weddings

the date

Try and be flexible when it comes to picking a date and a day. As bookings on Saturday are always going to be the most popular, you may need to have a few dates in mind so that if your first option is booked, you do have other dates to check for availability.

Climate will also be a consideration. The spring and summer months are popular for weddings, as days are warmer and longer, affording greater photographic opportunities. Winter weddings have the advantage of off peak rates, in particular for reception venues. Many couples wishing to honeymoon during the European summer also choose winter weddings.

the venue

The wedding reception is the celebration of your commitment to one another. It is a time for good food, entertainment and enjoyment for all.

The venue you choose will depend on the style of wedding you are having and the number of guests you intend to invite.

You will need to consider the proximity of your ceremony and photography locations. Is there ample room for guests to dance? The menu on offer and the duration of the reception also need to be considered. Is there somewhere nearby for overseas and interstate guests to stay?

It is advisable to book your reception venue straight after finalising your ceremony details, as most popular venues are booked up to two years in advance.

number of guests

How many guests are you hoping to have attend your wedding? Keep this in mind when choosing your venue. Room capacities vary depending on how you would like the room set up. Your wedding co-ordinator is there to work with you on planning your wedding, so make sure they know exactly what you are envisaging for your big day.

theme

Many couples choose to build their wedding around a theme. Weddings inspired by the glamour and style of the 1950's, Ocean themes and country themes are also popular.

Generally, most couples use colour themes and pictorial themes such as love hearts or sea shells that carry through from the stationery to the flowers and to the bridal party and bombonierre creating harmony and unity.

entertainment

The music you choose will breathe passion and life into your wedding.

No wedding reception is complete without entertainment. Naturally you will choose a style of music that appeals to both of you, for the dance segments of the evening. This may be top 40, rock 'n' roll, 70's or a combination of styles.

You will also need to consider the style of music which you would like to enter the reception to, the type of music that will be played during the meal and of course "the song" that will be played for your traditional bridal waltz.

food, glorious food

Have a think about the type of catering you would prefer, whether it be a sit down 3 course meal, buffet or even cocktail food. Make sure that you remember to cater for any specific dietary requirements that your guests may have. Novotel Wollongong Northbeach provide menu tastings, which is great for you to have a clear idea of what will be served on the big day.

cocktail receptions

For cocktail receptions, it's a good idea to make sure you have chairs and tables for people to sit at and rest drinks on. Take into consideration your older guests who will need to sit most of the event. When you have chosen your venue, you will need to pay a deposit, so make sure you get confirmation of everything in writing!

master of ceremonies

The master of ceremonies or MC acts like a host at your reception. He or she is either a paid professional, a confident and well spoken family member or friend, or provided on the night by the venue as part of your reception package.

The first official duty of the MC is to welcome the guests and to introduce the bridal couple as they make their entrance into the reception hall.

Your MC will be an enormous asset on the night, ensuring the running schedule you have devised is adhered to, allowing for a seamless evening.

seating arrangements

The seating arrangements for your wedding reception will take careful thought. This simple act of seating your guests bestows great honour.

Traditionally, the bride and groom will be seated at a long table, with the bride flanked by her bridesmaids on the left and the groom and his groomsmen on the right. A more modern arrangement has males and females interspersed.

Parents are usually on the main table, although the decision is now being made to seat each set of parents on a separate table, close to the main table, with close family and friends. This allows for greater social interaction and enjoyment.

A guest list posted on a board at the reception foyer and place cards on the table will ensure that everyone is seated effortlessly and correctly. Waiting staff are usually on hand to escort guests to their table. Your reception venue manager will be able to provide invaluable assistance in maximising floor space. Once your guests have been welcomed and seated, they can begin to relax and enjoy the celebrations.

toasts & speeches

The wedding toasts and speeches are a traditional part of any wedding reception. The reception provides a forum for family and friends to honour the bridal couple with word tributes and congratulatory wishes.

Traditionally, the speeches flow in the following manner: The master of ceremonies gives the Loyal Toast, as soon as guests are seated, welcoming them to the reception and introducing the bridal party. This is followed by a toast from a friend of the bride's family, praising the bride and reflecting on the bridegroom's obvious love and commitment to her.

The bridegroom responds on behalf of his wife and thanks family and friends for their support. He may divulge how the couple first met or how he proposed. He will then thank his bestman and toast the bridesmaids for the assistance they have given the bride. The bestman will respond on behalf of the bridesmaids and may regale guests with stories about the groom in the lead up to the wedding as well as fun times they've shared. He will close by wishing the newlyweds happiness and good health. Next in line is the bride's father followed by the bridegroom's father.

the finer detail

It is the finer details in weddings that create the finishing touches. Your guests will NOTICE!

From beautiful calligraphy on your invitations and placecards, to a spectacular pyrotechnic display, the possibilities are endless when it comes to adding your own personal signature style to your wedding.

Creative ice sculptures can be used as table centrepieces whilst drink luge's (fountains) will make an impressive foyer entrance. A magnificent ostrich quill pen to sign your marriage certificate with will create a stunning impact in your wedding photographs.

You are limited only by your imagination!