Tag Archives: Utah wedding reception centers

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

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

June 3, 2014 Wendy Pettit Leave a comment

You 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 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.

Beautiful Celebrations

Perfection at Utah Wedding Venues Is More Than Just Looking Perfect

January 11, 2013 Wendy Pettit 1 Comment

As a bride plans her wedding day she strives for absolute perfection, after all, this is the day she has been waiting for her entire life. Once the ring is on her finger she begins her search for the perfect dress, flowers, cake, invitations and the most perfect of all the Utah wedding venues. She may be so focused on every tiny detail that she forgets the most important detail of the day. She forgets the monumental life changing event that will give her a new identity as a woman. It is on that day that she becomes a wife and begins a wonderful, exciting new life with the man she is deeply in love with.

When you are caught in the moment of planning a wedding, EVERYTHING seems important, but you will find that on your day those things are not so important after all. In all honesty, all the things you do for your wedding day will soon be forgotten by most in attendance. The invitation you so carefully picked out will most likely be thrown after it is used to find your venue. The food you chose to serve will most likely not be tasted by you because you will be in the line greeting guests and not eating. You may not notice or even have a chance to really see how your beautiful centerpieces turned out. Also, your gorgeous bouquet will seem so heavy after holding it for hours that you may wish you either didn’t have it or that it was much smaller. The bridesmaids that you so carefully chose may spend the evening extremely bored hating the dress they have been forced to wear.

Plan now to remember that on your wedding day, you will slow down and focus on the tender moments that make your day special instead of rushing to make things look perfect. Let your Utah wedding reception centers worry about all those details. You just enjoy the moments. Remember the expression on your new husband’s face when he sees you in your dress for the first time. Remember the moment in the dressing room with your mother as you look in the mirror together and she tells you how beautiful you look and how proud she is. Remember that your frail grandfather was able to make it to the ceremony and the tender kiss he gave as he wished you well. Remember the pure joy you feel as you are joined to your dear husband. If you take the time to focus on the tender moments of the day, it will be the perfect day you have always dreamed of.

Beautiful Celebrations

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

January 2, 2013 Wendy Pettit Leave a comment

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.

Beautiful Celebrations

Reception Centers in Utah Host Charming Decorating Ideas

September 5, 2012 Wendy Pettit Leave a comment

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!”

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.

Beautiful Celebrations

Witness Unique Elegant Style at Wedding Reception Centers in Utah Like Ivy House Weddings

August 14, 2012 Wendy Pettit Leave a comment

Ivy House is one of Western Garden’s chic reception centers in Utah and the wedding reception on May 9th of this year proved so. I attended to snap some photos of this couple’s happy celebration with two great families. The evening was so enjoyable that I stayed almost the entire evening taking photos of nearly every aspect of the party. This bride and mother created a beautiful touch to Ivy House that just lit up the wedding place, with lots of love, joy, and laughter.

Unique touches that I will note here about this wedding reception Utah enjoyed are as follows and I hope they can inspire you as you create that wonderland that you’ve dreamt about.

This bride chose the delicate lacy feel. This matched her delicate frame compared to the tall stature of her new husband. Her theme of white lace was accented throughout Ivy House and the sophisticated black rod-iron fixtures and chairs of Ivy House wedding venue were complimented with this frilly touch.
She then touched the sophisticated and frilly look with sunflowers that obvious reflect her personality – bright, beautiful and happy flowers.
The bride’s tender last dance with her father really touched me. There was so much love and gratitude shared between them on the dance floor. I was blessed to catch a few of Dad’s whispers in her ear, a sweet tear in her eye, and that incredible look as Father passed his daughter on to her new husband. What a sweet moment I shall never forget.
Pulling off the garter was priceless. See the photo of the bride.
The decorated car was something I’ll never forget. Yes, it was a beautiful silver Toyota Cruiser that was absolutely plastered beyond recognition. The bride dropped her jaw in disbelief when she finally could see it after the sparklers. The good part was that the friends and family had first wrapped the car first in plastic, and then decorated with syrups, cream, cherries, strawberries. If the food was at the party, it was on the car. The couple simply had to cut the plastic off the car and it all fell to the ground and they drove away.
Family photos outside were prime. The beautiful Ivy that was accidentally stripped from Ivy House walls during construction, has now just about filled in and offered a beautiful backdrop for the bride’s maids in yellow. What smiles and beauty accented the Ivy House garden.

