Take Them for a Ride

Transport guests from your ceremony to your reception tourist-style. You can do this by hiring a local tour company to pick everyone up and take them on a brief tour of the area as they make their way to your reception space.

Do It Yourself Photo Booth

Make your own backdrop, props, or gag items to create a theme for the booth. The best part is that the possibilities are endless. For example: Set up a faux wall and cover it with wallpaper and various vintage frames, cutting out the spaces where the pictures would usually be. Guests can pop their heads in and out to pose for photos with one another. You can even arrange for a photographer to snap the pictures, or set up a camera with an automatic setting to let guests control the shoot.

Hire a Live Artist

An artist will set up a canvas and quietly paint a picture of the event as it is taking place. While he or she works, your guests can watch, and throughout the evening check back to see how the painting is going. Plus, it’s the ultimate keepsake.

Make the Meal the Center of Attention

If you have a favorite local vendor hire them to serve dessert or a late-night snack at your reception. This idea is great for park weddings or outdoor receptions, and perfect for the summer or fall season!

Wine-Tasting Stations

Host a beer or wine tasting station. Display top picks from the bride and groom to make it personal, ore hire a sommelier to introduce the wine and teach each guest how to properly cleanse their palate. Also, consider giving out monogrammed wine bottle holders as favors for guests to take home.

Book a Comedian

Hire a professional jokester to work the room. Whether she’s doing a stand-up routine, or just warming up the crowd between meals, the right comedian will know what is and isn’t appropriate material for the occasion.

Create a Game Night Theme

Have a different game on each table and post easy step-by-step instructions to remind guests how to play. Avoid those that have a difficult setup or takedown and complicated game play; opt for simple favorites like Scrabble, Checkers, Connect Four, Uno, or Sorry!

Set Up a Sand Art Station

If you’re getting married on beachside or going for a nautical theme, think about having a sand art station at your reception. Guests can visit the table and watch a live demo on how to transform sand into lovely keepsakes; then they can build their own personalized favors to take home.

Country clubs tend to get an inaccurate perception as many people think that they are all about golfing. Although this may be true in some cases, make sure you do your homework and experience the environment before getting into a committed relationship. Of course it is a desirable location for golfers, but there are many other things to consider. Such as: does the country club have more of a business executive atmosphere or family orientated feeling? You want to be able to choose the best environment for your lifestyle.

Most country clubs offer a variety of amenities that make it more appealing to spend significant time there during the peak season. For example, swimming pool, fitness center, grilling, and well maintained golf courses. Be sure to check the entire premises and evaluate the staff as well. By doing this you will be able to see if current members share the same interests as you.

Most importantly, if you take golfing seriously, make sure they have a well-equipped pro shop. This will make your life easier when it comes to last minute golfing accessories. Country clubs have a lot more to offer than meets the eye, so check out how your entire family can enjoy your membership. Northampton Valley Country Club has a variety of members, from families alike in the Bucks County area, to business executives experiencing our semi private courses.

Get Help, Get Organized, Stay Organized:

Involve people in the planning process to make it easier for you while allowing others a chance in the event’s success. Make a list of areas you will need help with, and select people to run the different committees who have a strong sense of organization and timelines. This might include party invitations, site arrangements, transportation, food, games, activities and cleanup. Have your committees keep records of all they do and compile them in a reunion binder that you can hand off to next year’s planner.

Plan a Budget

Elect someone within your committee to be a treasurer. This person should be good with money and good with letting you know you are going over budget. Keep accurate records of all expenses. You may want to set up a special checking account to help keep track of revenues and expenses, or you may want to hold a fundraiser to increase your budget.

Choose a Date and Location

Once you have chosen a date, decide where the gathering will be held. Choosing the right location is a key part of a successful reunion. Consider the activities planned and pick a location conducive to those activities. Wherever you look, consider the services available, capacity, cost, accessibility, restrooms and availability.

Invitations

Send your first save-the-date invitation as soon as you’ve decided on a date and location. You should provide between 12 and 16 months notice, to guarantee attendance. That way people can put the reunion on their calendars early. Send a reminder a couple of weeks before the gathering. If you still haven’t heard from some people a week or so before the event, contact them to ensure attendance.

Plan Your Food

Having the right food can make or break your reunion. Check with guest about food allergies or aversions before choosing food. If your reunion will be held at a restaurant, get a list of options and create a couple of menus that fit within your budget.

