• 6′ (L) x 30″ (W) x 30″ (H) rectangular table: 132″ x 90″
• 8′ (L) x 30″ (W) x 30″ (H)
rectangular table: 156″ x 90″

• 48″ x 30″ (H) square table: 108″
• 54″ x 30″ (H) square table: 114″

• 60″ x 30″ (H) round table: 120″
• 72″ x 30″(H) round table: 132″

• 30″ x 30″(h) round table: 90″
• 36″ x 30″ (H) round table: 96″

Consider for Plus Ones:

1. If the relationship is serious and long-term, it’s considerate to invite them.
2. Ensure you have the space and budget to accommodate additional guests.
3. If you know and have a good relationship with the partner, it’s a nice gesture to include them.
4. Reciprocity – consider whether your friend would likely invite your partner to their events.

Consider for Family Friends:

1. Evaluate your relationship with the family.
2. Check if you have space and budget for additional guests.
3. Consider reciprocity in past invitations from the family.

Consider for Work Colleagues:

1. Be aware of workplace dynamics and how it might affect inviting colleagues.
2. Reflect on how their presence might impact your celebration and your relationships at work.
3. Prioritize maintaining a comfortable (and fun!) atmosphere for both you and your guests, while considering how their presence may affect your celebration.

Ultimately, prioritize inviting those who will positively contribute to your celebration. Remember, this is your celebration! Communicate openly with your friend about your guest list constraints. Your decision should prioritize your comfort level and the atmosphere you want to create at your wedding while considering professional boundaries.

Determining seating arrangements for your wedding reception involves several steps to ensure your guests are comfortable and the event runs smoothly. Here’s how you can go about it:

1. Create a Guest List: Start by finalizing your guest list, including RSVPs, to know the number of attendees and their preferences for seating (e.g., dietary restrictions, family relations).
2. Understand Your Venue: Familiarize yourself with the layout of your reception venue, including the size and shape of tables, dance floor, and any potential obstructions.
3. Consider Seating Styles: Decide on the style of seating you prefer, such as assigned tables, assigned seats at tables, or open seating. Assigned seating is common for formal events, while open seating allows guests to choose their seats.
4. Group Guests Strategically: Group guests based on their relationships, interests, and preferences. Consider seating families together, grouping friends with similar interests, and ensuring solo guests feel comfortable.
5. Use a Seating Chart or Arrangement: Create a seating chart or diagram to plan where each guest will sit. You can use software tools or traditional methods like poster boards. Be sure to indicate table numbers or assigned seats clearly.
6. Consider Dynamics and Relationships: Be mindful of family dynamics, friend groups, and any potential conflicts when assigning seats. Seat guests who may not know many others with friendly and outgoing individuals.
7. Balance Tables: Aim for a balance of personalities and ages at each table to encourage conversation and enjoyment. Avoid seating all older adults or all younger guests at one table.
8. Plan for VIPs: Reserve special seats or tables for VIPs, such as immediate family members, the bridal party, and close friends. Consider their preferences and any specific needs they may have.
9. Communicate Clearly: Clearly communicate the seating arrangements to your guests, either through printed escort cards, a seating chart displayed at the entrance, or an online seating tool if using open seating.
10. Be Flexible: Understand that last-minute changes or adjustments may be necessary. Have a plan in place to accommodate unexpected changes, such as no-shows or late additions.
11. Review and Finalize: Review your seating plan multiple times to ensure accuracy and guest comfort. Make any necessary adjustments before finalizing it.

By following these steps and considering the preferences and dynamics of your guests, you can create a seating arrangement that enhances the experience for everyone attending your wedding reception.

Western Wedding Traditions:

• White Dress: The bride traditionally wears a white wedding dress, symbolizing purity and innocence.
• Exchange of Rings: The couple exchanges wedding rings as a symbol of their commitment to each other.
• Bridal Party: The bride is typically accompanied by bridesmaids, and the groom by groomsmen, who assist with various wedding tasks.
• Walking Down the Aisle: The bride is escorted down the aisle by her father or a close family member, symbolizing the transition from her family to her new life with her partner.
• First Dance: The newlyweds share their first dance together as a married couple, often to a special song chosen by them.

