Tag Archives: wedding reception centers

Ceremonies, How-To Tips, Planning your event, Receptions

Ten Basic Flower Tips for Celebrations at Wedding Venues in Utah

October 1, 2014 ivyhouseblog Leave a comment

Flowers are an important focal attraction of a wedding celebration. Many wedding venues in Utah require brides to use their in-house florist for the event’s floral needs; however, Western Garden’s two wedding reception centers do not require but only recommend their favorite wedding florist. As a courtesy to our brides, we recommend Hillside Flowers. (Click to see their sample pricing)

Whether it is Hillside or other chosen florist, or even if you do your flowers yourself, here are 10 basic tips to know and remember.

1) The Bare Basics include: bride’s bouquet, groom’s boutonniere, corsages for each mother, boutonnieres for each father.

2) Additional flower needs for the wedding party – Maid of honor’s/matron of honor’s bouquet, bridesmaids’ bouquets, best man and groomsmen’s boutonnieres, hair piece for the flower girl and rose petals for the flower girl to gently toss down the aisle.

3) Wedding reception flower needs include: table centerpieces, customary bouquet that the bride throws, flowers on a gift/guest attendance book table, and cake flowers. Flowers for a food buffet table may be considered.

4) The wedding’s theme and colors can be incorporated in the flower selection process. Consider the types of flowers, flower colors, ribbons, greenery and accents to be used. Your flowers can be a beautiful reflection of your personality for all your guests to witness. A bridal bouquet reflects the final touch of the bride’s gown and is an accessory that completes the attire. Flowers also help capture the theme of a wedding albeit romantic, elegant, rustic, modern, antique to simple. Exotic orchids to timeless calla lilies, your flowers can tell your guests a lot about you.

5) To keep the flower budget reasonable, it is less expensive to select flowers that are in season and locally grown if possible. You may need to improvise and coordinate colors and flowers around certain seasons, but this means you may be able to afford more flowers. Being open-minded and willing to work with your florist so you don’t have to import flowers will save you a lot of money.

6) Consider your reception venue. Utah reception centers that already have some greenery, won’t need as much floral decoration as those that have none, containing only walls and hard decor. Brides that book at Ivy House and Atrium find that they don’t require as much floral design as other Salt Lake City wedding venues.

7) Coordinate with a florist that can accommodate you for both the wedding venue for the ceremony and the Utah wedding reception center for your celebration. This will help you deal with one single florist who can create one cohesive theme for your entire day. These professionals are able to provide guidance and advice to you about what flowers will work best for your needs. Sometimes they can even supplement flowers in bouquets and centerpiece with more greenery, feathers, pearls, or artistic elements.

8) Inquire about vases. Does your florist rent them to you? Are they purchased by you as part of the cost of the arrangements? This is important to know. You will want to know if you can send floral arrangements home with guests as a gift?

9) Does the florist set up the floral pieces? Does the florist take down the pieces at the end of the reception if the vases are rented or do you do this and return the vases? These little details are important to know ahead of time.

10) Many brides want their bouquets professionally preserved. Some florists provide this service. Inquiring ahead of time will help save you significant time and help to preserve the bouquet while it is still vibrant and fresh.

Flowers are a vital part of your wedding celebration. Whether you choose one of the many Utah wedding venues that require the use of their in-house florist or use one of Western Garden’s two wedding reception venues in Utah where you can choose your florist or do it yourself, take heed to these 10 tips to have your flowers be the final accent to your beautiful celebration.

Beautiful Celebrations, Ceremonies, Real events, Receptions

Real Wedding at Utah Wedding Venues – April 4, 2014

July 16, 2014 Wendy Pettit Leave a comment

On April 4, 2014, Ashley and Andy were the honored wedding couple at Ivy House Wedding reception center, one of Western Gardens Utah wedding venues. What an absolute gorgeous couple and beautiful ceremony and celebration.

Andy and Ashley chose to have their ceremony in a traditional chapel style set up. With 125 guest witnesses, their officiator Brian Arnett gave some beautiful advice to the couple soon followed by beautiful vows and pronouncement of man and wife.

While the newlyweds were congratulated and then enjoyed their photography session with Cody Moffat Photography, Ivy House staff made the quick change from ceremony to reception table configuration. Ashley chose a maize yellow base linen for her tables topped with silver pin tuck toppers. The Ivy House tall silver candlestick centerpiece added that final touch of class and style. Wedding venues in Utah that offer stylish and chic centerpieces as part of their package, are something to consider.

