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Wedding Planning Advice

Unity Ceremonies We Love


Wedding Planning Advice

While it isn’t a requirement, unity ceremonies are something many of our couples do as a part of their ceremony. We LOVE them as a symbol of the couple’s union and want to share some of our favorites. I have chosen these ceremonies because they are all items that can be displayed around your house and to have forever, which, in my opinion, makes them so great!

 

Unity LEGO Heart

 

This one is pretty simple - you and your partner build the heart of LEGOS. Some say this represents you’ll never “LEGO” (let go) of each other. Of course, you don’t have to do a heart, you can do any shape, character, or thing you want. Just make sure it’s not too many pieces, you don’t want to make your guests sit and watch you unify your marriage building a whole Millennial Falcon – Even though that would be pretty cool! - Unity Ceremony - Wedding Ceremony - Wedding Planner - Each & Every Detail

Photo courtesy of Emily Davis Photography

 

This one is pretty simple – you and your partner build the heart of LEGOS. Some say this represents you’ll never “LEGO” (let go) of each other.

Of course, you don’t have to do a heart, you can do any shape, character, or thing you want. Just make sure it’s not too many pieces, you don’t want to make your guests sit and watch you unify your marriage building a whole Millennial Falcon – Even though that would be pretty cool!

Buy the LEGO Heart here!

 

Unity Tree

 

This is such a cute ceremony “to symbolize the roots of their relationship, and the continued growth of their love, as they become each other’s family”. Be careful though, Dirt and wedding dresses do not mix well!  All you need it a pot, some dirt, and a plant or seeds. Some people do dirt and water. - Unity Ceremony - Wedding Ceremony - Unity Tree - Wedding Planner - Each & Every Detail

Photo courtesy of Marissa Ann Photography

 

This is such a cute ceremony “to symbolize the roots of their relationship, and the continued growth of their love, as they become each other’s family”. Be careful though, Dirt and wedding dresses do not mix well! 

All you need it a pot, some dirt, and a plant or seeds. Some people do dirt and water.

 

Love Lock

 

“This sacred ritual symbolizes the joining of two separate journeys into a singular path and honors the spiritual commitment the couple is making.” These locks only lock once – There is no key! As for what you decide to lock your love lock to, Love Locks Online has many options to choose from. The "Tree of Life" is one of our favorites!  - Unity Ceremony - Wedding Ceremony - Wedding Planner - Each & Every Detail

Photo from Love Locks Online, “The Tree of Life”

 

“This sacred ritual symbolizes the joining of two separate journeys into a singular path and honors the spiritual commitment the couple is making.” These locks only lock once – There is no key! As for what you decide to lock your love lock to, Love Locks Online has many options to choose from. The “Tree of Life” is one of our favorites! 

 

Unity Glass

 

One of our couples chose to do this unity ceremony as a part of their "I do's". It was one of the most creative ways we have witnessed. It's easy to see why you would cherish the finished product.  Similar to a sand ceremony, you pick your color, and each person has a glass full of the glass pieces. You then pour them into one, you bag it and ship it to the company to then be blown into a sculpture, vase or bowl – your choice! It's as simple as that. - Unity Ceremony - Wedding Ceremony - Wedding Planner - Each & Every Detail

Photos courtesy of Kylie Crump Photography (1st) & Photo from Unity in Glass (2nd)

 

One of our couples chose to do this unity ceremony as a part of their “I do’s”. It was one of the most creative ways we have witnessed. It’s easy to see why you would cherish the finished product. 

Similar to a sand ceremony, you pick your color, and each person has a glass full of the glass pieces. You then pour them into one, you bag it and ship it to the company to then be blown into a sculpture, vase or bowl – your choice! It’s as simple as that. 

 

Unity ceremonies are a great way to symbolize your marriage. We love to hear about the creative ways couples are doing it. If you have a unique unity ceremony you would like to share, let us know in the comments below. Otherwise, follow us on Instagram and Facebook so you can see more about our wedding ceremonies! 

