Top 5 Tips for a Fun Wedding Reception
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Reception Ideas, Wedding Resources
Wedding guests dancing the night away!
The knot.com recently shared fun tips for wedding receptions, so I thought I would adapt a few of theirs and add our own Something 2 Dance 2 spin on how you can have a fun wedding reception.
Be Creative with your First Dance! Your first dance is a great opportunity to “set the tone” for your wedding reception. Don’t feel that you have to dance to a traditional slow song. If you love to swing dance, select a jazzy version of a classic. Or feel free to bust a move after you have danced to a few minutes of a slow song. This will be a fun and welcome surprise for your guests.
Plan Interactive Food Stations! Great food makes great celebrations, but customizable and creative food choices are even better. A mashed potato bar, made to order pasta, or grilled cheese stations where people can choose their own toppings and sauces will leave you with happy, well-fed guests ready to have a good time.
Play Danceable Music! If you want to keep the dance floor packed, plan a playlist of songs that will please the crowd, not just you two. Remember, you will have guests at your wedding ranging from age 8 to 89! You may love obscure rap music, but now isn’t the time to show off your discerning taste in music. People love dancing to Lady Gaga, Black Eyed Peas, and Madonna–so let them!
Give out Party Favors! Don’t forget that a reception is a party! Let your guests know that is ok to let loose after a formal ceremony by handing out fun party favors at your reception. Our clients enjoy glow necklaces, hats for the guys and feather boas for the girls. It also makes for great photos on the dance floor!
Late Night Snacks! If you want to ensure an all-night crowd arrange for your caterer to bring out trays of late-night snacks like Gene & Jude’s Hot Dogs, cheeseburgers and fries, mini pizzas, mac & cheese or warm donuts. If you stick with yummy comfort foods your guests will wish the party would never end! One of our favorite events had a Cupcake Truck waiting outside as guests were leaving..a perfect way to end a party! I recently ran into a bride who was married in 2009, and she told me her friends still comment on how much they enjoyed having cheeseburgers and fries at her reception!
A Cupcake Truck waiting for guests as they leave your wedding reception.
Tags: Colin Lyons Photography, Gene & Judes, knot.com, More Cupcakes, Something 2 Dance 2
The Chicago Cupcake Invasion!
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Reception Ideas, Wedding Resources
Line around the corner at Sprinkles Cupcakes
Banana & Coconut Cupcakes from Sprinkles
The cupcake invasion has hit Chicago and our Brides are loving the idea of serving cupcakes at their wedding. I am a long time cupcake fan, having been bitten by the “cupcake bug” over 10 years ago when I was introduced to Magnolia Bakery in New York City. There are limitless possibilities with cupcakes…flavors, colors, frostings and yes, even fillings.
This year alone Chicago has seen the openings of Sprinkles Cupcakes (a new favorite of mine), Crumbs Bake Shop (another NYC transplant), More Cupcakes (the salted caramel is amazing and they even have a mobile cupcake truck), and in just a few months the rumored opening of Magnolia Bakery on Block 37. So what’s a Bride to do with all of these choices? What else…go on a cupcake crawl with your bridal party and taste, taste, taste! At least that’s what I would do.
If you are having a traditional wedding, go for the classic vanilla cupcake with creamy buttercream frosting and maybe a simple sugar flower on top. Does your wedding have a vintage theme? A beautiful red velvet cupcake with cream cheese frosting will definitely set the tone. Bucking tradition on your wedding day? Go for a modern twist, like peanut butter cupcakes with raspberry jelly filling. And if you are planning a winter wonderland themed wedding, coconut cupcakes with snow-white coconut frosting would be perfect.
With so many flavor combinations you will certainly find the perfect cupcake to fit your perfect day. And by the way, if you need a taste tester, I’m your girl!
Our first of many classic vanilla cupcakes at Magnolia Bakery in New York City
Tags: Block 37, Crumbs Bakeshop, Magnolia Bakery, More Cupcakes, Sprinkles Cupcakes
Wish Upon a Wedding Blissful Wishes Ball raises $35K
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under News and Updates
Blissful Wishes Ball at Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel
On Monday November 1, Wish Upon A Wedding held their First Annual Blissful Wishes Ball at the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel in Chicago. Jay and I along with over 250 wedding vendors attended this amazing event which raised $35,000 to help provide weddings and vow renewals for couples facing terminal illness. The Chicago Chapter has granted 3 Wedding Wishes this year with the help of generous wedding professionals throughout Chicagoland.
Chapter President, Ali Phillips and her team coordinated a beautiful event. Attendees were treated to a delicious dinner (including wedding cake from Sarah’s Pastries), silent and live auctions, dancing, and a special treat at the end of the night was provided by More Cupcakes Mobile Truck. I am still thinking about the Salted Caramel Cupcake I enjoyed!
There are many ways to become involved in this wonderful organization. If you are a wedding professional you can become a Wish Granter or a volunteer. If you are a Bride-to-Be, you can make a donation at your wedding on behalf of your guests in lieu of a traditional favor. Visit www.wishuponawedding.org and find out how you can help make wedding wishes come true.
Tamara & Jay Sims at Blissful Wishes Ball
MORE Cupcake Truck at Blissful Wishes Ball
Tags: Ali Phillips, Knickerbocker Hotel, More Cupcakes, Sarah's Pastries, Wish Upon A Wedding
