How would you like to have a hen about to lay an egg, tied to your wedding bed? This might sound strange, but it is actually an old Irish custom intended to ensure fertility in the new marriage.

Today, weddings are often as much about the couple as they are about making sure the wedding guests enjoy themselves. An important component of most modern weddings is the reception. Looking for tips on how to plan your wedding in 2014? Here are three key trends and tips you should keep in mind.

1. Trendy Right Now: Playful Elegance

According to Alyssa Brown, a wedding planner who has worked for the likes of Seth Rogan, among others, an eclectic mix of elegant details and outdoor elements is big right now. Think: delicate chandeliers hanging from trees, and tree stumps doubling as coffee tables alongside gray satin covered stools. This trend can allow you to combine eclectic creativity with classic details.

2. Wedding Packages, Worth it for Wedding Receptions?

There are a few things weddings are known for. One is price, and another is stress. Getting packaged deals can help reduce the amount of run-around you need to do, while also saving you money by giving more business to one company. It’s also worth noting that for destination weddings, this can be a huge asset. Getting married in Florida, but live in New York? No problem; a wedding package can help you group your banquet hall, wedding venue, rentals, and food costs all into one bill, under the responsibility of one company.

3. What do Wedding Planners Do? Is it Worth the Cost?

On the fence about hiring a planner? The right choice for you will depend on the individual needs of your ceremony and celebration plans. However, there are a few advantages to a planner. Planners have extensive lists and contacts with wedding related companies in the local area. Instead of having to do hours of online research, you can instantly know the best reviewed cake baker that’s working at the most affordable price. The average cost of hiring a planner can vary widely, but you can typically expect a charge of between 10% and 20% of your overall budget.

What trends are you seeing at wedding receptions? Let us know in the comments!

Planning a wedding? If you’ve done any research at all into what goes into making your special day perfect, you know that the process is a daunting one. Not many people are organized enough to remember all the details on their own, so a wedding planning guide can be an invaluable tool as you begin this important journey.

According to a November 14 blog on AJC.com, one of the most important things that people can do before they go about planning their wedding is to set a definitive budget. Whether it is as low as $100 or as high as $30,000 doesn’t matter, as long as it makes sense for your income and lifestyle. Without a budget, however, you run the risk of overspending, especially since it’s easy to let your imagination and your desires run away with you. Most brides, and even many grooms, have their heart set on certain elements for their wedding, and without a budget it can be hard to narrow down what’s essential, and what aspects of the wedding they can perhaps spend less money on.

This budget should include everything from the flowers and wedding favors, to the DJ, photographer and reception venue. Then there’s the dress, the catering, the gifts for attendants, the napkins and table linens, the rehearsal dinner…the list goes on and on. Only with a thorough wedding planning guide can you make sure that you are including every necessary element in your budget – and only once your budget is set can you begin the real planning.

The number of guests you plan to invite to your special celebration may very well dictate what kind of wedding you have – will it be a simple backyard affair, with a casual potluck reception afterwards? A destination wedding, for which guests will travel to a beautiful beach location to watch you and your fiance pledge your love? An intimate but swanky affair at an historic inn? Or possibly you have your heart set on going all out with a huge church wedding, a grand ballroom, an open bar and steak dinner, and dancing all night. Regardless of your vision, you need to make a budget to determine whether your dream wedding is realistic, or whether you must scale back in certain areas.

A wedding planning guide will, moreover, provide a timeline for such important tasks as booking a venue, scheduling a tasting with the caterer, hiring a photographer, ordering flowers, and planning bridesmaid and bridal dress fittings. Many of the best guides include checklists, so you can be assured that every detail will be taken care of as you begin the countdown to your wedding day.

Looking for the ideal theme for your wedding but not sure which way to go? To give you some inspiration, here’s a quick rundown of the top five themes wedding designers believe will be most popular in 2014:

Wedding Themes Examples 

Vintage – Search your attic and haunt those flea markets and thrift stores! This theme uses antiques and vintage items, often in surprising or whimsical ways, to add a touch of nostalgia to your big day. Many brides and grooms include old family photos in tablescapes and other décor elements to add a uniquely personal touch. Carry the theme through by hiring vintage cars instead of limos.

Rustic – The rustic approach seeks to create a relaxed, homey atmosphere reminiscent of a lakeside cabin or wooded retreat. Tablescapes and floral displays borrow heavily from Mother Nature, featuring lanterns, mason jars, burlap, branches or vines and other natural elements and homespun decorations, coupled with loose bouquets or pillar candles wrapped in twine or raffia.

Over-the-top – Luxe decorations featuring satin, lace and tulle and loads of dramatic lighting provide the backdrop for these larger-than-life celebrations. Scatter glitter or crystals on tabletop mirrors and spring for a big cake and extra-long limo to continue the drama.

Romantic – Candlelight and flowers, lace and crystal – these are the hallmarks of the romantic theme. Brides who like this theme typically choose a palette of muted pastels or traditional Valentine shades of red and white.

