Many event venues are an ideal spot for both the ceremony and the reception.  If you decide to utilize a venue for both, one of the biggest stresses for a bride can be the switch.  The switch is the transition between the ceremony, a cathedral layout, to the reception, with tables, chairs, dance floor, etc.  During my time at Pratt Place Inn and Barn, I have learned a few techniques that might tame the nightmare of the switch.

1.  Make sure your guests are entertained. Frustrated, bored guests are not the way to a memorable wedding, so make sure you guests have something to do during the transition period.  Whether it is a cocktail hour outside on the porch or lawn games in the pasture, your guests will appreciate the entertainment.  Many rental companies have caught on with this trend and can provide games such as horse shoes or baggo to use during the switch.  Many brides at Pratt Place have used the Magnolia Dining Room to serve cocktails between the ceremony and reception at the barn.

2.  Do as much as you can before-hand. If the venue allows, set up tables along the sides (see picture below) or other areas not used in the ceremony to cut down on prep time.  Have the band or DJ set up in a corner prior to the ceremony.  Make sure the caterer’s buffet tables are ready for the food.  Each of these tactics will save time during the transition.

3.  Delegate! You will have just said, “I do,” and the LAST thing you will want to think about is setting up tables and chairs.  Weeks before the wedding, assign this job to someone else.  Whether you want to arrange a deal with your coordinator or bribe your cousins, make sure there is a group of individuals assigned to this task.  That way, you can use the time between the ceremony and reception to have your couple photos taken.

4.  Don’t do it! Although I have never seen it with my own eyes, I have heard several brides discuss only setting up for the reception, and having their guests sit at tables during the ceremony.  Not every bride will love this idea, but for those that do, it saves so much time and stress!  This idea completely eliminates the switch, which some brides may find incredibly comforting.

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.  Unfortunately, they’re not a bank account’s best friend.  In times like these, it may be difficult for a couple to afford the perfect engagement ring.  What if you could get this perfect ring, without having to pay a dime?!

On April 16, a $15,000 Tacori diamond ring will be hiding in downtown Fayetteville, and it’s up to YOU to find it!  Blakeman’s Fine Jewelry has put together Fayetteville’s first ever Diamond Dash, and Pratt Place Inn and Barn is proud to be a sponsor of this event!

What is a Diamond Dash?  It is a scavenger hunt played by pairs all around the city, in search of a diamond ring.  Here’s how you play.  You get clues sent to your phone via text message.  The clues will lead you to a location in downtown Fayetteville.  Once you arrive at the destination, couples will complete fun, short activities for points, and the couple with the most points at the end of the game wins the $15,000 Tacori diamond ring!

Blakeman’s Diamond Dash participants will meet at Powerhouse in Fayetteville at 9:30am, Saturday, April 16 for registration and introductions.  The scavenger hunt starts at 10:30am and runs for two hours.  At 12:30, participants will return to Powerhouse for an after party and the announcement of the winner of the $15,000 Tacori diamond ring!

This fun-filled morning is free of charge!  Not only do you get the opportunity to win a $15,000 Tacori diamond ring, you also get a free t-shirt and a goody bag with free gifts from the event sponsors.

SCVNGR, a company that creates these events, has successfully created other diamond dashes all over the United States.  You can visit their websites, such as LA and Boston, to see the winners of the competition and watch videos from the event.

What are you waiting for?  Click here to register to be a part of Blakeman’s Diamond Dash!  And hurry, there are limited spots available!