Emily Post says it best, “Setting a table is not as difficult as it seems. The basic rule is: Utensils are placed in the order of use, that is, from the outside in. A second rule, with only a few exceptions is: forks go to the left of the plate, and knives and spoons go to the right.”  The table setting etiquette for a formal place setting has only one addition add on rule. “The one rule for a formal table is for everything to be geometrically spaced: the centerpiece at the exact center; the place settings at equal distances; and the utensils balanced. Beyond these placements, you can vary flower arrangements and decorations as you like.”

Who is setting the table at your wedding? Caterer? Staff at the venue? Event Designer? Aunt Sally and your cousins? It is important to be very clear with whoever is responsible for the table design at your wedding to understand how formal or informal you would like the tables to be set. When you spend some time thinking about the style in which you are serving your guests (buffett, plated family style etc), specific items on the menu and drink pairing – the proper dishes, flatware and stemware should all fall into place!

True Bliss Events has always been a huge fan (thumbs up on facebook) of  hosting a cocktail hour to jump start your wedding reception. We are even bigger fans if  the cocktail hour has  a signature drink dedicated to both the bride and the groom. For many couples, it may seem hard to narrow down the specific combination of spirits to servce on your big day. Who better to take cocktail advice from then the Cocktail Gura Johnatan Pogash! Jonathan is a New York City-based cocktail developer and mixologist specializing in bars, restaurants, and liquor brands. He consults for fine dining and cocktail establishments across the U.S. Jonathan creates signature drinks for liquor companies, as well as private and corporate events.

He has some fabulous suggestions for a succesful cocktail hour at your wedding reception!

1. The theme of your day – Whether it’s ‘Hamptons beach party’ or ‘70’s retro-disco’, align your specialty libation with what your day will hold forth.
2. Color – If this is a large part of your theme, consider it for your cocktails: Purple, pink, yellow, green, silver – all colors can be recreated in the liquid form.
3. What liquor do I use? – Ask yourselves what your favorite spirits are, and decide from there.  The possibilities are endless.  A trend nowadays is back towards classic cocktails, so if you’re lovers of Gin, Rum, and Rye or Bourbon, think about using those as your base spirits.
4. Garnish – Maybe it’s your favorite fruit or flower (make sure it’s edible!), or just simply maraschino cherries (because on your first date you impressed your partner by tying a knot with the stem using only your tongue), make it meaningful and always keep in mind what flavor your garnish will add to your cocktail.  A garnish serves dual purposes – to look pretty and to add flavor to a drink.  Remember – we taste with our eyes first.
5. Save $$$ – By offering one or two specialty cocktails, you can limit your guests’ drinking habits.  Even better, offer only your specialty cocktails during cocktail hour, and beer and wine during dinner.
6. Ease of preparation – If you’re fortunate enough to have caterers who are experienced in fine dining, you may not have an issue with this.  But for the most part, catering bartenders don’t have much experience with specialty cocktails, let alone custom-made specialty cocktails.  Think about using simple, ready-made and easily accessible ingredients.  Even submitting a recipe for a batched or pitcher version of your drink would ease the bartender’s nerves, and ensure a perfect, consistent cocktail every time.
7. What about Uncle Frank who doesn’t drink, or Cousin Susie who just graduated 5th grade? – Always have non-alcoholic versions of your alcoholic cocktails readily available for your guests.  It usually just entails eliminating the alcoholic portion of the drink, and adding in a bit more of the mixers.
8. f you’re too stressed and can’t even think about adding this to your long list of to-do’s  – Hire a professional!  Nowadays, specialty wedding cocktails are almost the norm, and there is a slew of catering companies that offer this service.  Independent and special event ‘mixologists’ are also another good option (yours truly, wink, wink).  The service is personal and special, and you can be assured that nobody else in the world will have the same cocktail that’s being served at your wedding (unless, of course, you choose to serve a classic).

Few of my favorite pictures from the wedding ceremony at Bethel in Lynden, WA.  The wedding reception was held at BGCC in Bellingham , WA- Part II!

Main entrance

Garland by Trish at A New Leaf

Beautiful wreath created by Lynne

Combo Lynne and Trish!

Entrance to Sanctuary

Pew Flowers