For the mother-to-be, the baby shower is the best day of her pregnancy (well, besides the day of the birth, of course). It is her day to be spoiled and she surely deserves it. If you are the one in charge of planning this important occasion, you don’t want to screw up. So what can you do to make it memorable? You can create baby shower games like these that will leave the guests talking for months:

Name the Number Two

If there’s one thing every new mom is dreading it is changing poopy diapers. Nobody enjoys it, so why not capitalize on this hatred with an entertaining game? Choose a selection of miniature candy bars and place them inside some clean baby diapers. Microwave them just enough for the chocolate to melt (about 10 seconds), and squish them together to make them really look like baby poo (it’s cute if it’s from a baby, right?). For the game, have the guests sniff each diaper and try to figure out what the secret candy bar is inside.

Pass the Puree

Baby food is another new-mom staple that is a prime target for a baby shower game. For this one, gather up ten different baby food jars (the more obscure the better) and have each guest taste them. Whoever can guess the most correctly wins. And if you give them little baby spoons to sample the concoctions, you will be serving up even more laughs.

Decorate the Dress

It’s no secret that babies go through a lot of clothes, so why not provide the mom-to-be with a decorative wardrobe laden with memories? Stock up on some plain bodysuits, dresses, or t-shirts in several different sizes and then provide the guests with fabric paints and iron-ons galore. Let each attendee create her own custom outfit for the baby of the hour.

American spend $72 billion on their weddings annually. It should not come as a surprise that more couples are willing to depart from tradition — and truly make their ceremonies and receptions their own. One way that they are doing that is by choosing increasingly creative places to say their vows and/or to celebrate with friends and family. What are some of the most surprising and often best wedding places?

When A Gas Station Spells Romance
It may not sound romantic to get married in a gas station, but just you wait. One Greek couple was so determined to get married and to share their love with friends and family, they tied the knot in a gas station. The gas station was owned by the duo, and — in spite of their humble surroundings — everyone danced, drank, and partied the night away. A family member adds that financial troubles could not get in the way of their love, according to Bridal Guide.

Who Wants To Get Married In An Abandoned Insane Asylum?
After 25 years of marriage, one couple famously skipped renewing their vows in a traditional venue, such as a church or banquet hall. Where did they renew their vows instead? The couple chose one of the most unusual wedding venues yet: an abandoned mental hospital. “They told us 25 years ago that we were crazy, and here we are,” Alesia Conover explains.

Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
Most rock climbers are pretty passionate about the sport, and some brides and grooms even incorporate their love of climbing into their wedding plans. That’s exactly what happened 900 foot in the air, at the summit on South Peak of Seneca Rocks in West Virginia. The couple tied the knot on the top of the peak (instead of in a banquet hall), and the groom proposed in the very same location as well.

Banquet halls afford couples privacy, convenience, and a guaranteed time slot, which can be an advantage for many brides and grooms. Nevertheless, more couples are choosing to mark the end of their engagement (the average engagement lasts 16 months) with a reception in a truly spectacular — and unique — venues.

Some wedding traditions never change. Nearly 20% of couples still ask guests to adhere to conventionally formal (or black tie) attire, and 70% of American brides still take their husband’s names following the wedding ceremony. Today’s brides and grooms-to-be, however, are mixing it up — and in some surprising ways. Newlyweds are more likely to celebrate in unusual wedding venues. What are some of the craziest wedding venues yet?

True Story — One Couple Tied The Knot In a Gas Station
The best wedding places is a pretty loose term — and can mean very different things to different people. One couple in Greece, for example, celebrated their big day in a gas station, according to Bridal Guide. “To cut costs, Anna and Christos Karalis held their reception at the station owned by the groom, where they danced the night away with their friends and family,” Bridal Guide writes. One family member explains that financial troubles did not get in the way of love, dancing, and festivities.

Make It Memorable: Climb a 900 Foot Summit For Your Wedding
One of the most unique wedding places was on top of a 900 foot summit. One memorable couple said their vows on the South Peak of Seneca Rocks in West Virginia. “Seneca Rocks is our absolute favorite place in the whole world,” the groom says. “It’s the perfect place to spend the weekend: breathtaking views, good-hearted people, fantastic climbing, and no cell phone reception.” The groom proposed on the mountain as well.

Where The Truly Crazy Go To Marry
Americans are getting increasingly creative with wedding plans and receptions. In fact, Alesia and Rob Conover renewed their marriage vows after 25 years — in an abandoned mental hospital. Why an abandoned insane asylum? “They told us 25 years ago that we were crazy, and here we are,” Alesia comments.

At least 25% of brides and grooms opt to throw themed weddings, and some take creativity to even greater extremes. The best wedding places can be traditional or decidedly unusual; it’s up to the couple on their special day.

Now that you are engaged, you can’t wait to go wedding dress shopping. You have been dreaming about seeing yourself in the stunning white gown for years now, and it’s your time to shine. But first, it’s crucial that you keep in mind these DOs and DON’Ts to help you find the wedding dress of your dreams.

DO focus on the top of your dress.