The cutting of the cake, the sparkler send off, the food, and all was beautiful and so much fun to witness. This couple was off to a beautiful start by having their celebration at Utah wedding reception centers like Ivy House Weddings at Western Gardens Center Downtown.

As for who-did-what at this affair, the wedding cake was brought in by Kneaders, the photographer was JacqueLynn Photography, and her beautiful sunflower arrangements were a creation of a friend that works at Flower Patch. The food was catered by our very popular preferred caterer Utah Celebrations. We are proud of the work they do and the value they offer at our Utah receptions to our beautiful brides.

At last night’s event, a friend of the bride in May also attended last night. She had referred Ivy House Weddings to another friend who had their celebration last night. The word is getting out what a wonderful Utah wedding venues are run by Western Gardens Center.

Happy mother at wedding places in Utah — Happy mother of the bride!

Beautiful Celebrations, Receptions

Reception Centers in Utah are Fortunate to Include Ivy House Weddings

June 29, 2012 Wendy Pettit Leave a comment

Surely you have been to many reception centers in Utah, and if you were at Ivy House on May 5th, you were one of about 350 guests that enjoyed a beautiful celebration honoring a beautiful couple. I loved taking photos at this festivity as I witnessed two wonderful families brought together for a joyous occasion. There was so much love and harmony at this event.

Many young children were planned for, all enjoyed eating dinner and watching cartoons in the groom/children’s room before the guests arrived. Even a few dad’s were entertained in there as well.

The bride chose to use our preferred caterer Utah Celebrations. They served refreshing sandwiches and an array of fruits. Also served, was a tossed green salad with candied walnuts. Individual salads were served in fun goblets.

Weeks before the wedding, the bride’s family worked tirelessly to make homemade dipped chocolates and butter-mints. These were placed in crystal bowls and plates for guests to enjoy. The father of the bride offered a sampling to me, and both delicacies melted in my mouth.

Decorations were simple and stunning. Blue ribbons adorned Ivy House tall silver candlesticks and yellow rose petals lay about with the chocolates and mints. Many photos of the bride and couple were spotted throughout Ivy House Weddings, one of a few stunning and economical wedding reception places in Utah.

The cake was an elegant 3 tiered square cake adorned with vibrant yellow lilies and blue ribbons. A friend of the bride created the masterpiece. Again, the theme of yellow rose petals lay at the base.

Another dear family friend was in charge of the floral pieces for the evening, composing of the bridal bouquet, corsages, boutonnieres, cake flowers, and, of course, the scattered yellow petals.

Not only did guests enjoy visual and tasty indulgences, but also live entertainment. The father of the bride is himself a musician in a local jazz band. One of his friends also has a band which came for all to enjoy. The Dave Murphy band included two singers and the repertoire included everything from old popular dance songs to current popular tunes. I was most impressed with the love the couple portrayed in their first dance. The groom had so many tender sweet kisses for his new bride that all who viewed had no doubt that he was truly in love with his Queen.

After the bride and groom’s first dance and the parent dance, everyone joined in for a delightful happy dance session. Everything from the tango to YMCA was enjoyed by all. Utah wedding reception centers are fortunate to have Ivy House Weddings as one of their nicest venues for the community. And I’m fortunate to be able to witness such beautiful happy affairs on a regular basis.