Fantasy – From Star Wars to Robin Hood to Hello Kitty to Dr. Who, fantasy-based weddings are extremely popular, allowing brides and grooms to infuse a little bit of themselves and their interests into their celebration. Receptions offer lots of opportunities to incorporate elements that reinforce the theme (TARDIS-shaped cake anyone?), from colors to tablescapes, so be creative!

Choosing a theme and then carrying it through effectively takes a lot of planning, so to make it easy on yourself – and your budget – choose a venue that offers all inclusive wedding packages including a full complement of planning services so you can enjoy your day without stress and anxiety.

Hosting a company-wide outreach program, seminar, class or other corporate event is a big deal. Even if you have decided to rent a corporate event venue in Miami, rather than trying to squeeze everyone into space around your office, you still have to put together a plan to direct the flow of traffic in the event, disperse information and entertain your attendees. Whether or not this event is for “fun” or learning, you probably want to provide some form of entertainment or activity for those who took the time out of their busy lives to attend. Consider one or more of these ideas and get ready to entertain!

• A DJ or KJ – If you have some free time to fill between speakers or after the main event, a DJ or KJ (Karaoke Jockey) can be a great choice. He or she can work with you to choose music that is appropriate or even uplifting and provide the soundtrack for your event. If you go with the karaoke approach, you will have fun listening to your attendees and staff sing popular songs from yesterday and today.
• A Band – A local band is a great choice for entertainment, especially for a more laidback event. Talk to the musicians about what songs they will play and see if they are willing to play some old favorites.
• Motivational Speaker – What a great option to pump your attendees up! A speaker at the beginning of an event can get everyone in the mood to learn and grow–perfect for an outreach or seminar.
• Video or Presentation – People generally love looking at videos of themselves. Putting together a presentation that highlights the accomplishments of a group or firm can be entertaining and push the attendees to accomplish even more.

These ideas are just the beginning. Don’t be afraid to try something new. When you rent a corporate event venue in Miami, it is important to get the most out of the space as you possibly can. Spending a little time and/or money to entertain those who come to your event can pay off when you consider how happy it can make the attendees–and possibly encourage them to come back again next year.

As a modern bride, you have a lot more planning and preparation to handle than your mom or grandmother had when they were brides. Life was a little simpler a few decades ago — and so were weddings. Every bride wants her wedding day to be the most special day in her life, but getting ready for the big event can take a toll, frazzling nerves and detracting from the real enjoyment of the months leading up to your wedding.

The best way to ensure you stay calm and happy during what can be some of the most stressful days of your life: Choose a venue that offers a full complement of planning services.

Most reception halls for weddings are just that: reception halls. They provide a place for your reception and sometimes on-site catering. The Renaissance is different: We specialize in creating memories, and that means we need to offer much more than food and a place to eat it.

Featuring a complete retinue of wedding planning experts, as well as academy-trained chefs and even beautiful locales that are perfect for the ceremony itself, Renaissance has developed a reputation as one of the best banquet halls in Miami and one of the top venues for weddings in Miami as well.

When you choose  Renaissance, you’ll have a skilled planner working with you every step of the way to make sure your day is as special and memorable as it should be. Here are a few quick tips to make sure you get the most from your planning experience:

* Bring your ideas: If you have notes, pictures, sketches — even a scrapbook — bring it with you when you meet with your planner.
* Ask your planner about current trends: Even though you’ve been reading bride magazines for months, planners are “in the trenches” and they may have some ideas to make your day even more special.
* Don’t be afraid to ask: The planners at the Renaissance have pretty much heard it all; if you have a concern or request, ask! Our planners want to work with you and they’ll do what it takes to make sure your big day proceeds as smoothly as possible.

Photography by Eikon Imagery

It seems like just about every year, there’s a new “trend” in weddings and receptions. Keeping up with these changes without losing your own vision as a bride can be difficult — especially when you have so many other things to think about. At the Renaissance, our goal is to make brides’ lives easier. Our staff’s sole purpose is to plan weddings and receptions,while incorporating those extra-special touches that create long-lasting memories and reflect the bride’s vision for her ideal day.

In recent years, Renaissance has grown to become the most popular wedding venues in Coral Gables, and that means our staff has had a lot of experience in spotting new ideas before they become overused and cliche. We also understand the value of incorporating novel ideas even in the most traditional settings. Sometimes, those little unexpected touches create the biggest impact and the best memories. Merging older traditions with new “twists” is a great way to make sure your celebration makes its mark. Surfing the net and skimming through magazines are two great ways to spot new ideas; talking with our skilled planners is another.

Of course, as any bride knows, there are good memories and there are not so good memories (the latter tends to end up being featured on “blooper” TV shows). The best way to add something novel or different to your reception or ceremony is to make sure the added touch is subtle — not shocking or even tacky. Relying on an experienced planner who’s “seen it all” helps ensure your event will be memorable in a positive way. At Renaissance, we understand the difference! That’s one reason why brides in Miami and beyond turn to us when they want to create beautiful and long-lasting memories.

In years past, a sweet sixteen celebration or quinceañera was a fun way for a teen to celebrate hitting a momentous age and spending time with friends. However, in recent years, these events have taken on a life of their own. Some families spend tens of thousands hosting one of these events, while even those on a budget want to offer their children the best possible party for a price they can afford. If you are planning one of these events, consider these top trends as you decide on exactly what type of party you want to host.

Themes

In the past, the fact you were hosting a sweet sixteen or a quinceañera was theme enough; today teens want a party based around a favorite celebrity, a color or even a destination. Luckily, with the internet, it is easier than ever to find decorations, accessories and favors to match nearly any theme.

Great Spaces

Gone are the days where a sweet sixteen in the basement rec room is the norm; instead, reception halls for quinceañeras and sweet sixteen parties are an excellent option. Not only does it give you the space to invite more guests but decorating and cleanup is much easier in a dedicated location.

Designer Dining

Young people today are more savvy when it comes to food and beverage. Many party planners are including designer dining options such as a sundae bar, design-your-own pizzas or specialty sliders instead of the standard delivery pizza or ice cream. If you are considering party hall rentals anyway, there could be catering options available there, too.

Just because these trends are big right now doesn’t mean you have to spend too much to host a great party. In fact, if you are savvy, you can host a nice event in a rented facility for not much more than you would at home. Discuss your options with the guest of honor and get ready to plan an event that you will never forget.

So, you’ve been tasked with the job of planning your company’s holiday party this year. This is a big task! Depending on the size of your company, you may have dozens of people to try to please. Some companies try to save money by hosting the party at the office. While this is an option, you may find that spending a little extra to rent a banquet hall just makes sense. Learn more about the benefits of renting a banquet hall or other space for your holiday party in Coral Gables and start planning for that big holiday event today!

Affordability – Hosting a party at a ballroom can actually be more affordable than you think. While there is a rental fee associated with hosting your party at a banquet hall, think about all the other ways you will save. The rental facility may give you additional options for dining, seating and entertainment that you would have to do on your own if you hosted your party at the office.

Enjoyment – Many people do not want to spend an evening or weekend at the office when they have to spend 40 hours per week there anyway. Hosting your party away from the office can make it more enjoyable for your co-workers.

Convenience – Decorating, setup and cleaning is often much easier at a dedicated banquet hall than in your office. You will not have to put away electronics and work around office space when you have a nice, open banquet hall.

These are just a few reasons why you may want to consider hosting your holiday party in Coral Gables at a banquet hall such as Renaissance Miami. Call or contact us online and let us help you plan an event that will be remembered for years to come.

A corporate event provide an ideal opportunity to market your company or organization. To ensure your audience is as receptive as possible to your event program, it’s critical to select a location that allows your audience members to relax. A location that allows ample meeting space, as well as banqueting facilities, means your guests will not have to travel from one location to another during the day. This will give them more time to interact and network, and allow you to fit more events into each day’s schedule.

Many businesses and groups make the mistake of scheduling different events in different venues, or choose a facility where food service is not available. The result: Meeting attendees who must rush from one location to another and who are frequently tired and inattentive by the end of the day. In some cases, inconvenience can even translate into lower attendance at future events and may leave a poor impression of your company or organization.

At Renaissance, our facilities are designed to support daylong activities, from the opening message to closing remarks. We specialize in offering state-of-the-art meeting facilities designed not only to accommodate both large and small audiences, but which are also able to support electronics equipment necessary for symposia and other speaking events. On-site catering facilities mean an end to boring “convention” fare and those “rubber chicken” dishes for which many corporate events have become — unfortunately — well-known. At Renaissance, our academy-trained chefs are skilled at preparing a wide range of cuisine, from buffets to sit-down, full-service events.

Our entire staff is experienced in corporate event planning planning, and we understand the unique needs of both businesses and non-profit organizations. We welcome the opportunity to work with businesses and organizations of all sizes to ensure your next event is as successful as it can be.

Your wedding is not only one of the most important days of your life, it is a major investment in time and money. One way you can make the process easier on yourself is hiring a wedding planner.

However, like choosing the best wedding venues, choosing the right wedding planner involves research and a good “feel” for your needs. Before you hire a wedding planner, keep these tips in mind and you are more likely to find the one that will best meet your needs.

Will your planner travel? This is an important question. For instance, if you are looking at destination weddings in Miami, you will need a planner who is willing to go check out Miami wedding venues and help you make the right choice. If you are planning a destination wedding, it may be best to choose a planner in that area—you can always meet with him online using Skype or handle most of your communications by phone.

What experience does he or she have? Anyone can call himself a wedding planner, but a good planner will have experience working in the field. Ask for references or to see if he has a portfolio you can view.

Take advantage of a consultation. A wedding planner is someone you will have to connect with to be able to see if he is right for the job. Ask for a free consultation and see how your personalities and ideas mesh before you hire him.

Look beyond the Yellow Pages. A wedding planner may not be someone you want to hire from a Yellow Pages ad. Ask friends for a referral or see if one of the Miami wedding venues you are considering has anyone it suggests. You may have better luck finding the right planner for the job this way.

Choosing your wedding planner may be the most important part of planning your wedding. Do not be afraid to ask questions and spend time finding one who will best work with you on creating your dream wedding—after all, you only have one chance to make this day perfect!