While the long train and perfectly placed ruffles will be admired by your friends and family on the big day, the majority of the pictures taken will be from the waist up.

DON’T worry about what anyone else thinks.

It’s your wedding day, and your opinion is all that matters. You may even want to limit which friends you take with you to the bridal shop to ensure you aren’t battling too many conflicting thoughts.

DO consider the wedding reception venue.

When it comes to Miami weddings, you clearly have a lot of choices. Whether you are getting married in one of the many South Florida banquet halls or planning on a beachfront ceremony, you want to make sure the vibe of your dress matches the vibe of the venue.

DON’T forget your camera.

Sure, the mirror is great, but only a camera will let you know how your dream dress really looks. Plus, you will have the photos to refer to as you plan the other details of your wedding.

DO schedule your appointment early.

The sooner in the day you can get there, the better. Your saleslady will have more energy, and the store will be less busy, so you can get the attention you deserve.

DON’T worry about the sizing.

Wedding dresses use a different sizing system than almost every other type of clothing. You can plan on needing a size three times bigger than what you normally buy. It’s just the way it is, so try to forget about it and focus on the fit.

You are already planning on sending your wedding invitations out six weeks in advance, so why is your wedding planner recommending you also send out Save the Date announcements? Isn’t six weeks enough time for people to make arrangements to attend the big event? Well, that all depends how bad you actually want them there.

People Have Lives

Sure, maybe you can live your life on a whim, but not everyone is as flexible. Perhaps your guests have jobs that require them to submit all their time off requests at the beginning of the year, or maybe there are some families with kids that need to figure out who is going to babysit while they are away. Even the locals will appreciate the extra time for planning.

Especially During Peak Times

If your wedding is taking place on a holiday weekend or during the summer, you need to give ample time so reservations can be made before the hotels overbook and the flights double in price. And if you are having a destination wedding, you better give them more than six weeks notice.

Send Them Out As Soon As Possible

Unless you are having an extraordinarily long engagement, you should send out the Save the Date announcements as soon as you have all of the details ironed out, with at least six months being the goal. But don’t worry; you don’t have to go all fancy on them. You can create a simple picture postcard with the pertinent details and call it a day. The important thing is that your guests have plenty of time to make any arrangements, travel or otherwise, that they need to attend your wedding.

Your Sweet Sixteen party is kind of a big deal. Your friends will gather to unofficially welcome you into adulthood and you don’t want to let them down. Choosing a theme is always the first step of the planning process, and if you go with one of these Sweet Sixteen party ideas, you will definitely make a statement.

Red Carpet Affair

Who doesn’t wish they could attend a red carpet event in Hollywood? With this theme, you can make all of your friends’ dreams come true. With a little help from one of the ballrooms in Miami, a red carpet, and some hired photographers, you can re-enact even the swankiest red carpet affair. Plus, it gives you an excuse to get a new gown.

Soak Up the Stars

For this theme, you and your friends get to enjoy the great outdoors on a warm summer’s night. Rent a giant inflatable movie screen, play your favorite flick, serve up some pizza, popcorn and soda, and you are good to go. Just make sure to ask your guests to bring blankets and lawn chairs so they have somewhere cozy to watch the film.

Party Like a Rock Star

Do you love to sing? Is dancing your thing? Then this theme may be for you. One of the ballrooms in Miami will serve as the ideal backdrop for your event, and then you just need to decide if you want to provide karaoke options or a DJ (or both if you want to go all out). Whichever route you take, your friends will have a grand time as they party the night away.

When it comes to corporate event venues, you clearly have a lot of options. From indoor affairs to outdoor excursions, there are plenty of different ways for your team to bond while boosting morale. So which one is the best for you? Ask yourself these three questions to find out.

What do I want to accomplish?

First, you have to consider what your goal is. Is your main objective to relay information or raise money? Then you probably want an indoor venue that will allow you to effectively communicate with the masses. However, if your main purpose is to boost morale, the endless space the outdoors provides might be more appropriate.

How much do I want to spend?

Obviously, a venue that provides you with indoor amenities and catering options (like many corporate and fundraiser venues) will cost more than hosting your event under the open sky. However, this money does provide you with a guarantee that you won’t get rained on, clean restroom facilities, and many more choices when it comes to the food you want to serve.

How many people will it hold?

Finally, you will want to consider the capacity of the corporate event venues you are considering. Clearly, you are going to need a banquet hall or ballroom that will allow everyone to attend. Even outdoor locations have limitations, so make sure you have an accurate head count before putting down your deposit.

When you are planning your next Miami corporate event, the first thing you will need to ask yourself is, “Where can I organize an event in Miami?” Once you have figured out the ideal location for your needs, the rest will fall into place.

In addition to the food and a DJ, what other wedding reception ideas do you have? A wedding cake is probably one of your necessities. The cake has been a tradition for centuries and continues to be an essential part of wedding receptions today.

Cake Ensures Good Fortune and Prosperity

Since ancient times, wedding cake has ensured the couple enjoys good fortune and prosperity. Romans guaranteed these two traits when they broke unsweetened barley bread over the bride’s head. Medieval English couples gained the same well wishes when they kissed over a high stack of cakes known today as a croquembouche.

