Planning an Amazing Rehearsal Dinner

The rehearsal dinner is part of your wedding celebration that allows those closest to you to get together in a more relaxed setting. However, it's not enough to just get everyone in a room and put some food down.

Along with a great meal, you should also consider having some entertainment. This can be a DJ, band, or something fun like karaoke. This will allow your guests to relax and have a bit of fun after the meal. It can also help break the ice for family members who might have met before.

The other thing to think about is who to invite. Traditionally, the guest list for the rehearsal dinner is limited to the members of the wedding party, immediate family members, and the officiant. This keeps the group small and allows for a more intimate event.

Just like the rest of your wedding, your rehearsal dinner takes planning. You should make sure you have an excellent venue to host it. This can be your wedding venue or another local spot that is right for the event. If you're planning a wedding and want to find a fantastic Philadelphia venue. To find out more about what we offer, give us a call today!

Photo: Flickr/Rona Proudfoot

Keep Guests Refreshed at Your Summer Wedding

Summer is here and so are summer weddings! If you're planning a summer wedding, you'll want to keep your guests refreshed.

Keeping guests refreshed can help everyone enjoy your wedding much more. Summer in Philadelphia can be very hot, and some of your guests might not be prepared for the temperatures here. If you're planning on having all or part of your wedding outdoors, the heat can quickly become too much for elderly guests and babies.

The best way to beat the heat is by offering shade and drinks throughout your wedding day. A tent can be a great addition to an outdoor ceremony, or offer guests a selection of parasols for individual shade.

When it comes to drinks, make sure you offer plenty of water. Infused waters, lemonade, and iced tea are all great for keeping guests refreshed while offering plenty of flavor and even some color.

For more tips about keeping guests at your Philadelphia wedding cool, or to find out how to use the Flourtown Country Club for your summer wedding, give us a call today!

Photo: Flickr/Ryan Polei

Including Kids at Your Wedding

One question that many brides ask is whether they should include kids at their wedding. While this is an entirely personal decision, we can offer some advice on the matter.

First off, figure out who has kids and how old they are. It can be helpful to break the list of children into different age groups, such as babies under 1, teens over 14, and everyone in between. In reality, different ages will have different requirements and present different issues.

Think about what you want from your wedding. Do you want the family atmosphere that children can add to, or do you want a very grown-up affair where kids will be a distraction or even a nuisance. Either is fine, and it is your wedding!

Whatever you choose, make it clear to your guests from the start. If you are allowing some but not all children -- whether this is by age group or by relationship -- be clear about the guidelines. This can help ensure that nobody gets their feelings hurt or feels unfairly treated.

It can also be worth considering your venue, and whether it is appropriate for kids. When you work with a great Philadelphia wedding venue like Flourtown Country Club, we can help you work out what is best for your wedding day. To find out more about what we offer, give us a call today!

Photo: Flickr/Ana Stanković Novaković

Three Things Your Dad Should Do at Your Wedding

Fathers are an important part of any wedding. For the father of the bride, there is plenty to do. Traditionally, this included paying for the whole affair! While this might not be the case today, there are still three things that your dad should plan on doing at your wedding.

1. Walk you down the aisle. This bit of tradition can be a special moment for you and your dad. Even though he might not admit it, he's probably thought about it since you were a little girl dressing up as a bride. Beyond being tradition, though, it's a way of your dad standing in for your entire family. It's a way of giving the family's blessing to your marriage.
   
2. Give a toast. When it's time for the reception, the father of the bride should say a few words. While this should include thanking guests for coming and otherwise making people welcome, it can also include an anecdote or two about you. Let him have his moment talking about his little girl and how far she's come, but don't be afraid to put a time limit on him, either!
   
3. Dance with you. A father-daughter dance is a great addition to the special dances at your reception. Usually done after the first dance, and sometimes alongside the mother-son dance, this is a way of symbolizing that even though you're now your husband's wife, you're still your father's daughter. Be sure to have your maid of honor ready with a tissue, though, as it can be an emotional moment!

These are just a few ways your dad can be involved in your wedding. If you want to include him in the preparation, why not bring him to check out the beautiful Philadelphia wedding venue we offer. Give us a call to find out more!

Photo: Flickr/tearsxintherain

How to Choose a Wedding Color Palette

Do you know what your wedding colors are going to be? If not, don't worry. It's easy to choose the perfect wedding color palette.

A wedding color palette should be made up of your main color, a few shades of that color, a complementary or contrasting color, and a neutral tone. This gives you and your wedding designer the basis for a rich, vibrant wedding style.

For your main color, think about your favorite colors or the colors of your favorite team. Alternatively, if you've found a decorative item that you want to use in your wedding, this can be a place to find a color. Pick out one color and set this as your main color.

Your main color will generally be used for things like the bridesmaids' dresses, the groomsmen's ties and vests, and other big splashes of color. By adding in a few shades of the color, both lighter and darker, you can give depth to your wedding color.

A complementary or contrasting hue is a way to give your wedding an even more impressive style. This will make your main color really pop, too. This color can be added in across your wedding in small ways, such as in the centerpieces, napkin rings, or other details.

A neutral tone is essential as a background for the rest of your colors. This can be white, but also consider an off-white or grey for some color combinations to really look their best.

Another way to get inspiration for your color palette is to look at your venue. If you're looking for a truly inspirational Philadelphia wedding venue, give us a call today!

Photo: Flickr/Timothy Marsee