Mmm Monday | family style reception menu ideas

Serving up your reception dinner family style..

Image via Huffington Post 

A family style reception meal can be a great option for couples who want to a very warm atmosphere that will encourage their guests to get to know each other as much as possible.  Because guests will be passing the bowls or trays, it lends for an easy ice breaker and conversation starter.  

A menu card at each place setting will let your guests know what food will be served, and is another fun way to put your personal touch on your decor.  Add some candles if your venue allows open flame, or otherwise consider centerpieces that will work well with the added serving dishes.  Overall you will likely have less table decor due to having to allow for enough room for the food to be placed on the tables.  

What to serve 

While there are no rules on what can be served family style and what can't, you should consider what dishes are easier to pass around and easy to serve.  If you want to keep your budget in check, look into what vegetables and items are in season when planning your menu.  Lastly, because the food will be placed at the tables you can use the colors (bright salad greens, red sauces or bright vegetables etc) to add to the overall color palette.  

If you ask us, a family style reception menu sounds pretty fun (and yummy)

~ Happy Planning~


Related Articles 
Three Reasons to Consider a Family Style Reception Menu via Huffington Post 

For the complete run down of reception meal styles check out Brides.com article which includes comparisons and pros and cons for each one.  Read the full article here

Gearing up for the Chico Winter Bridal Show | 2015 Wedding Season

Congratulations on your engagement, whether he popped the question over the holidays or if you have been planning this wedding over time, make sure you have marked your calendar for the Chico Bridal Show on January 11th.  

Chico Bridal Show

Not only is attending a bridal show a fun way to kick off your journey down the aisle but it also gives you a one stop option to connect with the area's top wedding professionals and venues.  Grab friends or family members to come along with you to the show, you'll need some help tasting those samples after all.  

Pre-Register for the Bridal Show here on our site to save $1 on your ticket, and receive your personalized contact labels to help save you time when providing your information to vendors as well as entering into drawings & raffles. 

We are pretty excited because a brand new wedding publication will be distributed at the door, giving you handy information about the show,  as well as articles on the latest wedding trends and inspirations.  

Check out some of our related articles on ways to make the most of attending the show: 

How to Make The Most of Bridal Shows.. Read Here
What's Missing From Your Planning Process ...Read Here

TBT | Bella Swan Got Hitched

The most talked about vampire wedding ever!

Okay so this might be the first vampire wedding we have ever talked about, but on this throwback thursday we are looking back at the Twilight Saga wedding and how it has influenced the wedding world!  From the vintage style ring, to that lace gown team Jacob fans cried as these two walked down the aisle!

The Ring 

twilight-gown

The Dress

Since the rumor of the wedding in the Breaking Dawn movie surfaced, the internet went crazy over what the dress would look like.  It is safe to say this dressed sparked the revival of the lace, vintage movement and that is fine with us!  There have been countless replicas of the gown, not to mention extensive media coverage and press covering Bella Swan's look.  

It took designer Carolina Herrera, and four seamstresses, over six months to make and was custom-made specifically for Stewart to wear in her on-screen wedding to her vampire boyfriend, Edward Cullen. Made using crepe satin and French Chantilly lace, the dress features 152 buttons on the back and 17 on each sleeve.
— Vogue

The Details

Image Courtesy of BridalGuide

Image Courtesy of BridalGuide

twilight-reception

In Bridal Guide's interview with Tammy Polatsek, the creative genius behind this fantastic wedding she says that the wedding scene took 4 weeks to create and would have cost around $300,000.  Where did Polatsek get her inspiration for the scene? She says “Since the wedding took place in a forest, we wanted to mimic the life that a forest can give you,” she said. “We drew inspiration from the surrounding trees, stones, ferns, and everything else that grows in a forest.” 

The cascading wisteria was hung by a group of 20 people, and due to the weather some of the flowers had to be replaced hourly! Yikes! Polatsek said, "The centerpieces used delphiniums, viburnums, white lilacs, ranunculus, and sweet pea, plus stones, ferns, and moss. “We didn’t want the typical rose/hydrangea combination." - Bridalguide.com 

Team Edward or Team Jacob?

We'll never tell, but either team you were on it just goes to show you how even a fictional wedding can shape the fashions & trends all over the world!

