Ted’s Tips – Weekly wedding insights from Westin’s wedding planner Ted Daniels…
THREE-COURSE MEAL
“I think it is best to opt for a three-course meal instead of a four-course meal for two reasons. First, the first course is effectively served at the cocktail reception, as most guests eat hors d’oeuvre foods during this hour, so there [...]

Ted’s Tips – Weekly wedding insights from Westin’s wedding planner Ted Daniels…
WINE
“If you have an open bar for the evening, it is best not to serve wine at the table. Those who want wine can get it from the bar, therefore money is not wasted on wine that is either not served or not [...]

Ted’s Tips – Weekly wedding insights from Westin’s wedding planner Ted Daniels…
TOASTS
“Toasts are a customary element of each wedding celebration, but can often spiral out of control. It’s preferable to only have one or two short toasts during the wedding, as guests don’t want or need to hear all of the grueling details about [...]

Ted’s Tips – Weekly wedding insights from Westin’s wedding planner Ted Daniels…
BRIDE & GROOM SEATING
“The traditional long head table is out for many reasons. You can only talk to the person that is seated to your left or right, your attendants don’t get to sit with their dates or significant others and the table [...]

Ted’s Tips – Weekly wedding insights from Westin’s wedding planner Ted Daniels…
ORGANIZED EVENTS
“Dinner the night before and brunch following the wedding are the only events you should worry about for your guests.  As your guests should know, the wedding weekend will be incredibly busy, so you should not feel the need to entertain them [...]

Ted’s Tips – Weekly wedding insights from Westin’s wedding planner Ted Daniels…
POST WEDDING BRUNCH
“After a long day and night of wedding festivities, it is always nice to invite out-of-town guests and close friends and relatives to a brunch the following morning. However, you should be sure to let your guests know that they are [...]

Ted’s Tips – Weekly wedding insights from Westin’s wedding planner Ted Daniels…
REHEARSAL DINNER
“It is important to invite those guests that have come from afar to the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding.  The dinner should be very informal and should, by no means, upstage the wedding. The main purpose for this event is [...]

Ted’s Tips – Weekly wedding insights from Westin’s wedding planner Ted Daniels…
WELCOME BAGS
“For out of town guests, I think a welcome bag is a very nice touch to have as they are checking into their accommodations. It lets your guests know that you are thankful for their travels.”
 
For more wedding info or to talk [...]

Ted’s Tips – Weekly wedding insights from Westin’s wedding planner Ted Daniels…
LAST THING REMEMBERED
“With about an hour left in the reception, pass out a memorable snack on the dance floor, such as mini desserts, sliders, mini parmesan chicken sandwiches, or even breakfast sandwiches. After a long night of dancing and mingling, this treat is [...]

Ted’s Tips – Weekly wedding insights from Westin’s wedding planner Ted Daniels…
COCKTAIL MUSIC
“Cocktail music is nice to have as the first 40 or so guests arrive. However, I think it is hard to carry on a conversation when music is played during cocktail hour. Therefore, keep in mind what purpose you want the music [...]