Chinese Wedding Traditions:

• Tea Ceremony: The couple serves tea to their parents and older relatives as a sign of respect and gratitude.
• Red: Red is considered a symbol of luck and prosperity in Chinese culture, so it is prominently featured in the wedding attire and decorations.
• Dragon and Phoenix: These symbols are often incorporated into the wedding decorations and attire, representing the groom and bride respectively.

Indian Wedding Traditions:

• Multiple Ceremonies: Indian weddings typically involve several ceremonies, including the Mehendi (henna application), Sangeet (musical evening), and the main wedding ceremony.
• Baraat: The groom arrives at the wedding venue in a procession, often accompanied by music and dancing.
• Seven Steps: During the main wedding ceremony, the couple takes seven steps together around a sacred fire, each step symbolizing a vow they make to each other.

Jewish Wedding Traditions:

• Chuppah: The couple gets married under a canopy called a chuppah, symbolizing the home they will build together.
• Breaking of the Glass: At the end of the ceremony, the groom breaks a glass with his foot to commemorate the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and to symbolize the seriousness of the commitment.

Muslim Wedding Traditions:

• Nikah: The couple signs a marriage contract called the nikah, which is witnessed by family members and religious leaders.
• Mahr: The groom gives a gift or payment called the mahr to the bride as a symbol of his commitment and financial responsibility.

These are just a few examples of traditional wedding customs, and there are many more from cultures around the world, each with its own unique symbolism and significance.

If you and your partner come from different religious backgrounds and are planning a wedding together, there are several steps you can take to ensure that your wedding celebration reflects and respects both of your beliefs and traditions. Here are some suggestions:

• Open Communication: Start by having open and honest conversations about your religious beliefs, values, and expectations for the wedding. Listen to each other’s perspectives and be willing to compromise.
• Find Common Ground: Identify aspects of your respective religious traditions that you both feel comfortable incorporating into your wedding ceremony and reception. Focus on elements that are meaningful to both of you and that reflect your shared values.
• Consult with Religious Leaders: If you are both actively involved in your religious communities, consider seeking guidance from your respective religious leaders or officiants. They can offer advice on how to blend your religious traditions and ensure that your wedding is respectful to both faiths.
• Create a Custom Ceremony: Work together to create a wedding ceremony that honors both of your religious backgrounds. This could involve incorporating rituals, prayers, or readings from both faiths, or creating new traditions that are unique to your relationship.
• Respect Family Wishes: Be mindful of the expectations and preferences of your families, especially if they are strongly connected to their religious traditions. While it’s important to honor your own beliefs, try to find ways to include elements that will make your families feel included and respected.
• Seek Professional Guidance: Consider hiring a wedding planner or officiant who has experience with interfaith weddings. They can help you navigate the complexities of blending different religious traditions and ensure that your wedding ceremony is inclusive and respectful.
• Educate Your Guests: If your wedding guests come from diverse religious backgrounds, consider providing information about the religious elements of your ceremony in your wedding program or through other means. This can help guests understand and appreciate the significance of the rituals and traditions you are incorporating.
• Celebrate Your Differences: Embrace the opportunity to celebrate the diversity of your backgrounds and the richness of your combined heritage. Your wedding is a celebration of your love and commitment to each other, and it’s a chance to showcase the beauty of your unique relationship.

By approaching your wedding planning with sensitivity, respect, and a willingness to compromise, you can create a meaningful and inclusive celebration that honors both of your religious traditions.

Photography Types

• Traditional/Classic: This style involves classic, posed portraits of the couple, wedding party, and family. Photographers using this style typically focus on formal shots with everyone looking directly at the camera.
• Photojournalistic/Documentary: Also known as reportage or candid photography, this style aims to capture spontaneous moments as they happen without much interference from the photographer. The focus is on storytelling and capturing the emotions and events of the day as they unfold naturally.
• Fine Art: Fine art wedding photography is characterized by a creative and artistic approach. Photographers using this style often incorporate dramatic lighting, unique compositions, and creative angles to produce images that are more like works of art. Dramatic wedding photography involves using bold lighting and composition techniques to create images with high impact and visual interest. This style often includes dramatic shadows, silhouettes, and creative use of color and contrast.
• Film: Wedding film photography is a timeless and romantic approach to capturing the precious moments of a couple’s special day. Unlike digital photography, which relies on electronic sensors to capture images, film photography uses traditional photographic film to record light and create stunning, tangible images

Photography Styles

• Natural/Light and Airy: This style emphasizes bright, airy images with soft, natural lighting. Photographers using this style often shoot outdoors or in well-lit indoor settings and aim to capture a romantic, ethereal feel in their photos.
• Dark and Moody: Dark and moody wedding photography is a distinctive style that embraces deep shadows, rich colors, and dramatic lighting to create images that are atmospheric, emotional, and full of depth. This style often deviates from traditional bright and airy wedding photography, opting instead for a more intense and mysterious aesthetic. This style of photography transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, capturing the essence of love, passion, and romance in a style that is both captivating and unforgettable

To determine the wedding dress style that will flatter your Bridal body type the most, it’s helpful to know your body shape. Here are some common body shapes and the styles:

Body Shapes

Hourglass: If you have an hourglass figure with well-defined waist, and your bust and hips are roughly the same width, you can opt for a mermaid or trumpet silhouette to accentuate your curves. A fitted bodice and a skirt that flares out at or below the knee will highlight your proportions.

Pear–shaped: For those with a pear-shaped body, where your hips are wider than your bust, consider A-line or ball gown silhouettes. These styles draw attention to the upper body while elegantly skimming over the hips and thighs. A detailed bodice or neckline can also help balance your silhouette.

Apple–shaped: If you carry more weight around your midsection and have a fuller bust, waist, and upper back, empire waist or A-line dresses work well. They emphasize the slimmest part of your body, just below the bust, and flow away from the midsection, creating a flattering and comfortable silhouette.

Rectangle or Straight: If your bust, waist, and hips are relatively similar in width and you have fewer defined curves, you can create the illusion of curves with a sheath or column gown. Dresses with details like rouching, beading, or embellishments around the waist or bodice can also add dimension and create the appearance of curves.

Inverted Triangle: If you have broader shoulders and a narrower waist and hips, consider dresses with a ball gown or A-line silhouette to balance out your proportions. A sweetheart neckline or V-neck can draw attention downwards and create the illusion of a more balanced figure.

Wedding Dress Styles:

Wedding dress styles vary widely, offering options to suit different tastes, body types, and wedding themes. Here are some popular wedding dress styles that are currently trending:

Ball Gown: This classic style features a fitted bodice and a full, voluminous skirt, often with layers of tulle or organza. Ball gowns create a dramatic, princess-like silhouette and are ideal for formal weddings.

A-Line: A-line dresses have a fitted bodice that gradually flares out from the waist, resembling the shape of an uppercase “A.” This universally flattering style suits many body types and can range from simple and elegant to more elaborate designs.

Mermaid/Trumpet: Mermaid or trumpet dresses are fitted through the bodice and hips and flare out at the bottom, typically around mid-thigh (trumpet) or the knees (mermaid). This style highlights curves and is perfect for brides who want to showcase their figure.

Sheath/Column: Sheath or column dresses have a narrow, straight silhouette that skims the body’s contours from top to bottom. This sleek and minimalist style is ideal for beach weddings or brides who prefer a more understated look.

Empire Waist: Empire waist dresses feature a high waistline that sits just below the bust, with a long, flowing skirt that drapes gracefully over the body. This style is flattering for various body shapes, particularly for pregnant brides or those looking for a romantic, bohemian-inspired gown.

Tea-Length: Tea-length dresses fall between the knee and the ankle, offering a vintage-inspired look that is both playful and elegant. This style is perfect for less formal weddings or brides who want to show off their shoes.

