Category Archives: Receptions

Real Events at Wedding Venues in Utah 02-22-2014

Today Simple elegant wedding venues in UtahI’d like to share about this wedding celebration that took place in the cold of winter, but you’d never guess it.  Liz and Matt added their touch of style and personality to the classic lines of Ivy House, one of our wedding venues in Utah; thus creating a Utah wedding reception with simple elegance that reflected the love they share together.

Pastel winter colors in reception venues in Utah

Liz chose beautiful pastel peaches and pinks and accented with golds, silvers, and ivory including a touch of lace.  It was elegant, warm, and inviting.  Not only was this Utah wedding reception a beautiful site, but even the sounds were elegant.  Liz and Matt invited a friend to come play the harp as background music before the dancing began with their iPod music.  The string instrument definitely added some class to the event that matched the classic charm of the style of this wedding venue.

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The tables were covered with ivory base linens and topped with gold pin tucked toppers.  Atop this was the centerpiece option of our tall Silver candlestick centerpiece to which Liz accents with color coordinated ribbons, a touch of mirrors, votive candles, and photos of her and Matt within beautiful silver frames.  Again, it was absolute simple elegance as you will see in the photos.

Table Centerpiece at wedding reception places in Utah

We are one of the Utah reception centers that allow for self-catering and that is what Liz and Matt opted to do.  They brought in a variety of scrumptious desserts and platters of fresh fruit.  Loving neighbors kept the serving tables full for the guests.

self catering at salt lake wedding venues

Simple elegance can include a lot of fun too.  They created their own photo booth with streamers in their wedding colors hanging from a garden harbor as the background and a few fun props.  These photos were glued into the guest book and signed by all their fun family and friends.

group photo at wedding reception
Utah wedding places with photo booth

Liz hired Natalie Gray of The Cake Market to create her exquisite cake.  It was a unique two tiered ruffly and pearled masterpiece with a beautiful rose bouquet on top.  The flowers were done by First Blossom, and her videographer was Dan Kettle with Elements in Motion.

Wedding Reception two-tier cake

Cutting the wedding cakeSlice of wedding cake is goneUtah wedding venues are fortunate to have photographers like Lori Romney Photography and we were pleased to have her photograph Liz and Matt at Ivy House.  As you can tell, her work is beautiful and we hope she returns with another bride and groom to our reception
centers in Salt Lake City.

Sparkler send off at wedding venues in Utah

Liz’s mother wrote:   “Wonderful venue!  It was beautiful.  All the staff was so helpful.  So glad we had it here!”

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Utah Wedding Venues Near Salt Lake LDS Temple

Reception centers in Utah that are close to Salt Lake Temple

If you are one of those beautiful couples who are coming to the Salt Lake LDS Temple to be married according to your faith and beliefs, you may be wondering what Utah wedding venues are close to the Salt Lake LDS Temple and won’t break the budget.  Discover one of the newest most chic wedding venues Salt Lake City now offers to Mormon newlyweds!  Discover Ivy House Weddings at Western Gardens Downtown.  We are located 1.8 miles or 7 minutes away from the Salt Lake Temple, making less than a handful of turns depending on where you exit temple parking.

Road map Salt Lake Temple to Ivy House
A short 1.8 miles from the Salt Lake Temple to your relaxing beautiful wedding venue Ivy House Weddings – a simple 7 minute drive. Easy access to I-15 freeway too.

Discover inexpensive elegance at our venue.  Not all Salt Lake wedding reception venues allow self-catering, but we do.  This is usually a big hit with the large but creative & helpful Mormon families that join in with the celebrations. Parking is plentiful and our space is intimate for “family”.  We even think of the little people involved providing a children’s room that has a dvd player and large TV on the wall to aid those parents with their tiny tots.

wedding reception centers with children's room
Little people enjoy their own little room with chairs their size and TV/dvd. Parents like it too!

