines generations and bends cultural barriers, and it can even inspire culinary creations. As a cake artist with a background in the fashion industry, the runway is always a source of creative delight for me.

When it comes to wedding cakes, the design of your cake should be as unique and fashionable as your wardrobe, so here are some tips to consider when choosing an on-trend cake:

Look for inspiration

Spend an hour flipping through fashion magazines with your friends. What pops out at you as you go through the pages? Do you love the pops of neon that are so hot right now, or are you more into vintage-inspired designs that feature lace? What about shape — do you like a flowing, feminine design or something more modern and structured? You can apply this same philosophy to choosing a wedding cake design. Clip out a few photos you love (or check some out on Pinterest!) and save them for inspiration.

Find the current trends

Review the current trends. Some of the biggest trends right now are perfect for wedding cake design. For example, ruffles and rhinestones are big on the runway right now, but they are also easily re-created in the cake world as well. Fondant, gum paste and even chocolate are great bases to build up both of these trends in edible forms, and they are as delicious as they are on trend. From glittery accessories made from isomalt, sugar and shimmering disco dust to flowing fabric-like fondant, inspiration can be found in every new cut, color and cloth that walks the runway.

Really go for it

Make it count. Think of your cake as the sweet note of your event, the big hurrah that everyone looks forward to at a party. If it’s your wedding, your cake will often be the focal point of your reception and the main event that everyone looks forward to after dinner. Don’t feel as though you have to hold or downplay your cake design. Make it as fun and glittery as you want — your cake is the one place you can really let your hair down and be unique, so don’t feel you have to tone it down or go with the usual choice. Be unexpected and delightful, just like the fashions on the runway.

Should You Have a Buffet Table?

The first and most obvious reason of having a buffet style dinner at the wedding is the opportunity for all of the guests to choose what they want to eat. This way everyone is happy and he or she can have as much or as little as they want. There can be multiple things for various dietary restrictions as well as a multitude of side dishes for the vegetarian who is tired of getting pasta at every wedding.

But the disadvantage of having the buffet table is that things that are popular will run out. If did not plan ahead for shortages, then you may have guests that did not get what they really wanted to eat. In terms of movement, the buffet table can be tricky. Trying to find ways to serve items without having a large opportunity for spillage will help to avoid any dry cleaning bills.