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B A N Q U E T S , R E C E P T I O N S , S H O W E R S & P A R T I E S
C H I C A G O W E D D I N G & P A R T Y R E S O U R C E
W W W . C H I C A G O W E D D I N G R E S O U R C E . C O M12
art gallery, zoo – arrange for mini tours.
Added bonus: These pre-wedding activities
are a fun conversation starter for guests
who don’t know each other. Photo booths,
the guest book and lawn games are good
pre-ceremony activities, too.
It’s also nice to offer a little refreshment.
Have servers pass signature cocktails and
booze-free mocktails, and set up a self-
service beverage station with minted water
and fruit tea. No need to go overboard
on the food, but this is a perfect time for
featuring regional bite-sized appetizers or
the couple’s favorite snacks.
In addition, think about the weather. If
it’s hot, hand out chilled hand-towels, and
provide paper fans, sunscreen and bug
spray. If it’s cold, have space heaters and
baskets of blankets or pashminas.
Most importantly, you, the couple, should
feel free to join in! The pre-ceremony party
will give you even more time to chat with
old friends or relatives who traveled from
afar, and connecting in a casual way can
help calm jitters about being the center
of attention. But it’s probably best if the
newlyweds-to-be avoid the alcohol. You
don’t want to slur your vows.
© CTW Features
Taking time to toast with your guests
pre-wedding sets the right tone for a fun day
By Anna Sachse, CTW Features
If you want your guests to have a
memorable time from the moment they
arrive, consider following the lead of more
and more modern couples who are opting
to get the party started pre-ceremony.
To set the right tone, create a special
playlist or hire an instrumentalist (think
guitarist or jazz trio) to play classical
versions of your favorite tunes. Give guests
something to look at like a slideshow or
elaborate wedding program. Include your
love story, mini bios of your attendants,
and background on your readings.
If you’re location is unique – museum,
The Cocktail Hour
Before the Wedding
247 N. York Road | Elmhurst, IL
630-833-2400 | www.angelosonyork.com
– Quality Italian Dining Since 1976 –