BLOG HOME REQUEST INFO NEWSLETTER GRANDSTRANDBRIDE.COM EMAIL US

Archive for March, 2009

The Role of Reception Entertainment

Thursday, March 19th, 2009

This article offers a relevant perspective regarding wedding reception entertainment—from an interesting angle! It’s written by Peter Merry, past president of the American Disc Jockey Association and founder of the Wedding Entertainment Directors Guild, and was published in the February/March 2002 issue of Southern California’s Wedding Super Guide

Picture a lavish wedding reception inside a beautiful white tent on the driving range of a country club. When you first enter the tent, you notice the central tent pole going up 40 feet in the air, but then you are immediately captivated by the twinkle lights, tooling, flowers and other decorations that let you know this will be an extravagant evening to remember. The cake is breathtaking, the chairs are covered with white linens, and the candles on the tables are giving off a warm glow. But then you notice that the central tent pole is a neon orange color and is covered with hundreds of surf-wear stickers.

The entertainment you choose for your wedding reception is the central tent pole!

If the entertainment at your wedding reception doesn’t match the impression you have worked so hard to create, it will stand out like a sore thumb. If the central tent pole in the description above were to collapse, all the decorations would be blocked from the view and the pristine atmosphere would be ruined. The same thing can happen if the entertainment you choose for your wedding reception is anything less than professional.

This one choice will have the largest impact on whether your dream wedding reception will become a reality or a nightmare.

Take the time to interview your entertainment provider, whether you choose a band or a disc jockey, and ask them the right questions until you find the one professional you can trust implicitly to provide the level and style of service your wedding reception will require.

Pay attention to the way they treat you. Are they listening to your ideas? Are they taking any time to get to know you? Are they interrupting you? Are they doing all the talking?

Will they take care of your entertainment needs personally? Can they back this up in writing with a money-back guarantee? Can they provide references from former clients to verify this? Can they supply wedding vendor references who have seen them perform multiple times?

Will the music, announcements and entertainment fit the atmosphere you want to create? Will the entertainment provider refer to you as “The Bride & Groom” all evening, or will they use your names when speaking about you to your guests? Do they see their vocal role at your wedding reception as just an announcer or as your spokesperson? Do they understand the difference? How will they help create the mood you have envisioned?

Your wedding reception will be a fabulous day to remember, whether you choose the very best entertainment or just an average entertainment provider. However, if that central tent pole collapses, it will be nearly impossible to repair the damage. Take your time and choose wisely.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Wedding Planning Articles | No Comments »

All About Weddings in Beach Homes

Thursday, March 19th, 2009

Courtesy of Images by Heidi and Anne

Courtesy of Images by Heidi and Anne

By Cheryl Markham, Picture Perfect Events

There are hundreds of wedding and reception venues along the Grand Strand.  One of the more popular is private beach homes.  Some brides looking for a beach house cruise Ocean Drive and spot one they like, while others get online and do their research at vacation rental company web sites.  Either way, you may find the house of your dreams. 

 

 

 

Keep in mind that not all rental homes allow large parties or weddings. Always check with vacation rental companies and ask about specific homes that allow weddings and receptions.  Here are some additional tips for making your vacation home event a great experience.

IT NEVER HURTS TO ASK – Most Grand Strand rental companies have a “no house party” policy.  However, if you have a specific home in mind, ask the rental company for specific permission from the homeowner.  Explain why you want the house and what measures you will take to ensure the safety of everyone and the contents of the house.  Offer to pay an extra security deposit if needed if you really want a particular location.

CHOOSE DATES OUT OF HIGH SEASON – A good rule of thumb for getting the house you want at a better price is to choose a date that is not in the middle of the busy vacation season.  For Myrtle Beach those dates are May 15 through Labor Day.  All rental terms during the high season are one week. If you plan your wedding prior to May 15 or after Labor Day, chances for a weekend of shorter rental term without the added the expense of extra days are greater.  Be open and flexible to moving the date for these reasons.

IT MAY BE MORE EXPENSIVE THAN YOU THINK – Keep in mind that a beach home wedding and reception involves extra expense.  You may have to rent chairs, tables, linens, dishes, dance floor, tent, extra lighting and more.  Your caterer  may charge an additional fee to cover the extra work involved in set up and break down of food and beverage at a beach home.

