Wedding Reception Checklist
Planning a wedding reception is a giant undertaking. With so many moving parts, and so many things that need to come together flawlessly, you might be nervous that you will miss something. To help relieve your wedding reception planning stress, we have put together this wedding planning checklist. Check off each item as you plan it, reducing the list of what needs to be done and showcasing only those things left to accomplish until everything is complete!
Most Important Wedding Reception Items
- Find the wedding reception venue. Where do you want to have your wedding reception?
- Pick your date. When is your venue available? Are you flexible on your wedding reception date?
- Contact a caterer. Find a caterer that is available to cater your wedding reception on the same date that your venue can be rented.
- Choose a theme. You probably have at least a color scheme in mind, but choosing a color scheme as well as a wedding reception theme will help make your wedding reception an event that everyone will fondly remember.
Planning Your Wedding Reception Food and Beverages
- Attend a tasting event. Sample menu items put together by your wedding reception caterer to help get your reception menu underway.
- Decide on a menu. Your wedding reception menu should match your wedding reception theme. It also helps if you select menu items that are in season during the same time that your wedding reception will be held.
- Choose your beverages. What types of drinks would you like served at your wedding reception? Your caterer will have plenty of options from which you can choose.
- Figure out dessert. Will you have wedding cake or cupcakes? A chocolate fountain or a fruit platter? Decided on your wedding reception dessert menu.
Wedding Reception Entertaining Elements
- Hire entertainment. Would you prefer a band or a DJ? Country music or jazz? Decide what you would like to see at your wedding reception, interview local acts and select one to entertain your wedding reception guests.
- Build décor. Based on your theme and your color scheme, select items to adorn your wedding reception space. Flower arrangements are always a must here.
- Design the blueprint. Your caterer will help you design your event space in a way that makes the most sense for your wedding reception event. Take into account seating, dancing, food service, entertainment acts and more when designing your event space, or let your caterer or event planner handle all of the difficult layout work for you.
Other Important Wedding Reception Items
- Rent equipment. Talk to your caterer about coordinating with your venue, making sure that you will have all of the tables, chairs, linens and more that you will need for your perfect event space and wedding reception event.
- Create a timeline. Your caterer will help you do this, working backward and forward from when you would like your meal served to incorporate all other elements of your wedding reception celebration.
- Invite guests. Send out invitations to your guest list, then get excited about seeing the RSVPs come back in.
- Enjoy the day. You only get to experience your wedding reception once, so enjoy every minute of it.
Little Things to Remember for Your Reception
- It goes by quickly, so enjoy as much as you can.
- Hire a photographer and videographer to help capture the moments.
- Decide on wedding reception favors and order them.
- Order thank you cards when you order your invitations and save the dates so that everything matches.
- Choose a first dance song that matters to you and your soon-to-be-spouse (regardless of if it is fast or slow).
More Articles You Might Like:
- 7 Tips for Choosing Your Boston Wedding Venue
- 10 Boston Wedding Ideas and Themes
- Wedding Spotlight: Robin + Sergi
10 Boston Party Themes for 2015
It’s almost 2015, and that means a new year filled with plenty of new, exciting, fun, eventful Boston parties and events. A new year means innumerable upcoming company parties, personal parties, corporate functions, fundraisers, special events and more, and these ten party theme ideas for 2015 should help steer you in the right party planning direction. Utilize these party theme ideas when planning your décor, entertainment, menu, drinks and more for your 2015 Boston events.
10 Boston Party Themes and Ideas for 2015:
- All One Color—you’ve seen winter wonderland events “en blanc” where everything—from linens and lights to menu items and guests’ outfits—is showcased in stark whites. For an updated 2015 twist on this event theme, choose any color at all for your event’s direction. Select a color, then utilize hues of that color throughout your event space and event menu to create an awesome all-red, all-green, all-whichever-color-you-choose event that guests will never forget.
Old Tyme Event—take a trip down memory lane and utilize the days of old when planning your event. For company events, old flyers, photos of old products and more to remind your guests of your company’s roots will provide great enjoyment for event-goers. Not old enough as a company (or not planning a company event) for this to work? Head to the nearest antique store or flea market for anything from the past, or do your best to recreate décor that reminds you of the early 1900s. Guests dress in period attire, menus focus on dishes from the old days and everyone gets a chance to momentarily live in another time.
Inspirational—perfect for events that incorporate fundraising, giving back, moving forward or bringing in new changes (such as brand rollouts, new client partnerships, etc.), this theme should utilize the images, stories and quotes of inspirational people the world over. With plenty of businesspeople, peacemakers, athletes and more from which to select inspiration, your guests will be overwhelmed and positively influenced by the end of the gathering.- A Night Out in Hollywood—reserve the nicest space you can find, because this event theme is perfect for an upscale gala. The entire room should be decked out in dark colors, strands of lights, glitter and red carpets, with champagne toasts and hors d’ oeuvres galore—the perfect atmosphere for formal dress, dancing, dinner and celebrations. Don’t forget a photographer and plenty of “red carpet” photo opportunities.
- All Things Vegas—Las Vegas is a city filled with bright lights, neon, fun games, plenty of excitement and a lot of entertainment. Set your event up like a casino, incorporating fun games and plenty of bright lighting and glitter. Have wandering acts—magicians, jugglers, dancers, singers and other performers—entertain game players, and offer a variety of cocktails, menu items and desserts so that there is something for everyone. Have guests dress as if they were about to attend a Vegas show to really set the mood and bring the theme to life.
Literary Classics—everyone knows that classic literature has left its mark on society. Choose a well-known work of literary art, such as one of Shakespeare’s plays, and bring it to life through décor, music, menu items and more.- Outdoor Garden Party—nothing says “classy fun” quite like a garden party. Flower arrangements should adorn most surfaces, patterned china should be utilized for meals and plenty of café-style seating should be available for guests to sit on while enjoying their food items and drinks. Whether this party is held indoors or outdoors, bring the outdoor garden party theme to life with brunch-style menu items, plenty of teas and coffees, alcoholic beverages such as mint juleps and light orchestral music wafting through the event space.
Seasonal Florals—no matter the season, there are flowers to accompany it. Go all out with a flower-power sensational theme completely adorned from floor to ceiling with seasonal florals. Incorporate seasonal flowers into décor elements such as tablescapes, around entry and exit points, into party favors and more, creating an elegant space that all partygoers will love. Afraid that too many florals will aggravate allergies? There are plenty of silk flower options that might be perfect for your seasonal floral event.- Eco-friendly & Healthy—when it comes to parties, the best thing you could do for your group—and the world—is to throw an eco-friendly bash. Utilize only recycled or recyclable décor elements (colored wine bottles as vases, baskets filled with fruits and vegetables, etc.), bring in natural elements where possible (like potted plants), recycle whatever can be recycled (including paper, plastic, cardboard and more in marked easy-to-use bins) and encourage your guests to hop on the eco-friendly bandwagon when it comes to transportation (carpool, walk, take bikes…you name it). Utilize a locally-sourced menu to cut down on food transportation costs and gas, have your event outside to cut back on artificial lighting and consider bamboo chips in your grill instead of charcoal. It’s an earth-friendly event that everyone will love.
- Charity—in this event theme, every element gives back. Select a venue that has a partnership with a charity, ensuring that even your booking gives to someone in need. Have your caterer source from local artisans, bakers, chefs and more when planning your menu, supporting local businesses and increasing awareness about their capabilities. Utilize décor from worldwide fair trade businesses, offer take-home gifts that come from one-for-one companies and hold an auction that donates proceeds to charity. Your guests will love a classy event that gives to those who need it most.
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Wedding Flowers for Every Season
Flowers are an intricate and important part of wedding decorations. When planning your wedding decorations, it is important to keep in mind which flowers are in season and which flowers go best with your intended theme. Luckily, all seasonal flowers come in many varieties and colors, providing you with plenty of options for your wedding flower selections.
