How Much Should You Spend On Your Wedding Reception?

What you want to spend on your wedding reception depends on the type of meal and how you would like the meal served.  Sit down or buffet?  Buffet style is less expensive with the same quality of food without the individual severing.  If you have a limit budget stay away from foods that are more labor intensive such as appetizer and stuffed entrees.  These type items take longer to prepare and will cost more.

Photo courtesy of OneWed.com

Tips For AMAZING Wedding Photos!

Choose a dress that flatters your body and pick a color that flatters all of your bridesmaids' colorings, but don’t worry about how it will show up in pictures; color correction will make any color look incredible.

Go for natural makeup and hair. Have professional make-up done, but don’t over do it! Take some advice from America’s Next Top Model and smile with your eyes.

Dab. If you are planning on getting married in the summer and want outdoor photos, oil dabbing strips are a MUST HAVE! Make sure the groom has a hanky too.

Look for a photographer that will take posed shots (that don't look posed) as well as candid photos. Christina Johnson Photography captures the emotion of the occasion, your personality as a couple and all the people that make your day so special.

Time is of the essence. Make sure to allot more than enough time to get your hair (and bridesmaids) done, especially if you have a large party! Nothing causes more stress than being late for photos because your hair is not done.

Say no to glitter. Glitter and other luminescent lotions can end up looking like sweat, not sparkle, in pics. Plus, they tend to rub off on everyone you hug…say, a groom wearing a black tux.

Flower power. Hold your flowers down low so we can see the top part of your beautiful dress (this will also make you appear thinner).


Lighten up. DJs and bands love a dark dance floor to entice people to get loose. Photographers, of course, want this too and want to get fun dance shots of the crowd, but we need a little light to focus on people. Ask the venue ahead of time not to turn off the lights entirely. Also, during your first dance, have spotlights!

Pose. Put your weight on your back leg and lean forward to appear thinner to the camera (we will take care of all these traditional posing techniques while keeping couples relaxed and comfortable so they ENJOY their day which leads me to the most important tip...)

Have fun and be happy. Happiness is beauty. I have discovered that the brides and grooms who looked the best were the ones the showed their emotion and had the most fun! These couples were not concerned when the table cloths were the wrong color, or when the band played a song they didn't enjoy, or even when a few raindrops started to fall. These couples were beaming, laughing, and genuinely glowing in a way that makeup and creative lighting can't replicate. The way you gaze at each other will reveal your passion, and it will allow us to capture those true moments.

Theme Grooms Dinner?

Image courtesy of Brides Cafe

 Grooms dinners are a way to thank your family and friends for being a part of the start of new and wonderful life as husband and wife.  You want to them to relax and have a little fun try a theme groom’s dinner.  A taste of the island with non-alcoholic margaritas and all you can eat fajitas, tacos, Spanish rice, chips, and salsa.  Decorate the table and have the guest dress up make to make the night to remember.

Contact The Royal Catering for great menus and prices!

Tips For Planning A Honeymoon

Ensure the best honeymoon experience for you and your spouse when you work with Bursch Travel to purchase a honeymoon.  We will help you find the destination, activities, amenities and locale you both enjoy.

Purchase your complete honeymoon in advance, including your flight, hotel and activities.

Make sure to leave at least one day in between your wedding day and your honeymoon trip.  Most flights leave in the early morning, so you’ll want to give yourself enough time to get to the airport.

Make your honeymoon unforgettable experience with fun activities for you and your partner to enjoy.

Attention brides! If your passport is issued in your maiden name make sure the information on your flight and hotel reservations match your passport and any other required travel documentation.

Bring a copy of your marriage certificate.  Many hotels require proof of marriage to take advantage of special amenities exclusive for honeymooning couples.

This is a trip of a lifetime, so pamper yourselves by flying first-class, upgrading your room to a suite or by considering hotels that cater to honeymoon couples.

Go for the all-inclusive honeymoon package! With your food, beverages, accommodations and amenities taken care of, it will be one less thing on your mind.

Once you arrive at your honeymoon destination remember, enjoy yourselves!  Relax, rejuvenate and make sure both of you are enjoying your honeymoon.

Bursch Travel
Lois Sullivan, Manager
Specializing in Honeymoon & Destination Weddings
320-632-3633 or 877-578-8665