Tips on the Bar

“Sorry, we’re all out on beer,” is something that you definitely don’t want your guests to hear.  Having a really good bar can make a difference to the feel of the party.  So, how do you do it right without breaking the bank?

Full Bars

-       The first 1 to 2 hours of the reception is when guests consume the most drinks.  During the highest peak hours, schedule dinner, a performance, or toast to break it up. 

-       Offer the open bar in stages to save money. One before or at the beginning the reception and one towards the end of the reception.     

-       You can save 50% or more if you buy in bulk and not in bottles.

-       Stock more drinks than you need!  It’s better to have more than you need than to run out.  If you buy from someone that allows you to return unopened bottles…FANTASTIC!

-       Save the champagne for the toast.   Serving champagne throughout the event is costly. 

-       Use disposable glassware.  Glass cups rental charges are by the cup.    Keep them clear.  Use one with an edgy effect makes it classy.

Always include non-alcoholic beverages such as soda and coffee as well.  Keep in mind that you will want to staff 1 bartender for every 50 guests you have.  Long lines at the bar can really slow down the evening.  Not considering a full bar?  Select a few favorites to serve at the bar.  Or have a juice bar during cocktail hour.  The Wedding Studio can help you set one up like the photo above.   This can be absolutely fun and add festivity to the event!  Whatever you decide on, I would just recommend staying away from cash bars and you’ll be golden.

Party favors that your guests will love!

The party favor topic is a tricky subject for every bride and groom. Do we get them or do we not?  Some couples feel this is a waste of money because most party favors are left behind at the end of the night.  Well, think again!  Party favors are a great way to thank your guests and something for them to remember the event by.  With a twist on traditional party favor ideas and some new ones, I’ll promise you they won’t leave without it!

At the last wedding I attended, the bride and groom greeted each party at the door and snapped a photo together.  By the end of the night, guests left with a framed photo of them with the bride and groom.  Guests were definitely surprised by this one!  The photographer brought a printer with him and as soon as he took the photos, he printed them out. 

Guests also love it when they get gifts they can use.  If you have guests traveling and staying at a hotel, pamper them with a small welcome gift bag filled with water, candies, snacks, maps, and anything that would make their stay better!

Growing in popularity for brides and grooms are charity gifts. Choose your favorite causes you’d like to donate to.  Label them onto large jars at a table.  Give each guest a stone to put in a jar of their choosing.  And for every stone, you can donate the amount you wish to the cause.  Guests will leave feeling good.  For more ideas, check out my personal favorites sites www.etsy.com, www.beau-coup.com, and www.planusa.org.

Inspiration Boards

Like most girls, I have been dreaming about what the day of my wedding would be like, what dress I would wear, who I would marry, down to every little detail.  Or at least I thought I did.  And I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who feels this way.  When it comes to putting all the pieces together, it can get a little crazy.  There are just so many vendors to choose from and so much time to invest into the planning process.  Where do I even start?  

I came across wedding inspiration boards. And what a great idea!  These boards allowed brides to pull together photos of ideas and visions they have for their weddings all into one place.  Most wedding sites allow you to create one for free.  My personal favorite is www.stylemepretty.com. Once the board is created, you can share them with friends and families.  And don’t forget to share it with us, The Wedding Studio, to help you make it all happen!

MTP: Shawna & Tony Engaged

She is fun, full of life and so sweet; he is creative and musically talented. I recently met up with my sisters childhood best friend, Shawna & her fiance, Tony for an engagement session at the Rock Quarry behind Syracuse University's South Campus. I have to give a shout out to Mabyn at Mabyn Ludke Photography for introducing this awesome location to me and many other photographers during an early summer shoot-out. This place has the best of both worlds - grunge and graffiti with nature-scapes around the next corner - which makes for a creative experience for me and cool photos for my couple! This session is also a perfect example of how even if I'm booked for your wedding day, you can still get a great session from me. Check out my blog for more great photos from their session!

forever & for always

xoxo, Meg

MTP: Brand New Website!!!

Good things have been happening this season with Meghan Thomas Photography and I'm so psyched to finally be releasing my new and improved website: www.meghanthomasphotography.com Well, its been a long time coming - I know! But check it out and let me know what you think!!!

forever & for always

xoxo, Meg