Spring Wedding Flowers
Spring is known for flowers, which means you will have a plethora of options from which to choose. Try to select floral combinations that are naturally occurring during the spring timeframe, and use bright or pastel color combinations.These flowers are in season during the spring and perfect for your spring wedding flowers:- Anemones
- Tulips
- Roses
- Daisies
- Queen Anne’s Lace
- Calla Lilies
- Carnations
- Daffodils
- Hydrangeas
- Volkenfrieden Delphinium
- Aranda Orchids
- Cymbidium Orchids
- Alstroemeria
- Forsythia
- Cherry Blossoms
- Cream
- Light pink
- Yellow
- Peach
- Lavender
- White
- Pinks
- Violet
- Greens
Summer Wedding Flowers
Summer is a time for outdoor celebrations, and the warm weather, bright sunshine and exciting flavors will only be enhanced by summer wedding arrangements. Summer wedding flowers should be vibrant and seasonal.Utilize any of these in your summer wedding bouquet:- Veronica Flowers
- Billy Balls
- Roses
- Peruvian Lilies
- Paradise Parrot Tulips
- Carnations
- Calla Lilies
- Lilies
- Hydrangeas
- Dahlia Flowers
- Gardenias
- Gerber Daisies
- Anthurium Tropical Flowers
- Aster Flowers
- Bright hues
- Orange
- Yellow
- Pinks
- Purples
- Green
- Blue
- White
Autumn Wedding Flowers
The burnt colors of autumn and the changing of the seasons make fall weddings something to remember. Utilizing the hues of the season will help make the autumn wedding event come to life, bringing added autumnal elements to every nook and cranny of the event space.These flowers are in season during the fall and perfect for autumn wedding events:- Sunflowers
- Chocolate Sunflowers
- Craspedia Billy Balls
- Roses
- Curly Willow Branch
- Queen Anne’s Lace
- Lace Flowers
- Aster Flowers
- Million Star Baby’s Breath
- Carnations
- Ring of Fire Sunflowers
- Autumn Greens
- Snowberry Flowers
- Hydrangea
- Hanging Amaranthus
- Orchids
- Fall Terracotta Flowers
- Mini Gerber Daisies
- Browns
- Golds
- Oranges
- Cream
- Ivory
- Orange-yellows
- Reds
- Dark greens
Winter Flowers
With the snow comes months full of winter wonderland magic, and winter wedding flowers will help make the magic even more special. When creating your winter wedding bouquets, be sure to utilize combinations of all winter-specific color schemes. Take full advantage of what the snowy months before the spring thaw have to offer.These flowers are in season during the winter months and will be perfect for a winter wedding flower arrangement:- Candy Cane Amaryllis
- Gerber Daisies
- Roses
- Queen Anne’s Lace
- Carnations
- Silver Million Star Baby’s Breath
- Dendrobium Orchids
- Lilies
- Tinted Integrafolia Greenery
- Hydrangeas
- Amaryllis
- Mini Calla Lillies
- White Apricot Blossoms
- Poinsettias
- Silver Brunia Balls
- Gardenias
- Cymbidium Orchids
- Whites
- Reds
- Greens
- Burgundy
- Creams
- Maroon
- Silver
- Deep pinks
- Deep purples
- Navy blue
- Red-orange
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Boston Wedding Cocktail Ideas
Weddings are a time for celebration, and wedding cocktails only serve to make the experience even more magical. No matter when your big day is, we have suggestions for truly enjoyable season-appropriate wedding cocktails.
Spring Wedding Cocktails
Guava Mimosa—you will need 1 part guava juice, 3 parts Prosecco and rock candy for garnish. Fill a glass 1/3 full with juice, top with Prosecco and garnish with rock candy.
Frozen Ginger Lemon Drop—you will need about ¼ cup of lemon juice, superfine sugar, frozen ginger lemonade, 2-4 cups of vodka and lemon zest curls for garnish. Dip the rims of the glasses in lemon juice and then in sugar. Pour ¾ cup of frozen ginger lemonade into each glass, then top with ¼ cup to ½ cup of vodka. Serve garnished with a lemon curl.
Summer Wedding Cocktails
Blackberry Mint Julep—you will need ½ cup packed fresh mint leaves, 1 pint blackberries, 6 tablespoons of sugar, ½ cup of bourbon, 4 cups of small ice cubes and 4 springs of mint for garnishing. Roughly chop the mint leaves, then puree the mint, blackberries and sugar in a blender. Strain the mixture through a sieve and discard the seeds. Rinse the blender, then add puree, bourbon and small ice cubes. Blend until smooth, pour into glasses, garnish with mint and serve.
Citrus Martini—you will need 2 candied clementine fruits (halved lengthwise), 6 ounces of citrus flavored vodka and 2 ounces of triple sec. Chill the martini glasses and thread two clementine halves on a skewer. Combine the vodka and triple sec in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well, then strain the mixture into the glasses. Garnish with the clementines and serve.
Autumn Wedding Cocktails
Hot Apple Cider with Sugared Cranberries—you will need 2¼ cups apple cider, 2 whole allspice berries, 3 ounces of bourbon or dark rum, and sugared cranberries. Boil the cider and allspice in a saucepan, then remove from heat and cover. Let the mixture stand for 10 minutes, skim the foam and strain the liquid to remove the allspice. Ladle a half cup of the hot cider into each mug, add ¾ ounce of bourbon or dark rum and garnish with sugared cranberries skewered on a stir stick.
Autumn Manhattan—you will need 1½ ounces of applejack, 1½ ounces of rye whiskey, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, a few dashes of orange bitters, 2 ounces of champagne and a blood-orange rind cut into strips for garnish. Combine the applejack, whiskey, maple syrup and bitters in a cocktail shaker and shake over ice. Strain the mixture into a martini glass, top with champagne and garnish with orange rind.
Winter Wedding Cocktails
Cranberry Cosmopolitans—you will need 1 750 milliliter bottle of vodka, 5 ounces of Cointreau, 10 ounces of cranberry juice cocktail, 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice and fresh cranberries for garnish. Fill a large pitcher with ice and pour in all of the ingredients except the cranberries. Stir vigorously to mix, strain into glasses and garnish with cranberries.
Cinnamon Horchata—you will need 4 cups whole milk, 1 cinnamon stick, 1 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk, ½ cup of rice or almond flour, 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract, ½ cup of dark or light rum, ice cubes and ground cinnamon or cinnamon sticks for garnish. Bring the whole milk and cinnamon stick to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat, transfer the mixture to a bowl, whisk in the condensed milk, flour and vanilla, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Strain the chilled mixture through a fine sieve, stir in the rum, divide into ice filled glasses and garnish with cinnamon.
More Articles You Might Like:
- 10 Boston Wedding Ideas and Themes
- Q&A with Boston Wedding Planner Denise DeSimone
- Tips for Choosing Your Boston Wedding Venue
Spring Wedding Ideas for Boston Weddings
Everything comes to life in the spring, and that makes it a perfect season for celebrating love. Two people joining together to start a new life is a beautiful thing, and the vibrant colors, scents and flavors of spring make it even more amazing. If you have a spring wedding coming up soon, read through this list to make sure that you have everything you need for the perfect spring wedding in Boston.Also, check out our spring wedding ideas on Pinterest!
Spring Wedding Colors in Boston
Bright colors mixed with pastels will create a vibrant color palate that will entice your guests and make for a memorable spring wedding event. The important thing is to remember to utilize your chosen colors when you plan your spring wedding theme, incorporating them into your invitations, bridesmaid dresses, jewelry, ties, tuxedo vests, linens, napkins, florals and more:- White or ivory
- Yellow
- Cobalt blue
- Green
- Orange
- Pastels
Additional spring wedding color ideas:
- Having just one wedding color is no longer the standard. The current wedding color trend is wedding palettes consisting of three, four or sometimes even five colors.
- Choose one bold color and then incorporate several supporting colors to create a well-balanced visual experience.
- Examples of colors that pair well together include:
Pink with light green and white
Peach with pastel pink, lavender and beige
Spring-Inspired Wedding Decorations
Decorations make or break a wedding celebration. With all of the unlimited possibilities for beautiful spring-themed decorations, you will want to incorporate “spring” into everything you design for your spring wedding. Utilizing the colors of the spring months, convert your event spaces into a beautiful and vibrant celebration of love with these tips.- Colored table linens and napkins
- White light strands
- Colored paper lighted lanterns
- Plenty of tea lights and candles in the wedding colors
- Spring-colored flower arrangements
- Spring-colored flower petals to spread throughout the room
- Floral combinations, bird’s nests and other spring-themed items as table decorations
- White and crystal-like glasses and tableware
Additional spring wedding themes and ideas:
- Combining ideas, including plenty of tea lights, spring-colored flower arrangements and a few bird’s nests spread throughout the room really brings the event theme to life.
- Flowers are a huge part of spring, so having a variety of arrangements and flower petals strewn about the room will create a majestic experience.
- Colored linens and napkins will truly transform the room, so avoid underestimating the power of those elements. If nothing else, use a pale or brightly colored linen to set the tone for the rest of the spring wedding event’s décor.
Spring Wedding Menu Ideas
Spring weddings require spring-themed menu items that will make the experience delicious and fresh. Ask your wedding planner about including any of these ideas when planning the gourmet feast for your big day.- Fresh salads incorporating fruits like strawberries or apples
- Rosemary baked chicken
- Lemon pepper tilapia
- Pastas in light sauces
- Citrus marinades
- Fresh vegetable medleys
- Cheese platters
- Gazpacho
Additional spring wedding menu ideas:
- Ask your wedding planner to help you come up with the perfect custom menu for your spring-inspired wedding event.
