LiveWorld Transcripts

Wedding Network presents

Sandie Steffes and Lynzie Hays
Wedding Reception Chat

August 24, 2000

Bridal consultants Sandie Steffes and Lynzie Hays discuss in an online interview, the do's and the don'ts of wedding receptions.

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Wedding Network: Welcome to WeddingNetwork.com's Live Wedding Reception Chat! Receptions can be the most complicated, and the most expensive, part of the wedding to plan. But when done well, they really are fun and memorable events! Whether you prefer an elegant cocktail soirée or a joyful feast, I'm here to help. So start sending those questions now, because our chat is about to begin! Welcome Lynzie and Sandie!

Lynzie: We're delighted to be here to answer any of your questions regarding receptions. We know that's the most fun and exciting part of the wedding day--the time you get to spend with your friends and family, with your guests to help celebrate!

Sandie: I'm happy to be here this evening, and I hope Lynzie and I can answer all your questions, and that you enjoy the chat as much as we do!

Renee: I think what you are doing is so exciting! How did you first get interested in wedding consultation and then go about making it an actuality?

Lynzie: I actually started out as a theatrical designer and director, and loved doing that. I also helped some friends out with some weddings and sporting events and corporate events for the job I was doing while I was putting myself through school. It ended up turning into a career!

Sandie: I got started when I planned my own wedding, and friends and family told me how professional I looked doing my own wedding, and how well it went. I enjoyed the planning, and the whole idea of weddings and what they mean, and I decided to make it a career for myself.

Lynzie: Both of us enjoy the whole idea of making the day special for the couple, and about not only being a second pair of hands, but letting them enjoy one of the most important days. That really makes it about the two of them, so they spend time with each other, rather than waiting to see if the caterer is serving on time.

Charlotte: Would you suggest hiring a wedding consultant to plan the reception? If so, what do you look for to find the best people for the job?

Sandie: I would absolutely recommend that you hire a wedding coordinator if you're feeling overwhelmed and not familiar with how to plan large events. To find a good wedding coordinator, I would say you need to find someone who loves their job, has some decent experience either with party, event or wedding planning, and who you feel comfortable working with along the lines of personality and the business relationship.

Lynzie: The style of the coordinator, both in how they work and in their style of creation, is important in choosing one. And they really can be a great help, if it's something you haven't done before, or if you don't have a lot of time. It's best to interview your consultants, and really feel comfortable with not only their style, but how they're going to work with you that day.

Tessa: How much does a reception typically cost?

Lynzie: It generally depends on the type of reception you're going to have, and what part of the country you're in. On average it runs from about 38% to 55% of your total budget. And that will vary, as I said, by part of the country and what you're going to serve. Are you having a sit-down meal? Are you having a buffet? Possibly food stations? A dessert reception? Or a morning brunch?

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