Let’s face it: planning a wedding is tough. Many brides admit that planning their wedding would be much harder if it wasn’t for their bridesmaids. Often your bridesmaids help with logistics and things that just can’t be handled by a single person. So when it comes time to say, “Thank you!” to these lovely ladies – we know you want to pick out special bridesmaids’ gifts. But after the expense of a wedding, adding any other expenses can be a challenge. Here are some of our favorite bridesmaids’ “Thank you” gifts that are thoughtful and won’t have you reaching the top limit on any credit card.

Personalized Makeup Mirror. Many women like to touch up their makeup during the day, and what could be better than a personalized makeup mirror as their bridesmaid’s “Thank you” gift? This is an ideal gift, as they will think of you each time they use it and it is reasonably priced. Best of all, it is personalized with their first name or monogram for a sophisticated and elegant look. Any bridesmaid will appreciate this gift ideal for daytime and evening use.

Birthstone Jewelry. This is a thoughtful gift for your bridesmaids and you’ll find a wide selection of birthstone jewelry to choose from. There is personalized birthstone jewelry and simply birthstone jewelry that features the lovely gemstones on their own. One of the best things about this choice is that each woman will feel special and remembered as “their” birthstone month is uniquely their own. While they are there to share your Big Day, their “Thank you” gift is something that remembers them as unique individuals. You’ll find birthstone jewelry for every budget price and both daytime to evening looks.

Handmade Gift. Now this can be a very special and thoughtful gift if done with care. A handmade gift is best when it is created specifically for the recipient. So you are using their favorite color, their name or initials and including themes or topics that they enjoy. Any ways you can make this special for them or about your friendship/relationship will make this a grand-slam gift. Let’s say you are known for making delicious chocolate pretzels. So you choose to make this as your bridesmaids’ “Thank you” gift. Make this even more special by dipping each bridesmaid’s set of pretzels in their favorite color of sprinkles. And then put them in a pretty re-useable tin or jar. Include a thoughtful note saying how “sweet” they are. You see? Your handmade gift suddenly becomes something uniquely about them.

Plan a Fun/Girly Activity for After Your Honeymoon. This is a great choice especially if your bridesmaids are conveniently located and can all come back together. Treat them to a “Thank you” barbeque, fancy picnic or day at an amusement park. Or go be girly together and take them for manicures and pedicures. The key is to choose activities and themes that they will especially enjoy. Simply remember that this day is not about you as a bride or your getting married but about your friendships and celebrating them.

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Planning a wedding and all that goes into it can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. If you want a traditional wedding you can still keep it simple and less stressful. The key to planning any type of wedding is to be organized. The more people involved in the decisions the more chaotic it will be.

The wedding reception is usually one of the most memorable parts of the wedding.  This is why it’s important that the location and atmosphere of your reception reflect your personality and style.  In deciding on picking a reception place you need to consider how large a reception it’s going to be and your budget restrictions.

Wedding receptions can be held almost anywhere, including hotels, country clubs, and historic buildings with banquet halls.  There are also the options of private gardens, restaurants or some type of outdoor space.  Words of caution, if you are planning something outdoors make sure you check out the weather for that time of year. You should also have a plan in case it does rain. You can be creative with where you have your reception.

Getting the place for your wedding reception is one of the first things you should do after you have set the date. Many places are booked up to a year in advance.  You should always shop around.  The time of year and the place you choose could affect the price dramatically.  You can look for reception halls in your phonebook or search on the Internet for wedding reception halls.  This way you can find out information such as, how large a place is and how many people it will hold. You can look at menu listings and pricing information.

This way you can make a list of ones that you are considering and cross off others that are either too small are not in your budget. Once you’ve narrowed down your list, you can call and set up a time to visit the different places. Make sure that you bring along  a notebook to write down all the information so you can refer to your notes later.

While you are look at the reception halls you can ask about the availability of the place during your wedding date.  When you think you have found the right place make sure you consider whether it is within your  price range. You should be certain that the price you are quoted includes the dinner for the number people you estimate.  Make sure you consider whether the wedding reception hall will adequately fit the number of guests you will be having.

Other information to find out is whether the reception hall requires you to work with their kitchen or with only certain caterers. Make sure you ask if the wedding reception hall charges for the room as well as the food.  There can be many hidden costs so make sure you ask lots of questions such as is there a cake cutting charge.  You also want to ask about any restrictions on how you can decorate the wedding reception hall.