 
 

While it isn’t a requirement, unity ceremonies are something many of our couples do as a part of their ceremony. We LOVE them as a symbol of the couple's union and want to share some of our favorites. I have chosen these ceremonies because they are all items that can be displayed around your house and to have forever, which, in my opinion, makes them so great! - Unity Ceremony - Wedding Ceremony - Wedding Planner - Each & Every Detail

5 Keys to a Successful Ribbon Cutting


Wedding Planning Advice

Ribbon cuttings are fabulous events for promoting your company and its mission to your local community.  They can be for unveiling your new business, new products or services, or new management.  We love helping plan these fun events and have a few ideas to share to help you plan a successful ribbon cutting!

 

No seriously, your date is important! You want the VIPs to show up (you invited the Mayor, right?) and you don’t want to compete with other local events that will draw your crowd away.  You also want to make sure your building is complete and ready for your guests.  Give yourself at least a month to plan it as you need to get on people’s calendars early enough, so they can attend, and you want to create a buzz in the community so people know it’s happening. - Event Planner - Ribbon cutting - Each & Every Detail - McKinney, TExas

 

1. Choose a Great Date

No seriously, your date is important! You want the VIPs to show up (you invited the Mayor, right?) and you don’t want to compete with other local events that will draw your crowd away.  You also want to make sure your building is complete and ready for your guests.  Give yourself at least a month to plan it as you need to get on people’s calendars early enough, so they can attend, and you want to create a buzz in the community so people know it’s happening.

 

As mentioned, always invite the Mayor and local dignitaries to your event. Work with your local Chamber of Commerce to make sure you invite all the right people and get their ambassadors involved to.  These are community leaders and their attendance and promotion of your event is valuable!  Also make sure your key business partners and key supporters can attend, including those family members who have worked so hard to help you build your business.  These are all the people that deserve recognition too and can certainly make a key appearance as a ribbon holder or presenter. (Oh, and make sure to have those big scissors and ribbon!  Your local Chamber of Commerce usually has a set that you can use or visit your local party rental store.) - Event Planner - Ribbon Cutting - McKinney, Texas - Each & Every Detail

 

2. Invite the Right People

As mentioned, always invite the Mayor and local dignitaries to your event. Work with your local Chamber of Commerce to make sure you invite all the right people and get their ambassadors involved to.  These are community leaders and their attendance and promotion of your event is valuable!  Also make sure your key business partners and key supporters can attend, including those family members who have worked so hard to help you build your business.  These are all the people that deserve recognition too and can certainly make a key appearance as a ribbon holder or presenter. (Oh, and make sure to have those big scissors and ribbon!  Your local Chamber of Commerce usually has a set that you can use or visit your local party rental store.)

 

Working with local vendors to produce and promote this event is a great way to build great relationships. Is there a printer in your community that can help with printing your marketing materials, banners or flyers to promote the event?  Is there a local chef or restaurant that you can partner with for food for the event?  What about a local florist to help decorate your space?  These are all valuable relationships and cross-promoting is an amazing thing in a local community.  Yes, you might could get these services or products cheaper elsewhere, but how great would it be if the local printer down the street sent you their clientele week after week? - Event Planner - Ribbon Cutting - McKinney, Texas - Each & Every Detail

 

3. Think Local

Working with local vendors to produce and promote this event is a great way to build great relationships. Is there a printer in your community that can help with printing your marketing materials, banners or flyers to promote the event?  Is there a local chef or restaurant that you can partner with for food for the event?  What about a local florist to help decorate your space?  These are all valuable relationships and cross-promoting is an amazing thing in a local community.  Yes, you might could get these services or products cheaper elsewhere, but how great would it be if the local printer down the street sent you their clientele week after week?

 

Send out a press release, create fantastic invitations and advertise your event through social media. You want to let people know when and where, but also the details including that you are providing fabulous food.  I know, I know, you don’t want people to come JUST for the food.  It’s a great enticement though for those who are considering attending and it might just be that cherry on top of the sundae that gets them there! - Event Planner - Ribbon Cutting - McKinney, TX - Each & Every Detail

 

4. Spread the Word

Send out a press release, create fantastic invitations and advertise your event through social media. You want to let people know when and where, but also the details including that you are providing fabulous food.  I know, I know, you don’t want people to come JUST for the food.  It’s a great enticement though for those who are considering attending and it might just be that cherry on top of the sundae that gets them there!

 

Speakers – Someone needs to get up there and talk about your news, giving a brief rundown of what’s happening and what your company is about. This can be you or it can be your biggest fan club members.  Make sure they are engaging and know what points to address.  You can have 2-3 speakers, but make sure they keep it short at no more than 3 minutes each. - Event Planner - Ribbon Cutting - McKinney, TX - Each & Every Detail

 

5. Make it a True Event!

You need all the elements of a great event as you want people to talk about how much fun they had. Keep these elements in mind for your day:

  • Emcee/Host – This can be someone from your company or a local celebrity. They can help introduce speakers and keep the event moving. 
  • Speakers – Someone needs to get up there and talk about your news, giving a brief rundown of what’s happening and what your company is about. This can be you or it can be your biggest fan club members.  Make sure they are engaging and know what points to address.  You can have 2-3 speakers, but make sure they keep it short at no more than 3 minutes each.
  • Food – We already mentioned partnering with someone local for food. Make sure it’s simple and easy to eat! 

 

Food – We already mentioned partnering with someone local for food. Make sure it’s simple and easy to eat! - Event Planner - Ribbon cutting - McKinney, TX - Each & Every Detail

 

  • Entertainment – Definitely have some music during the event, but consider a fun demo station for your products, an activity that engages guests with your space or services, or even strolling performers, like magicians or clowns (if kid-focused) to keep guests enjoying themselves.
  • Branding – Don’t forget to brand your event through signage and giveaways for guests to take home. You can even do branded food like cupcakes or cookies! 
  • Photographer – Don’t rely on local media providing you images, hire a local photographer so you can have images to document the event and promote your company with afterwards.

 

Remember, this event should be a lot of fun for you too!  If planning your ribbon cutting is feeling overwhelming, we are here to help!  Just give us a call and we can help plan the event and source the things you need to make your ribbon cutting truly successful!

 
 

Ribbon cuttings are fabulous events for promoting your company and its mission to your local community.  They can be for unveiling your new business, new products or services, or new management.  We love helping plan these fun events and have a few ideas to share to help you plan a successful ribbon cutting! - Event Planner - McKinney, Texas, Each & Every Detail

Anniversary Party or Vow Renewal?


Wedding Planning Advice

We love it when couples want to celebrate their anniversary!  Mazel tov!  Way to go!  Staying happily married is HARD WORK, and we totally agree that you deserve a party to celebrate.  One of my first questions for these couples is always, are you interested in an anniversary party or a vow renewal?  The two can be quite different! - Vow Renewal - Anniversary - Event Planner - Each & Every Detail

Photo courtesy of Absolute Photography

 

We love it when couples want to celebrate their anniversary!  Mazel tov!  Way to go!  Staying happily married is HARD WORK, and we totally agree that you deserve a party to celebrate.  One of my first questions for these couples is always, are you interested in an anniversary party or a vow renewal?  The two can be quite different!

 

Much like any other type of party, an anniversary party can really run the gamut in terms of size, timing, and general scale.  You can go more upscale by celebrating your anniversary in throwing a swanky dinner party at a favorite restaurant. Go more low key by putting together a barbecue and pool bash in your backyard. You can even go down the middle with creating a beautifully elegant evening of cocktails and passed tidbits. The choice is yours! - Anniversary Party - Event Planner - Each & Every Detail

 

Anniversary Parties

Much like any other type of party, an anniversary party can really run the gamut in terms of size, timing, and general scale.  You can go more upscale by celebrating your anniversary by throwing a swanky dinner party at a favorite restaurant. Go more low key by putting together a barbecue and pool bash in your backyard. You can even go down the middle with creating a beautifully elegant evening of cocktails and passed tidbits. The choice is yours! 

