Tag Archives: reception centers in Utah

Hiring a Limousine for Wedding Reception Centers in Utah

Getaway cars for wedding reception venues in Utah

Wedding transportation is important to consider when planning your wedding day, especially if your wedding ceremony and reception centers in Utah are far apart.  Many brides overlook a plan to graciously get family and friends from point A to point B until all of a sudden, you are not enjoying your day, but worrying about how your bridesmaids in their stilettos and grandmas are going to get to the reception which is a mile or more away.  Avoid these worries about your family and guests and plan ahead. Will everyone go in private cars and with who, or do you want to treat them to a memorable wedding day ride? While you and your new husband ride in your own private classy limo, treat your closest family and friends to a stretched limousine ride. If your budget allows, offering rides between the ceremony and reception venues is a very nice gesture, but not mandatory.  But you must remember that limos are not limitless and need to be reserved far in advance if you want to go this route.

There are also other reasons to hire a limo service. Imagine the excitement for you and all your bridesmaids being picked up at your home or other meeting place and stepping into a stretched limo and riding to your wedding venue for your ceremony and celebration.  There your trusted entourage are all there to help you with your dress and final touches in a spacious bride’s room and any other preparations, readying you to walk down the aisle.  That unique ride all together first thing would be a classy way to start your celebration close to your best friends.

hummer Wedding orange party narrow dresses

Of course, there is always the Bride and Groom departure getaway vehicle.  Here is where you plan and do exactly what you both want.  This is YOUR time to escape from the crowd and begin your honeymoon!  Limousines are often hired for this special romantic departure from most reception venues in Utah.

Most Salt Lake City Limo Services charge by the hour.  Some offer packages for blocks of time.  Whichever company you choose, be sure to clarify what their quote to you includes.  Does it cover the chauffeurs’ gratuity, fuel costs, and any other costs?  Also ask about additional hours if needed.  However, you be wise and book additional time knowing that you may not be able to keep the vehicle longer due to the other clients who have have already booked for their events.  Always book at least 1-2 hours more than you think you need.  Make sure the transportation company is completely transparent so you know what your real cost will be.  Using the good business practice of getting your quote in writing is also very wise.

SONY DSC

If your budget doesn’t allow for hiring a professional car service, some couples are able to borrow a fancy sports car from a family member or friend, or swap cars so that no one knows what car the couple is using which helps to avoid the car decorating mess.  If you use your own vehicle, make sure you and your fiancé wash and vacuum your car so that you will have that new beginning when you finally escape and run away!

SONY DSC

Be happy that you are planning now about your wedding day transportation to any of the many reception centers in Utah.  You won’t be caught in any awkward predicaments the day of your wedding.

reception centers in utah, smartphones and smart brides

Get organized before looking at reception centers in utahBefore you begin searching all the reception centers in Utah and other wedding vendors, be the smart bride who gets organized and then begins the wedding planning.  Wedding celebrations can become very complicated.  With your smartphone in hand, planning Utah wedding receptions can be such a breeze.  Save yourself headache and frustration from not knowing what you’ve done or need yet to do as the big day draws closer.  Stress is the last thing a bride needs on the day before her wedding or even on her wedding day!

The Wedding TO DO lists – There are many organizational apps to help with the seemingly never ending wedding tasks.  I used to just keep all my notes in “notes” but that became ridiculously long and difficult to find a particular list in mind.  My daughter introduced me to the app WunderList.  It is indeed wonderful!  It lets you prioritize, reorganize, share with others, email, and even print the list for an older person who just can’t break away from the pencil and paper.  Check out your app store.  The key is to find something that works for you.  There are many other apps just for wedding planning as well.  Find one that will work for you.  I like WunderList because you can still be organized with your other-than-wedding life plus you’ll continue to use it even after the wedding!

Organization apps for helping plan your wedding
WunderList is one of many apps that can help you be organized and efficient. Find the best one for YOU.
planning your wedding smart phone app
Manipulate your To-Do lists to fit your needs.
wedding planning for utah wedding venues
You can have sub-tasks, set due dates & reminders, share, prioritize, move, print and email your information.

Separate Wedding Email Address – Another great suggestion is to create a separate email address for use only for your wedding vendors and other wedding communications.  All your many reception centers in Utah, florists, cake designers, etc. can communicate directly with that designated email address.  Add that address to your smart phone with folders and sections to hold their contact information so you don’t have to look up their information again and again as you zero in on who you choose to hire.  Over several months, you’ll be gathering all kinds of information that you won’t want to misplace and the smart phone is a perfect little file cabinet for a bride.  Remember to take photos of your favorite cake designs, the flowers you like, even the style of boutonniere you want to see on your husband. Your wedding ceremony and reception ideas will be blended to create the Utah wedding that is uniquely and perfectly you.

