You’ve heard about SIGNATURE DRINKS for wedding receptions - but did you know this little concocction can actually help you trim some money on your liquor bill for the night.

A signature drink is like a novelty item for your guests, especially if you work to find something that is a little different then what they’ll find anywhere else.

In a hotel, a signature drink will most likely cost you more than any other standard bar items, but how it can save you money, is how you pare it. To save money on your bar bill, offer a limited bar with a signature drink.

At most venues, you can choose which liquor is available to your guests - if you restrict your beverage service to pop, punch, beer, wine and a signature drink, your guests will USUALLY drink fewer drinks in the night, therefore cutting your consumption.

Choose a signature drink that matches the colors of your wedding, or includes your favorite alcohol or embellishment. Something that reflects your personalities. Even offer a HIS and HERS drink choice.

For our recent client cocktail reception bash (see blog entry below this one), we offered guests a WOO WOO which went great with the various shades of pink used throughout the decor.

Woo Woo
1oz vodka
1/2 tbsp peach schnapps
top with cranberry juice
shake over ice in martini shaker and serve in a martini glass

So don’t be afraid to limit the offerings of your bar service for your reception, but offer your guests something a little different to drink through the night, to help them celebrate your marriage.

Jolyn
Lead Wedding Coordinator
Nuance Occasions

Nuance Occasions will help plan events other than weddings, when our schedule allows it. I was pleased to assist a client plan a milestone birthday bash - fit for a queen!!

Here are just some pictures from the event which took place in her private Edmonton home and backyard…

 Here are some pictures from today…

Front walk to her house

Close up of front door wreath

Dining room buffet of cold hors d’oeuvres

Close up on some of the food

Backyard tent set up

Close up on the florals

Signature Drink (definately a great one!!)

I didn’t get a picture, but we also had an astrologer giving readings to the guests and wait staff serving all the guests through the night…it turned out really well…

And special thanks to our great team of vendors for this event:
Florist - Graham & Lane
Tent & Tables/Glassware - Big Top Tent Rentals
Chairs & Linens - Elegant Touches
Catering & Bartending - A Cappella Catering

Event Design & Coordination by
Jolyn - Lead Event Coordinator
Nuance Occasions

Well, our last wedding was a wet one…but we were prepared for it, and you can be too - with just a little bit of advanced preparations.

Transportation: Be sure to have a rag or towel to wipe down the bottom of the door frame of your car or limo. With muddy roads, this little crevice can quickly attract water and dirt that will transfer onto outfits as you get in and out of the vehicle. Wipe this area down before anyone gets in or gets out of the vehicle.

Ceremony: If your ceremony is outdoors, ensure there is a covered area for your guests to sit, and that their seats have been dried off. Have umbrellas for each set of bridesmaid/groomsmen (and have them walk the aisle together) and then be sure to have a larger golf umbrella for the Bride and her father (as the dress will inevitably take up more room) and have dad hold the umbrella in the opposite hand from the one he is escorting the bride with.

Photos: Photos in a light rain are gorgeous - the colours of everything outdoors is really vibrant! Again, use your umbrellas, and even purchase a disposable plastic tablecloth that can be placed on the ground for the bride to sit on, and take photos with (just tuck the tablecloth under the dress so it can’t be seen!)

Music or PA System: If you are using recorded music or a PA system outdoors - be very cautious about the location of the electrical source and cords. It is really important for everything to remain completely dry. Live musicians may have difficulty playing in really humid conditions, since it may damage their delicate instruments. So be sure their is adequate cover for the musicians, and have them contact you in advance if they cannot play due to weather conditions. Have a recorded back up for use in case.

Put on your best smile: If it is raining, there isn’t much you can do about the weather. The best thing for you and your guests, is to put on your best smile and just make the best of the circumstances! Your guests will be sure to follow your lead and everyone will have a great time - even despite the weather.

This is Alberta afterall, and as much as I wish I could control the weather…I, nor anyone else, can control it. Should you happen to have rain on your wedding day - be prepared as best you can, and enjoy your day - regardless of the weather.

Congratulations to Erin & Derek - I am so pleased that the rain stopped just in time for your outdoor ceremony - and the sun shone brightly for the start of your married life together.  Dot and her husband did a fantastic job of preparing the gardens in case of rain, and Shannon and her team at Northern Bear pulled off a fantastic dinner and night for Erin & Derek. It was a beautiful day and Nuance Occasions was pleased to be a part of it!!

Sherwood Park Ceremony: Hasting Lake Gardens
Sherwood Park Reception: Northern Bear Golf Course
Guests: 110
Theme/Colours: plum, white & silver