The family chose to self-cater with a beautiful collection of tasty desserts. About 400 guests enjoyed the dessert buffet of everything from chocolate mousse, lemon tarts, eclairs, dipped strawberries., and the list could go on. Now most Utah Weddings include the newest fad of a candy bar for the youngsters. Ashley and Andy were no exception. Lemon drops, candy necklaces, gummy bears, and lollipops made the favorite list!

As part of the decorations that evening, but actually as a wedding gift to the new couple, the groom’s father presented one of his original oil paintings to the couple for the beginning of their new life together. It was on display for all to admire as a symbol of his love for his son and new daughter.

Ashley’s cake was created by Jill Taylor with Sprinkle Belle Cakes. It was a three-tier masterpiece. The florist was Skyline floral and their photographer was Cody Moffat. They had hired a D.J. named Tommy with “Complete Music”. Wedding reception centers with tall vaulted ceilings like Ivy House create big sound that resonates beautifully and makes and atmosphere that is a lot of fun for everyone, whether you are dancing or just watching!

Beautiful Celebrations, Ceremonies, How-To Tips, Planning your event, Receptions

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

June 25, 2014 Wendy Pettit Leave a comment

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 planner Many 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.

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!

How-To Tips, Planning your event

Tuesday’s Tip at Reception Centers in Utah – Guests First!

May 27, 2014 Wendy Pettit Leave a comment

After you’ve chosen a date, or a couple of optional dates, it’s time to get an idea of how many guests you envision and for what type of event. Are you planning a sit-down dinner or traditional walk-through reception? Some reception centers in Utah are very small and can not accommodate more than 75 guests for a sit down dinner, and other venues are so gigantic that it wouldn’t fit for a small intimate group. So, you need to have in mind a rough idea of how many guests you envision as you visit wedding reception centers, and eventually settle on the one best for you! Be sure to ask questions about the venue capacity for sit-down meals and for flow-through receptions. How many chairs can be set up for guests to witness your ceremony? The wedding planners at Ivy House Weddings at Western Gardens Downtown can also give you tips on how to stagger your guests for a walk-through reception style event. As a general rule, for a sit-down meal, allow about 30 square feet per guest. This allows for the space you’ll need for a band, dance floor, waiters, space for the tables, etc.

Also, be sure to ask about adequate parking at the venue and the price. You and your guests will definitely appreciate a convenient parking experience!

If you like reception centers in Utah that have an old world charm, Ivy House weddings can host up to 125 people for a sit-down meal. For flow-through traditional receptions, we handle up to 500 guests. With a few highly recommended simple tricks that our wedding planners will share with you, you will have a pleasant less-conjested evening.

Your adventure of planning your perfect day has begun! Following some tips from those who have gone before you can save you time, energy, money, and frustration. You will have a most beautiful relaxed and stress-free day as you newlyweds are honored at your wedding venue in Utah.

Beautiful Celebrations, How-To Tips, Planning your event, Receptions

Utah Wedding Venues Can Help Save Your Wedding Budget

May 8, 2014 Wendy Pettit Leave a comment

The 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.

Prioritize 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.

1. 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.

2. 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!”

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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

Even 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.

Beautiful Celebrations

Saying It with Photos at Wedding Reception Centers in Utah

November 6, 2012 Wendy Pettit Leave a comment

This bride was very effective at expressing her style at her wedding celebration at Ivy House Weddings, one of Western Garden’s wedding reception centers in Utah. She used several photos to demonstrate her and her beau’s personalities for their guests. A favorite photo was one showing only the bottom of the couple’s shoes with the written words “I Do…Me Too”. Another photo showed the couple with their hands up in the air configuring their fingers to create the word “Love”. Very clever and definitely relayed the camaraderie this couple enjoys together.

Jungle green was the bride’s primary color, but she accented the Utah wedding venue with leopard prints in a throw rug for the wedding line and linen toppers for her table centerpieces. Even the groom’s cake was decorated with the leopard motif.

Uniquely, this bride had her guests put thumbprints on a large poster with a tree drawn on it. With different shades of green, the thumbprints became the leaves on the tree. By the end of the reception, the tree was full of greenery wishing the newlyweds a healthy fruitful life. Just so you know, moist wipes were provided for the guests to wipe the ink off their fingers.