- Do not be afraid to try unique combinations of flavors and textures.
- Set up a menu tasting event with your planner to clear up any last-minute wedding questions or work out any last details.
Spring-Themed Wedding Drinks and Beverages
Cocktails and drinks are a great way for your wedding guests to refresh and enjoy the flavors of the season, and that is especially true for spring-themed weddings. With so many seasonal beverage flavor combinations to consider, your guests will have a wonderful time sampling drinks with any of these flavors included:- Limoncello
- Champagne
- Frozen fruit cocktails
- Wines
- Bellinis
- Fruit juices
- Lemonade
- Iced tea
- Lavender and raspberry flavorings
- Lemon and lime flavors
Spring-Themed Wedding Cakes and Desserts in Boston
Spring weddings offer a great opportunity for delicious, seasonal desserts that guests will truly love and enjoy. Incorporate spring-inspired flavors, colors and decorations to make your spring wedding desserts table fresh and unforgettable.- Frostings in traditional spring colors
- French macaroons
- Chocolate fondue or fountain with all of the traditional dipping items
- Lemon bars
- Vanilla
- Raspberry
- Fruit and yogurt parfaits
Additional spring wedding cakes and wedding desserts:
- Decorate the dessert table with continuations of the spring décor spread throughout the rest of the reception room, including flower arrangements, flower petals and plenty of vibrant spring coloring.
- Include a wide variety of desserts in addition to the wedding cake, such as macaroons, lemon bars, a chocolate fountain, etc.
- Bite-sized desserts are a big hit no matter what the season and spring-inspired bite-sized treats will keep your guests munching late into the spring-themed wedding event.
Spring-Themed Wedding Flowers
Spring flowers will make your wedding an event to remember, providing pops of colors and an element of unparalleled beauty. Utilize any of these spring-blooming flowers to add extra elegant elements to your spring wedding celebration:- Anemones
- Roses
- Orchids
- Daisies
- Queen Anne’s lace
- Tulips
- Carnations
- Calla lilies
- Peonies
- Daffodil
- Hydrangeas
- Forsythia
- Cherry blossoms
Perfect Venues for Spring-Themed Weddings
A great wedding venue can make for an amazing wedding celebration. When planning your perfect spring wedding venue, consider the Waterworks Museum.This beautiful museum sits right on the Chestnut Hill Reservoir, an ideal location for both pre-wedding and post-wedding photo shoots. Click here for more information about the Waterworks Museum and all that it has to offer.
Find even more perfect spring wedding venues with our venue finder!More Articles You Might Like:
Wedding Spotlight: Robin + Sergi's Boston Wedding
Robin and Sergi both live in New York City, so they planned their perfect wedding long distance. Taking advantage of our ability to phone conference, video chat and have plenty of logistical meetings with the vendors, venue director and florist, we were able to collaborate and create over-the-top design and décor elements just as promised!
The couple wanted to utilize three distinct locations within the deCordova Museum, planning their wedding ceremony in the sculpture park, the reception’s cocktail hour in the Dewey Gallery and the wedding reception itself in a clear tent with ambient lighting to create a warm, romantic atmosphere.
The color scheme (orange, yellow and pink) worked with industrial and architectural design to create every aspect of the planning details, working their way into ornate flower arrangements, the layout of the event spaces and even the design of the wedding cake.
The menu included delectable items served in a variety of ways. The couple decided to incorporate both passed and stationed hors d’oeuvres, multiple meal courses, sorbet palate cleansers and a wedding cake into their wedding reception event.
Here is a snapshot of the delicious wedding menu:
- Mango salsa in corn cups
- Grilled salmon skewers with lemon glaze
- Turkey meatloaf cupcakes with whipped potato frosting
- Whipped feta tarts with pickled cantaloupe
- Crostini with confit Portobello and a sherry caramelized onion mousse
- Gourmet grilled cheese station
- Smoked gouda with fig and roasted pears
- Duck confit and goat cheese caramelized shallots
- Brie with lavender honey and raspberry preserves
- Truffled parsnip soup
- Trio of Brussels sprouts (shaved Brussels sprouts with toasted almonds, cognac raisins and lemon; basil flan with pickled Brussels sprouts; roasted Brussels sprouts with a “Caesar” emulsion)
- Pumpkin risotto cake with braised greens, baby carrots and a cider reduction
- Seared halibut, baby carrots, butternut squash, fennel, parsnip puree and a tomato beurre blanc
- Seared tenderloin with baby carrots, butternut squash, fennel, heirloom fingerling potatoes, smoked gouda and a red wine demi-glace
Robin and Sergi were beyond impressed with their wedding event and couldn’t be happier with the end result.
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How to Host a Holiday Cookie Decorating Party
Boston companies and organizations understand the importance of fun activities at their holiday parties. This classic holiday party favorite is sure to please the masses—and it’s simple for you to do!Decorating holiday cookies at your company holiday party will be fun for all ages, genders, job levels, religious or political beliefs, artistic skill levels and more. Below you will find a how-to guide perfect to help you host a fun, festive holiday cookie decorating activity.
Boston Holiday Party Cookie Decorating
Here’s what you will need:
- Cookies—sugar cookies, chocolate peppermint cookies, ginger or gingerbread cookies, cinnamon cookies (flat, round or shaped)
- Specialty cookies—gluten-free cookies, sugar-free cookies
- Vanilla or white frostings (include a sugar-free option)
- Food colorings—red, green, blue, yellow
- Bowls for mixing frostings and food colorings
- Flavorings—spearmint, peppermint, maple, etc. (to flavor the frostings)
- Sprinkles—red, green, holiday, etc. (plus sugar-free options)
- Colored decorative icing tubes—red, green, blue, yellow, light blue, etc. (plus sugar-free options)
- Red Hots, York Peppermint Patties, Hershey Kisses, candy canes and other candies (plus sugar-free options)
- Crushed peppermint pieces (plus sugar-free options)
- Chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips (plus sugar-free options)
- Plates, plastic knives and plastic spoons in red and green
- Holiday-themed napkins
Each cookie creation should be entered into a contest. Give out prizes for some of these types of contest categories:- Best holiday theme
- Most creative decoration
- Most festive
- Funniest
- Best ornament-style décor
- Most piled-high-with-sweets
- Cutest decorations
- Crowd favorite
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8 Company Holiday Party Activities for Boston Events
If you are planning a company holiday party and want a few ideas for how to engage your holiday party guests, we’ve put together a list for you!Here are 8 holiday party activities for your Boston holiday party.
