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Archive for the ‘Reception’ Category

Escort cards vs table plan

It’s a good idea to have a seating plan at your wedding- especially if your guest list is over 15. Many couples stress about the seating plan as they’re afraid they might upset family and friends. As long as everyone gets a seat, no real disasters are likely to occur.  The seating plan should be finalised when you submit final numbers to your caterer however, the reality is that seating plans will not be completely finalised until the actual wedding day. Guests fall ill, unexpected guests show and Uncle Joe insists on sitting at table 8.

You may have heard or seen the words “Escort Cards” thrown around but what exactly are these and what’s the difference between Escort Cards and Table Plans?  The escort card is a more modern approach to assigning a table to your guests, the trend starting in American weddings. These are generally handed out at the cocktail reception and assign guests to a specific table for the meal. Once they find their table they will have a place card and seat waiting for them. Escort cards are a great ice breaker as guests tend to walk around with a card in hand asking other guests what table they’re sitting at! They make beautiful decorations as well- see below.

escort cards vs table plan
Flourish Event Design

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Event lighting

Event lighting is the true mood setter for any event. A well thought out lighting plan can re-create the room and change the entire ambiance. You have many lighting choices when it comes to lighting your venue so it’s best to work with a lighting professional as they’ll have the expertise and technical know-how. Event lighting can take you back into time, it can take you into the future, it can create any type of atmosphere you may wish to achieve. It’s a very important element to a big celebration and one that shouldn’t be overlooked.. You may wish to have your guests enter the venue through a tunnel of fairy lights leading to the grand ballroom or you may wish to have amber lit walls for a magical evening.  Your dance floor can have a customised stencil with your monogram lit in the centre, also known as a gobo. Lighting options are endless, so speak to the experts!

event lighting in london
Preston Bailey
event lighting london
source unknown
wedding lighting
JW Marriott
event lighting
Darin Fong

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3 Top Tips for First Dance

The first dance is one of the wedding memories you’ll never forget. Five years after my own wedding, I can still remember every moment from my first dance to Alison Krauss’ song, “When you say nothing at all”.  Below are three top tips for a memorable first dance:

1) Make it meaningful. Almost every couple has a song that makes them think of one another. If the song is suitable for a first dance, give it a shot as after all the first dance is for the two of you, not for your guests.

2) Listen to the lyrics. It’s important to listen to the lyrics in a song before making the decision on your first dance. Some songs seem sentimental and romantic but the lyrics portray a different image.

3) Don’t stop dancing. If you have a rehearsed dance routine that doesn’t go to plan on the day, don’t stop dancing! Either start the routine from the beginning or bust your own moves- either way have a back up plan in case this happens.



top tips for first dance


Newly Engaged

When you’re newly engaged it can be frightening thinking about all the tasks you need to undertake. One of the first things you’ll do is find a venue to hold your ceremony and reception. The type of venue can range from a castle, to a hotel, to a gallery, or a stately home. You need to make sure the venue will make you feel comfortable, relaxed, and happy on the biggest day of your life.

A few things to look out for before singing a venue contract are:

1. Minimum numbers. Are you required to cater for a certain amount of guests at your wedding?

2. What are the rules and restrictions on music, entertainment, or additional suppliers? If you dream of a 10-piece band and find that the venue has a music limit which only allows for a 3-piece, you’ll need to move on to another venue

3. What times do you have the room(s) for? If a lot of decorating or production will go into your event make sure your vendors will have enough time to set up. Also, find out what time you must vacate the venue.

4. Are you the only wedding on the day?

5. Exactly what’s included in the hire fee/package? Linens, cutlery, tableware, tables, chairs, etc. Are any decorations included such as candelabras, tea lights or chair covers?

newly engaged
Marianne Taylor Photography