 ~ Happy Planning ~ 

Lounge A Go-Go | Featured Vendor on The 530 Bride

Vintage Event Rental, Butte County 

lounge-ago-go.logo

Here at The 530 Bride, cookie cutter weddings are just not our gig.  So when I was introduced to the folks with Lounge A Go-Go, I had to learn more! Lounge A Go-Go is a vintage trailer available to rent for your wedding or special event.  "Lounge a-go-go provides a unique, enjoyable mobile solution for your get-together needs." Yea they had me at the vintage trailer, the rest of the amenities are just a bonus! 
 

Image courtesy of loungeagogo.com 

Image courtesy of loungeagogo.com 

Amenities Include:

  • Comfortable seating for 12 inside, plus awning covered area
  • Air Conditioning/Heating
  • Fridge
  • Wine cooler
  • Bose mini sound system
lounge-a-gogo-interior
Image courtesy of M Heart Photography

Image courtesy of M Heart Photography

 If vintage is your middle name, or you just want to have an awesome place to hang this is a pretty cool option.  Here are some possible uses:
- Spot for the guys to get ready & hang while you and the ladies are doing hair and makeup ( if he stays in here he won't be able to peek at you in your dress before the ceremony!)
- Rehearsal dinner bbq/lounge area which is great for the couples who don't have a venue that allows them to have the rehearsal there or those who don't plan on going to a restaurant after the ceremony rehearsal.  
- Bridal lounge
- Photo op for wedding party
- Bachelor party hang out
 & the list goes on!
 

For more information, contact Lounge A-Go-Go
Robert and Carolyn Engstrom
(530) 342-1053
www.loungeagogo.com
gogo@loungeagogo.com

 

~ Happy Planning! ~

Mmm Monday | Comfort Food Entrees & Appetizers

Guests won't be leaving hungry!

Planning your wedding involves deciding on a menu that will please the masses.  While the traditional wedding menus are always a sure thing, we are thinking about some of the options "outside the box."  We have rounded up some interesting entree options that will be sure to not only keep your guests talking, but they will be sure to enjoy your cocktail hour and look forward to dinner.  From Mac'n Cheese cups, wontons & guacamole dips they all hit the spot! Ask your caterer what type of entrees and appetizers they offer, you might just be surprised at how many options they have.

Two Bite Mac and Cheese cups - fifteenspatulas.com

Two Bite Mac and Cheese cups - fifteenspatulas.com

Crispy Wonton Mozzarella Sticks - via Neighborfoodblog.com

Crispy Wonton Mozzarella Sticks - via Neighborfoodblog.com

Beer Braised Chicken Sliders - Thebeeroness.com

Beer Braised Chicken Sliders - Thebeeroness.com

Italian Pizza - via StyleMePretty.com 

Italian Pizza - via StyleMePretty.com 

Mexican Food Truck - Via Wedding Bee

Mexican Food Truck - Via Wedding Bee

Baked Potato/Spud Bar via Pinterest 

Baked Potato/Spud Bar via Pinterest 

Single Serving French Fries - via Pinterest

Single Serving French Fries - via Pinterest

Feeling hungry yet? Hope these ideas give you some inspiration for your wedding menu!
~Happy Planning~

Inspiration Tuesday | Bohemian Wedding Decor on The 530 Bride

Bohemian Wedding Inspiration 

A bohemian themed wedding can include details like floral wreaths with a lot of greenery, woods and neutral earth tones also work nicely.  A bright use of color along with lighting that gives a whimsical look can set the mood.  We love the mismatched, repurposed items that add a uniqueness and personal touch.  Brides often choose loose braids, or flowing waves for their hair and may even choose to incorporate floral headpieces as well.  Yep we heart bohemian!


Forest Wreath Wedding Invitations
via Minted Affiliate Link *
Image via Pinterest

Image via Pinterest

Image via Pinterest

Image via Pinterest

What says bohemian to you? Share your pinterest board in the comments below! 

Happy Planning!


**The 530 Bride has an affiliate relationship with Minted.com.  If you decide to make a purchase through our link,  Minted will pay a commission for it. This doesn’t cost you anything additional. These commissions help to keep the rest of our blog content free, so thank you!”**

Image via Style Me Pretty 
Image via Pinterest

Image via Pinterest

Image via Buzzfeed

Image via Buzzfeed


TBT | Our First Bridal Show

Feeling thankful on this "Throw Back" Thursday!

