An "Appetizing" Up and Coming Reception Trend!

Recent reports show that appetizer only menus are becoming more and more popular in the special event world.  Hotel caterers say that the demand for appetizer-based menus have doubled over the past two years due to the heightening number of cocktail-styled receptions.

Instead of having plated dinners and buffets with options of proteins, vegetables and starches, the trend is now to combine the three of these into one scrumptious and easily edible creation.  Brent Duncan, director of catering and conference services for the Four Seasons Westlake Village in Westlake Village California, says, "Variety and presentation are keys to the success of an all-apps reception".

Some brides planning their wedding are concerned that their guests won't be satisfied with anything less than steak and two sides.  Most often, brides assume that a full plated dinner is mandatory for their wedding.  Well, it's not!  I'm sure if you ask your grandparents, more than half of them would attest that at the weddings they attended, they were served cake and punch.  Crazy, right?!  It's only recently that full dinners have become such a staple in our wedding traditions. 

 That being said, a cocktail-style reception will be perfectly adequate for your guests.  The sociable environment will be an interesting change, as opposed to the sit-down dinners they're used to.  Take a look at these delicious options for your hors 'd'oeuvre menu!

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Nashville Event Planning

Alicia & Kenny's Enchanting Wedding

Alicia and Kenny were married on May 11, 2013.  The ceremony and reception took place at a private farm in White House, TN.  The guests enjoyed a scenic walk beside a field to the ceremony, which was located behind the farm.  The two exchanged vows in what looked like an enchanted forest. We decorated the isle with lanterns on the ground and mason jars with baby's breath hung on shepherd's hooks.  We hung a white ribbon wall behind where the couple was to stand.  

The reception overlooked the farm and breathtaking pastures.  We decorated the space with cream and lilac accents and added bottles, mason jars and wood rounds for a vintage look. Baby's breath, greenery and homegrown snowball bush flowers added to the home-sweet-home, nature feel.  Lanterns were hung throughout the outdoor space for extra lighting and decoration.  We had a blast designing and planning this gorgeous countryside wedding!  

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Carver!

Thank you to the following vendors for making this special day happen: 

Wedding dress and Tuxedos: Bridal Warehouse designer Allure

Photography: Zach and Sarah Photography

Cake: Covered with Icing

Florist: Here Comes the Bride

Event Planning and design: Nashville Event Planning

Hair and Make-Up: Eye Candy Salon

Catering: Bacon and Caviar BBQ

Band: Hackensaw Boys

Tent: Music City Tents 

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Nashville Event Planning

Bail USA Conference 2013

Bail USA called Nashville Event Planning and wanted us to give them the Nashville experience for their conference, so that's what we did!

For Sunday, April 21, we planned a team building event for them at the Sound Kitchen in Nashville.  We broke the bunch up into three groups and then had a song writer assist each group in writing a song about their company.  Then the groups preformed and recorded their songs.  Later that night, we held them a private dinner at the Wild Horse Saloon.  They enjoyed live music and line dancing lessons that we had set up for them.

On Tuesday night, April 23, we had a great time decorating the banquet room at the Marriott in downtown Nashville for their banquet dinner. We decorated it with country elegance! The entertainment we booked to perform was Amber Hayes Band and they were a big hit!  Later we played the songs that the groups had written on Sunday and gave out 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes.

         

            

               

Planner - Nashville Event Planning

Decor - Nashville Event Planning

Hotel - Marriott Downtown Vanderbilt

Band - Amber Hayes

Client Dinner - WildHorse Saloon

Team Building - Sound Kitchen

Transportation - Fadds Party Bus

Earth Day Inspiration

With Earth Day coming up I was inspired to write another blog with eco-friendly ideas to help you turn your wedding green. 

Base your menu on what's in season.  Ask your caterer about using locally grown, organic foods paired with an organic wine.

Use tree-free or recycled paper and soy based ink for your invitations.  

Personalized kraft paper envelopes with plant seeds for guest to take home. 

Using all natural plants for bridal bouquet.

As an alternative for lighting, you could use lanterns with soy candles or ask your vendor about LED lights. 

We would love to meet with you and figure out how we can help you save money and the earth! 

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Nashville Event Planning

Spring has sprung!

Now that spring is finally here, there is inspiration blooming all around.  It's that time of the year for bright colors,  flowing fabrics and touches of nature.  Check out these ideas for your spring event:

While bright color schemes aren't a spring "must"(neutral tones also complement the fresh season), they do offer a brighter WOW factor, rather than a subtle elegance.

Whether you go bright and powerful or subtle and soft, yellow is most definitely 

a spring hue.

Let the groomsmen mix and match tie colors and patterns. It gives neutral colors a great pop of color.

A light fabric like chiffon or these sheer overlay dresses would be both beautiful and comfortable.

Something as simple as fresh fruits in your centerpieces could instantly brighten up the scenery and give it a spring vibe.  Not to mention, it's very cost effective!

Now for some outdoor springtime wedding and event tips:

- Brace yourself for drastic weather changes.  If you're familiar with the weather in Nashville, then this should need no explanation.  In case of rain, be prepared with a tent and possibly even carpeting so guests aren't squish squashing through the mud.  Having some umbrellas on hand for the guests to make their way to and from cars would be wise also.  For heat, consider having your programs printed on fans; cute and effective.

- Keep pesky bugs in mind.  You could set out cans of bug spray, repellent towelettes, incenses or even

torches.

-Be considerate of allergies.  Spring is prime time allergy season.  That being said, keep everyone's sniffles under control by customizing travel packs of tissues as your wedding favors.  You could also write notes on your save the dates or invitations letting guests know that the event will be taking place outside so they can take the necessary precautions.  I'm sure they will greatly appreciate it!

-Beware of prom!  Since prom is usually during spring, handle booking your limousine and finding any tuxedos early to avoid any mishaps. 

-When planning your menu, you can't go wrong with fresh, in-season fruits and veggies!  Carrot cake would be a nice touch as well.  What a yummy way to welcome spring and your new "I do's"!

With these ideas and tips, your will be well on your way to making your spring event a hit!

Live, Laugh, Love

Nashville Event Planning