Photos, Photos, Photos – I find myself taking photos of products with their sizes & prices, schedules, menus, plates of foods, little girl dresses, photos in magazines, people on the street, mannequins in a window, and the list goes on. Everything is at my fingertips when I have a moment to plan and work with my budget. I can look items up and make educated decisions as to what will work for my style and my budget.

Wedding cake topper that doubles as our treasured china piece.
A few years ago, a friend of mine took a photo of my wedding cake topper that has been on our hutch for 28 years now! I still love it. I still love him!
Party favor at wedding venues in utah
My daughter liked her cousin’s idea of sharing the history of the pretzel love knot with her guests. This was a cute simple bag she made and filled with chocolate covered pretzels as wedding favors for her wedding guests.
Saying thank you at all reception venues in utah is a respectable thing to do
Take a photo of photo ideas you want to do at your own celebration!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sometimes you will find yourself without your phone and an idea presents itself. I still jot it down on a receipt, scrap of paper, etc. But my advice is to quickly get the note into your phone as soon as possible, even if you simply take a photo of the note when you get your phone in hand again.

Give The Photo – Finally when your decisions are made of items you want created for your special day, you can print a 4×6 copy of particular products and leave the photo with the vendor so they know exactly what you have in mind.  Or they may appreciate a digital version instead. Remember the adage “A photo is worth a thousand words”?  Actually it was originally stated as “a photo is worth ten-thousand words” in 1927 by a Fred Bernard. The point being that your photo will help your vendor more successfully help you achieve your dream.  The smartphone now helps brides accomplish that task much easier.

Photos will help you get your wedding reception centers in utah looking just the way you want.
A photo from a magazine with the colors and feel wanted for the Florist to create! This picture is worth 10,000 words!

Your wedding ceremony and reception will be so much more enjoyable for you and your guests if you’ll take some time now to get organized and stay organized.  Also, look for those wedding reception centers in Utah like Ivy House Weddings that provide wedding planners that will help you make sure you remember all the little details for your celebration at their wedding venue.

Special Guests at Wedding Venues in Utah

Wedding places in Utah with Elvis showing upIt’s not every day that wedding venues in Utah can enjoy the appearance of a very special guest who comes to honor a beautiful bride and groom.  We have photos to prove the visit of Elvis to Lara and Korey on May 10, 2014.  He attended their romantic Utah wedding reception celebration at Ivy House Weddings and played a significant role in their farewell from the event.

Elvis visits wedding venues salt lake city in May

This couple chose to have a simple ceremony with about 25 guests followed by a small reception for the closest of family and friends.  Lara chose the stylish black and white Damask linen table toppers and runners over a hot pink base linen.  These were included in her venue rental price.  These colors set off the green boxwood wreath topped with hot pink rose petals with the classical tall silver candlestick centerpiece.  With real candlelight and the fireplace, the ambiance was romantic and intimate.  She used the Ivy House table ware package and self-catered with sandwiches and salads made by dear family and friends.  Utah weddings can be affordable when the wedding venue allows the bride to make choices like these for her celebration.

Beautiful cake by Granite Bakery at Salt Lake wedding receptions

Lara and Korey’s beautiful three-tiered cake was created by Granite bakery.  The middle tier was lined with fully opened roses.  The base tier was lined with seemingly perfect rose petals each delicately cascading over the one below it.  Again the cake was in shades of pinks and whites set upon the black and white table linens.

wedding-places-in-utah-ivy-house-05-10-2014 8

Skyline Flowers created the bride’s bouquets, the boutonnieres, corsages, and simple rose petals for the tables.  With close friends taking all the photos to document this momentous occasion, the wedding party of about 150 enjoyed simple socializing and the traditional bouquet and garter toss along with the bride and groom cutting the cake.

Happy father and son at reception centers in salt lakewedding-places-in-utah-ivy-house-05-10-2014 19

After a dazzling sparkler send-off, Elvis was their chauffeur driving the newlyweds away in his vintage pink cruiser!  What an enjoyable and one of the most memorable departures from Utah reception centers!