 Plan Activities

Decide what games and activities will be appropriate for your gathering and your theme. Think about who’s going to be there and what types of things they enjoy. Ice Breakers are a great way to relieve the anxieties associated with spending time with people you haven’t seen in years. Taylor your activities to the age range of people in your reunion party.

Confirm Your Bookings

About a month or so before your event, contact all your vendors to make sure everything is in place for the event.

Follow Up After The Reunion Party

Send thank you notes to all the vendors, volunteers, and anyone who helped in the planning of the reunion party. Post pictures of the reunion, and send a newsletter to those who couldn’t make it to recount the reunion details.

Think of everything you need to do in order to be a great guest at a wedding: have a fabulous dress, a gift for the soon to be newlywed couple, and get yourself to the ceremony. All of these things are necessary, and this is just for one wedding! So, forget worrying about all of your upcoming purchases with these tips, and focus more on having a great time.

1. Stay Ahead of the Game – We all have a little procrastination in ourselves, but don’t wait to purchase a wedding gift. People tend to buy the lower-priced items on the registry first, so make sure you pick an option that is in your price range, giving you a larger selection to choose from.
2. Being Personal – Wedding gifts tend to add up, especially if you are a good friend of the bride. Starting with the engagement party, then bridal shower, and we can’t forget the bachelorette party; all of these events accumulate. So, make it personal by putting a picture of them from the early days of their relationship in a classy chic frame. If you are not that close, than a bottle of wine that will age perfectly is a safe bet.
3. Save your Bridesmaids Dress – Let’s face it, when are you ever going to wear your bridesmaids dress again. The chances are slim to none. When deciding on a dress, see if you can negotiate a group discount for the bridal party. Also alterations run high, try and find a local seamstress who charges less than bridal shops.
4. Destination Wedding – Everyone loves an out of town wedding, but they do add onto to previous expenses. Booking your flight in advance is a great way to secure a cheaper flight.

There are an endless amount of ways to save on a tight budget, so shop in your friends’ closets, do your own makeup, and even consider looking for items listed on the registry on a different site. These tips will help you make your way through wedding season gracefully without breaking the bank.

Define Your Budget

Discuss with your teen how much you’re willing to spend. Also, involve her in the distribution of how and on what the budget will be spent. Like any other party, Sweet 16s can really add up if you do not set boundaries and expectations. Including your daughter in the budget discussions will help her understand and appreciate why you can say yes to some requests and have to say no to others.

Prepare a Guest List

In general, the more people your daughter invites, the more the party will cost affecting your overall budget. Take into consider your daughter’s desires. She might just want to get together with a close group of friends for a concert or have a day at the spa.

Set a Date and Location                                                                  

Choosing a date and venue for the party is usually the most challenging part in preparing for the event because it depends on where her birthday lands on the calendar. If it happens to fall around Christmas, or during other busy times of the year, be sure to book the location well ahead of time. This will minimize the chances of having to compete with office holiday parties or graduation events. It is always a good idea to send out “save-the-date” cards or e-mail messages if you’re worried about guests being overbooked.

Some venues to consider include: hotel ballrooms, public parks, barns, grange halls, dance clubs, restaurants, sports facilities, and your own backyard.

Choose a Theme

It is not necessary to choose a theme, but it can be fun. Some popular themes are princess, Hollywood, rock star, Mardi Gras, Pretty in Pink, sugar and spice, luau, and fairytales. The theme also can be a chance to highlight your teen’s personal interests, such as equestrian sports or ballet.

Select the Vendors

Some Sweet 16s can become as elaborate as weddings, so consider attending a bridal fair to compare prices among caterers, disc jockeys, and other service providers. You can also save money by tapping into your own talent. Have a friend help you prepare food ahead of time. The birthday girl herself might want to download her own music playlist instead of hiring a DJ.

Send the Invitations

Make sure to send out the invitations three to five weeks in advance. The tradition for Sweet 16s is that the birthday girl hand-delivers the invites herself, or with the help of friends.

 Write the Menu

Choose foods that are easy to eat standing up. Most likely your guests will be standing and mingling around rather than sitting down for a formal meal.

The trend for Sweet 16 cakes is to make them multi-tiered, but in bright colors to distinguish them from wedding cakes. A smaller cake works just as well.

Set the Itinerary

Compose a rough timeline for the party. When will the music begin? When will the food be served? What time to cut the cake? And what time will the party end?