Beautiful Celebrations

Reception Centers in Utah Still Have a Good Secret

June 18, 2012 Wendy Pettit Leave a comment

There is still a great secret out there about wedding reception centers in Utah. People are still discovering the gem called Ivy House Weddings at Western Gardens Downtown. After one year of being in business, Ivy House Weddings is continuing to surprise celebration guests. So many people recognize the address as belonging to Western Gardens retail garden store, but they are pleasantly surprised that the wedding reception they are attending, is right there too! Ivy House is a part of Western Gardens but guests enjoy their own beautiful entrance and separate elegant space. The chandeliers and majestic fireplace create that touch of sophistication with a dose of elegance.

When choosing a wedding venue Utah offers, the first impressions are important for you and your guests. However, the second and third impressions are even more important for you and those who are making the plans for the special event. As you pursue getting to know this latest of gorgeous utah wedding reception centers, you will like more and more what you learn. Ivy House Wedding staff are very helpful and friendly and are not afraid to step in when unforeseen needs arise. Their event coordinator helps step you through all the preliminary preparations so that when your special day arrives, you’ll be able to have a smooth party and all will relax and enjoy. Utah wedding venues are lucky to have Ivy House Weddings as an option for many brides and their grooms and should be considered when seeking that perfect place.

Receptions

November 5, 2011 Wedding Reception

December 10, 2011 Wendy Pettit Leave a comment

Our experience working with the Ivy House was excellent. The staff absolutely exceeded our wishes. They were great and gave us all the help we asked for. The facility was excellent and we had a wonderful celebration.

Florist – Hillside Floral

Caterer – Eaglewood Country Club

Beautiful Celebrations, Receptions

November 17, 2011 Reception

December 10, 2011 Wendy Pettit Leave a comment

You were wonderful to work with us. The evening was perfect and everyone enjoyed the Ivy House.

Caterer: Utah Celebrations Cake: Carrie’s Cakes

How-To Tips, Receptions

Extra Tips For Memorable Weddings

December 5, 2011 Wendy Pettit Leave a comment

An extraordinary wedding reception can be provided by Salt Lake City Utah wedding venues that provide unusual wedding extras, that will not add a lot more to your wedding budget. Elegant weddings can be held at the spacious Ivy House wedding reception centers in Salt Lake City, along with added extras for you to experience the wedding you have always dreamed of.

There are lots of wedding extras that can be added to make your wedding one of a kind, which do not have to be expensive, but can add a unique aspect to your wedding. Adding some extras is important to give your wedding a unique aspect, plus it is one of your most prestigious events of your life. An extra that includes everyone, is a memorable gift for each guest that attends your wedding reception. Check with Utah wedding locations to see what all extras they can provide.

Having a plant, like an herb that people can use, placed at every setting with a personalized tag, marker, or pot provides a nice touch that every guest will appreciate. Choose an herb or plant that people will use multiple times if not every day, so the memory of your wedding will last. Reception centers in Salt Lake City Utah can often help with many extras you would want to add to your wedding, which will give it a more personalized feel.

Another extra that can be added that does not cost very much, but adds a particularly dramatic effect to any Salt Lake City wedding reception is the addition of lighting under the tables. When lights of different colors are placed beneath the tables, they will produce an elegant soft colored glow through the tablecloth. Tables can be color coded using these lights to designate the family members from the guests, along with specific colors for the food and extra tables at your SLC wedding reception.

Adding a specialty food or beverage station can certainly add a trendy touch to any Utah wedding reception . There are wedding venues in Salt Lake City that offer these type of unusual catering services. Frozen yogurt or ice cream bars, specialty fruit, sushi, even popcorn can add a unique element, depending upon what you feel your guests would enjoy during the Utah wedding reception.

One of the most popular extras for any wedding receptions in Utah, is to add a chocolate fountain. Many of your guests love chocolate, and you can offer a variety of types, from milk chocolate to white chocolate. This one extra will always draw a crowd when it is provided at any Salt Lake City Utah reception center, because almost everyone loves chocolate.

A Utah wedding reception centercan provide you with help on adding extras to your wedding that will provide lasting memories. Keeping the guests in mind, and trying to provide extras that include them, plus help them build memories of your blessed union for a very long time can be accomplished when using wedding venues in Utah.