Ted’s Tips – Weekly wedding insights from Westin’s wedding planner Ted Daniels…

FAVORS
“If you feel that you need to give a favor to your guests, a donation to a charity is a great option. However, guests don’t attend a wedding to receive a gift; they are there to celebrate the couple and to have fun. The majority of guests would prefer to have more food or drinks rather than a favor.”

For more wedding info or to talk to Ted call (617) 424-7498 or email Ted.Daniels@Westin.com, we would love to hear from you!

Ted’s Tips – Weekly wedding insights from Westin’s wedding planner Ted Daniels…

CANDLES
“From votives to candle sticks to pillar candles, the more candles on the table the better! However, you must be very careful and aware of all fire department regulations. In most locations, the candle flame needs to be inside and below the container.”

For more wedding info or to talk to Ted call (617) 424-7498 or email Ted.Daniels@Westin.com, we would love to hear from you!

Ted’s Tips – Weekly wedding insights from Westin’s wedding planner Ted Daniels…

MENU CARDS
“Unless you are serving food that your guests will not be familiar with, I would not recommend having menu cards at the table. When guests read them, if they even read them at all, the cards usually end up cluttering the table.”

For more wedding info or to talk to Ted call (617) 424-7498 or email Ted.Daniels@Westin.com, we would love to hear from you!

Ted’s Tips – Weekly wedding insights from Westin’s wedding planner Ted Daniels…

NAPKINS
“Napkins should be a neutral color, folded flat and placed on either the base plate or over the forks. Napkins should not be used for color décor.”

For more wedding info or to talk to Ted call (617) 424-7498 or email Ted.Daniels@Westin.com, we would love to hear from you!

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 is no point in repeating the appetizer portion. Secondly, serving a four-course meal cuts into dance time, decreasing the energy of the celebration.”

For more wedding info or to talk to Ted call (617) 424-7498 or email Ted.Daniels@Westin.com, we would love to hear from you!

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 consumed. However, if you’re doing a cash bar for the evening, offering wine at the table is the right thing to do.”

For more wedding info or to talk to Ted call (617) 424-7498 or email Ted.Daniels@Westin.com, we would love to hear from you!

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 the bride and groom. When toasts take too long, they can detract from the fun atmosphere of the celebration. Therefore, lengthier and more personal toasts should be reserved for the rehearsal dinner.”

For more wedding info or to talk to Ted call (617) 424-7498 or email Ted.Daniels@Westin.com, we would love to hear from you!

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 usually sits empty after dinner. The bride and groom should either sit at a sweetheart table or a round table with their family or best man and maid of honor and their dates.”

For more wedding info or to talk to Ted call (617) 424-7498 or email Ted.Daniels@Westin.com, we would love to hear from you!

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 beyond these events.”

For more wedding info or to talk to Ted call (617) 424-7498 or email Ted.Daniels@Westin.com, we would love to hear from you!

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 not obligated to stay for the brunch –some people may have made arrangements to leave early the next day, and might feel the need to change their plans to accommodate the brunch, so it is important to let them know that the event is very relaxed, informal, and it is their choice whether or not to attend.”

For more wedding info or to talk to Ted call (617) 424-7498 or email Ted.Daniels@Westin.com, we would love to hear from you!