Our old world charm and cozy warm fireplace make it almost a home away from home.  Beautiful original artwork by local Utah artists adorn the walls and our warm and friendly wedding planner and event hosts will help as though they were welcomed relatives. Families have gathered around the baby grand piano for sing-a-longs, invited friends to play string instruments, or even hired a jazz band.  But many brides and grooms simply enjoy their personal playlist from their iPad or smart phone played on our wonderful sound system.  Any music you choose for your celebration sounds incredible in this high-vaulted stunning reception hall.

utah reception centers with family
Professional and kind staff are very helpful additions to help your day run smooth and peaceful!

Utah weddings at the Salt Lake Mormon Temple must consider wedding reception centers in Salt Lake City like Ivy House Weddings at Western Gardens Downtown.

wedding reception in salt lake city temple collage

bride on balcony at salt lake city wedding venues ready to throw bouquet
Bride ready to throw the traditional bridal bouquet from the top of the balcony to her family and guests below!
celebration of the union of two families at wedding reception places in utah
This was a beautiful celebration of the union of a couple that made two families one!

wedding places in utah where you can hold up the groom

Tuesday’s Tip – Utah Weddings Wise to Heed Mother Nature

Utah Weddings Listen to Mother Nature

Utah is known for its fickle spring and fall weather phenomenons that can change hour by hour.  Utah also can have very hot summers.  Knowing this, brides planning Utah weddings would be wise to listen to Mother Nature if they want to optimize their success and pleasantness for all attending their special celebration.  Heeding weather warnings and planning ahead will help avoid potential annoyances.

Weddings in Utah weather plannerMany guests have been known to leave early from hot tent gatherings or wedding venues in Utah that don’t have good air conditioning.  Bugs at certain times of the year can also pose a problem if not attended to by the hosting venue.  Spring cloud bursts always seem to catch the unprepared wedding party at Utah weddings, especially those that think they can simply use their backyard garden.  Consider wedding venues that will give you a garden feel but you don’t have to worry about getting those emergency tents or canopies from neighbors and friends, or purchase lots of umbrellas and hire lots of neighbor boys to walk your guests from their cars to your home with umbrellas.  Wedding reception centers have done it all before and can alleviate your worries and actually can be more cost effective.

Reception centers in Utah with air conditioning for guests
In the well air conditioned Ivy House, the Groom and all the guests won’t be over heated as the party rages on during the heat of the summer!

A great tip is to check out the local news weather forecast history for your area.  Utah’s local KSL has a great service where you simply submit the date for which you are planning your event and up pops the information of the chance of precipitation for your given day, the average temperatures for that day, even average hourly temperatures.  You can also check out the sunrise and sunset so you can time saying your wedding vows at that perfect photo shot moment with a sunset behind the bride and groom.  It is KSL’s “Wasatch Front Outdoor Weather Planner” found on their website.

KSL Weather Planner

So remember when planning Utah wedding receptions, listen to Mother Nature and heed her weather tendencies by planning accordingly.  Utah weddings are so much more pleasant for everyone involved when this tip is followed!

Utah wedding venues for cool as cucumber couples
The climate is just right inside Ivy House while it can be storming a spring thunder burst outside! Peace and calm inside!

Tuesday’s Tip – Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Utah Wedding Venues

Utah Weddings bride ready to ask questionsYou have all kinds of ideas that you have been dreaming of and conjuring up for your perfect ceremony and reception at any of the many wonderful Utah wedding venues.  Your ideas are wonderful because they are yours!  After all, this is YOUR day, not your mother’s or your sister’s.  It’s your enchanting day at your wedding reception venue!

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This bride asked to create her own swag and decorations on the mantel to reflect her flair. Beautiful!

Some brides become too timid and are afraid to ask about doing certain things or using certain decorations and such at their venue.  Of course using proper etiquette and courteous tones, simply ask your Utah wedding reception center’s coordinator, wedding planner or vendor about your ideas.  Most times the ideas are wonderful and the vendor can oblige exactly as you envision.  Sometimes it can’t be done exactly the way you wanted, but something similar can happen.  Other times, it just is simply against a policy or a building code.  But why not ask?  The worst they can say is “no”.  Be brave.  This is YOUR special day.  Your reception needs to reflect your style and flair.  See some of the unique out of the ordinary styles that our Ivy House Brides have displayed over the past several years.  All they had to do is ask and we worked with them where possible.

wedding venues in Utah with hanging lanterns
The wedding party wanted to hang lanterns and tissue discs. This is now allowed from our lofty chandeliers, so they created this stand to frame their serving buffet tables. Turned out beautiful!

wedding places utah offers with hanging lanterns and discs

Wedding planners at Utah wedding venues should be your most-trusted experts that you will work with in this planning phase.  You should feel free to bounce ideas off her or him and trust that they are giving you honest answers and not just putting you off.  Having honest conversations with all your wedding reception vendors is crucial.  They should be helping you create a wonderful memory of a lifetime while helping you stay within your wedding budget.  So don’t hold back.  Be bold and ask them exactly what you are wishing for and how they can help you make it happen.  Remember to be flexible, but at least you’ve approached the ultimate request.

Utah wedding locations with mirrors and beautiful wedding cakes
Very carefully, this bride hung a wedding portrait from the mirror behind her wedding cake to add another dimension.

So, I encourage you to just ask about the possibilities at reception centers in Utah.  Usually the answer is “What a wonderful idea! We can do that!”  Plus be ready to be creative when compromise is called for.  What an exciting time!  Be brave and make it happen!

salt lake city wedding venues with spiral staircase
Though most do not, some brides like decorating the spiral staircase with lights or flowers or ribbons. This bride chose ribbon and lights. Striking!
utah weddings and pasta bar servers
Pasta bar chefs cooked up each guest’s pasta to perfection! This was a self-catered event.
Beautiful entrances at wedding venues salt lake city
Brides have added decals to our front entrance doors for a special elegant touch.
wedding canopies at utah reception centers
This bride hired a company to bring in a beautiful canopy to set up in the corner with a chandelier in the middle.
clever ideas at utah wedding reception
Picture frames hanging from the balcony to “frame” the cake nook.

Utah Wedding Venues Can Help Save Your Wedding Budget

HEADER Wedding Budgets for wedding reception venues in UtahThe wedding budget is a common facet that nearly all couples have to consider when planning their celebrations and looking at Utah wedding venues.  Budgets are inconveniently real and can be intimidating and stressful.  If you let it, your budget can ruin the entire spirit of your beautiful day.  Don’t let it!  You can have a perfect wedding at one of Western Garden’s wedding reception centers.

SONY DSCPrioritize Your Utah Wedding Venue Needs – It is important to prioritize what items are the most important to you.  You may be able to cut costs on less important things so you can spend more of your budget on those things that are must haves.  Here are some tips to consider as you plan and work within your available funds.

wedding-reception-centers-in-Utah like Ivy House Weddings1. One way to look at your budget is to see it as a challenge before you.  It’s there to stay.  Make it a quest to work within your limits.

x Bridal bouquet toss at Utah-wedding-venue Ivy House Weddings2. Remain flexible about many of the choices you have to make.  Give and take along the way.  A lot of headache and stress comes when you insist and demand everything little thing.  After all, the most important part of your day will be when you look into the eyes of your man and say “I do!”  

dance floor included in some Utah wedding venues 3. Seek advice from a wedding event planner at the wedding venue you choose.  She has witnessed a lot of weddings and a lot of brides, some with big budgets, some with smaller.  She has lots of ideas to share.

SONY DSC4. The reception venue is the first major cost to incur.  Seek a venue that offers as much as possible in their base venue rental.  Ivy House and Atrium Weddings include just about everything you would need for the venue – linens, tables, chairs, centerpieces, cake cutting tools, beverage servers, parking, etc.  When you book with them, a lot of little details are already included.

sparkler sendoff can be included at wedding venues in salt lake city5. Once you have scoped out all the wedding reception centers and have booked, now it is time to look at your guest list.  You can quickly cut your costs if you invite only people that are your closest relatives and friends on both sides of the family.  If you can cut it down, you will be cutting costs for invitations, food, flowers for the tables, guest favors, and even the size of your cake.

SONY DSC6. Remember there are a lot of details that you can handle personally.  This will save a lot of funds for other things you may not be able to provide, possibly your wedding cake, wedding gown, or special gifts for your bridesmaids, etc.  

Romance 101 at Utah-weddings at Ivy House Weddings7. Don’t forget who this party is for.  You!  It’s to celebrate your union. Keeping this in mind will make it easier to reduce or remove some of the items that can greatly increase your costs. 

Utah-venues include Ivy House Weddings Mr and Mrs welcome8.  Most wedding venues in Utah can accommodate having your ceremony and your reception or dinner at the same wedding location.  This will dramatically cut your costs of paying the minimum for two venues.  This will also prevent the stress of transporting everything from one venue to the next.  Also, if you reserve wedding venues during off peak season or weekday rather than weekend, you can possibly save additional money.  Many brides have booked a daytime ceremony with nice luncheon.  

SONY DSC9. Another great idea is to order a smaller two tier wedding cake and then use a sheet cake to serve guests.  A gorgeous smaller wedding cake gets cut just as much as a larger one.  This is one simple area you can save your wedding budget.

SONY DSC10.  You can save a considerable amount of money when planning your dinner or refreshments.  Instead of a main course, try finger foods, appetizers and beverages.  See if you can self-cater and then have a good friend take charge.  (Your immediate family members will be occupied tending to you and guests, so don’t let an immediate family member take on this task.) A full bar can also take a lot from your budget, so consider offering wine and beer instead.

SONY DSC11. Your wedding favors, menu cards, table signs and escort cards can be handmade.  With today’s technology, these items can be created and printed very easily and look very professional.  Ask a bridesmaid to help you design your stationary needs.    

arranging flowers at reception venues in Utah 5-7-1412. Last but not least, making your own flower arrangements can save you money.  Simple flowers can have a stunning effect on your guests.  Using greenery and flowers that are in season, can also cut costs.  So there are a lot of the little details that you can do yourself or have family help you.  Remember that Western Gardens reception centers include a variety of candlelit table centerpieces as part of your venue rental.  You will not have to spend money on your table decorations.  Many brides add a touch of rose petals or a simple ribbon, or even simply place frames of photos of the couple around the centerpiece.

Sticking to the budget makes bride and groom smileEven when you are planning a wedding on a budget, you can cut costs and not completely destroy your style and flair.  Prioritize what you want your money to go towards, then fill in the rest with help from family and friends.  Choosing a venue that includes a lot in their base price will help save your budget for other items you want to have.  Let the wedding planners of Ivy House Weddings help you plan a memorable wedding.  This is a first step to making Utah wedding reception affordable and just what you have dreamed about.

Important Questions to Ask Wedding Venues in Utah Either Online or in Person

bride and groom dancing at wedding locations in Utah
Beautiful wedding venues in Utah include Ivy House Weddings

Your boyfriend popped the question and you have eagerly exclaimed “Yes!”  After the fog of excitement has lifted and possibly you have settled on the date, or several optional dates, it’s time to begin the nitty-gritty of wedding preparations.  After setting the date, the next important thing to book one of the many choices of wedding venues in Utah.  You will need to book early to ensure your chosen venue is still open for your special date.  So don’t delay the beginning of your search.

You need to choose the wedding reception centers in Utah that is right for your style, flair, and your budget.  So here are some questions that will help you in your quest.  

  1. First, always ask about the availability of your wedding date.  This will save you heart ache of getting excited for a particular venue, only to discover that your date is not available.
  2. What is the capacity of the venue?  Will there be enough space if you choose to have your wedding ceremony and reception in one location?
  3. Does the venue’s ambiance match the kind of look and feel you want for your celebration?  What decorations do they provide?  What decorations would you need to add?  Can the venue supply additional decorations and can match your colors chosen?

    wedding venues Utah host romantic couples
    Do you want a classic old world charm ambiance for you and your guests?
  4. Does the Utah wedding venue provide for other wedding related vendors?  Or must you use their vendors?  Do they allow your own caterers to come in or even self-catering?  Do they freely recommend vendors?  Do the venue get a commission off of those vendors they recommend? Ask the venue for photos of their caterers, florist, cake designers, and photographers.

    Utah wedding receptions with bride's room
    Ivy House Weddings Bride’s Room is elegant and spacious and calming!
  5. Are the venue facilities suitable for you and your guests?  Is it wheelchair accessible?  Is the bathroom easily accessible?  Does the venue have a separate bride’s room and groom’s room for changing during your event?  What kind of accommodations are available for younger children who will possibly attend your celebration?
  6. If desired, does the venue allow alcohol?  It is important that the facility holds a state liquor license if you want liquor during your wedding reception.  Turn the drinks completely over to a licensed bartender so that you and your family are not libel should alcohol problems happen at your event.
  7. What all is included in the main cost?  Know the detailed list of what the venue includes so you are not disappointed or can plan on certain items.  The details of your wedding plan are going to be very important as you proceed.

    table settings at wedding reception centers in salt lake
    Upgraded linens and optional tableware are beautiful with our standard silver candlestick centerpiece.
  8. What kind and how much space is available?  Is there a dance floor included in the price?  Is there enough space for a band, should you wish one?
  9. Parking at reception venues can be annoying for you and the guests.  Does the venue provide close and ample parking?  Does the venue include a security guard to keep watch of activity outside the venue while you and your guests enjoy yourselves inside.
  10. What staff does the venue supply during your event?  Do they have a wedding or event planner to help you make sure everything is planned?
  11. Are there restrictions you need to know about?  Some venues do not allow for open flame candles.  You will want to know any restrictions, especially if you want something unique for your wedding.

If you are planning a Salt Lake Valley wedding celebration, Ivy House Weddings at Western Gardens Downtown Salt Lake City is one of the Utah wedding venues that should definitely be considered for your celebration.

Outdoor fall colors at Utah wedding reception venues
Autumn colors for couple at Ivy House Weddings

Thank You Photos add Personality and Class

Couple kissing with photo cards - great thank you note photo from reception centers in salt lake city

At their wedding receptions in Salt Lake, many couples capture a photo of the newlyweds holding a thank-you poster or banner.  These can be turned into postcards to send to your guests showing a unique thank-you for the beautiful thoughts and gifts they shared with you on your wedding day.

Thank you card photos at wedding venue in Utah

This simple and clever expression shows your thankfulness to not only guests, but also to those who helped with all the details of your wedding day.  After such a most important and grand celebration, many notes of gratitude are in order.  With the newlyweds on their honeymoon and then the limited time afterwards getting back into new routines of married life, this idea helps you create countless notes that in an instant show your personality and also shows that you were thinking and being grateful ahead of time, rather than just a quick note on a standard thank you card.

Thank you card from friends at reception in salt lake Costco printed thank you photo.

Several years ago, my daughter came to me with a thank you postcard from one of her friends.  We have remembered it ever since.  The couple simply posed with a thank you banner while they were actually standing in their wedding line!  The bride’s maid of honor orchestrated the shot and ordered the cards so that by the time the couple returned from their honeymoon, the cards were there waiting for them to write a simple little note, stamp, and send on its way. It was very simple, but very powerful and meant a lot to my daughter!

Many online companies offer the service to print up postcards.  A few of them are CarlsonCrafts.com, Zazzle.com, Shutterfly.com, Vistaprint.com, and many other companies.   

Carlson Craft photo thank you cards for less than $1 per card.So don’t forget to take a moment at your Salt Lake wedding reception center, find a little spot, hold up a sign, and click a most memorable thank you note for all our loved ones.

 

No Regrets for Father-Daughter Dance at Utah Wedding Receptions

Father Daughter dance at wedding reception in Utah

 Your Dad!  He has been the main man in your life for many years.  He was the first man to love you and the first man you loved.  If you can, don’t miss out on a special moment with the first man in your life.  The Father-Daughter dance is a tradition that creates a special moment for any loving father as he gives his little girl away to the man who has promised to be her partner for life.    For many, this dance is an important part of many Utah wedding receptions and can’t be missed.  Don’t have any regrets by not doing it.

For Sharae P., a mother in Draper, Utah, she feels that this dance is “a symbol of a father who has loved and taken care of his daughter for so many years, and now is saying his goodbyes and passing her on to a new man who will assume the duties of making sure she is loved the rest of her life.”

Carolyn G. from Salt Lake City, Utah, never had such a moment with her father but now that she has a daughter of her own, she looks back to her wedding and wishes she would have shared this tender moment between her and her daddy.  She feels this special dance is “a way to recognize that [daddy-daughter] relationship and let the father have that last moment where he is his daughter’s ‘handsome prince’ before turning her over to her husband.”

I asked my mother if she had a daddy-daughter dance with her father.  She said she didn’t even think about having one.  She didn’t have anyone help her with the planning of her celebration so it totally passed her thoughts.  She regrets not having that last dance with her dad, especially since he passed away a few years ago.

Ivy House Weddings and Atrium Weddings are two Utah wedding venues that help make dreams come true on a bride’s special day. If she dreams of having such a tender moment with her father, they have dance floors and wonderful sound system are provided to help make this moment everything she imagines.

Dance Parent 2

Wedding Venues in Utah that Many Photographers Prefer

The photos from your wedding day are priceless treasures, so make sure you capture all those tender and sweet moments with a good wedding photographer who has experience shooting at beautiful wedding venues in Utah.  Many reputable photographers enjoy Ivy House weddings for their spiral staircase and romantic chandeliers that offer unique backdrops.  But more important than just background scenes, a good talented photographer is a must.  

I had two friends that planned their wedding on a tight shoestring budget.  They happened to win a free wedding day photography package from a local company.  Though they loved the work of the photographer who did their engagement photos, the company sent a different photographer for the wedding day events.  The outcome of this story is that the photos were terrible and they didn’t keep even one photo of the day’s events.  Luckily the company arranged for another photographer to come take photos after their honeymoon.  However, there is nothing like the actual day to capture those sentimental moments with family and friends.  My friends did have fun dressing up in their wedding clothes again!

Be sure you hire a trusted photographer and one that has talent and artistic ability.  Wedding venues in Utah can be wonderful backdrops for a good professional photographer.  See some example of good photographers at Ivy House Weddings.  Brides can browse through several photo books of photographers that enjoy shooting at that reception hall.  

Communication is Key, Even at Wedding Venues in Salt Lake City

Wedding venues in Salt Lake City that recommend wonderful cake designers
Heritage Cakes and Carrie’s Cakes do beautiful work along with our recommended florist Hillside Floral.

When planning your wedding celebrations, communication is key. It is important that everyone involved in planning the event is on the same page.  Even when you book with any of the beautiful wedding venues in Salt Lake City, like Ivy House Weddings at Western Gardens Center downtown, make sure they know what needs to be done and how you would like it. Make sure people know what you want or you might be surprised with something you didn’t want. For example, a cake may show up when you thought you had been quite clear that you did not want one.

This is what happened at my reception. I wanted nothing to do with having a cake because the idea of having it shoved in my face did not sound appealing. I also thought that it was a silly tradition that no one really cares about (you may have a different opinion and that’s okay). I made this clear to everyone except apparently my own mom. While she was at her friends house asking for a little help with the wedding, I guess they had a conversation about a cake and how my mom really loves the pound cake that her friend had made for her daughter’s wedding and that it would be good to have at my wedding. Upon returning home, my Mom told me about the conversation and I responded that I did not want a cake so her friend did not need to worry about making one. I guess my mom never told her friend because to my surprise a plain frosted cake showed up at the reception. When my florist arrived to bring all the flowers, she saw the bare cake.  She drove back home to get the leftover flowers to decorate the cake with and make it a little more presentable. I was a little upset that the cake was even there and did not even want to cut it. It wasn’t until after we had changed and were about to leave that we were told we should cut it just to please the friend that brought it.

Just remember that communication is key, but don’t be surprised if something is not quite as you had planned. Also, if you are unlike me and do want a beautiful cake, Western Garden Center’s wedding reception centers in Salt Lake City provide excellent suggestions for cake designers.

Unwanted cake at a Utah wedding.
The bride didn’t want a wedding cake, but her mother insisted and an aunt showed up with a cake throwing the florist in a panic to rob flowers from the centerpieces to decorate the cake.