Ryde Hotel

Your Invitations

2011-05-02T11:12:00.000-07:00

Tips for Sending Invitations
If you did not send out Save the date announcements, your wedding invitation is the first item your guests will see about your wedding. It gives your guests an idea as to the type and formality of your wedding.

Invitations may be printed or engraved. Formal invitations should be mailed 4-6 weeks before your wedding date. Informal weddings, invitations ten days prior.

When ordering invitations, order 25 more than you think you will need. It's cheaper to order more in advance than ordering a small quantity at a later date. Also, order extra envelopes to allow for mistakes.

Invitation and announcements should be handwritten in black or blue ink or in dark ink matching your wedding colors such as Burgundy, purple, brown, and green. Red is inappropriate. Gold and silver may be used but they are difficult to read. Both envelopes should be in the same handwriting. You may want to consider calligraphy. It creates a very elegant look for your invitations.

Children's names should be listed on the inside envelope on the second line. Never use "and Family" on the envelope. The rule is, if children are not listed on the envelope, they are not invited. However, in order not to create confusion, you may wish to indicate so within your communications. Any invited children over the age of 18 should receive their own invitation.

Forget the gifts! Give her the Valntines Day experience of a lifetime.

2011-02-04T14:08:00.001-08:00

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. More people now a days are opting to give their valentine an everlasting memory instead of the expensive gifts, but for many people, this is going to mean making plans to go out to dinner. And for a lot of people, the act of choosing a restaurant for Valentine’s Day can be really stressful.

Here are some key things to take into consideration when choosing the restaurant for your Valentine’s Day Dinner:

• Go for a small place with an intimate atmosphere. Skip the chain restaurants when it comes to Valentine’s Day. Instead, locate a restaurant that is smaller in size and where the wait staff can give you the attention that you deserve, and if you are planning to pop the big question, this will be the best option. At the Ryde Hotel we have done it all, from slipping the flowers into her seat before she gets there to hiding the ring inside a hollow chocolate covered strawberry.

• Special Valentine’s Day menus. Many restaurants will do a unique menu for Valentine’s Day as is the case at the Ryde. Call around to see what people are offering so that you can find a place that has treats that you will both enjoy.

• Don’t try to be something you’re not. If you really hate oysters then you don’t want to go to an oyster bar for Valentine’s Day even though everyone recommends that type of place since oysters are an aphrodisiac. Choose a place that honors who you are and what you enjoy together.

• Make sure that you make reservations if they are needed. If the place that you have chosen doesn’t accept reservations then you may want to plan on dining earlier or later than normal in order to avoid the long lines of people that are out on Valentine’s Day.

• Skip Valentine’s Day dinner and get a special Valentine’s Day brunch instead. It is perfect for friends or family and it leaves the rest of the day free for different types of romance or just activities.

Whatever you end up choosing to do for dinner on Valentine’s Day, remember that the important thing is to be loving and kind to the one that you’re sharing this special holiday with.

Wonderful Winter Weddings!

2010-11-29T11:33:00.001-08:00

Choosing the winter to tie the knot can be one of the biggest decisions you make for your winter wedding planning. There is a growing trend of brides choosing autumn or winter weddings instead of summer weddings. