Wednesday, May 26, 2010

The Ten Commandments of Wedding Reception & Party Event Planning

We all know who they are. You know, the selfish people with the goods, knowledge, and know-how about parties and wedding receptions who play "the game" holding their cards close to their chest.

In other words, they won't share their information with you.

So, obviously they're not helping you enough. They sit on their professional information (that you could use and might need to pull off your dream come true wedding reception) so you'll have to hire them to get the best party decor and the tastiest cuisine served with ease for your event.

There's a reason why this blog was named Cater-Hater and not Cater-Consumer-Hater. My sole purpose is to look out for you and your wallet.

Do this. Take a page from the "Good Book of Parties" and follow these party commandments, and then go forth and sin no more - making zero party planning errors.

Thou shalt not commit baby-ism by dressing an adult wedding shower with decor reminiscent of a cutesy baby shower, loaded with candy-colored bows, rosettes, and silly games (unless the bride-to-be begs for it).
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image of someone else's party or wedding reception by stealing every idea that someone else has displayed.
Thou shalt not covet they neighbor's party concepts and style (similar to Commandment #2).
Honor thy food and thy decor. Serve no food that tastes store bought, deviled eggs, and use no cheap, ugly looking silk flowers in the name of saving money.
Thou shalt not bear false witness against they neighbor, even if your neighbor throws a bash that lasts a bit too late into the evening, playing music that is just a little too loud. You're asking for it if you fail to remember that you might decide to celebrate an occasion one day. Although you won't be guilty of the same infractions, if your party's large, your guests cars will be parked in some of the best parking spots on the block (unless you hire a valet service to park cars further out, retrieving them for your guests when they're ready to go or you tell your guests to park a mile away and hire a shuttle service to transport everyone in, and out).
Thou shalt party in style and with elegance rather than in a last-minute, tacky style. Pass on having a party before you're caught hosting one that looks like you don't care about the people you invite; enough to give them a nice experience. Everyone understands that style and elegance in today's world of parties means planning something within your budget - even if that means inviting fewer people. Anyone you don't invite (to stay within budget) who feels offended needs to get over it or write you a check to help out.
Thou shalt not get caught with cheap toilet paper in your guest bathroom.
Thou shalt not encourage any man to smoke cigars. Cigar bars are a trend that are so out! Think about it. How many real cigar smokers do you really know? Cigar posers, shame on you.
Thou shalt send invitations in a timely manner. Evite is for last minute gatherings, not real parties and wedding receptions.
Thou shalt not overdo it by decorating in a matchy-matchy style. When everything matches perfectly, a party looks very passe and gauche.