Decide on Your Golf Goals

Deciding on your goals before you go shopping will make your shopping experience much easier. If you are only thinking about playing golf once or twice a year there is no need to spend a lot of money or energy. On the other hand, if you are thinking about playing on a regular basis you need to take your time and view your options of equipment.

Consider Your Levels of Interest and Dedication

Taking into consideration how much you will be practicing and taking lessons will determine how much you will need to spend. Remember to be honest with yourself and choose realistic goals.

Understanding Shaft Options: Steel or Graphite

Graphite is a lighter shaft that can help generate swing speed, and a steel shaft is more durable and cheaper. Women and seniors use more of the graphite shafts with a softer flex. Younger and stronger men use regular or stiff shafts.

Clubfitting

It is highly recommended that you work with a professional clubfitter. If you are much shorter or taller than the standard sized clubs you will benefit from getting fitted. In addition, if your first set of clubs is going to be a new one, you might also want to consider a clubfitting.

Purchasing a Driver

When buying a driver, shorter is better than longer and closed is better than neutral. Many of today’s drivers are sold with shafts 45 inches or longer. The longer the club, the harder it is to hit squarely.

Buying hybrids

The secret to buying hybrids is to match them exactly to the irons they are replacing. Change your long irons with easier to hit hybrids that go the same distance, but not longer or shorter.

Look For the Three Ls

Determine the loft, length, and lie angle as you putt around. At impact, the sole must be parallel to the ground and the loft must be correct. A putter with the wrong length and lie angle will cause pushes and pulls. Too little or too much loft will cause the ball to bounce and roll off-line.

 The Ball

You want select a ball with a low spin off, a driver, and a high spin off a wedge. Extra distance off the tee is more important than a bit more spin around the greens.

Buy New or Buy Used

If you are unsure of whether or not you will be dedicated to learning golf for a long period of time you should consider buying used equipment. This way you spend less money and they can be easily replaced.

Establish Your Budget and Compare Prices

Keep in mind that golf clubs can be very expensive. If you think that you will not be dedicated then paying less as a beginner will benefit you. On the other hand, if you have plenty of money to spend, and want top-of-the-line equipment, go for it!

First, find flower types that you love by searching through wedding magazines, the Internet, and even visiting a florist. This will allow you to visually see the type of flowers available to you. Remember that  certain flowers are only available during a certain season of the year. While on your search you will also find a host of wedding centerpiece ideas and other flowers ranging in style from casual and rustic, to formal and glamorous.

You can even search for wedding flowers by color so you can be sure to pick wedding bouquets and wedding centerpieces that match your wedding color palette. Once you’ve decided which wedding flower  arrangements you want, then it’s time to find a florist who can make it all happen for you. Finding a florist for your wedding day can be tough so take your time and do a little research. Once you’ve made an appointment with one, be sure to bring pictures of wedding flowers that you like (your version of pink may be different than your florist’s). Before you talk with your florist about your ideal wedding flowers, make sure you have wedding centerpiece ideas and bouquets in mind, but that you also have your wedding flower budget. Depending on what you’re looking for, your wedding flowers could end up taking up a large portion of your budget. So keep that in mind and prioritize so that no matter what, you end up with the wedding flowers of your choice!

“Budgeting”

Event planning “budgeting” is the most essential component of event planning. Remember to take into account all the components that are going into your event before settling on a specific event budget. Remember to increase older expenses because unforeseen events such as inclement weather, additional postage and mailings, entertainment substitutes, can occur when you least expect them. Review expenses daily to catch any errors early. Communicate budget restrictions with your venue and contractors, also let venues know your budget and they will work with you. Be flexible with your event date, as this can even reduce rates!

The Location

Choosing the right location is an important part of the success of any event. You can find the best possible venue at a decent price by doing research on some venues that meet your corporate event requirements.  Researching venues online will also save you time. Contacting your local Chamber of Commerce or Convention and Visitors Bureau about possible venue options will save you and your staff from making tons of phone calls. By using local destinations, your costs will be considerably less rather than if you decided to take everyone into a distant major city.

Contract Guidelines

Remember to always look at all the options. Communicate the value of your business and prepare a detailed request for proposal for all aspects of your event.  Ask for everything you want at the very beginning. Include all pricing in the contract and review every item in your contract with your staff, vendor, and venue to ensure there are no surprises.