Holiday Party Activity: Holiday Gift Swap
Everyone loves a holiday gift swap, whether it goes by the name of “White Elephant” or another. Set a dollar limit for gifts ($25 - $35 usually works best). Then have each guest participating in the corporate holiday party gift swap purchase a gift within that limit. Wrap it up (with no name on it) and place it under the holiday tree or on a holiday gift table. The game begins when one person selects a gift, opens it, then sits back and waits. The next person has the option to open a new gift or steal the gift of the person before him or her. If a gift is stolen, the person who has lost their gift gets to choose a new one, and then the next person in line selects a gift or steals an open gift. The corporate holiday party will be exciting and energized through this festive take on the gifting experience.Holiday Party Activity: Cocktail Hour and Hors d’ Oeuvres
Turn your corporate holiday party into a fancy, upscale soiree with just one small addition: host a holiday-themed cocktail hour with passed or stationary hors d’ oeuvres and a signature drink. Incorporate cocktails in holiday-inspired flavors like cinnamon, cranberry, maple, pumpkin, ginger, allspice, eggnog and more, and serve hors d’ oeuvres that pair well with those flavors. Don’t forget about those who don’t drink alcohol beverages. Virgin versions of any cocktail can be just as festive and enjoyable.Holiday Party Activity: Traditional Dancing
Hire a dance troupe to come and entertain your guests at your holiday party event, and make sure to hire a group that is completely immersed in holiday traditions. Work to incorporate traditional holiday dances from around the world to keep your guests entertained with all of the different cultural influences present in the holiday season. Better yet, see if the dance troupe can take a little time and teach the holiday party group a little bit of a traditional dance, allowing guests to become more engaged in the holiday party activity. It will be fun for the whole group!Holiday Party Activity: Holiday Sing-a-Long
What’s spreads holiday spirit and cheer more than a holiday tune? Take time to design a book of lyrics for your group’s favorite holiday jingles, jams and melodies, then distribute a book to each of the guests as they enter the party. Be sure to include festive tunes from all over the world, incorporating all cultures’ holiday traditions so that there truly is something for everyone. The book of lyrics doubles as a neat party favor.Holiday Party Activity: Show and Tell
Sticking with the idea of keeping something for everyone, ask each guest to bring something that represents his or her cultural or family holiday tradition. Let guests share what makes the holiday season so special to him or her. This fun activity will bring an international element to your holiday party, adding a festive dimension that the corporate holiday party group might otherwise not have gotten to enjoy. It also personalizes the party experience for corporate holiday party guests, making your holiday party one they are sure to remember.Holiday Party Activity: Decorate an Ornament and a Tree
Trees have become an international system of the holiday season, regardless of whether Christmas is celebrated or not. Have an empty tree ready for ornaments at your corporate holiday party with nothing but a strand of lights to decorate it. Then, allow guests to decorate ornaments with their favorite holiday symbols and words using art supplies provided by the party planning committee. Make available glue, glitter, permanent markers, sequins, paint, ribbon, pinecones and other holiday-themed decorations for guests to coat their ornaments. Then have them hang their completed, dried ornaments on the holiday party tree. Let them take their ornaments home at the end of the night as a memento.Holiday Party Activity: Gift Box for the Less Fortunate
Give your corporate holiday party a give-back feel by incorporating a philanthropic effort. Collect gently used or new items to donate to the less fortunate during this holiday season, including toys and clothes for children, clothes and business items for adults and nonperishable goods to give to soup kitchens or to the hungry. Create a donations goal before the party and rally the team to try to exceed the goal. Tally up all of the goods collected at the end of the night and announce if the goal was met. Either way, plenty of people will be thrilled with the donated goods, and your holiday party guests will feel great about giving back this holiday season.Holiday Party Activity: Cookie Decorating and Swapping
Decorating holiday cookies is fun for the whole family and is perfect for all types of familiar and casual holiday parties. Provide your guests with a variety of flat, round or shaped cookies including sugar, chocolate peppermint, ginger and cinnamon. Offer plenty of vanilla or white frostings, food coloring (and bowls for mixing the white frosting with the food coloring), sprinkles, colored decorative icing tubes, Red Hots and other candies, peppermint pieces, chocolate chips and more. Guests decorate the cookies, and then take them home to eat later, swap them with coworkers and other party guests or enjoy them on the spot. It will be a fun and interactive corporate holiday party activity sure to bring smiles to your holiday party guests’ faces.More Articles You Might Like:
Wedding Spotlight: Erin + Patrick’s Boston Wedding
Boston Wedding Spotlight
Erin and Patrick tied the knot at the Charles River Museum of Industry this fall, and the ceremony and reception were equally beautiful and breathtaking, as these photos from Paul Robert Berman Photography so aptly capture.
The unique event space served as the perfect background and atmosphere foundation for Erin and Patrick’s purple and yellow wedding. The colors popped against the sleek, yet eclectic, industrial building.
Attention to detail was key, as this venue is loaded with diverse, vintage clocks, cranks and other early industrial revolution era items. Our goal was to weave together everything from the centerpieces and florals to the lighting and décor so that the entire evening held an appropriate ambiance representing the happy couple’s dream wedding vision.
Boston Wedding Catering Menu
Erin, Patrick and guests dined on a menu full of their favorites, including:Passed Hors d’Oeuvres:
- Black pepper beef crostini
- Braised beef short rib with petite potato cake
- New England lobster rolls
- Butternut squash soup shooters
- Fried butternut squash ravioli
- Brie and green apple crostini
First Course:
- Spinach and radicchio salad
Entrée:
- Grilled shrimp, seared scallops skewer and seared salmon with lemon butter sauce
- Grilled beef tenderloin
- Roasted Portobello mushroom
!ndulge Dessert:
- Chocolate and raspberry wedding cake
- Mini cupcakes—red velvet, vanilla bean, chocolate-caramel and snickerdoodle
- Coffee, tea and hot apple cider service
Bar Services:
- White wine: Bella Sera Pinot Grigio, Canyon Road Chardonnay
- Red wine: Red Tree Pinot Noir, Pacifico Sur Cabernet Sauvignon
- Sparkling: Prosecco
- Beer: Sam Adams, Guinness, Blue Moon, MGD, Miller Lite, Miller 64, Angry Orchard
- Spirits: Absolut Vodka, Bombay Gin, Dewar’s Scotch, Makers Mark Whiskey, Bacardi Rum
The couple shared a few last moments together before the night and celebration came to a close. We were so happy to have shared this moment with such a wonderful couple!
Event Location: Charles River Museum of IndustryPhotographer: Paul Robert Berman Photography More Articles You Might Like:
Planning a 12/13/14 Holiday Party
The stars have aligned and given us the perfect day of the year for a holiday celebration: 12/13/14.This once-in-a-lifetime holiday date is the last sequenced date this millennium—the next date with consecutive values won’t happen again until January 2, 3003!12/13/14 Corporate Holiday PartyWe’re not telling you that you have to host your corporate party on 12/13/14. We’re simply suggesting that this final consecutive date is the perfect date to host your biggest holiday event for many reasons. Mostly, however, because the luckiest day of the year just so happens to fall on a Saturday night, smack dab in the prime of the holiday party season!View Splendor, Snowball and Sparkle menus and event concepts for incredible holiday party ideas to transform your 12/13/14 event into a unique holiday party.The Perfect Venue for Your 12/13/14 Holiday PartyThis red-hot holiday party date needs a red-hot holiday party venue, and our favorite this year is the Boston Center for the Arts’ Cyclorama. After a last-minute cancelation, this incredible venue is available on 12/13/14, which is a rare opportunity on such a hot, and approaching, date.Take a look at some of these event photos from this awesome holiday party venue:
Call us to talk more about hosting your holiday party on the luckiest day of the year. We are happy to help you with all aspects of your event, from finding a venue and creating menus/signature drinks to providing a theme and figuring out all your décor.Planning a 12/13/14 party is easy when you have the right partner. Let the countdown to the coolest party date of the year begin!
Winter Wedding Ideas for Boston Weddings
Winter is a beautiful time for weddings. The beautiful whites of the sparkling snow and winter wonderland feel of the season are great for magical celebrations of love. For your convenience, we have compiled this Boston winter wedding guide to make sure you have all of your loose ends tied up and all of your wedding necessities handled.Also check out our favorite winter wedding ideas on Pinterest!
Winter-Inspired Wedding Colors for Boston
With winter come endless possibilities for winter wedding color schemes, mostly because almost anything pairs with white. Winter hues can span from deep, dark shades of all colors to bright, vibrant shades to combinations of the two. The choice is yours, and it all depends on what you want to see on your special day! The important thing is to remember to utilize your chosen colors when you plan your wedding theme, incorporating them into your invitations, bridesmaid dresses, jewelry, ties, tuxedo vests, linens, napkins, florals and more:- White
- Off-white, ivory or cream
- Cornflower blue
- Red
- Dark green
- Black
Additional winter wedding color ideas:
- Having just one wedding color is no longer the standard. The current wedding color trend is wedding palettes consisting of three, four or sometimes even five colors.
- Choose one bold color and then incorporate several supporting colors to create a well-balanced visual experience.
- Examples of colors that pair well together include:
2. Bright red with plum and white
3. Ice blue with powder blue, light grey, lavender and silver (perfect for a winter wonderland)
4. Gold with black and white
5. Plum with lavender, ivory and silver
Boston Winter Wedding Decorations
Bring your winter wonderland wedding to life with winter-inspired decorations that truly “wow” your guests. Utilizing the colors of the winter months—including shades of white combined with the colors listed above—convert your event spaces into a beautiful celebration of love with these tips.- Colored table linens and napkins
- White glitter
- White light strands
- White paper lighted lanterns
- Plenty of tea lights and candles in assorted whites and in the wedding colors
- Winter-colored flower arrangements
- Winter-colored flower petals to spread throughout the room
- Holiday-inspired chair covers or ribbons to adorn chairs
- Pine cones and pine branches as table decorations
- White and crystal-like glasses and tableware
Additional winter wedding theme and décor ideas:
- Combining ideas, including using pine cone and pine needle arrangements surrounded by dark wood, white glitter and plenty of candles really brings the event theme to life.
- Decorating doorways with garlands of winter-colored flowers, adorning the ceilings with paper lanterns and utilizing plenty of candles and glitter throughout the room will create a majestic experience.
- Colored linens and napkins will truly transform the room, so avoid underestimating the power of those elements. If nothing else, use white linen to set the tone for the rest of the winter wedding event’s décor.