When you have narrowed it down and have found the perfect one; you should book it immediately. Wedding reception halls are often booked more than a year in advance and you will want to make sure it will be available on your wedding day.  You will now be able to have the wedding of your dreams plus you’ll have a wonderful reception.

by Danforth Diamond, experts in engagement rings and wedding rings. Photo by klaxon

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For any couple planning a wedding, a long list of factors comes into play from invitations, music, and even alcohol consumption at the reception. Of course, while the wedding should be a time of vibrancy and life, it is also a time of responsibility, especially when alcohol will be served. The key is providing the right amount of alcohol so guests can enjoy a drink or two but without going so far that drinking becomes a potential problem. One of the best ways to ensure your reception is perfect would be working with a reputable caterer.

Whether you are planning a fancy sit-down dinner or just appetizers, finding the right caterer is essential to a wonderful reception. But where do you find one if you have never thrown a catered party before? There are several places you can look to find caterers in your area.

The Phone Book

You can find the names of caterer’s in your area here. Many have web sites where you can find services and sometimes estimates. But only use this as a starting point. Never hire a caterer without first checking them out.

Friends and Family

Know someone who has hosted a catered event? Ask them who they used, if they liked the caterer, and how much they were charged per person. A satisfied customer is the best referral.

At Work

When your company hosts a catered event, who do they use? If you’ve been to one of their parties you already know if the food is good. Ask the event coordinator for the caterer’s contact information, and what they charge. It’s always possible you can get a discount because you work for the company.

Now that you have a list of possible caterers, it is time to get some quotes. Always get a written quote that spells out each item you want and the estimated cost. You should know by now what kind of reception you want, but it doesn’t hurt to ask about other kinds as well. You may find it more cost effective to have a different type of reception.

Don’t forget to ask questions while getting those quotes. Here are some questions you should ask during the quote meeting.

License and Liability

1. What is your license number?

2. Do you have liability coverage, as well as liquor liability coverage?

All of these protect you from liability should something go wrong during the reception. Hiring an unlicensed caterer is a disaster waiting to happen.

Costs

1. What is the estimated cost per person for my ideal reception?

2. How about my second and third choice?

3. What are some of the additional costs we might incur during the planning stages?

4. Is there a ceiling on anticipated food price increases?

While these costs are all going to be estimated, a good caterer should be able to give you an idea of the final costs.

Staff

1. What is the standard attire for their wait staff?

2. What is the staff-to-guest ratio?

3. If the reception runs late do to unforeseen circumstances, what are the overtime costs?

4. Is extra time even possible, or will there be a job booked after ours?

You don’t want to have your reception manned by an unprofessional wait staff. On the same note, you don’t want to have too few staff taking care of your guests. If there are problems that cause your party to run late, you want to be sure to have the caterer and their staff sticks around for the end.

Food and drink concerns

1. Is there a set menu, or can we pick from different food items?

2. Can your kitchen staff handle special dietary restrictions – allergies, diabetic or kosher menu requirements?

3. How much food will we need for our number of guests?

4. How many bottles of wine and/or champagne will we need for our number of guests?

5. What about non-alcoholic drinks, are those included with the cost of the meal or as a separate item?

6. Do you have refrigeration if the reception is held out doors?

These are basic food and drink questions; no doubt you will have many more event specific questions. Knowing how much food and drink will be needed is the sign of a good caterer. There isn’t a lot of guess work here; experience should dictate the amounts needed.

References

1. Do you have a list of past clients?

2. Is it possible to view the catering of another reception to check food display, wait staff, and service?

3. Can you sample the food on the menu suggested by the caterer?

Some caterers are more than willing to let you see a set up, and watch their staff in action, but it is really up to the customer if that is possible. Do not take it as a sign that they are trying to hide something from you. Some customers aren’t willing to let strangers into their events.

Policy questions

1. Have you worked at my reception site before?

2. Do you set the tables and provide linens? Is there an additional cost for that service?

3. Do you clean up the food and drink, and remove the trash?

4. Will I receive a confirmation letter with the details of my party spelled out?

5. What is the payment policy? Can I pay by check, credit card, or is cash the only option?

6. What is the tipping policy for the wait staff and set up people?

7. What is the minimum number of guests needed? And when do I have to provide the final guest count?

It’s nice to have a confirmation letter, with all the details in it, so you know for sure that everything you discussed with the caterer has been understood. Also having a set date to provide the final count is crucial for both you and your caterer.

A final note. Always check out a caterer with the Better Business Bureau in your area. Most BBB’s are online and checking for problems is quite easy.

Finding the right caterer will make your reception run smoother and make your special day even more special.

Dawn Arkin is a writer who loves to plan and attend weddings. This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.Prye.Com/ which is a site for Wedding Invitations.

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