Food/Beverage Choices

Discuss your menu directly with the chef, while communicating event ideas and budget concerns. The chef will know what is in season, and what can be purchased locally for less. When offering coffee or tea purchase at a large quantity if possible rather than paying a “per-cup” fee.  Discuss with the chef over whether or not reducing portion size is a way of reducing the menu costs. Review the different service options to find out which would be most cost-effective, but still maintain the feel of the event. Seek sponsors for the event, such as wineries or microbreweries, who can supply the liquor, as this may significantly reduce your liquor costs. In addition, reduce the time for the cocktail hour by fifteen minutes to a half hour.

Entertainment/Speakers

When looking for a keynote speaker or guest speaker, look into industry experts in your area so you can save on travel expenditures. The earlier you book your entertainment or speakers, the better.  When selecting entertainment go with a group that has some versatility instead of booking multiple groups. Always see the speaker, DJ, or group in action before hiring them—always check references!

Audio/Visual Requirements

Schedule a meeting with your AV provider to discuss the program for the event and what equipment is essential. Bring your own extension cords and surge protectors so you are prepared just in case you need them rather than running out to purchase them.  When ordering screens, don’t order draping, and always reconfirm the audio/visual needs for your speakers or entertainment several times before the event.

Is your dream wedding small or a Broadway-worthy production? Your answer may determine the location. Why? Even though the day is about you, it’s also about your guests. If your closest friends all have children, is it fair to request their presence at a safari wedding in Africa? If many of your relatives are elderly, can you expect them to make it safely to the beach? You won’t be able to please everyone, but consider making a compromise or two if it means your loved ones will attend.

2.  Do you want a religious ceremony?

Over fifty percent of couples who wed a few years ago had it in a church.  A few things to consider:

a)  A traditional religious ceremony may have to be held in a place of reverence, so be sure to ask right away.  (In that case,
book the date at your place of worship before you book your reception site.)  Also, some religious establishments frown upon elaborate decorations or flowers as well as skin-baring dresses, so inquire about these details.

b)  If you and your fiancé have different religious beliefs, consider having the ceremony at a neutral location, such as a country club. Talk early on with both families about your decisions.

c)  If organized religion does not play a role in your lives but you want to incorporate a spiritual element, consider hosting the ceremony in a natural setting, such as a beach or a park (be sure to ask about a permit).

 3.  How much work are you willing―or do you want―to take on?

Depending on the location, you may have to do some heavy lifting. Before you commit to an “I do”-it-yourself undertaking, weigh the pluses and minuses of these settings:

a)  An exclusive site: You may have your heart set on a big wedding-day hoedown in a picturesque barn, but who’s going to clear everything out, take in the animals?  There’s also Mother Nature to keep in mind. If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony or
reception, you’ll need a backup plan in the case of rain, which means twice as much work.

b)  A reception hall: The organization usually has a one-size-fits-all feel, but its staff is probably well equipped to take care of
the dirty work for you, which may include―and this is important―post-party cleanup.

If you are looking forward to the perfect wedding go for Northampton Valley Country Club for an “all under one roof” solution!

People always want to have a perfect wedding day, but in the fast moving world they often cannot find enough time to plan one. There is no denying that a reception done for a big wedding cannot be managed by just a few people. However, if done without proper planning, the plans may produce a string of catastrophes and embarrassment for a lifetime.

It is advisable to hire professional people who look after your wedding arrangements—whether formal or casual—while you get the opportunity to enjoy each moment, tension free. After all, it’s your day and you should carefully remember every detail. Northampton Valley Country Club helps provides the best competitive prices and the best in the class services in the Bucks County. Once you hire us, all your tensions become ours so that you can relish all the exquisite wedding experiences that we provide; regardless of whether you choose a casual or formal wedding theme.

A wedding comprises of various elements that go with the theme:  from the wedding dress to the cake; from the food menu to the flowers, and the décor. If you don’t have enough time to do all of that in detail, it is best to have Northampton Valley Country Club at your service. We understand the importance of your wedding, and make your dream of a perfect wedding comes true.

It is usual for people these days to have a themed wedding. They may be casual or formal, but one thing that is most essential is whether or not the guests have a lasting impression of your wedding. The location, the food, the ambience, and the timing all need to be on spot for the perfect wedding. Northampton Valley Country Club has great locations that look picture perfect for every occasion. With many years of experience in the field we provide premium services in such great details that you would normally pass up without paying much notice.

If you are looking forward to the perfect wedding in Bucks County, go for Northampton Valley Country Club for an “all under one roof” solution. Indeed, you will enjoy your wedding more than anyone else has!