 

I must say, I loved the way my parents celebrated their 35th through 40th anniversaries! Every year, we'd drop off a case of sparkling wine from their favorite Napa vineyard with the fine folks at Silver Fox. Beginning at 5pm, the restaurant would serve a glass of bubbles to everyone in the bar and restaurant.  My parents would invite some close friends (and of course, their charming daughters), take over the bar, and party until the bottles ran dry.  Super fun, but casual for people to drop in and out at their own leisure.  They would finish up with a late dinner in the restaurant.  This was a style that really reflected my parents' interests which is good food and wine, and a fun and upbeat environment in a sophisticated but welcoming environment.  A great anniversary party plays to your strengths and interests as a couple.  What makes your marriage yours?

Photo courtesy of Stephanie Rogers Photography

 

I must say, I loved the way my parents celebrated their 35th through 40th anniversaries! Every year, we’d drop off a case of sparkling wine from their favorite Napa vineyard with the fine folks at their favorite local steakhouse. Beginning at 5pm, the restaurant would serve a glass of bubbles to everyone in the bar and restaurant.  My parents would invite some close friends (and of course, their charming daughters), take over the bar, and party until the bottles ran dry.  Super fun, but casual for people to drop in and out at their own leisure.  They would finish up with a late dinner in the restaurant.  This was a style that really reflected my parents’ interests in good food and wine, and a fun and upbeat environment in a sophisticated but welcoming environment. 

A great anniversary party plays to your strengths and interests as a couple.  What makes your marriage yours?

 

A vow renewal can also be a casual affair, but often I see couples celebrate a vow renewal for one of two reasons: 1. They did a justice of the peace ceremony for their wedding, and now they're ready to invest in a full blown second wedding to celebrate 2. Something significant has recently happened in their marriage, and they want to celebrate the changes in their relationship by rewriting and renewing their vows to each other. - Vow Renewal - Anniversary - Event Planner - Each & Every Detail

 

Vow Renewals

A vow renewal can also be a casual affair, but often I see couples celebrate a vow renewal for one of two reasons:

1. They did a justice of the peace ceremony for their wedding, and now they’re ready to invest in a full blown second wedding to celebrate

2. Something significant has recently happened in their marriage, and they want to celebrate the changes in their relationship by rewriting and renewing their vows to each other. 

 

Either way, they tend to be a bit more like planning a wedding, and a bit less like throwing a party.  I see many common wedding vendors being used for a vow renewal (photography, videography, venue and catering, cake or dessert, entertainment, floral and decor, and paper goods).  That being said, you could certainly make your vow renewal more relaxed than a wedding if that's your preference!  But because there are a couple different parts to the day, you should think about the flow of the event to make it enjoyable for all. - Anniversary - Event Planner - Each & Every Detail

 

Either way, they tend to be a bit more like planning a wedding, and a bit less like throwing a party.  I see many common wedding vendors being used for a vow renewal (photography, videography, venue and catering, cake or dessert, entertainment, floral and decor, and paper goods).  That being said, you could certainly make your vow renewal more relaxed than a wedding if that’s your preference!  But because there are a couple different parts to the day, you should think about the flow of the event to make it enjoyable for all.

 

Whatever way you are choosing to celebrate your wedding anniversary, make sure you do indeed celebrate! Each year is another chapter in your love story. Are you planning an anniversary party or a vow renewal?  We’d love to help! Contact us and tell us about the details. 

 

 

We love it when couples want to celebrate their anniversary!  Mazel tov!  Way to go!  Staying happily married is HARD WORK, and we totally agree that you deserve a party to celebrate.  One of my first questions for these couples is always, are you interested in an anniversary party or a vow renewal?  The two can be quite different! - Vow Renewal - Anniversary - Event Planner - Each & Every Detail

5 Wedding Apps All Engaged Couples Should Know About


Wedding Planning Advice

You’re engaged now, and let’s be honest, you have a lot of things to do and think about. Here are some fun apps we think you should know about! - 5 best wedding apps - Helpful wedding apps - Wedding Planner - Each & Every Detail

Photo courtesy of Tony Valadez Photography

 

You’re engaged now, and let’s be honest, you have a lot of things to do and think about. Here are some fun wedding  apps we think you should know about!

 

1. Wedding Count Down

Because who doesn’t want a reminder of how many months, day, hours and seconds until they get married.

 

This App counts down to the date and time you set it for. You can customize the text to a phrase that suits your event and what you're counting down to. You can also customize the picture and add a song to play every time you open the app! It’s a simple app, but a sweet reminder of the face that you’re about to tie the knot! - 5 best wedding apps - helpful wedding app - wedding planner - Each & Every Detail

 

This wedding app counts down to the date and time you set it for.

You can customize the text to a phrase that suits your event and what you’re counting down to. You can also customize the picture and add a song to play every time you open the app! It’s a simple app, but a sweet reminder of the face that you’re about to tie the knot!

*Only Available for iPhone

 

2. Zola Registry

So when you remember that mixer you wanted, you can add it to your registry at any time!

 

This is the guest view of the app. When you first sign up, you can view a checklist by category so you can be sure not to miss anything. As you add items to your registry, they get checked off the checklist to help you stay on task. You can always add item through their “Add gift section. They send you notifications when someone buys you a gift, and you get to choose when it gets delivered – this way you don’t have a pile of boxes at your door! One of the coolest features is their Blender feature. This “Tinder-like feature” allows you to swipe through items, swipe right to add to your registry or left if you don’t want it! - 5 best wedding apps - helpful wedding app - wedding registry - wedding planner - Each & every Detail

 

This is the guest view of the app.

When you first sign up, you can view a checklist by category so you can be sure not to miss anything. As you add items to your registry, they get checked off the checklist to help you stay on task. You can always add item through their “Add gift section. They send you notifications when someone buys you a gift, and you get to choose when it gets delivered – this way you don’t have a pile of boxes at your door!

One of the coolest features is their Blender feature. This “Tinder-like feature” allows you to swipe through items, swipe right to add to your registry or left if you don’t want it!

To download the app (iOS or Android) go here!

 

3. HoneyFund

Because you already have all the household items you need!

 

This app allows your friends and family to buy gift cards or put money towards your honeymoon events. As you see in the picture above, they can put money towards the cruise, dining, beverage, and more that are pictured! you set what things you would like to do and your friends and family can contribute to the experience!  - 5 best wedding apps - helpful wedding app - honeymoon fund - wedding planner - Each & Every Detail

 

This wedding app allows your friends and family to buy gift cards or put money towards your honeymoon events. As you see in the picture above, they can put money towards the cruise, dining, beverage, and more that are pictured! you set what things you would like to do and your friends and family can contribute to the experience!

 

4. WedPics

See ALL the photos your wedding guests took.

 

This app allows your guests to upload the photos they have taken by clicking the link you can share on your wedding website, on Facebook, or through text and email. What is great about this app is the person uploading photos can tag them, which then adds the photo to that category as you can see in the picture above. Other guests can like or comment on pictures as well! One of the best parts, if you love a photo, you can have it printed through the app! Just pay a low price and $5.99 shipping. - 5 best wedding apps - helpful wedding app - wedding planner - Each & Every Detail

 

This app allows your guests to upload the photos they have taken by clicking the link you can share on your wedding website, on Facebook, or through text and email.

What is great about this wedding app is the person uploading photos can tag them, which then adds the photo to that category as you can see in the picture above. Other guests can like or comment on pictures as well!

One of the best parts, if you love a photo, you can have it printed through the app! Just pay a low price and $5.99 shipping.

 

5. Pinterest

The central spot to get wedding ideas!

 

While most people know of Pinterest, this has to be on the list for anyone who doesn’t! Search wedding guest tables, burgundy wedding, wedding favors, or anything you could need for a wedding. Pinterest is a great place to get ideas or see how others have made your ideas come to life. Pinterest is the ultimate source for wedding inspiration. - 5 best wedding apps - helpful wedding app - wedding planner - Each & Every Detail

 

While most people know of Pinterest, this has to be on the list for anyone who doesn’t! Search wedding guest tables, burgundy wedding, wedding favors, or anything you could need for a wedding. Pinterest is a great place to get ideas or see how others have made your ideas come to life. Pinterest is the ultimate source for wedding inspiration.

 

We know there are tons of helpful wedding apps, and we, of course, want to know the best ones. Tell us your favorite apps in the comments below so we can all enjoy! Otherwise if you are needing more help then apps can provide check out the SERVICES we offer to help plan your wedding.

 

 

You’re engaged now, and let’s be honest, you have a lot of things to do and think about. Here are some fun apps we think you should know about! - 5 best wedding apps - Helpful wedding apps - Wedding Planner - Each & Every Detail

Wedding Menu – Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and Vegan, Oh My!


Wedding Planning Advice

How to Handle Wedding Guest Dietary Restrictions

 

Keeping your guests happy with great food while offering options that conform to multiple dietary restrictions can be tricky.  The most common guest requests that we see are gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and vegan or vegetarian.  Many of our couples struggle to balance guest experience with cost and availability.  Is it really reasonable to offer 6 different entrees in the hope of keeping everyone happy?  For most couples, the answer is no.  But there are many small tweaks that can be made to an existing meal to make it food allergy friendly. - Wedding Catering - Wedding Planner - Each & Every Detail

Photo courtesy of Two Pair Photography

 

Keeping your guests happy with great food while offering options that conform to multiple dietary restrictions can be tricky.  The most common guest requests that we see are gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and vegan or vegetarian.  Many of our couples struggle to balance guest experience with cost and availability.  Is it really reasonable to offer 6 different entrees in the hope of keeping everyone happy?  For most couples, the answer is no.  But there are many small tweaks that can be made to an existing meal to make it food allergy friendly.

 

Gluten is a protein compound present in many grains, particularly wheat, that is responsible for the elasticity of dough.  If you’ve got dough or a crust, you probably have gluten.  There are two secrets to giving lots of gluten-free options: keep it simple when it comes to sauces and preparations; and consider the extended world of non-grain flours.  - Wedding Catering - Food Allergies - Wedding Planner Dallas - Each & Every Detail

Photo courtesy of Ryan O’Dowd Photography

 

Gluten-Free Tweaks

Gluten is a protein compound present in many grains, particularly wheat, that is responsible for the elasticity of dough.  If you’ve got dough or a crust, you probably have gluten.  There are two secrets to giving lots of gluten-free options: keep it simple when it comes to sauces and preparations; and consider the extended world of non-grain flours. 

Keeping It Simple: If your dishes stick largely to fruits, vegetables, and meats, you’re already taking a step in the right direction from almost all allergy-compliant meals!  Look at items that are baked or grilled rather than fried.  Use spices rather than sauces for flavor.  Gluten tends to sneak in when sauces and marinades need to be thickened.  Simple preparations like rubs in oil, eliminate any fear of gluten!

Non-Grain Flours: Ask your kitchen if they can substitute a flour without gluten to keep the menu unaltered.  This is a win some-lose some solution in some ways, because the most popular non-grain flours are made with nuts (almond flour, etc.).  So you may gain on the gluten-free side, but lose on the nut-free side.

 

Dairy-free dieters are becoming easier to compensate for within your catering options due to the upswing in prevalence of substitutes like coconut milk, almond milk, cashew milk, and soy milk.  Even non-dairy cheeses are getting better and better! Be aware of butter.  This is the sneaky thing for dairy-free options.  Ask your kitchen about cooking with oil instead of butter where possible, and that will eliminate one of the big dairy-free roadblocks. - Wedding Catering - McKinney Wedding Planner - Each & Every Detail - Food Allergy

 

Dairy-Free Tweaks

Dairy-free dieters are becoming easier to compensate for within your catering options due to the upswing in prevalence of substitutes like coconut milk, almond milk, cashew milk, and soy milk.  Even non-dairy cheeses are getting better and better!

Be aware of butter.  This is the sneaky thing for dairy-free options.  Ask your kitchen about cooking with oil instead of butter where possible, and that will eliminate one of the big dairy-free roadblocks.

