A Votre Sante

One of the traditional elements of wedding celebrations is the toasts.  Toasts are generally given by family members, the bridal party and close friends and they can be one of the most lasting memories of a wedding for the couple and their guests.

The term “toasting” came about from a French custom in which a piece of bread was placed in the bottom of each wine glass to absorb the sediment. A good toaster was someone who would drink all the way “down to the toast.” (DID YOU KNOW THAT?? We didn’t and love learning new things!!) Another element of toasts is the clinking of the glasses, which dates back many centuries. The sound made by the touching of glasses is similar to that of a ringing bell.  Ancient belief thought this would keep evil spirits away from the wedding celebration. 

Nowadays, wedding toasts are traditionally given during the wedding reception meal or after the cutting of the cake.  Generally, it is the parent's of the couple or the best man who delivers the initial speech then the rest of the toasts can follow but these days it's really up to the couple's preference.  *We love having the majority of toasts occur at the rehearsal dinner so only the key toasts take place at the wedding.

Our Tips and Etiquette for Memorable Wedding Toasts:

1. Be Prepared: Let your family members, bridal party and friends know they will be making toasts to give them time to prepare.  If you are the one giving a toast, please spend some time thinking about what you would like to say and make some notes if you get nervous speaking in front of a large group.  

2. Keep It Short: Short, sweet and to the point is always more entertaining than hearing someone drone on for what seems like hours.  Speeches should be kept between 2-3 minutes. Parents’ speeches should be kept between 2-3 minutes, as well.  

3. Keep Embarrassing Stories To Yourself: And please don't mention old boyfriends and girlfriends, it just makes everyone uncomfortable. 

4. A Little History Is Nice, All the History Is Not: We do not need to know Suzie's life story from the time she was born until she walked down the aisle.  Parents, please pick your favorite moments with your children. Remember, brevity is key. 

5. Insert Personality: If you are funny, by all means be funny.  If you are sentimental, then be sentimental.  But do not try to be funny, or witty or sentimental...it isn’t like the movies; you rarely can come back from a fumbled speech. 

6. Stand Up And Hold Your Drink: Basic but you would be surprised how often people forget this.

7. Think About Your Audience: If it's a formal affair and many people you don't know will be attending, then inside jokes and slang might not be appropriate. Take this in to account when writing your speech.  

8. Do Not Open the Floor For Other Toasts: There is usually a schedule and order to the evening.  Typically, rehearsal dinners give everyone not asked to speak at the wedding, a chance to toast the bride and groom.   

9. The Bride and Groom Should Not Raise Their Glasses: Since they are the ones being honored, everyone else raises their glasses to them.  The couple should simply sip from their glasses at the end of each toast.  

Cheers & Happy Toasting!

Wedding Wednesdays: Wedding Whereabouts

One of our favorite questions when we start to plan a wedding is: 

"We don't want to have our wedding at a hotel, a typical “ballroom wedding” so what are our other options?"

For a lot of couples hotel weddings are perfect; there is a built in kitchen, staff and they can supply most necessary items such as tables, chairs and linens.  We have done some pretty spectacular weddings in some fantastic hotels. Yet, as the trend for more personalized, intimate weddings continues to grow more brides and grooms are looking for venues that tell their guests a story about who they are as a couple.  One of the first things we do here at JOWY Productions, after a couple has picked a date, is scout out venues. The possibilities for a non-traditional venue will vary depending on guest count, budget, time of year and city (LA is tough!) but with some forethought, the hunt for this type of venue can be fun!

 Here are some of our favorite options for venues:

1. By the beach or water - Anything on the water can be romantic.  

2. In a Historic Building, Library or Museum - The history and details in these buildings can make for dramatic wedding pictures and a stately union. 

3. At a winery or vineyard - This is becoming a popular wedding venue--it's no wonder given how picturesque they can be.  Wineries are popping up all over the country so don't rule this out if you don't live near Napa. 

4. In a public or private garden - An outdoor wedding always has charm. And this could be a good budget friendly option as Mother Nature can provide some of the scenery for you and your guests.

5. On a farm or orchard - Barns, orchards and rolling green fields can lend that old world charm to a quaint vintage wedding.  

6. At a private House or Estate – For a client that wants a wedding with a view but also a cozy element, renting a house can give you that. This option may also save you money if your caterer can use the existing in kitchen and your guests can use the home’s restrooms. 

7. At a spiritual retreat or cultural center - Some of these centers have beautiful grounds with reception spaces.  

8. At a ski lodge - Rustic and thematic lodges can be wonderfully romantic for weddings. 

9. At your parent's home - If there is room for your guests, this option can be a nice homage to your family.  

10. In a favorite restaurant, old nightclub, silent movie theater - Finding a venue that means something special to you as a couple will create a very distinct, personalized wedding.  Maybe it's where you had your first date or where your man proposed. If there is a place that has special meaning for you, consider it as a place to have your special day!

LOVE!!!

Happy Valentine's Day from JP!! Hope your day is filled with love! xo

Take It All In!

It's easy to get caught up in all the details while planning a wedding.  Believe us, we understand. Here, at JOWY Productions, the planning is constant -- we LOVE what we do! 

It is important to find the right dress, but even as important to make sure all of your loved ones feel included, and just as important to stop once in a while to take a step back to gain perspective on the process and big day; remember why you two are doing all of this in the first place.  We remind our brides and grooms of this gently and often.  Our biggest advice for a couple on their wedding day is to stick together at the reception so they experience the evening TOGETHER! We thought we would share some images to remind you what this whole thing is all about!

*A fantastic couple we had the pleasure of designing & producing a one-of-a-kind wedding weekend!!

JP Featured in This Month's Long Island Bride & Groom

Thrilled to be included in February 2012's Long Island Bride & Groom Magazine and have East Coast presence.