Spring Celebrations
Feb 20th, 2008
I usually enjoy the first weeks of January as it’s a nice quiet time after all the frenzy of the Holiday season. But after another 4 - 6 weeks have passed, I find I’m tired of winter and can only look forward to Spring. It shouldn’t be too much longer before I am finally able to see the buds swell on the trees and the birds come back.
Soon the first signs of Spring turn into an all out assault of color and warmth. Who can blame us for wanting to celebrate during this season? When I think of Spring I think of young men and women either graduating from high school or college or getting married at a wedding ceremony.
If you’ve got a graduate in the family, no need to stress out over planning some huge gala. In fact some of the best graduation parties I’ve attended have been simple outdoor events with no more than a grill, beverages, snacks and a graduation cake.
I’ve got a son getting married and unlike graduation parties this is a more organized event. His fiancee has been planning this wedding for months (it almost seems like years). Of course she has a lot to do with getting all the moving parts of a wedding ceremony settled like the wedding dress, the cake, the reception, the bridal party. It’s a lot of work.
If you are planning a wedding as I am, consider saving some expense if you can by having the reception in your own backyard. Of course you may need a tent and an alternate place to hold everyone if the weather suddenly turns.
Because we are having an outdoor wedding reception, it will be held in the late afternoon while there is still plenty of sunshine (natural light). We live up north so the heat won’t be a problem.
One thing to consider in budgeting your wedding is whether you want the groomsmen and bridesmaids to all look exactly alike. Traditional bridesmaid dresses are floor length and can end up useless after the event. However in letting the gals have more flexibility in what they wear (groomsmen too) you can end up with a simple yet elegant wedding.
Whether it’s a graduation or wedding reception, if it’s outdoors, you should consider asking someone to watch over the gifts. While we all hate to think some one would walk off with gifts, it’s better to be prepared and forearmed than disappointed later.
Yes Spring is the time of celebration - particularly for brides and grooms and graduates. There will be necessary planning to ensure a wonderful celebration but it will certainly be well worth it.