As our team grows, we are reminiscing of the memories from our first blog post, first bridal show and first wedding that got us hooked on this passion for all things wedding.  Sometimes you have to look at where you have been to really know where it is that you want to go.  Feeling thankful for being lucky enough to be a part of our client's special day, and to be able to form such great relationships with fellow wedding professionals.  Here is to many more years, and to the next chapter!  Check out the About Us page to meet our new coordinator Samantha!

2011 Bridal Show in Chico

2011 Bridal Show in Chico




Our Favorite Favors!

Weddings are a perfect opportunity for couples to let their personality shine by using personal touches and unique elements in their wedding style and decor.  From the stationery and decor, to the food, entertainment and especially the wedding favors. Our favorites have always been favors that have a touch of the home-grown feeling.  Here are a few ideas of favors you can find locally:

succulentfavors
succulentfavors

Check your local farmers market or nursery for mini succulent plants, redwood seedlings or flower seeds

allfiredup
allfiredup

Handmade/Paint it Yourself Pottery from All Fired Up in Redding, CA

Local-honey-favors
Local-honey-favors

Look for local honey at your farmers market, or contact local beekeepers to get honey straight from the source.  Jars of honey or honey sticks are always a crowd-pleaser!

the530bride-sublime-cake-design
the530bride-sublime-cake-design

Candy shops and bakeries can provide unique edible favors that can be custom to your theme.  Cookies, cupcakes and candy buffets are a fun treat for your guests.  You can go for traditional flavors or something more unique like bacon flavored donuts or cupcakes! Image courtesy of Sublime Cake Design, Redding

Of course these are just a few ideas to get you started, the options are endless and your community has a lot to offer so it is a great place to look first.  
~Happy Planning~

Ceremony Alter Design Inspirations

Ceremony altars come in many different shapes and sizes, textures and styles. When you think of walking down the aisle, what type of altar do you envision? Here are a few altar inspirations to get your creative juices flowing!

wedding-ceremony-altar-decor-ideas-006
wedding-ceremony-altar-decor-ideas-006
Desert Wedding
Desert Wedding
eco-friendly-wedding-th
eco-friendly-wedding-th
TreeWithWhiteRIbbon
TreeWithWhiteRIbbon
danver10055
danver10055

The 530 Bride's wedding planning services can help you create the wedding of your dreams by helping you craft the details and the atmosphere that will not only set the tone for your event but make a lasting memory for you and your guests.   Learn more on our services page. 

Mmm Monday | Featured Cakes on The 530 Bride

Swooning over some beautiful cakes on this beautiful Mmm Monday on The 530 Bride! Click the images to view the gallery. Wedding Cakes are one of the best parts of a wedding and they never get old, as a wedding planner I love to see all of the trends and personal touches.  From fondant topsy turvy cakes to butter cream ombre designs I could stare at wedding cake masterpieces all day long!

{Click the image to view the gallery}

{Monochromatic Cake Design ~ Angela O'rourke}, {Birch Design - Sublime Cake Design}, {Naked Cake- Monte Verde Inn}, {Metallic Cake Design - Cocoa Cakes}, {"Multiple Cakes" - Flower and Flour}

Growing Pains!

The 530 Bride has a fresh new look, please check out our wedding planning services as well as our recent blog posts.  There are still some finishing touches to be done so please excuse us while we tidy up! 

Make sure to subscribe to stay up to date on the latest posts and event announcements!
 

TBT | Wedding Throwback Thursday

It's Throwback Thursday on The 530 Bride!

TIMELESS-WEDDING-GOWN
TIMELESS-WEDDING-GOWN

Trends have changed a lot over the years when it comes to wedding gowns and accessories.   Although this look is from 1956, many of the current wedding gowns on the runway have similar elements.  Timeless is always in style!

Grace Kelly, in a gown by MGM costume designer Helen Rose, kneeling at the altar during her wedding at Saint Nicholas Cathedral to Prince Rainier III of Monaco in April 1956.  Image Courtesy of Brides.com