 

Nut-Free Tweaks

Nut-free can be a tough one, simply because nut allergies can be so severe.  If you know one of your guests is allergic to the point of requiring a nut-free kitchen, you might consider asking them to either bring their own food or offer a delivery meal from a nearby restaurant that they’re comfortable consuming.  While not ideal from a hospitality perspective, avoiding anaphylactic shock is always a good idea.

At a broader level, watch out for nut flavorings and extracts as well as actual nuts.  Almond flavored wedding cake is a classic flavor, but a true almond extract will set off a nut allergy.  Also, as aforementioned, confirm that none of your flour or dairy substitutes are nut-based.

 

Nut-free can be a tough one, simply because nut allergies can be so severe.  If you know one of your guests is allergic to the point of requiring a nut-free kitchen, you might consider asking them to either bring their own food or offer a delivery meal from a nearby restaurant that they’re comfortable consuming.  While not ideal from a hospitality perspective, avoiding anaphylactic shock is always a good idea. - Wedding Catering - Food Allergies - Dallas Wedding Planner - Each & Every Detail

Photo courtesy of Tony Valadez Photography

 

Vegetarian and Vegan Tweaks

Vegetarian diets are not too difficult to accommodate – just ensure you have an option without meat or fish.  Vegan diets are the holy grail of meal accommodation.  Creating an interesting, tasty vegan menu is absolutely possible, but it requires extreme attentiveness! 

With a vegan menu, it definitely helps to use a flavorful taste profile to keep things interesting for non-vegan guests.  Think Indian or Mediterranean when it comes to dishes and spices.  Also, be vigilant on your animal products.  There are many that slip through the cracks – for example, honey.

 

Vegetarian diets are not too difficult to accommodate – just ensure you have an option without meat or fish.  Vegan diets are the holy grail of meal accommodation.  Creating an interesting, tasty vegan menu is absolutely possible, but it requires extreme attentiveness! - Wedding Catering - Food Allergies - McKinney Wedding Planner - Each & Every Detail

 

Hopefully this gives you some guidelines for menu planning creatively while being sensitive to your guest needs.  What’s your favorite recipe that’s allergy-sensitive that would be great for a wedding?  Here’s a client favorite from a recent wedding – vegan tofu butter paneer!  Send yours our way, and we’ll add it to our post! 

 

Are you having trouble accommodating your wedding guests and their dietary restrictions? We would be happy to help you find options that fit you and the right caterer for your event! Contact us! 

 
 

Keeping your guests happy with great food while offering options that conform to multiple dietary restrictions can be tricky.  The most common guest requests that we see are gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and vegan or vegetarian.  Many of our couples struggle to balance guest experience with cost and availability.  Is it really reasonable to offer 6 different entrees in the hope of keeping everyone happy?  For most couples, the answer is no.  But there are many small tweaks that can be made to an existing meal to make it food allergy friendly. - Dietary Restrictions - Wedding Planner - Each & Every Detail

Where to have Your Dinner Party


Wedding Planning Advice

I love the phrase 'dinner party' - it conjures up images of trays of martinis and girls in full skirts sitting down to a meal full of delicious things and intelligent, sparkling conversation.  Whether that fits with your mental image of a dinner party or not, I find that one of the trickiest parts of dinner party planning (after the guest list!) is location.  Here's a few fun options to consider when planning your next shindig!

Photo courtesy of Ben Q Photography

 

I love the phrase ‘dinner party’ – it conjures up images of trays of martinis and girls in full skirts sitting down to a meal full of delicious things and intelligent, sparkling conversation.  Whether that fits with your mental image of a dinner party or not, I find that one of the trickiest parts of dinner party planning (after the guest list!) is location.  Here’s a few fun options to consider when planning your next shindig!