Reception Centers in Utah and Clever Love Story Display – 2.21.2014

Utah weddings with clever display of love stories

Wedding reception centers in Utah typically don’t have wedding celebrations quite like the one that Ivy House experienced on February 21, 2014.  This wedding reception was completely and solely about honoring the bride and the groom.  Many very clever and unique ideas were shared with their guests that must be mentioned here.

wedding cake at wedding in Utah

First of all, above their beautiful cake (created by a dear friend), the couple had strung ribbons with photos and short synopsis explaining each step of their romantic beginning and the fun along the way.  Everyone that waited in line to wish them well, was entertained by not only admiring their three-tiered simple elegant cake, but also could see the fun and love Erika and Jonathan already share.

Learning about the bride and groom at reception centers in utah
Things You May Not Know About Him or Her

Another unique idea that I have not seen before were two 8×10 frames containing “Things You May Not Know About Him” and “Things You May Not Know About Her”.  They were fascinating to read, and I don’t even know these two lovebirds!  Again, it was all about honoring the highlighting this beautiful new union!

WM 2.21.14 5 Erika’s favorite book is “Gone With the Wind”.  On display was a copy of the classic opened up with a photo of Jona and Erika on a romantic candlelit park bench.  It could be where he proposed to her.  With their names written in the book, it was another beautiful statement highlighting this couple at one of our Utah wedding venues.

WM IH 2.21.14 13The table centerpieces consisted of red roses with blue delphiniums and white baby’s breath in simple vases.  These were arranged by the groom’s father. These sat atop a stack of books wrapped in book covers of bright red, white, and blue.  A few red rose petals were scattered across the blue tablecloths and among the several votive canoes.  It was simple and again reflected the fun spirit of this beautiful couple.

outdoor wedding venues utah with majestic fireplace

Real Events at Wedding Reception Venues in Utah – February 15, 2014

utah reception centersThe mother of this bride deserves to be awarded this year’s most dedicated mother of the bride award at all wedding reception venues in utah.  Not only did support her daughter in all the stress and details of planning her daughter’s wedding, but she also dealt with the stress and time to make the wedding cake.  That in and of itself is enough to make any mother have her nerves completely frazzled and ready for a day at the spa.

Beautiful couple at utah wedding reception
wedding cake at wedding venues in salt lake city

The cake is a solid four tiers of exquisite unique decoration styles on each level.  It appears to have a fifth tier made up of gorgeous coral & white roses and blue chrysanthemums.  She created a beautiful masterpiece that was the envy of any of any Utah wedding venues.

utah weddings at Ivy house weddings

wedding locations in utah Guests at wedding venues in Utah

The couple enjoyed a beautiful sit down dinner for about 100 guests of family and friends that was hosted by Utah Celebrations.  Their photographer was the wonderful local professional Margaret Evans.

Comments from Kate, the Maid of Honor, included “Everything was wonderful and everyone was very helpful.  The facilities are absolutely beautiful too.”   We invite you to check out wedding places in Utah like Ivy House Weddings for a stress free beautiful wedding celebration!

wedding reception mantel decorations

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.

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

Weddings in Utah Guest listAfter 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.

Utah wedding venues for beautiful celebrations

Exquisite Silk Flower Bridal Bouquet and Wedding Cake at Reception Centers in Utah Like Ivy House Weddings

This was one of the most unique bridal bouquets of 2012 at Ivy House Weddings, one of Western Garden’s reception centers in Utah.  The bride created her bridal bouquet herself of various silk and ribbon flowers!

Weeks in the planning and creating, it is obvious that Kristen has a real talent.  She created each individual silk flower from all types of ribbon.  The plethora of roses, hydrangeas, gallardias, dahlias, hibiscus, lily of the valley and other beautiful creations adorned this masterpiece.  She chose rich earth tones with touches of gold and silver for an elegant spray.   When she had created all the pieces, she asked a friend to arrange them into this work of art.  I would say this was a huge success and Kristen will be able to enjoy this art work in her home for years to come, a constant reminder of her and Doug’s wedding union and their celebration at Ivy House Weddings, one of Utah wedding reception centers that allow the bride to use her own florist.

The bride’s bouquet was not the only item that set the bride’s style at her wedding celebration.  She also chose to use a dear friend to create her wedding cake.  Again, it is another unique piece of art, definitely worth noting.  A delightful kindred spirit created this 3-tier delicate masterpiece.  The bride and Linda have been long time friends, traveling together on many adventures, and sharing church beliefs and interests.  The cake consisted of two-tiers on top of four white pillars upon a large round base.  The most unique attribute about this cake was the delicate pastel frosting used to decorate.  The little pink rose buds with green leaves was indeed very light and airy, giving the cake such a delicate and tender appearance.  The artist also included Lilly of the Valley along with a few white pearls to give it just a final little touch of lightness.  There was nothing heavy about this gorgeous cake.  I have not seen a cake with Lily of the Valley.  This was a very unique and soft touch.

