Picking Your Wedding Menu

When it comes to the food at your wedding it usually carries the same level of importance as Thanksgiving, you plan around it but usually forget to plan the details until the last minute. That’s why we’re here to help make picking out your menu easy!

The Price

The first thing is to make sure you know what is included with the price you settled on, and whats not. Typically you should be doing this before you decide on your venue to help make that decision, but Hey, this is your wedding after all!
Here we make it extremely simple for you by giving you a layout of each menu with simple explanations of how many options you have for each category (followed by each option, of course!). Also, don't forget to ask if there are any add-ons included with anything on the menu! For example, we offer a complimentary ice sculpture with every seafood display during cocktail hour! Who doesn't love taking a big king crab leg from a giant seashell- made entirely of ice?!

Getting The Good Stuff

Another major thing to remember is to check your potential venue's for any promotions! They could have cocktail hour stations or full Viennese Gala's that they're giving away for free, all just for booking during a certain month! Maybe they aren't giving anything away for free, but I guaratee you you will find some promotions with lower pricing per person on their packages.

Originality

When deciding between menus and venues, be sure to look for originality. Who wants to be eating the same thing their mother ate at their wedding 30 years ago? Not me! Be sure to ask questions about the Chef and what he's been cooking up in the kitchen. Plain mini hot dogs? No thank you. Mini hot dogs with sour kraut and mustard rolled into the ever-so-fluffy dough before wrapping it around that luscioustiny, cute hot dog? Yes please! (You can find this amazing creation here, of course!)

Who's in the Kitchen?

Lastly, make sure you test taste everything and anything you can! Tastings are a gift from the wedding gods that allow you to test everything about the venue from the food itself to the service. If you play your cards right you will even get to meet the Executive Chef where you can ask him any questions you have about the menu yourself! And don't forget that you can see the size of the portions, which is the most important part!
My own Father once went to a wedding at a very prestigious, well known venue in the Central NJ area that actually ran out of food at cocktail hour, and served more Dishes and Silverware than food during dinner. So make sure you test out those portions, and ask about the amount of food for your guests at cocktail hour. You wouldn't want any of your guests stopping at Burger King on the way home after all that money you spent!
And with that I leave you running off to tastings on the weekend, and doing research on menu options during the week at work.
Most importantly: Have Fun!

10 Wedding Planning Hacks to Save Tons of Time and Money!

We all know just how much Wedding Planning can put a damper on your Engagement Excitement, and honestly no one wants to see that!

With these easy 10 Wedding Planning Hacks, you'll find yourself with more time, more money, and less stress. And hey... who doesn't love more money to spend on the honeymoon!

Pre-Wedding Hacks

1. RSVP Invisible Ink

Track your RSVP's without your guests even knowing! Forget ruining your invitations and stationary with plain numbers to remember who's who- number or initial them with invisible ink for a modern and classy approach.

2. Utilize Groupon for Invites

You would be surprised by the gorgeous invites available on Groupon! Always be sure to check your for good deal's on custom Save the Date's, Invites, RSVP's and more.

3. Custom Floor Plans

When getting ready to arrange your seating arrangements, check with your Wedding Venue for a custom floor plan of your event. Here at The Imperia, we use special software to scale of every ballroom, so you'll know just how close your guests will be sitting next to each other!

4. Use Colored Tabs

Speaking of seating arrangements, use colored post-it tabs so you can visualize who's sitting next to who.

5. WeddingHappy App

With the WeddingHappy App you can do it all in one place- budget your Wedding, set up reminders, countdowns, and more!

Wedding Day Hacks

6. Bug Repellent Perfume

Having an outdoor ceremony or reception? Just taking engagement photos in some awesomely picturesque field? Keep the pesky bugs away, but keep your loved one close with this bug repellent perfume!

7. Solemates

Whether you're attending an Outdoor Wedding, or simply don't know what type of event you'll be attending, you can rely on Solemates to keep you upright and feeling confident!

8. Veil Weights

Use these stylish Veil Weights to keep that wandering veil in place. And why not try them out on some short Bridesmaid dresses too? The wind can't win this battle!

9. Secret Tissue Bouquet

Uh oh, unexpected happy tears trying to ruin your makeup? Hide some tissues in your Wedding Bouquet !

10. Wedding Card Album

Don't know what to do with all of those precious Wedding Cards? Just poke a hole in each one and string together with some ribbon for this cute album!

There you have it! You're an unofficial Wedding Planner Pro! With these Wedding Hacks you'll be ahead of the Wedding Planning Game.

Happy Wedding Planning!


Sweet 16 Party Ideas

birthday is always a special occasion. For many teens, the 16th birthday is a milestone. It is a special event to welcome them into adulthood and new responsibilities. A life event like this deserves a coming of age party, in recognition of their growth and accomplishments.

Make the occasion more special with these unique sweet 16 party ideas. Create a memorable and fun 16th birthday party with our simple tips, helping to ensure that the event is a success.

Planning the Event

1. Pick a Theme

Take time to talk to the birthday girl/boy about the theme that they want for their event. The rest of the birthday party planning will become easier once the theme is decided upon. They may want a neon party, for example, with face paint, glow sticks and a neon sign made by the Neon Mama team. The theme will determine everything, so choose it before anything else.

