Reception Ideas for the Modern Bride

Found the perfect dress, found the location, but now creating the theme for the perfect reception.

We had the pleasure of creating one for Soap Opera Star Kamar De Los Reyes (of “One Life to Live”), and Sherri Saum’s (of “Rescue Me” and “Army Wives”) wedding in May.

We followed event coordinator Jessica Wolvek of Fleurs NYC who designed their location, at Gary’s Loft in New York City (www.garysloft.com).

Kamar and Sherri chose to have a Cuban/Puerto Rican theme for their wedding.  After meeting the couple in their home to get a vibe of their lifestyle, Jessy visited the location and got a feel for what she had to work with. Sherri chose calla lilies as her signature flower. The centerpieces, designed by Academy Florist of Manhattan, were of large callas, and contributed to the tropical theme. Jessy combined this gorgeous creation to incorporate into an island paradise in midtown Manhattan! To create this magnificent setting, Jessy decorated the rest of the space with 10 foot palm leaves, sugar cane, coconuts, oversized banana leaves, and other tropical ferns and palms to make the guests feel as if they were castaways on a Caribbean island. She then brought in palm leaves as placemats, and each table setting was elegantly designed and named after a city in Puerto Rico-the home of his beloved mom. To complete the look, the party favors were put on each guests’ plate. On alternating settings, there were either hand rolled cigars wrapped with grasses, or a bamboo cylinder filled with coconut Jelly Belly’s- one of Sheri’s favorite treats!

There was a cigar lounge for the gents (and for the more daring ladies), to enjoy a puff of the islands. Cigars were rolled before your eyes... it was a huge hit! Jessy also designed a lounge for comfort, with palm trees and instruments, for the guests to relax and enjoy the party. The rooftop was made available for smokers with  a magnificent view of the Manhattan skyline. The antique cast iron bath tub was filled with water and bouyed with palm leaves and candles.

The bar was perfectly stacked with wine, beer and none other than Cuba’s signature drink, the Mojito.  White linen and a tropical green décor perfectly complimented the bride’s ivory and green theme.

Jessy Wolvek truly dazzled her clients and their guests!

Don't know what to do?  Here are some pointers to inspire you:

1. Locate your reception venue - can it contribute to the overall feeling you are going for? Is it Chic?  Cultural? Romantic? French garden? Rustic Americana?

2. See what they have to offer as in the way of furnishing, fixtures...(Lofts vs. Antique, Museum or Gardens, etc.)

3. Incorporate yours and your fiancé’s heritage... (Spanish, Irish, African, Chinese, Japanese)

4. Talk to your caterer and see what they can do with food and drinks, which can be inspiring and allow your guests to experience your cultures for your theme

4 Your table settings can also compliment your location and set the tone

5. Talk to your florist who should be working along with you, and if you have a set decorator, that will combine forces to execute a beautiful visual.

6. Music has to work with all the above.... authentic Latin music was the highlight of Kamar and Sherri's wedding.  They also had a combination of R&B, old classic, some rock- it was great!

Get inspired by each other... What are your likes? Sense of styles? Places traveled?

For the complete inside view of Sherri and Kamar's wedding, please order the latest issue of World Bride Magazine at your local book stores and news stands due Mid July, 2007.

For further information on Jessy Wolvek of Fleurs NYC, please visit them at www.fleursnyc.com.