Expert Advice from wedding guru, Sharon Naylor

Answer:

Hi Samantha and Phil:

Oooo, you are in such great shape for a fabulous wedding! Did you know that one of the biggest trends in reception catering is upscale barbecue? We're talking amazing kebobs and grilled portabello mushrooms with dabs of goat cheese MIXED in with barbecue menu favorites like hot dogs and burgers than can also be served standard or 'gourmeted' up. BBQ salads can also be gourmeted up in their presentation, which is a lot of fun for the BBQ catering company to work on.

Many Hollywood launch parties, awards show banquets and even those challenges on Top Chef where they cater weddings feature barbecue fare, served to people in formalwear, so don't worry about the gown and tux dress code as matching to a BBQ menu. It works perfectly these days! And guests find it incredibly fun to design their own gourmet burgers and hit the Fries station, where they can season their fries with such cool things as garlic powder, wasabi powder, Old Bay seasoning, or grab little saucers of ketchup, honey mustard, mayo, or whatever they may desire.

At ultra-formal weddings, we see burgers served as 'sliders' (little burgers) all the time, with no clash to the formality...so you're so right on the trend bubble with this!!!

Thinking about the amount of space you have, are there big windows overlooking the park? A sunset that can be viewed from any of the party areas? I haven't seen the space, but what I'm thinking is to use a part of the lower section for a cocktail party or drinks-are-served area as guests arrive, then dinner or stations are in the entire upstairs, and then everyone comes downstairs for the cake and dessert reveal. Or, a portion of the downstairs can be set as the 'photo section,' where you set up signs to invite guests to take their fabulous family photos in front of this big bay window overlooking the park, or by this fireplace, etc. Since families are dressed-up, it's a great time for them to take fun photos of themselves, their kids, families, groups of friends!

Is there seating in these downstairs areas? You might just need a single floral arrangement, and guests will naturally move there for spending time catching up together.

Think about how you can use each area, and don't worry about over-decor with lots of flowers and such. Park settings provide so much natural beauty that it's not like you have a windowless hotel ballroom to decorate 100%. Talk to the site manager to find out where and when the sun sets, what's going to be in bloom, what they've done for decor for other special events there, what you can use from the site for free. That's right. FREE. Many parks have wrought-iron bistro benches and trellises set up in their gardens and terraces, and you may be able to arrange for them to bring in some of their own stuff! This includes some of their potted plants and trees!!

Park systems want to attract more rentals for special events, so they're very happy to help you out! They may have trellises in their storerooms for the spring growing seasons, but they're willing to bring them out for you to decorate with simple garlands for your fall or winter wedding, perhaps. Ask what you can use of theirs, and offer them photos from your event that they can use on their website. They love that, and are often more willing to help you out further.

Just be sure to get permissions before you rent anything to bring in. Parks are notorious for needing permits, so ask first!