2. Set the Date and Time

Depending on the chosen theme, set the date and time of the event. For example, if the theme includes dancing, consider a night party. For an escape-at-the-spa theme, we recommend a daytime event. Keep in mind that you need to be open about your ideal day and time until you find a venue that’s suitable.

3. Choose the Venue

When looking for an San Diego event venue, choose one that offers both day and night bookings. Take note that not all sites provide daytime rentals. If you plan on holding the event early, it’s best to decide this early on. You will quickly narrow down your search to venues that can accommodate your schedule preferences.

When looking for an event space, ask about the amenities, convenience of the location, and privacy of the party room. Also, look for a venue with views that will make for a beautiful photo backdrop. This will ensure that the resulting images look amazing.

If you are, however, considering hosting the party at your home (which can be a good option too if you’re ready for it), then you will have to start prepping way before the party. Consider hiring a professional maid from reliable Austin house cleaning services (or ones closer to you) who can come in to help get the house cleaned up and looking fresh before you start decorating and preparing.

4. Create a Guest List

Consult the birthday girl/boy about the guest list before you create one. Make sure that all their closest friends will be there to make the event more memorable for them.

Whilst it might be nice to have a “friends only” party, it can also be nice to have older family members there too, if only for the earlier part of the evening. This will give you the chance to take family portraits Minneapolis which they’ll cherish forever when they’re older. It also suitably embarrasses them!

5. Send Invitations

Order the invitations early, or start crafting them if you plan on going DIY. Include information about the party location, and where to send RSVPs. If planning to invite guests via snail mail, consider sending duplicate invites on different platforms such as email or social media. This way, your guests will see your invite more than once. As such, it will remind them to send in their reply early

6. Choose a Menu

As expected, your menu will depend on the theme of the party. Will it be a formal sit-down dinner or something more casual? Once this is determined, decide upon the food and drinks you will be serving. Be sure to place an order ahead of time, so there are no last minute complications.

If your venue has a preferred catering list, be sure to ask for recommendations. There are event venues that have a list of caterers that you may want to hire. Often, these are the only catering companies that are approved to work at the venue. So be sure to find this out ahead of time, before you hire an outside caterer.

7. Plan the Entertainment

Make a list of activities to include in the party. You may want to hire a DJ or a band to provide fun and entertainment for your guests. You can also have participation games or dance contests to make the event more enjoyable. Your DJ, event coordinator, or band leader will likely have creative entertainment ideas for you.

Sweet 16 Party Theme Ideas

Can’t decide on a theme for the party? Here are some sweet 16 theme ideas to help you and the birthday girl/boy plan a memorable teen party:

1. Disco Dance Party

Dance parties are a hit for all ages. However, teens have their own preferences in music and dance styles. Talk to the DJ in advance so you can ask them about their recommended playlists. From there, add a mirror ball and a lot of flashy lights, and you’re set!

2. Spa Day Party

Treat your guests to a day at the spa with massages, manicures, pedicures, facials, or haircuts. Hire a hairstylist and challenge everyone to try a new hairstyle. Give party favors that consist of nail polish, lip balms, or scented candles.

3. VSCO vs. E-Girl/Boy

With the popularity of Tik Tok, styles by VSCO girls and social influencers have taken over the internet. Take this trend and make it the theme of the sweet 16. You’ll see teens creatively expressing themselves and having a great time as a result. If they are really into Tik Tok, then they are probably trying to make a ‘name for themselves’ online, so you may want to steer them to find Tikfuel reviews and make their dreams come true.

Sweet 16 Party Decoration Ideas

Make the party more festive by adding decorations for your chosen theme. Here are some decorating ideas to make the party stand out more:

1. Balloons

Even for older kids and teens, balloons make any party more special. After choosing a theme for your teen party, add balloons to match. Some creative options include balloon arches, balloon animals, and LED balloons that light up.

2. Streamers

Streamers, or any form of signage with the birthday girl’s/boy’s name, make for great party decorations. You have a wide option of colors and designs. Hang them on the walls, doorways, or ceiling to create fantastic photo backgrounds.

3. Table Decor

Adorn each table with centerpieces that match the party’s theme and colors. For example, you can place vases with the birthday girl’s/boy’s favorite flowers, or napkin holders with her name and birth date.

Sweet 16 Party Game Ideas

Entertain everyone with extra fun and amusement with these party game ideas:

1. Karaoke

Let everyone sing their hearts out by renting a karaoke machine for the event, or use software specially made for this purpose. Hand out slips of paper for guests to make song requests, and offer prizes to the best singers.

2. Junk in the Trunk Game

Tie empty tissue boxes to the contestants’ waist and fill them with ping pong balls. Ask the DJ to play energetic music and ask the players to dance until all the balls inside the box fall. The first one to shake out all the ping pong balls wins the game.

16. Photo Booth

Set up a photo booth backdrop and provide a box full of hats, masks, costumes, and many other fun accessories. The guests can take turns dressing up and have their pictures taken. Hire a photographer or rent an instant photo machine to create keepsakes for the party.


27 Ways To Celebrate Your Birthday

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6 Ways To Add More Technology To Your Next Event

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Sparkly New Year’s Eve Wedding Celebration

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