Winter Wedding Menu Ideas
Winter weddings require winter-themed menu items that will make the experience magical. Ask your wedding planner about including any of these ideas when planning the gourmet feast for your big day.- Glazed Cornish hens
- Baked redskin potato halves with sour cream and chives
- Braised short ribs with mushrooms
- Pastas in white sauces
- Italian wedding soup
- Cornbread muffins
- All things cranberries
- Cheese and meats platters
- Soups
- Upscale grilled cheese and tomato soup
- Baked macaroni and cheese
Additional winter wedding menu ideas:
- Ask your wedding planner to help you come up with the perfect custom menu for your winter-inspired wedding event.
- Do not be afraid to try unique combinations of flavors and textures.
- Set up a menu tasting event with your planner to clear up any last-minute wedding questions or work out any last details.
Winter-Themed Drinks and Beverages
Cocktails and drinks will make or break your wedding bar, and that is especially true for winter-themed weddings. With so many seasonal beverage flavor combinations to consider, your guests will have a wonderful time sampling drinks with any of these flavors included:- Cinnamon
- Hazelnut
- Fig
- Cranberry
- Bronx Cocktail
- Apple
- Bailey’s Irish Cream
- Spiced rum
- Apple cider
- Cherry Cuba Libre
- Ginger
- Bourbon
- Stout beers
- Hot chocolate
- Tea
Winter Boston Wedding Cakes and Wedding Desserts
Weddings mean plenty of delicious treats for everyone to enjoy, and winter weddings have the added whimsy of magic and glitter to make the experience even better. Incorporate winter-inspired flavorings, colors and decorations to make your winter wedding desserts table unforgettable.- Frostings in traditional winter whites
- Edible glitter throughout the concoctions
- Flavors such as apple, cinnamon, spice, caramel, vanilla, chocolate, cherry and cranberry
- Decorations on desserts, including winter color-inspired flowers, ribbons, polka dots, swizzles, stripes and other designs
- Guinness sundaes
- Cannoli
- White chocolate-dipped pretzels, cake balls and donut holes
- Bananas flambé
- Puddings
Additional winter wedding cake and dessert ideas:
- Decorate the dessert table with continuations of the winter décor spread throughout the rest of the reception room, including pine cones, pine needles and plenty of glitter.
- Include a wide variety of desserts in addition to the wedding cake, such as white chocolate-dipped donut holes, cannoli, puddings, etc.
- Bite-sized desserts are a big hit no matter what the season, and winter-inspired bite-sized treats will keep your guests munching late into the winter-themed wedding event.
Winter-Themed Flowers for Boston Weddings
Flowers are a very important part of any wedding celebration, winter weddings included. Utilize any of these winter-centric flowers to add extra elegant elements to your winter wedding celebration:- Poinsettia
- Christmas cactus
- African violets
- Christmas rose
- Coralberry
- Crocus in the snow
- Honeywort
- Sweet Pea
- Pansies
- Sweet Alyssum
- Winter honeysuckle
- Winter jasmine
- Pinks
- Calendula
Perfect Boston Venues for Winter-Themed Weddings
A great wedding venue can make for an amazing wedding celebration. When planning your perfect holiday wedding or winter wedding venue, consider the Commander’s Mansion.
This beautiful old mansion is ideal as a fairy tale winter wedding location. With every nook, cranny and hidden corner decorated to embrace the holidays, you will have an easy time creating a magical winter wedding atmosphere for your winter wedding celebration. Click here for more information about the Commander’s Mansion and all that it has to offer.Find even more perfect winter wedding venues with our venue finder!More Articles You Might Like:
Wedding Prices and Costs in Boston
How Should I Prepare My Wedding Budget?
How much will it cost to have the perfect Boston wedding and reception?That’s a question that’s on just about every Boston couple’s mind.What do your wedding costs really mean, though, and how do you know if you are getting a great value or just spending money where you shouldn’t have to? Why do weddings cost what they cost? Can you cut corners and still have an enjoyable experience?We don’t keep the answers to these kinds of questions a secret. We are very open with our wedding clients and want them to understand everything that goes into their wedding plans, including the price.According to Boston Magazine, there are just under 5,000 weddings in Boston per year, with the average wedding in Boston costing $39,239. (This, of course, is not an indicator of our prices, necessarily.)Let’s break down what might be included in that average cost for the average Boston wedding and then explain where some of those prices might come from (because it’s not all food and wait staff…some places actually charge a lot of money for things like day-of coordination. Learn how to fight the hidden fees—or avoid them completely—when you work with a caterer who doesn’t have those, like BG!).Your Boston Engagement!
First of all, congratulations on your engagement! You are about to start planning one of the most wonderful moments in your life.When you first begin searching through wedding ideas, themes, vendors, caterers and planners, it can be overwhelming.We want to help you through your wedding planning and budgeting. This is because there are so many components that need to happen that many couples don’t realize simply because this is their first time planning an event of this caliber.The last thing any wedding planning partner wants its couples to think is, Wow, I did not think it would be this price, or What in the world is this charge for?Let’s learn about some of the most common elements of a wedding.Understanding a Wedding Reception and Catering Proposal
What costs does a typical wedding include? What do we have to pay for?The list can be long or short, though most Boston couples land somewhere in the middle. These weddings tend to include:- Cocktail hour with passed or stationary hors d’oeuvres
- Hosted beer and wine bar for the entire evening
- Champagne toast
- First course
- Entrée (plated, family-style or event food stations)
- Coffee, decaf and tea service
- Wedding cake
- Standard linen, china service and flatware
- Table and bar glassware
- On-site culinary staff to cook at venue
- Full wait and bar staff
- Event coordinator and event manager to execute wedding and reception details
- Day-of coordination
Working with BG for Boston Weddings Means Value
Now, how does BG charge for weddings? While we are very competitive in price for Boston weddings, there are many areas in which we feel there should not be a charge. This is one of the places we are able to translate value to our couples. You will often find in other proposals (from other catering companies) several charges that are complimentary in ours.BG’s Gratuitous Wedding Services
- Administration fees
- Gratuity fees
- Cake cutting fees
- Tableside wine service fees
- Corkage fees
- Day-of coordination fees
Making the Decision About Your Boston Wedding Caterer
Ultimately, you will want to talk with several potential partners before delving into your wedding plans. The more you research and talk with others, the more you will learn about this entire process, and the more prepared you will want to be to read a wedding catering proposal. When you are fully educated and versed in what these fees and costs might mean, you will be able to compare your options apples-to-apples and come to the perfect decision!Bonus Boston Wedding Planning Advice
One thing we ALWAYS recommend to potential clients is looking through your top partner options’ wedding photos. Can you envision working with the team that helped put on these spectacular weddings? If so, give them a call!BG's Boston Weddings Menus, Venues, Photos and More:
- JoAnn + Mike at the Boston WaterWorks Museum
- Allie + Sam at Boston's Endicott Estate
- Jamie + Ivy's Church Wedding
More Articles You Might Like:
Event Spotlight: JoAnn + Mike's Boston Wedding at the Waterworks Museum
Boston Wedding SpotlightJoAnn and Mike wanted to celebrate their wedding in a fun and elegant way. The Waterworks Museum was a perfect choice for their reception venue, featuring more than enough uniquely designed spaces to accommodate the 200+ guests.
Beautiful Waterworks Museum Wedding in Boston
As the museum layout did not provide many large open spaces for gathering to enjoy passed hors d’oeuvres, BG worked out the logistics to roll those items out on bookcases. Each bookcase focused on a new dish and offered a new delicious experience for each guest to enjoy.
Boston Wedding Menu
JoAnn and Mike's reception menu featured a variety of delectable items including:- Baby iceberg wedge salads served in shaker containers
- Crispy fried chicken on mini waffles served with a chipotle maple syrup
- Corn and bacon griddlecakes served with a tomato relish
- Grilled medallions of beef served with bleu cheese “tater tots” and finished with a demi wine glaze
The couple and their guests all agreed that the food and event concepts designed by BG Events and Catering made the entire night a great success. JoAnn and Mike are proud to have showed their guests a truly wonderful experience that was “nothing short of amazing.”
Event Location: The Waterworks MuseumPhotographer: Darlene DeVita Photography More Articles You Might Like:
Preview Party for Winter Boston Holiday Events
There were so many wonderful photos from out 2014 Holiday Preview Party featuring this year's signature SNOWBALL, SPARKLE and SPLENDOR themes that we wanted to share with you! The icy, cool ambiance made possible by expert lighting and spot on decor blended seamlessly with the deliciously sleek, yet comfortable catering and ultra-modern bar.New to our holiday concepts this year is the Dragon's Breath nitrogen feature. Think you can spot which photo represents this super trendy 2014 holiday party aspect?
