A lot of our clients are opting to make a full weekend out of their weddings.  We always love doing this, because when you think of it– your guests are coming a long way for your *destination* wedding.  What better way (if you can afford it) to keep the party going by having a brunch the next morning with your family and friends.  We are seeing a huge rise in “Welcome Parties” (versus rehearsal dinners) and “Sunday Brunches” in our weddings here.  You may find that your venue/hotel will be really receptive and could give you a good deal if you are hosting your events all at one place.

 Yet, I digress. Let’s get to the real reason why this post is here. Food.  Picking the food for your other events are just as important as taking the time to plan your reception menu.  For your brunch, we have found these uber-cute ideas.  Take, for example, the French Toast Kabobs from Martha Stewart (of course).  They are fun and different and can be a conversation piece for your brunch.  Other great treats are Breakfast Pizza, Bourbon Beignet Puffs, frittatas, and dumplings.  Pick a few favorites and offer them buffet style, complemented by muffins, your traditional breakfast meats and fresh fruit.  And why not have a signature drink at your brunch too!  You could go for the opulence of mimosas (these are my favorites in the morning whenever I travel *swoon*) or smoothies. 

If your caterer or venue boasts that they can cook anything then take them up on it!  You are not and should not be limited to just what they put down on the menu.  You may find that you can not only get what you want, but you may be able to save money as well!  Look for innovative recipes at www.marthastewart.com , www.allrecipe.com or www.recipe.com (two of my favorites, as you can see).

 I came home just in time for the Preakness!  For the celebration, I thouth I would share our state’s favorite drink on Preakness: The Black Eyed Susan.  The Black Eyed Susan is to Maryland’s Preakness, as the Mint Julep is to the Kentucky Derby. 

1 – 1/4 cup vodka
4 cups orange juice
1 – 1/4 cup light rum
ice ring
3/4 cup triple sec
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
4 cups pineapple juice

These are great to add to your signature bar if you are horse/racing enthusiast or are from the great state of Maryland (or if you just like the ingredients!)!

Your wedding day is important to you, right? 

You are not one of those starry eyed brides who believe that everything is going to go just perfect, are you?

Hopefully not. Bad things do happen. Sometimes they happen at weddings.  In the event that something does happen, are you covered?  Sure it’s only one day, but it’s a BIG day and it’s a big day where you are spending A LOT of money.  It would seriously be a shame if you had to put out more because of a serious mishap, or even a cancellation.

Also, if your venue requires that your vendors carry liability insurance please make sure that your vendors have it before you book them.  It is your responsibility to ensure that your event staff is properly insured. You will risk losing deposits or spending more money to obtain insurance or to secure another vendor if you do not take care of this very important step from the beginning.  If you are working with a wedding planner, this will be something they will check prior to booking your vendors. However if you are doing all of the planning yourself and/or only working with a Day of Coodinator, it is crucial that you remember this.

 WedSafe is a fantastic company that offers event liability insurance as well as wedding cancellation insurance.  For a very low premium, you can insure your wedding for up to a million dollars, and third-party vendors up to $250,000.  With wedding insurance at five different levels, you can cover your wedding from such things as postponement/cancellation to include your photographers, wedding planners, jewelry, attire, etc.