Bride Cakes Paved the Way for Modern Cakes

Eventually, couples began serving cake to each other and to guests. The first bride cakes included a ring in the couple’s portion and symbolized the bride’s acceptance of the marriage proposal. By the 1600s to 1800s, fruit or plum bride cakes promised prosperity and fertility, especially when the bride served a piece to each guest. These bride cakes also included a single glass ring, which signaled marriage for the lucky guest who found it.

The early 1800s saw an increase in white pound cakes and white icing, thanks to accessible refined sugar. Those cakes became a symbol for purity, a tradition that stands today. Meanwhile, dark and sweet groom cakes decreased in popularity as the bride cake became taller, heavier and more prominent.

Introduction of Tiered Cakes

Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany, solidified the tiered cake as a wedding showpiece in 1882. Completely edible, his wedding cake featured hardened, dense icing between multiple cake layers. Layered cakes symbolized status and wealth and remain popular in modern wedding receptions.

Will you break a piece of cake over the bride’s head or choose from the ballrooms in Miami based on your cake design? Probably not, but you will choose a wedding cake that looks beautiful, tastes delicious and continues ancient traditions.

Corporate event planning requires attention to detail and dedication to making the best choices for a successful event. Planning in Miami gives you access to a number of venues that fit all budgets and include a variety of features so you can make the best decision.

corporate event venue

Corporate event planning requires attention to detail and dedication to making the best choices for a successful event. Planning in Miami gives you access to a number of venues that fit all budgets and include a variety of features so you can make the best decision.

Location

The key to finding the perfect location for your next corporate event is the location of the party hall. If the individuals who attend are local, such as only employees or businesses in the area, choosing a venue close to the office may be best. However, if attendees will be coming from across the country or around the world, finding one close to the airport or the hotel they will use is best.

The Right Amount of Space

Finding out how many people will attend your event or knowing an approximate head count is necessary for proper corporate event planning. This will ensure you choose a venue that has enough room for everyone. Every venue is likely to have a set capacity so you can choose one that is the right size for your event. While a larger room may have plenty of space for everyone, it can cost too much if you rent a room that is much larger than your needs. In this event, you are wasting money you could spend on other aspects.

Shop Early

You aren’t the only company going through corporate event planning in Miami. Take this into consideration when planning your next event. As soon as you have a date for the event, start looking. The earlier you start the process, the more likely you are to find a place that meets your needs exactly. This means you won’t have to settle for one that is less than perfect.

Planning for a corporate event can be a time-consuming process. Whether you are doing it for the first time or have planned other events before, these tips will help you stay within budget and find something that best meets your needs.

Each year in the United States, millions of couples marry. Most of these couples elect to have a marriage ceremony in one location, and a wedding reception afterwards, to celebrate with all of their guests. For some couples, wedding receptions tend to be the focus of the whole event. And it’s no wonder because there’s nothing better than a party to celebrate a couple’s lifelong commitment to one another.

If you are getting married soon and are in the process of planning your wedding, make sure to consider these dos and don’ts for wedding receptions:

DO hold a wedding reception that reflects your personality. With couples everywhere getting married, no one wants to have a cookie cutter wedding and reception. Whether you want to focus on a shared interest between partners, such as sports, art, or music, or you want a particular location, such as outdoor wedding venues, then do what makes you happy.

DON’T feel like you have to have a strict theme for your wedding. Sometimes a couple’s personality can shine through without meticulous planning. Also, it’s your wedding, so don’t compare it to other couples’ weddings and receptions.

DO hire an event planner to help lift some of the stress of coordinating your reception. Many banquet halls and party venues have event coordinators on staff to help with every aspect of your special day. Your event planner can work with you up through the day of the wedding and/or reception, and he or she can coordinate catering, cakes, and decorations at your chosen wedding reception venue. On the day of the event, your event planner can also make sure your guests are comfortable, are fed on time, and stay on a schedule for dancing and mingling.

DON’T focus on the invitees who miss the wedding. Inviting family and friends to a wedding usually means that there will be some who are unable to make it. It can be upsetting when a close friend or family member is unable to travel, has another wedding to attend during a busy wedding season, or has an emergency cancellation. Make sure to pay attention to the guests who do make it. They have joined you to help celebrate your wedding, so be sure to be gracious hosts.

DO make sure you hold your wedding in a venue of the appropriate size and with the right amenities for you and your guests. There are plenty of beautiful wedding places and reception venues that can accommodate parties of all sizes. Make sure there’s enough room for eating, dancing, and socializing for all guests. Also, if you have any special requirements, such as your own catering, an open bar, or a band or DJ, clear it with venue staff first.

DON’T be rude to event staff or expect them to read your mind. Make sure to communicate your expectations openly and clearly with planners. Your event coordinators are professionals, and they help host hundreds of weddings and wedding receptions each year. Be honest and up front about what you want, and they will do all they can to make your day perfect.

If you have any questions about hosting wedding receptions, contact a venue as soon as possible. Spots fill up fast, so if you’re looking for the best wedding places and reception halls, make sure to start your planning and book a date as soon as possible.