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Head Table, Kings Table or Sweetheart Table

If you don’t recognize one or more of the table settings in the headline, you aren’t alone. Many engaged couples tend to agree to whatever layout the facility catering their reception would like to do, but the style they do it in (usually head table style) is not the only style available when organizing a reception.

Head Table

This traditional table layout is one that everyone is probably the most familiar with. The tables set up in the front of the room allow all of your guests to see you and your bridal party, but they actually aren’t very comfortable to sit at. It’s hard to carry a conversation with anyone but the person sitting beside you and if anyone in your wedding party has a plus one, chances are they’re at another table with some strangers. While the most popular, a head table is not ideal for all couples.

Kings Table

A kings table is either a large round or rectangular table (depending on the amount of people) in the middle of the reception hall designed to cater to the entire bridal party, their plus ones, and sometimes even the parents of the bride and groom. This gives everyone a chance to interact much more easily with one another and not feel like they are presiding over people at the front of the room.

Sweetheart Table

A sweetheart table is a great idea for a bride and groom who would like to let their bridal party sit with their plus ones. This table designed only for the bride and groom can be decorated in whichever style is chosen and will give the newly-married couple some time to talk about their day as well as enjoy a romantic first dinner as husband and wife.

Don’t forget to visit Best for Bride’s wedding favours for some ideas on what you’d like to give your guests as a thank you at your reception.

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Reception Dinner: Plated VS. Buffet

One of the first things a couple has to decide on while choosing a venue is what kind of food service they’ll be having during their wedding reception. This is a debate for many couples, and something that wedding planners are asked repeatedly about but when it comes down to it, there’s no right or wrong answer. What may be perfect for one couple in a certain setting may not be what another couple wanted in another setting. We’ve broken down the advantages and disadvantages of both plated and buffet service to help you decide.

Plated

Advantages

– Provides an elegant, upscale dining experience
– Easier service for those with children and the elderly
– Portion control (numbers of guests are calculated in advance and enough food is provided)
– Set menu allows for wine pairings if desired

Disadvantages

– The cost associated with plated dinners is usually higher when factoring in wait staff wages
– Not all meal cards are returned by attending guests
– Some meal items your guests may not like

Buffet

Advantages

– Easier to plan if you do not have a wedding planner
– Offer a variety of foods for different tastes
– No (or minimal) wait staff required by the venue

Disadvantages

– Need a large area to accommodate a buffet-style set up
– Buffets can sometimes appear tacky or ‘cheap’ to attending guests
– It can be a long line for the buffet and it can be hard on those who are differently abled, elderly or with children
– If you have too much food you are wasting money but if you don’t have enough food you risk your guests going hungry and you looking like someone who couldn’t provide adequately for their guests

Once you’ve chosen your wedding party, your date and your venue, it’s onto choosing your dress! Check out Best for Bride for all the latest fashion trends.

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5 Unconventional Honeymoon Ideas and Destinations

Do you find that the allure of Hawaii or an all-inclusive beach vacation just isn’t what you are interested in doing for your honeymoon? We feel you. Honeymoons are not “one size fits all”! That’s why we’ve compiled a list of five unconventional honeymoon ideas and destinations.

Road Tripping

Pack your car and head out on the open road! Whether you have a destination in mind or not, it’s not how you get there, but the journey you have. Some road trippers like to map things out and find places like B&Bs or national parks to stay, and others like to throw their maps away and let the open road take them wherever it wants.

Explore Your Wild Side

Nothing says ‘exotic’ like a trip to South Africa or Kenya where you can go on safari and see majestic and beautiful animals in their native habitats instead of behind bars at a zoo. From luxury safari lodges to accommodations with thatched roofs, there will always be something exciting to see or do if you take your honeymoon on safari.

Honeymoon Fit for a King and Queen

Explore the multitude of castles offered in England, Ireland and Scotland that have been turned into luxurious getaways for couples looking to do something a little different. If that’s not quite your cup of tea, plan a honeymoon that includes visiting historic castles in various locations across the country; travel by train (very affordable) to allow yourselves more time to focus on one another and the scenery.

Cozy Up in an Ice Hotel

You’ll want to stay snuggled close in these accommodations that can be found seasonally in Quebec, Canada, Norway, Finland, Romania and Sweden, owners of the worlds largest ice hotel. With many different activities and classes available at the hotel, you’ll never be bored (but you may be a little chilly sometimes)!

Giving Back Honeymoon

If you’ve ever wanted to help your fellow man, consider taking a ‘giving back honeymoon’ and work with an organization to visit a part of the world in need. Many charities are more than happy to help you arrange a giving back trip, and you’ll feel better having known that you were able to provide for someone who otherwise would have gone without.

Thinking about your honeymoon when you haven’t finished planning your wedding yet? Head to Best for Bride to see the latest in bridal couture, accessories and more!

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5 Reasons We Love Winter Weddings

Winter isn’t usually a brides ideal time to get married, but there are so many reasons why we love winter weddings that it was hard to pick just five! If you aren’t sure when to hold your wedding, check out why we think a winter wedding is not only elegant, but festive and magical.

Many Vendors to Choose From

Not only will most vendors, suppliers and reception halls be available for any winter date you are thinking of, you’ll likely get a great price reduction as well. The winter months are a great option for the couple that is on a budget, but even if you aren’t, saving a little money by picking a wedding date in December, January or February will give you even more to spend on other things.

Seasonal Decor Looks So Chic

Think crystals, bare trees covered in ice and snow and even snowflakes. Place holders could be made out of a pinecone with a piece of sparkly paper with your guests name on it. Use lighting to your advantage and even add some blue lights to make everything feel like a warm ice palace.

Bridal Accessories Are Endless

Remember to think warm: there are so many choices when it comes to winter bridal accessories! Capes, faux fur stoles, hand warmers, gloves and so much more immediately come to mind as the perfect accent for a winter bride.

Any Color Palette Works

It’s true! You don’t have to think just blue or black for a winter wedding; any color palette works! Whether you want to keep with the winter theme and use black as a standout amongst white and cream colors and crystals, or heat everything up with a gorgeous red, the choices are completely up to you.

Comfort Foods

Serving (and eating!) comfort foods at your wedding will never feel so right! Your bar could offer after eight hot chocolate (that’s a hot chocolate with a shot of creme de menthe, topped with whipped cream!) and you could think about serving a creamy soup or stew, lasagna, shepard’s pie or casserole.

Ready to start planning your winter wedding? Head on over to Best For Bride and check out the wealth of winter accessories we have, as well as bridal dresses and more!