We are finding that brides really enjoy wedding reception centers in Utah, like Ivy House Weddings at Western Gardens downtown, that allow them the freedom to choose their own cake designers and florists.  It becomes a more unique wedding celebration that reflects more of the bride’s personal style.

 

Reception Centers in Utah Host Charming Decorating Ideas

Reception venues in Utah like Ivy House Weddings celebrate beautiful brides!

A most beautiful and elaborately decorated wedding celebration is featured today.  Reception Centers in Utah don’t all need this incredible detailed decorating, but this bride’s mother-in-law orchestrated a beautiful celebration with the backdrop of a simple elegant Utah wedding venue.  Any future bride can glean all kinds of creative wedding ideas to set their wedding reception apart from others.

A delicate feminine theme was woven throughout the hall.  With pastel pinks and whites and a hint of gold, green, and deeper pink, Ivy House Weddings at Western Gardens Downtown became a magical wonderland for over 300 guests to enjoy.  For easier reading, I’ll make a list of the creative ideas from which to glean for your own party at almost any of the Utah wedding reception centers.  I will begin at the first entrance to the venue and proceed throughout!

1.  Window Decals on Entrance Main doors – Ivy House granted permission to place personalized window decals representing the new couple’s initials.  With ribbons hanging from the outdoor majestic lamps, this was a nice preview as to what the guests were about to enter.  Personalized window decals of bride and groomEntrance decorations

2.  Wedding Garland – very clever and delicate touch to the entrance inside the main doors.  Created by stringing together paper & foil cupcake holders and pink and cream lace doilies.  All guests walked under the garland upon entering the main reception hall

Votives candles on stairs of wedding venues in UtahClever dainty swag at wedding reception entrance Simple individual floral pieces are beautiful!

3.  Floral Arrangements – Both windows inside the main room were adorned with floral arrangements.  A large floral arrangement in one, and delicate individual flowers in another.  A very nice touch!  Other displays of floral, photo, and trinket designs dotted the hall on various hutches and dressers.

4.  Votive Candles – On the spiral staircase leading to a romantic Romeo and Juliet balcony, the family had placed double votive candles on every step.  Romance was definitely in the air!  Candles were extinguished when the couple ascended to toss the bouquet and garter!

Beautiful Work of Art!

5.  Wedding Cake – Next was the cake alcove.  Wow!  This mother must have been an interior designer.  Between the lace woven through the arbor and so many little trinkets dangling, as a whole, the 3-tiered cake became the center of an art masterpiece.

6.  Mr. & Mrs. Mantel – The couple chose to have a formal line in front of the decorated mantel.  A Mr. and Mrs. swag  of pink pennants accented the majestic fireplace.

7.  Lattice Photo Display – After congratulating the newlyweds, guests walked past a display of photos hanging from rick-rack on a lattice divider.  Very clever and very functional as well.

Clever and beautiful decorations at Utah wedding venues  Lattice divider displaying photos clipped on to Rick-rack!

8.  Simple delicious refreshments – Then to the refreshment favorite of the newlyweds – taquitos created by a family friend.  Salsa and rice complimented the treat.  Sweet treats were also offered.  Fruits, tarts, and cupcakes topped off the menu.

Some wedding reception venues in Utah like Ivy House Weddings allows self-catering!Credit is in order for the florist Skyline Floral, Kathy Ford the caterer, Ivy House preferred cake baker Cindy Crump of Heritage Cakes, and the incredible photographer Amanda from Campbell Photography.

The mother-in-law wrote the following review of their experience at Ivy House….    “Loved having our reception @ Ivy House.  Everything was perfect!  Jenny was great to work with.  The facility is beautiful, clean, with so many extras – beautiful centerpieces, linens, DVD & sound system.  LOVED that there were no “surprise” charges for such things!  Employees of Western Garden were so nice to pitch in & help carry in things for us.  All in all – a wonderful experience!  Bride’s room was so beautiful & so nice to have a place to put personal items & change clothes.  Only suggestion:  I know it’s the Western Gardens restrooms; they are clean and nice but if it could be a bit prettier in there with a fun plant decor!”

Floral arrangement by Skyline Florist

This beautiful couple was surrounded by beautiful decor and beautiful people.  What an enjoyable and pleasant celebration of true love at Ivy House Weddings.  Wedding reception centers in Utah would love to have hosted this bride and groom’s gathering. Outdoor photo taking at reception venues in Utah Family fun photo at Ivy House Weddings outside garden. This wedding reception center in Utah was fun to dance in!  Romantic balcony