Our Preview Party was wonderful, and we are excited to transform other Boston holiday parties into winter wonderlands like this. Our Boston holiday party ideas have even more great resources and options for your holiday parties in Boston. We invite you to check these great holiday menus and party ideas out!
Summer Wedding Ideas for Boston Weddings
Summer is a great time for a wedding celebration, with the beautiful warm weather, plenty of sun and a ton of fun waiting to happen. If you are celebrating your wedding during the summer months, there are plenty of things you will want to make sure you have done in advance. Be sure you have all of your planning out of the way early with this Boston summer wedding planning guide.Also check out our additional summer wedding ideas on Pinterest. 
Boston Summer Wedding Colors
The hottest months of the year are also filled with the hottest of colors, meaning that your event space should be filled with all of the vibrant and exciting hues you want. The important thing is to remember to utilize your chosen colors when you plan your spring wedding theme, incorporating them into your invitations, bridesmaid dresses, jewelry, ties, tuxedo vests, linens, napkins, florals and more:- White or ivory
- Neutral colors (beige, etc.)
- Pinks
- Blue
- Green
- Teal
- Purple
- Orange
- Yellow
- Coral
Additional summer wedding color ideas:
- Having just one wedding color is no longer the standard. The current wedding color trend is wedding palettes consisting of three, four or sometimes even five colors.
- Choose one bold color and then incorporate several supporting colors to create a well-balanced visual experience.
- Examples of colors that pair well together include:
Coral with turquoise and white
Tangerine with yellow and fuchsia
Violet with light yellow, light gray and charcoal
Boston Summer-Inspired Wedding Decorations
Summer is filled with fun and excitement, and your summer wedding celebration should be filled with both, as well. Utilizing the colors of the summer months, convert your event spaces into a beautiful and vibrant celebration of love with these tips.- Colored table linens and napkins
- Colorful light strands and ropes
- Colored paper lighted lanterns
- Plenty of tea lights and candles in the wedding colors
- Summer-colored flower arrangements
- Summer-colored flower petals to spread throughout the room
- Floral combinations, ocean-themed items, bright colors and other summer-themed items as table decorations
- Brightly colored and crystal-like glasses and tableware
Additional summer wedding theme and décor ideas:
- Combining ideas, including plenty of bright lights, bright colors, flower arrangements and brightly colored crystal glasses spread throughout the room really brings the event theme to life.
- Flowers and gardens are a huge part of summer, so having a variety of arrangements and flower petals strewn about the room will create a majestic experience.
- Colored linens and napkins will truly transform the room, so avoid underestimating the power of those elements. If nothing else, use a brightly colored linen to set the tone for the rest of the summer wedding event’s décor.
Summer Wedding Menu Ideas
Summer weddings require summer-themed menu items that will truly bring the season to life. Ask your wedding planner about including any of these ideas when planning the gourmet feast for your big day.- Grilled chicken or steak
- Redskin potatoes in olive oil and fresh herbs
- Fresh fruit and vegetable skewers
- Asparagus
- Cheddar garlic biscuits
- Mango salsas
- Pulled pork
- Mini sliders for cheeseburgers, hamburgers, etc.
- Hot dog and bratwurst stands
- Caprese salad
- Fresh salads filled with greens, veggies and fruits
Additional summer wedding menu ideas:
- Ask your wedding planner to help you come up with the perfect custom menu for your summer-inspired wedding event.
- Do not be afraid to try unique combinations of flavors and textures.
- Set up a menu tasting event with your planner to clear up any last-minute wedding questions or work out any last details.
Summer Wedding Drinks and Beverages
“Drinks and beverages” are the true definition of summer fun. So many fun and delicious beverage combinations are made possible during this bright and cheerful season, so you will have no trouble pleasing your guests’ palates. With so many seasonal beverage flavor combinations to consider, your guests will have a wonderful time sampling drinks with any of these flavors included:- Coconut rum
- Fresh fruits
- Margaritas
- Daiquiris
- Tequila Sunrise
- June Bug
- Cucumber
- Sangrias
- Wines
- Lemonades
- Sparkling punch
Summer Wedding Cakes and Desserts in Boston
Summer weddings are full of sun, fun and plenty of bright flavors and colors. Incorporate summer-inspired flavors, colors and decorations to make your summer wedding desserts table fresh and unforgettable.- Frostings in traditional spring colors
- Cupcakes
- Sorbets
- Strawberry shortcake
- Raspberry and white chocolate treats
- Fruit squares
- Mini fruit tarts
- Chocolate-dipped ice cream sandwiches
Additional summer wedding cake and wedding dessert ideas:
- Decorate the dessert table with continuations of the summer décor spread throughout the rest of the reception room, including flower arrangements, flower petals and plenty of vibrant summer coloring.
- Include a wide variety of desserts in addition to the wedding cake, such as sorbets, cupcakes, fruit squares, etc.
- Bite-sized desserts are a big hit no matter what the season, and summer-inspired bite-sized treats will keep your guests munching late into the summer-themed wedding event.
Summer-Themed Wedding Flowers in Boston
Summer flowers are a must-have at any summer wedding because they provide accents of colors, added vitality and beautiful focal points throughout the event. Utilize any of these summer-blooming flowers to add extra elegant elements to your summer wedding celebration:- Roses
- Billy balls
- Peruvian lilies
- Veronica flowers
- Orchids
- Dahlia flowers
- Hydrangeas
- Iris
- Calla lilies
- Freesia
- Gladiolus
- Gerber daisies
- Aster flowers
- Tinted sage
Perfect Venues for Summer-Themed Weddings in Boston
A great wedding venue can make for an amazing wedding celebration. When planning your perfect summer wedding venue, consider the deCordova.
The deCordova, with its beautiful gardens and spectacular views of Flint’s Pond up on the terrace, is an ideal location for summer weddings in Boston. Click here for more information about the deCordova and all that it has to offer.Find even more perfect summer wedding venues with our venue finder!More Articles You Might Like:
Q&A with Boston Wedding & Event Planner Nicole Farnsworth
We asked one of Boston’s top wedding planners, BG’s Nicole Farnsworth, to share some insights into what makes for great Boston weddings. Below you’ll hear what she has to say about planning a wedding in Boston. This includes some of our most frequently asked questions, best tips and great places to start your Boston wedding planning process.
What are your biggest tips for the newly engaged when it comes to planning their Boston wedding?
What wedding themes/details have helped make your favorite outdoor weddings?
- Large wine barrels
- Tons of baby’s breath
- Burlap
- Mason jars
- Strung Edison light bulbs on trees
What have been some of your favorite menu concepts for a Boston wedding?
- Brunch for dinner
- New England seafood extravaganza
- His + Hers hors d’oeuvres tables with wine and beer pairings
- Chinese and Italian-style food stations
- Cultural food fusions combining the couple’s unique ethnic backgrounds into the food selections
What are some of the most unique things you’ve helped couples put into their weddings?
What kind of food service can Boston couples plan for their wedding?
What other services should couples think about when asking their caterer to help plan their wedding?
What should all couples ask their contending venues before booking?
What is something that many couples do not think about when planning a wedding that they should definitely try to keep in mind?
More Articles You Might Like:
Fall Wedding Ideas for Boston Weddings
With summer drawing to an end, and the colorful autumn months ahead, it is time for all fall wedding planning projects to get tied up in a bow. To make sure that nothing gets overlooked, we have put together this guide so that you can be certain that your fall wedding event is everything you want it to be.Also, check out even more fall wedding ideas on Pinterest!
Autumn-Inspired Fall Wedding Colors for Boston
When you think of fall, plenty of brightly colored leaves probably come to mind. Utilize all of the colors of fall when you plan your wedding theme, incorporating any and all shades (both brighter and darker) of these basic hues into your invitations, bridesmaid dresses, jewelry, ties, tuxedo vests, linens, napkins, florals and more:- Navy
- Eggplant
- Olive
- Cranberry
Additional fall wedding color ideas:
- Having just one wedding color is no longer the standard. The current wedding color trend is wedding palettes consisting of three, four or sometimes even five colors.
- Choose one bold color and then incorporate several supporting colors to create a well-balanced visual experience.