Also, can you imagine the smile on the groom’s face when he entered the groom’s room to prepare himself for the evening. There he found on the counter, a photo of his bride staring at him and one of her high heels strategically placed by the photo. This scene was worth a thousand words.

The bride chose our preferred cake designer Carrie’s Cakes to create her green and white masterpiece. This is one of two cake designer partners at this Utah wedding reception center. Magelby’s was the caterer serving sandwiches, fruits, and vegetables. Her photographer was Kristina Bath and Videographer was Taylor Allred. Garden Elegance was her florist.

Bride’s Mother wrote: “The staff is very helpful and accommodating. We loved everything. It was just beautiful!”

Beautiful Celebrations

September 29 – Wedding Reception

November 20, 2011 Wendy Pettit Leave a comment

What a beautiful evening with family and friends! The event was amazing and the Ivy House was perfect for our needs. Our guests loved all of it, as did we. The Ivy House is very comfortable and friendly and we thank you for all you did for us.

Beautiful Celebrations, Ceremonies, How-To Tips, Receptions

Why Go with a Professional Company for Your Wedding

August 20, 2011 Wendy Pettit Leave a comment

Wedding professionals abound. There are wedding coordinators or wedding planners, wedding photographers and videographers, bakeries that specialize on wedding cakes, wedding caterers, wedding reception locations and many more. There are even wedding reception centers that provide a comprehensive package on a lot of the key elements in a wedding.

The question is, is it really worth spending on these professonials rather than hiring a friend, a cousin or some distant relative to do the work for you?

The answer to that really depends on how well you want each item in your wedding to go. You may find that “taking a risk” with your friend who also dabbles in photography can pay off in terms of savings and the quality of the work. But there are also a lot of horror stories about how badly such an arrangement turned out. You may need to carefully consider what items in your wedding you can entrust to “amateurs” and which ones to assign to professionals. That is not to say that working with professionals always end up the way you want them to, but with professionals you can actually minimize the risk.

Here are some reasons why going with a professional company is well worth the expense:

You hold a contract. With a contract in hand, you can have a reasonable expectation as to how the job will turn out. You also have a legal recourse in case the provider fails to complete the job according to specifications. Remember, your wedding is not something you can have “do overs” for in case something does not turn out the way you want it to. Why risk getting fuzzy and unimaginative pictures by assigning a cousin and his friend to take the wedding photos with his point-and-shoot camera? Why risk having your caterer bail out at the last minute because it turned out that he can’t actually meet the demands of the catering job?

Professionals have extensive experience. You may think that planning is easy. Well, theoretically, it is. However, there may be instances that you have failed to consider just because you lack the experience of organizing an event like a wedding. Professionals, with their extensive experience on weddings, have a strong idea of how to deal with “what ifs” and on-site emergencies. Professionals also know what things can go wrong and may advice you to stay clear of potential pitfalls to avoid the headaches on your part.

Professionals have the necessary equipment. Professional photographers have the necessary photo and video equipment, as well as the lighting equipment and batteries that may be needed, especially for outdoor shoots. Professional caterers have industrial sized ovens and heaters to ensure that food is served hot and on time. They also have enough in terms of chafing dishes, servers and other catering implements. Wedding venues will have the necessary amenities such as a good sound system, decorations, chairs and tables, ample parking space and so on.

Professionals know the latest in the world of weddings. Wedding professionals do keep abreast about the latest innovations, fashions and designs. For instance, what is currently the most innovative wedding favor and where can you find it? What’s the latest technology to be used for wedding photography or videography? What new concept can a bride and groom present during the reception? You will find that you can get valuable advice and input from your professional wedding providers.

Saves time and money. Professionals have an extensive network of wedding-related providers which can save you time and money. For instance, a good wedding coordinator can actually negotiate a good deal from the caterer by virtue of his or her good relationship with the caterer. Also, Utah wedding reception centers such as The Ivy House offers excellent packages not just for the wedding or reception location but also for your wedding invitations, catering, linen, photography and videography, cakes and floral arrangements.

The Ivy House is a SLC, Utah wedding venue that is one good example of how working with a professional company will make it all the more easier for your and your fiance to plan your dream wedding.