PLANNING AHEAD KEY TO SUCCESSFUL RECEPTION

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, February 9, 1992                   TAG: 9202060206
SECTION: YOUR WEDDING                    PAGE: YW-11   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: By ANNE PIEDMONT
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium
PLANNING AHEAD KEY TO SUCCESSFUL RECEPTION
Whether it's mints and punch in the church fellowship hall or a lavish sit-down meal, the wedding reception is probably one of the most important parties a family will host. The key to a successful reception, say those who know, is planning ahead, setting a budget and letting a professional help you determine - and get - what you want.
Russell Kidd, maitre d' at La Maison, says that a year before the reception is not too early to reserve a location "especially for the big months." (But he does have cancellations, so some lucky couples may yet be able to have a June reception.)
Once the date and place are set, "everything else falls into place." The
next important questions should be: How many guests and how much do you want to spend? Kidd said that, within reason, he works to make sure the couple gets what they want.
And what they want has become increasingly less formal, he said. Although he does still see the big no-holds-barred receptions. "People are moving more toward hors d'oeuvres; more social mingling, more fun, more festive." He offers packages from economic up to "very elaborate," and can tailor the couple's wants to their budgetary needs.
He attributes the toning down of receptions to both the recession and to a less formal attitude in general.
Barbara Cochran of Cochran's Weddings agrees. "I find people are scaling back and really watching their pennies." She currently is planning three at-home receptions. This is unusual, she said, since she previously has done only one at-home reception every two or three years. By having the reception at home and using their own tables and chairs, families can afford to spend more on the food, she notes.
She also has noticed smaller guests lists, 75-100 people, and "less fancy frills." Instead of bands, Cochran is seeing a piano or guitar player, or no music at all. "They seem to want it more informal." After 13 years in the business, Cochran admits to enjoying the challenge of the smaller, less-formal affair. "It can be beautiful no matter where it is," she said, adding that her favorite reception is "always the one I'm working on now."
Delores Gray of Gray's Katering also sees the trend toward simplicity. She said that goes hand in hand with a couple's desire to find the best value. People are returning to traditional food instead of exotic, expensive fare. "It's what people enjoy and it's a way to cut costs."
She is working on several large receptions and noted that many people have a certain type of event in their minds for a while and budget for it. "You can do it if you want to badly enough." She also notes that a family's traditions play a big role in the choices.
Though she is working on large receptions now, she sees a time coming when the reception will move back to "just family and close friends."
Both she and Cochran say that the bride should contact her caterer at least six months in advance. She also should know how many people she plans to invite and have some idea of her budget. The caterers can take it from there, determining from talking with the bride and her family what they want.
"I'm here to help in any way I can," Gray said. Cochran said she can usually tell within one meeting just what type of reception is right for the bride.
Another trend in today's receptions is the one away from the endless open bar. "Couples want it to be safe," Kidd said, adding that a good alternative is to offer an open bar for the first hour (before the bride and bridegroom arrive) and then put it on a cash basis after that. "It's safer and more economic." Couples also are opting for wine and beer bars.

by Bhavesh Jinadra by CNB