Category Archives: Ceremonies

Ten Basic Flower Tips for Celebrations at Wedding Venues in Utah

utah wedding receptions flower tipsFlowers 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.

***J&S Wedding 133 credit SONY DSC SONY DSC SONY DSC Codymoffat-040414--8 View More: http://ravenbergphotography.pass.us/allieandsteve View More: http://ravenbergphotography.pass.us/allieandsteve IH12 06-02 Angie & Chase 105 IH12 12-01 Warnock small resolution 27 mfkphoto-ivy-wed-20 RLT CREDIT - 50

Real Wedding at Utah Wedding Venues – April 4, 2014

wedding reception centers with Joyful ceremonyOn 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.

bride in thought at slc wedding venue

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.

bride at outdoor wedding venues in utah

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.

Beautiful line up of wedding party at utah wedding venues

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!

wedding places in utah for a romantic ceremonyAs 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.

cutting the cake at reception centers utah

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!

WM bridesmaids groomsmen

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!

WM Mantel fabric swags IH13 09-28-13 2
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.

Wedding Venues in Utah Real Event – Daytime Ceremony

Salt Lake Wedding venues with daytime eventsWedding venues in Utah like Ivy House Weddings are busy with real events like this one.  This beautiful daytime event is worth highlighting again, especially now that the bride’s photographer shared many of the photos with us.    This bride chose to have a daytime ring ceremony for special family and friends.  It was simple and stunning.  One unique set up feature was Angela set up a guest sign in table in the middle of the room just a bit in from the main entrance.  Their guests could enjoy a piece of carmel taffy and write a special note of good wishes to the new couple.

salt lake wedding venues for a classic daytime ceremony
Simple, classic, and elegant colors

Angela kept the ambiance of this Utah wedding venue in the brown classic tones with an accent of ivory with sashes on the chairs, her wedding gown, and her elegant bridal bouquet.  The groom and his men were in brown suits and the bridesmaids were also in warm taupe summer dresses with elegant white pearl necklaces.  Very classy!  I believe that after the ring ceremony, the wedding party departed for a local favorite restaurant.  What a relaxing beautiful wedding day with close family and friends!

Wedding in Utah
Father escorting Angela to Chase

Angela and Chase’s photographer is Lauren Adams of LaLas Lens Photography. If you like her classic style, contact her for more information at   www.lalaslens.com or lauren@lalaslens.com This event was on June 2, 2012.

reception centers in salt lake city with old world charm
The old world charm of Ivy House Weddings
wedding venues in salt lake city
Elegant Bride in our Elegant Bride’s Room
beautiful brides at wedding venues in Utah
LaLas Lens captures the beauty of this beautiful bride
flower girl at wedding venues in Utah
Flower girl and ring boy after the ceremony

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

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.  

Savvy Brides Ask For Help at Their Weddings in Salt Lake City

Neighbor women who helped cook at the pasta bar

For the most part, planning weddings in Salt Lake City is exciting and fun, but at times it can seem rather overwhelming. When you feel like it is just too much for you to handle, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it be picking up tuxes, hemming bridesmaids dresses, serving food, or picking out centerpieces, there will always be someone who is willing to help. The best people to ask are friends and neighbors who may have watched you grow up and care a lot about you.

 Simple decor created by the father ofd the bride!

In my neighborhood growing up, there were always women around who were willing to help with anything they could. They would make sure every young woman getting married was thrown a bridal shower, they would help with serving the food at the wedding and moreover volunteer their daughters to bus tables. When a bride was in need, they would willingly get to work.

Neighborhood girl helpers were great at clearing the tables.

This was especially true for one young woman in the neighborhood. About a year or two before her wedding, her mother passed away. Knowing that she would need some extra help, a few women showed up at her door asking what they could do. She wasn’t exactly sure what she needed to be doing herself, much less know how these women could help her. Since most of them had daughters of their own and knew a little about planning weddings, they were able to help her along the way. One helped with dress alterations, others helped put together the menu and gather all the food, others did the centerpieces and most all helped to serve and bus tables at the reception. She had very little to worry about in planning her wedding. Not only did she get a lot of help with her wedding, she learned that there were many women in her life who loved her and were willing to step in as mother figures when her mother was not there.

In planning your special day, remember that there are women and men in your life that will be more than willing to help with whatever you need. If you plan to have your event at Ivy House Weddings located in Western Gardens downtown Salt Lake City, you have the option of self-catering which can save money and provide an opportunity for others to help with your wedding.

Informative Topics for Blogs at Wedding Reception Centers in Salt Lake City

Which wedding topics do you need to help you with your wedding plans?  Below is a calendar listing a new idea I’m implementing in writing blogs for Ivy House Weddings, one of most beautiful wedding reception centers in Salt Lake City.  This calendar will help me get to you what you want.  You can see that themes coming up include your wedding photographer, Traditional Christmas Weddings, Decorating with a Budget, helping guests wait in shorter lines, and time schedules for your celebration.  

If you have other themes you want to read about or see on our blog, please ‘like’ our Facebook page Ivy House Weddings and list your subject matter.  I will research those items of interest to you and then post them.   Also, tell me if you like reading about the events we have hosted at our wedding center.  That has been the main focus of our blogs to this point.  What’s your opinion?

Ivy House doesn’t want to be just another of the many Salt Lake City reception centers.  Our privilege is to be YOUR reception center.

Blog posts for wedding reception center in Salt Lake City

 

 

Among Utah Wedding Venues, Ivy House Weddings Is A Beautiful Affordable Value

Elegant affordable ambiance without having to decorate a lot!Among Utah Wedding Venues, Ivy House Weddings is a beautiful affordable value for any Utah Bride.  This elegant Western Gardens downtown venue was a perfect backdrop for this exquisite bride and her entourage.  Angela awed the guests as she walked down the isle.  Her adorable flower girl had scattered rose petals along the wood floor leading to the officiator.

Sign in Table as guests entered the wedding venue.

This was a daytime ceremony with about 80 guests.  The groom’s sister served as the pianist and Lauren with LaLas Lens Photography took their professional photos.  I enjoyed watching the bride interact with her little cousins who helped in the procession.  Wedding venues in Utah are lucky to include such a beautiful Salt Lake City downtown venue that offers a lot for an affordable price.

Happy bride during ceremony.  Simple Elegance!

Kisses from all!