Friday, February 19, 2010

And now presenting...

A Warm Reception's new website is live! Visit http://www.awarmreceptioninc.com to check it out.

We have lots of fabulous new photos from Pamela Price, Darlene DeVita and Paige Brown. The site was designed by the fabulous Paula Cooney. Thank you, Paula, for all your hard work!

Serving the South Shore of Massachusetts, A Warm Reception strives to be great. This fresh, new design is huge toward achieving that end.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Candy buffets

Candy buffets seem to be all the rage these days. I've seen it done well and I've seen it done not so well, so I wanted to go over a few tips so that yours can be spectacular.

First and foremost, think of this as a visual display. Where will you put it so that people know it is there and can easily access it? Maybe your planner can switch over the table that was used for place cards during dinner to create the candy buffet.

What containers will you use? Clear glass is a good choice because it is readily available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and heights. Also, with clear glass, the candy itself can be the color in the display. You can use the shape of the containers or even cardboard boxed covered with a table cloth to add height. Or use a mix of clear glass and ceramic or a metal like silver.

Then have fun with the candy! Choose your favorites, or colors that match your wedding (visit www.candywarehouse.com to shop by color, theme, size or shape of candy). The possibilities here are endless.

From a more practical standpoint, consider how much candy you will need to fill your containers and how guests will get the candy out of the containers. If the container is tall and narrow, a small stainless steel ladle may be your best choice. If the candy is sticky, like gummi bears, perhaps tongs are a better option. If the candies are individually wrapped like bull's eyes or Peppermint Patties, maybe guests can just reach in with their hands.

Finally, what will your guests put the candy in? You can provide plain paper bags (like an old-fashioned penny candy store) or something more in theme like toile printed boxes if that is an element of your decor. This is an aspect where you can really have fun and express your personal style too!

Have your wedding coordinator set out the display and keep it well stocked so that it doesn't look like you're running out. Think of a dinner buffet or stationary hors d'oeuvre: no one wants to see a nearly empty tray. The same goes for your candy. Be sure to purchase enough of each variety to keep the containers at least half full. It's a sweet end to the night and a great take-home!

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Welcome!

I am excited to begin blogging about the exciting business of wedding planning. I've been thinking of all the things I can write about as we launch into the 2010 wedding season. There is so much! Let's start with some great ideas for favors and accessories.

I'm sure you all are familiar with Etsy.com (what an amazing resource!). Check out Dolci Fini. She has great accessories, stationery items and cute bags for favors. And everything is customizable!

This is a gorgeous hair piece made of shimmery organza and lace.



And these bags are great for your candy buffet. (More on candy buffets another time...)

Visit Dolci Fini at http://www.etsy.com/shop/dolcifini