- Examples of colors that pair well together include:
- Navy blue with light blue or soft gray, coral and peach
- Eggplant with taupe and charcoal
- Olive with sage, mocha and ivory
- Cranberry with light blue, mocha, ivory and white
Autumn-Inspired Fall Wedding Decorations
Nothing says “celebrating a fall wedding” like truly autumn-inspired decorations. Utilizing the colors of the fall months—including oranges, yellows, reds, browns and dark greens—transform your fall wedding reception venue into an autumn wonderland with these ideas.- Colored table linens and napkins
- Centerpieces filled with dried leaves, dark wood, colorful pumpkins and assorted gourds
- Colored light strands
- Paper lighted lanterns
- Plenty of tea lights and candles in assorted autumn colors
- Golden glitter
- Autumn-colored flower arrangements
- Fall-colored flower petals to spread throughout the room
- Wood elements and vines
- Small pumpkins or gourds as unique name cards
- Gold and gold-rimmed place settings
Additional fall wedding theme and decor ideas:
- Combine ideas, including using autumn-colored flower arrangements surrounded by dried leaves, dark wood, colorful pumpkins and gourds and surrounded by fall-colored flower petals really brings the event theme to life.
- Decorate doorways with vines of autumn-colored leaves and flowers, adorning the ceilings with paper lanterns and utilizing plenty of candles and glitter throughout the room will create a majestic experience.
- Colored linens and napkins will truly transform the room, so avoid underestimating the power of those elements. If nothing else, use a cream or off-white color to set the tone for the rest of the fall wedding event’s décor.
Fall Wedding Menu Ideas
Seasonal menus help bring a wedding theme to life, and a fall wedding needs autumn-inspired menu items. Ask your wedding planner about including any of these ideas.- Pumpkin or squash-based creamy soups
- Sweet potatoes
- Roasted turkey or chicken as an entrée
- Cranberry sauces and gravy for garnishes
- Carrot cake and corn bread
- Cheese displays
- Fall vegetable medleys
- Cranberry cocktails
- Plenty of cinnamon
- Chili or casseroles
- Other traditional autumn-flavored dishes
Additional fall wedding menu ideas:
- Ask your wedding planner to help you come up with the perfect custom menu for your autumn-inspired wedding event.
- Do not be afraid to try unique combinations of flavors and textures.
- Set up a menu tasting event with your planner to clear up any last minute wedding questions or work out any last details.
Autumn-Themed Drinks and Beverages
There are plenty of delicious cocktails and drinks perfect for your fall-themed autumn wedding. Include any of these types of flavor combinations when you start planning your reception bar:- Pumpkin
- Cinnamon
- Hazelnut
- Fig
- Caramel
- Apple
- Bailey’s Irish Cream
- Spiced rum
- Apple cider
- Ginger
- Bourbon
- Stout beers
Fall Boston Wedding Cakes and Wedding Desserts
No wedding is complete without a perfect assortment of desserts and delicious treats, so make certain to have plenty for everyone. Incorporate the fall elements through autumn-inspired flavorings and plenty of autumn colors and decorations.- Frostings in traditional autumn colors
- Flavors such as pumpkin, apple, cinnamon, spice, caramel, hazelnut and vanilla
- Decorations on desserts, including flowers, ribbons, polka dots, swizzles, stripes and other designs crafted in traditional fall colors
- S'mores and variations on other desserts typically enjoyed in the fall season
Additional fall wedding cake and dessert ideas:
- Decorate the dessert table with continuations of the fall décor spread throughout the rest of the reception room
- Include a wide variety of desserts in addition to the wedding cake, such as mini pies, ice creams, cheesecakes, cookies, etc.
- Bite-sized desserts are a big hit no matter what the season, and fall-inspired bite-sized treats will keep your guests munching late into the fall-themed wedding event.
Autumn-Themed Flowers for Boston Weddings
When it comes to weddings, flowers are key. Utilize any of these fall-blooming beauties—in the traditional fall colors, of course—to truly bring your autumn-themed fall wedding to life:- Alstroemeria
- Asiatic lily
- Calla lily
- Chrysanthemum
- Dahlia
- Gerbera
- Roses
- Yarrow
Fill in around these fall-themed focal flowers with any of these stems:
- Gypsophila
- Hypericum
- Limonium
- Montecasino Aster
- Queen’s Anne lace
- Solidago
- Waxflower
Perfect Venues for Autumn-Themed Weddings
An appropriate venue truly makes or breaks a wedding theme, and this is especially true for fall-themed weddings! For your autumn wedding, take a look at one of our featured venue partners: the Endicott Estate.
With vast lawn space, a gazebo and peak foliage in the fall, this wedding venue is picturesque and perfect for weddings, receptions and more. Click here for more information about the Endicott Estate and all that it has to offer.Find even more perfect fall wedding venues with our venue finder!More Articles You Might Also Like:
10 Boston Wedding Ideas and Themes
Wedding season is never truly over. The planning process happens all year round, which is why we have compiled these 10 wonderful Boston wedding themes and dozens of ideas to help bring each of them to life.Whether you’re planning a fall wedding, winter wedding, spring wedding or summer wedding in Boston, find inspiration right here!
Vintage Boston Wedding Theme Ideas
Vintage has been—and continues to be—one of the top wedding trends this year, and we anticipate it being quite popular in the years to come. While each vintage wedding ends up being quite different and unique, here are some suggestions to rock this theme.
Vintage wedding elements:
- Mason jars
- Wildflowers
- Trundles, suitcases, old desks and end tables
- Tea cup candles
- Lace
- Wooden décor
- Burlap and white
- Instagram-filtered photo wall
- Polaroid pictures
- Live band
- Old books
- Candle chandeliers
Vintage wedding menu ideas:
- Chicken breast
- Sautéed spinach
- Cooked carrots
Vineyard-themed Boston Wedding Ideas
Take your wedding “to the vineyard” with a wine-inspired wedding and reception. In an event adorned with deep reds and crisp whites, all you wine enthusiasts will love sharing your interests with your guests, and your guests will enjoy experiencing your passion for great wine!
Vineyard wedding elements:
- Wine label invitations
- Personalized wine bottles
- Wine tasting
- Olive bar
- Bags of grapes
- Enclosed veranda
- Cheese boards
- Recycled wine bottle candles
- Hanging artwork
- Dramatic branch centerpieces
- White flowers
- String quartet
- Cork decor
Vineyard wedding menu ideas:
- Marinated filet—paired with a great red wine
- Rosemary pan-broiled chicken breast—paired with a great white wine
Seaside Boston Wedding Theme
This seaside theme is best for spring or summer nuptials. Bring the fresh breeze and blue waters to your reception when you plan a seaside wedding reception.
Seaside wedding elements:
- Coral and sea green color palate
- Oysters on the half shell
- Seashells and faux starfish
- Sand-filled glass candle holders
- Island music
- Tropical drinks—daiquiris, margaritas, pina coladas
- Outdoor patio or veranda
- Salty snacks
Seaside wedding menu ideas:
- Prosciutto-wrapped scallops
- Lobster bisque
- Fresh crab salad
Lovebirds Boston Wedding Theme Ideas
Birdcages and birds are making their way back into wedding décor, offering numerous ways to dress up this theme—i.e. you can put a vintage, cutesy, animated or modern spin on this theme, and each method can be really beautiful and fun. This is a great spring wedding theme.
Lovebirds wedding elements:
- Birdcages and a birdcage to collect cards
- Bird food ornaments as wedding favors
- Peacock feathers
- Branches and nests as décor pieces
- Robin’s egg blue color palate
- Purple color palate
- Nest place cards
- Plenty of flowers and branches in centerpieces
- Mini birdcages with cookies as wedding favors
- Themed cocktails
- Two lovebirds at the top of your wedding cake
Lovebirds wedding menu ideas:
- Marinated steak
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Lentils
- Strawberry, arugula and sunflower seed salad
Sweethearts Boston Wedding Theme Ideas
Celebrate love with a mix of all things sweetheart. Perfect for Valentine’s Day weddings, or a wedding at any other time of the year.
Sweetheart wedding elements:
- Sweets table
- Candy jar centerpieces
- Hearts galore
- Sparkles and sequins
- Tons of flowers
- A pink or red color palate
- Heart-inspired and sparkly photo booth props
- Glittered centerpieces
- Mirrored tablescapes
Sweetheart wedding menu ideas:
- Pork chops with a date marinade and glaze
- Roasted asparagus
Boston Backyard Wedding Theme Ideas
Backyard weddings are a wonderful way to celebrate a marriage. As it is on your home turf, you can start the wedding venue preparation far in advance. There are few surprises and questions to ask since you presumably know the layout so well! Here’s how you can make a beautiful backyard wedding special.
Backyard wedding elements:
- Home photos in old picture frames hanging from trees
- Polaroid pictures hanging in the tent(s)
- Lanterns
- Strings of lights
- Natural décor—gardens and flowers
- Tented dance floor
- Personalized cocktails and specialty drinks
- Individual pies
- Live band
Backyard wedding menu ideas:
- Buffets
- Stationary appetizers and hors d’oeuvres
Literary-themed Boston Wedding Theme Ideas
This theme could take on a variety of executions. You could choose your favorite book and turn it into your wedding experience, or you can take the literary idea as a more general theme and go all out with literary characters, books, wonderlands and more.