 

Traditionally, this is where we'd expect a dinner party to occur, right?  Whether it takes place in the formal dining room, around the kitchen table, or on the floor adjacent to the coffee table, having your dinner party at home gives it a personal touch.  Keep in mind that the size of your home (and potentially the number of seats) may limit the size of your party.  Home can be a lovely choice for either formal or informal occasions.  I love doing small parties at home because I love trying out new recipes on willing victims, but you can certainly cater in with delivered food or turn your kitchen over to a professional chef so you can wow your friends!

Photo courtesy of Jeremy Minnerick Photography

 

At home

Traditionally, this is where we’d expect a dinner party to occur, right?  Whether it takes place in the formal dining room, around the kitchen table, or on the floor adjacent to the coffee table, having your dinner party at home gives it a personal touch.  Keep in mind that the size of your home (and potentially the number of seats) may limit the size of your party.  Home can be a lovely choice for either formal or informal occasions.  I love doing small parties at home because I love trying out new recipes on willing victims, but you can certainly cater in with delivered food or turn your kitchen over to a professional chef so you can wow your friends!

 

Let someone else do the hard work!  Pick your favorite restaurant and invite your friends out for a night of tasty food and revelry.  Many restaurants have great little private rooms, depending on the size of your party, like glass-walled wine rooms or even a private upper deck.  A restaurant is certainly a great choice when you're thinking of a larger crew.  The only downside is that you will have little to no control over the aesthetic - so find a place you love the look and feel of as well as the menu!

Photo courtesy of Leslie Spurlock Photography

 

In a restaurant

Let someone else do the hard work!  Pick your favorite restaurant and invite your friends out for a night of tasty food and revelry.  Many restaurants have great little private rooms, depending on the size of your party, like glass-walled wine rooms or even a private upper deck.  A restaurant is certainly a great choice when you’re thinking of a larger crew.  The only downside is that you will have little to no control over the aesthetic – so find a place you love the look and feel of as well as the menu!

 

We have some wonderful petite spaces here in DFW that would be super fun for a dinner party - think independent galleries, smaller venues (or smaller rooms within a larger venue), and rentals for creatives!  In some ways this is the best of both worlds - you have control over the menu and the aesthetics, but you don't have to scrub your bathrooms ahead of time.  It's likely you will need to bring in everything from linens and napkins to salt and pepper shakers, but you can make it truly reflect the vibe you want!  Venues also offer flexibility when it comes to guest count.

Photo courtesy of Katie Cassidy Photography

 

Venue space

We have some wonderful petite spaces here in DFW that would be super fun for a dinner party – think independent galleries, smaller venues (or smaller rooms within a larger venue), and rentals for creatives!  In some ways this is the best of both worlds – you have control over the menu and the aesthetics, but you don’t have to scrub your bathrooms ahead of time.  It’s likely you will need to bring in everything from linens and napkins to salt and pepper shakers, but you can make it truly reflect the vibe you want!  Venues also offer flexibility when it comes to guest count.

 

Have a picnic dinner party!  Find a fun park, or do an early dinner at the Dallas Arboretum.  You may have to do after dinner drinks to align with alcohol restrictions in a public place, but what a fun way to enjoy the good weather while it's here.  No heating necessary - food can be pre-packed and chilled until served.  Also, if you ever wanted an excuse to buy the premium Williams Sonoma picnic basket... well, you're welcome.

Photo courtesy of Autumn Light Photography

 

Take it outside

Have a picnic dinner party!  Find a fun park, or do an early dinner at the Dallas Arboretum.  You may have to do after dinner drinks to align with alcohol restrictions in a public place, but what a fun way to enjoy the good weather while it’s here.  No heating necessary – food can be pre-packed and chilled until served.  Also, if you ever wanted an excuse to buy the premium Williams Sonoma picnic basket… well, you’re welcome.

 

Having trouble figuring out your next dinner party?  We’d be happy to help – just reach out! 

 

 

I love the phrase 'dinner party' - it conjures up images of trays of martinis and girls in full skirts sitting down to a meal full of delicious things and intelligent, sparkling conversation.  Whether that fits with your mental image of a dinner party or not, I find that one of the trickiest parts of dinner party planning (after the guest list!) is location.  Here's a few fun options to consider when planning your next shindig!