LOOK FOR THE LITTLE DETAILS – Does the home have a large landscaped area or easy access to the beach for the ceremony? Is there a perfect setting for the cake?   Will the home accommodate your guests in the event of inclement weather?  Is the kitchen removed from the main traffic areas so the caterer can work without being seen?  Do the floor plan and furnishings provide flexibility for arrangement? Is there room for a dance floor? 

Most importantly, find the home of your dreams and make it yours for a spectacular wedding!

 

 

 

 

Tags:
Posted in Wedding Planning Articles | No Comments »

Drive-To Destination Weddings Make Sense in Tough Economic Times

Thursday, March 19th, 2009

By Eric Hause, Grand Strand Bride Magazine

ccphoto1-300x240We all know that it’s impossible to put a price tag on love, but many are trying. And believe it or not, couples are looking at destination weddings as a way to economize and yet still have the wedding of their dreams.

Many brides think of a destination wedding as cost prohibitive, but the truth of the matter is that they can cost less than traditional weddings. This may be advantageous to brides and grooms who are feeling the effects of today’s economic crunch.

For example, in 2008, the average traditional wedding cost $27,000, while the average destination wedding cost $16,500.

While exotic destinations abroad continue to be popular destination wedding sites, many brides today are looking for that same ambiance closer to home for less.  South Carolina’s Grand Strand is the ideal location for a spectacular destination wedding during the economic squeeze.

Here’s why:

Destination weddings automatically mean a smaller guest list. While brides planning traditional weddings often feel obligated to invite everyone in town, destination brides often limit their guests list to family and only closest friends. The size of the average traditional wedding is 165 guests, while Grand Strand destination weddings average 75 to 100 guests.

Destination weddings are often combined with the honeymoon. The wonderful advantage of having your wedding in a distant location is that the wedding and honeymoon can often be combined into one vacation. For example, by renting a Grand Strand vacation home for one week, brides can hold their wedding and reception on Saturday, then enjoy a quiet week at the beach through the following Saturday.

Destination weddings are not bound by traditional wedding conventions. A Grand Strand wedding can be an informal affair, offering flexibility with your wedding gown and some of the other traditional wedding accoutrements that add up. For that reason, a Grand Strand destination wedding is a popular alternative for second weddings, vow renewals, or those who prefer less tradition

Travel costs need not be prohibitive. Most Grand Strand destination brides and their wedding parties live within driving distance of the beach, which cuts out flight and other exorbitant travel costs. In addition, by planning a weekday or off–season wedding, you and your wedding guests can take advantage of lower lodging rates.

South Carolina’s Grand Strand is an exciting wedding destination. The Grand Strand has gained a reputation as one of the most popular wedding destinations on the East Coast. Miles of unspoiled beaches, luxurious vacation homes and resorts, talented wedding professionals, and a wealth of natural beauty have captured the hearts of thousands of couples who come here to be married each year. Plus, there’s plenty to do for your wedding party from museums and charter fishing to golf or just enjoying the beach.

Tags:
Posted in About the Grand Strand | No Comments »

Geesh, PARENTS…who knew they would be so hard to raise!

Thursday, March 19th, 2009

By Jan Connell, Ripley’s Aquarium

During these days of Mom, Dad, stepdad, bonus Mom…well, you get the picture, tradition is not as clearly defined as it has been for previous generations.

Whether your biological parents and stepparents are on friendly terms or well, not so friendly terms it’s helpful for the bridal couple to arrange a time for the entire family to meet on neutral ground to discuss the upcoming wedding plans. A good time to schedule this meeting is shortly after the engagement has been announced and a favorite local restaurant serves as a good venue.

The purpose of the meeting is not only to celebrate the upcoming wedding but to discuss the expectations and plans of the bride and groom. Prior to this meeting the bride and groom should have a written plan of the type of wedding they desire, approximate number of guests, possible locations, number of attendants and a preliminary budget. This meeting is even more important if the bridal couple will be dealing with parents who are still angry or hostile over a bitter divorce. Prewedding tact and diplomacy will go a long way toward ensuring the wedding of your dreams is not spoiled by family tension.

Do not allow yourself to be placed in the middle or feel guilty and it is not unreasonable to ask your parents to set their angry feelings aside for one day. This meeting will also serve as a gentle reminder that your upcoming wedding is only the first of many shared joyous family occasions in the future.

Posted in Wedding Planning Articles | No Comments »