Literary wedding elements:
- Olds books
- Bookshelves
- Library card place cards
- Library sorting card invitations
- Book cover art
- Themed cocktails, a book-inspired bar
- Famous literary couples as table numbers
- Old fashioned book directory
- Martinis and old fashioned cocktails
Literary wedding menu ideas:
- Pot roast
Travel-themed Boston Wedding Ideas
Travel-themed weddings are always in style. The way you dress up this theme, however, can (and will!) change based on what’s hot right now. Vintage travel is very popular and a great way to combine two great themes.
Travel wedding elements:
- Open luggage as a card collector
- Country names or states as table number identification
- Globes
- Map art
- Passports as invitations
- Luggage/globe/compass-decorated custom wedding cake
- Mini luggage wedding favors filled with candy
- Luggage tags as place cards
- Framed travel photos of the bride and groom
Travel wedding menu ideas:
- Choose your favorite regions and serve dishes popular in those cultures!
Lavender Boston Wedding Theme Ideas
Pick any color, really, and go to town. We love lavender because it goes with just about every season. Here’s how you can incorporate lavender into your wedding and, depending on the time of year, how you can enhance your color scheme with supporting colors and elements!
- Lavender flowers, of course
- Lavender bridesmaid dresses, or variations of lavender and purple depending on the time of year
- Lavender napkins and linens
- Lavender bows on chairs
- Lavender frosting on your wedding cake
- Lavender ribbons on the sweetheart or bridal party table
- Lavender ribbons in the chandeliers
- Lavender scented candles
- Lavender hair piece
- Lavender centerpieces
- Lavender picture frames of the bride and groom
- Lavender garnishes on the desserts and desserts table
Wedding Pinterest Boards
For tons more wedding planning ideas, visit any and all of these Pinterest boards filled with themes, menus, décor, tablescapes, entertainment, unique elements, lighting, bar ideas and so much more.
Event Spotlight: Allie + Sam's Wedding
At BG Events and Catering, we take special pride in being able to showcase our successful events as well as the individuals that planned and enjoyed them.Peruse the photos below for event inspiration, decoration ideas and a true testimonial to the event planning magic we can perform to help you create lasting, life-long memories.
In this month’s featured event, we show you how we helped Allie and Sam celebrate their special day in dream-like fashion.Allie and Sam’s reception was held at the iconic Endicott Estate, complete with rustic, shabby-chic décor that the two selected together.
A band serenaded and entertained guests throughout the event. Guests were welcomed with a cocktail hour, complete with champagne and passed hors d’oeuvres, as they began to enjoy the festivities. The dining area of the event was adorned with a combination of burlap and lace, creating the perfect upscale yet rustic atmosphere.
A pre-set first course welcomed guests to the wedding reception feast. Family-style food presentations made guests’ mouths water, and the lengthy menu was a huge hit:
- Coconut Crusted Shrimp Lollipops with Spiced Pineapple Sauce
- Vegetarian Summer Roll with Thai Cucumber Sauce
- Tuna Sashimi on Golden Beat Chip with Wasabi Aioli
- Mini Lavash Wafer with Seared Duck Breast with Kumquat Marmalade
- Pepper Crusted Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Fresh Horseradish and Tomato Jam
- Goat Cheese and Beet Napoleon with Arugula and Citrus Vinaigrette
- Grilled Pork Loin with Fire Roasted Pineapple Salsa
- Grilled Onglet (Hanger Steak) with Garlic and Shallot Jus
- Vinegar-based Coleslaw
- Sauté of Haricot Vert and Rainbow Carrots with Fennel and Shallots
- Toasted Rosemary Potatoes
- Grilled Seasonal Vegetable Torte with Parmiggiano Reggiano Cheese
- New England Style Sweet Cornbread
- Assorted Mini Desserts including Key Lime Pie, Lemon Meringue and Italian Mini Pastries
- Bacon, Chive and Jalapeno Cornbread
- Whoopie Pie with Maple Filling
Many traditional moments were captured throughout the event, such as the cake cutting. In a modern twist, Allie and Sam had a “Selfie-Cam” that streamed photos of the event as they were happening.
Personal photos were placed throughout the event space, personalizing the space with images of Allie and Sam’s families and friends. The entire event was a great success! Event Location: Endicott EstatePhotographer: Dan Aguirre PhotographyEvent Planner: Blue Ivy EventsFlowers: Harrington FlowersBand: La Vie en RoseCake: Party FavorsPlace Cards: Seven Swans Wedding StationeryMore Articles You Might Like:
Gay Wedding Guide for Boston Couples
A wedding is a time for celebrating the unconditional love between two individuals. At BG Events and Catering, we are proud to support same-sex marriage and the promotion of loving unions between all couples. That is why we compiled this wedding guide for same-sex couples, filled with tips and tricks for putting together the perfect reception to celebrate true, equal love.Here is a guide to hosting the perfect same-sex wedding.
Make the Day About the Two of You
With so much focus on the politics behind same-sex marriages, it might seem like it will be difficult to make the day about the joy of the marriage itself. Remedy this by having the entire wedding weekend be all about the same-sex couple, creating a contagious atmosphere of love and celebration with these personalized items:- Print photos of the two of you throughout your relationship, chronicling your pre-wedding life together. Create collages with the printed photos and have them hung throughout the event space so that everyone can get a glimpse into your current life together and the happiness the two of you constantly share.
- Pair your favorite colors—one for each member of the couple—when selecting a color scheme for the stationary, reception and church decorations, party favors and more. This simple symbol reiterates your union while creating a truly customized addition to the same-sex wedding’s theme.
- Display a love timeline. Often guests will want to know about how you met, how long you have known each other, what types of things you both enjoy, what you have both accomplished and other love (and life)-related questions. Creating a timeline listing these types of items will allow your guests to enjoy a visual display of your history as a couple:
- When you met and where
- The types of trips and events in which you have participated together
- A little bit about each of your personal lives—hobbies, jobs, etc.
- Choose party favors about which you can honestly be passionate. Avoid settling for a standard customized drink glass or a box filled with aluminum-wrapped chocolates. Choose, instead, something that represents you both. Some examples include:
- If you are both fit or health-conscious, choose candy-coated almonds dipped in your party’s colors to fill a small reusable water bottle.
- If you are both really into fashion, choose fashionable accessories that party-goers of all genders can enjoy.
- If you are both beach bums at heart, select something tropical to give to your guests as they leave.
- Decorations at the ceremony and reception should show off your personalities, both individually and as a couple. Be sure you are adorning your event spaces with items that speak to both of your likes.
Personalize Your Theme
Again, this is all about you! Make the theme something special to you both. Themes like luaus, barbecues, backyard weddings and more are fun, but selecting something that rings true to you will make the whole event special and keep the focus on your love as a couple. Choose a theme that goes along with one of these life moments (or others!) for an added unique touch:- Destination of your first vacation as a couple—Examples include tropical destinations like the Caribbean, European, Asian, Vegas, Chicago, Provincetown or Hollywood, to name a few.
- A sport, team or event about which you both are passionate—Big sports fans? Have your favorite sport or team worked into your event theme through decorations, party favors, event entertainment and more.
- Activities in which you both participate—Are you both big runners, athletes, dancers, country music fanatics, artists, corporate businesspeople, salespeople, etc.? Work common activities into your theme to help your guests really get to know you both.
- A joint cause that brings you together—Animal activism, environmentally-friendly initiatives, human rights, you name it…a cause about which you are both passionate is a great way to bring an added personal element to any gathering.
- True love—Center your theme on the mood of the day itself, celebrating the true love between two people. Cover your space in hearts, cupids, love quotes and more for a truly romantic event.
Selecting the Perfect Menu
No wedding—be it for a he and she, he and he or she and she combination—would be complete without selecting the perfect menu. Choose edible items that match your theme and your tastes as a couple, such as any of these delectable pairings:- Regional fare from the country of your choosing, such as a Mexican fiesta menu, Caribbean fare, Italian cuisine menu, Asian-fusion menu, Chicago hot dog stand, etc.
- Fenway Park food for sports fanatics will be a big hit. Upscale versions of artisan hot dogs, burgers, bratwurst, popcorn and more can be created by any catering team and will truly bring a fun and delicious element to any sports fan’s wedding.
- Celebrating with a cause-themed event? Make all of your fare vegetarian for animal rights, or eco-friendly foods for earth-friendly-focused events.
- All of the most romantic foods—Prosecco, caviar, fine wines and cheeses and more—will enhance a true love-themed extravaganza.
