Wedding Planning Advice: Dinner for Two

Last week’s advice focused on the “first look” debate, and this week we’re going to look at another new tradition that has been emerging – Dinner for Two.

If you ask any bride and groom what they remember most about the wedding, you’ll get a lot of different responses. The majority, though, will often agree that it went too quickly and that they didn’t get a chance to truly absorb everything.

We have some advice that can help this not be the case with your wedding.

Just like taking a moment before the ceremony with a “first look,” a growing tradition is a romantic dinner for two. Once the reception starts, guests are eager to congratulate you, excitement is running high and it’s not uncommon for the newly weds to miss the meal entirely.

This is why we visit with couples to see if they would like to take an opportunity to slip away for 20 minutes to enjoy their first meal together as husband and wife.

You’re probably thinking: How can I possibly do this? We recommend this moment after photos and before your bridal party introductions – this is when your guests will be enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. It’s easy to overlook how exhausting the day can be, so a moment of relaxation and nourishment goes a long, long way.

We understand this option isn’t for everyone or every type of wedding. We recommend it for larger weddings – smaller, more intimate weddings typically make it easier for the bride and groom to eat at a head table. If your reception is a buffet, we recommend having your coordinator or caterer plate and bring the food to you so that you may eat first and then begin greeting guests.

Photo Courtesy Jose Villa

Planning a wedding and need some guidance? Keep in mind there is no “right” or “wrong” way – just a lot of different options based on your personality and the style of the wedding. Let us know – we’d love to help you design and plan your dream wedding.