These are just a few examples of wedding dress styles, and there are many variations and combinations to explore. When choosing a wedding dress, consider factors such as your body type, personal style, wedding theme, and venue to find the perfect gown for your special day.

Determining how much alcohol to buy for a wedding depends on various factors, including the number of guests, their drinking preferences, the duration of the event, and whether you’re serving only beer and wine or also offering cocktails and spirits. Pro Tip: Ask your wedding coordinator and/or caterer for guidance.

Calculate the number of drinks per guest: A common estimate is around 1-2 drinks per guest per hour for the duration of the event, this includes any pre ceremony beverages. Adjust this based on your knowledge of your guests’ drinking habits and the overall vibe of your wedding.

Consider your guest list: If you have a lot of heavy drinkers or guests who prefer certain types of alcohol, you may need to increase your estimates accordingly. Conversely, if you have many non-drinkers or guests who will be driving, you might need less alcohol.

Determine the types of alcohol: Decide whether you’ll be serving only beer and wine, or if you’ll also offer cocktails and spirits. Offering a full bar will require more variety and quantity of alcohol compared to serving only beer and wine.

Consult your venue or caterer: Some venues or caterers provide alcohol as part of their services, so check with them to see what’s included and if they have any recommendations based on their experience with similar events.

Factor in non-alcoholic options: Don’t forget to provide plenty of non-alcoholic options such as water, soda, juice, and mocktails for guests who don’t drink alcohol or prefer alternatives.

Plan for leftovers: It’s better to have too much alcohol than not enough, as leftovers can always be returned or used for another occasion.

One day Banquet License: If you are providing your own alcohol, you must purchase a one day banquet license. Ask your  ETW coordinator for guidance!

Remember, these are just general guidelines, and the actual amount of alcohol needed may vary based on your specific circumstances and preferences. It’s always a good idea to discuss your plans with your venue, caterer, or ETW event planner for personalized advice.

First and foremost, what do YOU love?

If you love live music venues, consider auditioning a few different bands. Ask them for information about upcoming shows & bookings. If they’re playing at a wedding, even better. Plan to come by if the venue has a public area you can come by & listen.

If you & your partner have a playlist that speaks to your relationships journey or a band holds a lot of meaning to you both, a DJ has endless options & can help you to design a set list that will help set the mood for each part of your reception & keep the flow going.

Entertainment doesn’t have to be limited to the music that you have at your wedding. Again, look to what you’re personally interests are. Are you having your wedding in the summer & you love the boardwalk? Consider a snow cone station & funnel cake. Have classic games set up like ring toss & balloon popping

If you’re favorite past time is hitting the slopes & you’re having your wedding during the winter months, build a Hot Cocoa bar with an array of flavors & topping options

Addressing the different dynamics that may be causing you concern can be crucial for your own sanity. I always think it’s a smart to address the matter early on, this will give you time to have the conversation & decide, if it’s met with hostility, whether or not you want or need to make any hard choices.

Usually, the people on both sides of any issue, are individuals who care about you. Why else would you be inviting them to share in your special day. Be frank & honest about your concerns, but communicate it in a way to makes it clear, you’d like to work this out now, because it’s important to you to have everyone you love around you on this special day. Remember, it’s not what you say, it’s how you say it. Speak to your loved ones with kindness & compassion & if they aren’t willing to make the effort for you, it’s ok to set boundaries.

Setting the tone early on & framing the message in a positive light can make a big difference. Remember it’s not what you say, it how you say it. Here are some suggestions of friendly ways to phrase it:

Invitation Wording:

• “Join us for an adults-only evening of celebration!”
• “We kindly request this be an adults-only affair.”

Rationale if asked:

• “We want everyone to be able to relax & enjoy themselves without any worries.

Childcare Support:

• If you are so inclined & you have the resources, you can offer a room with a babysitter
• Provide guests with some local options

After-Party Care

• “Following the main event, we’re planning an adults only after-party & would love for you to join us!”

Age Restriction (if there are any):

• “Please not this event is for guests 21 years old & over.”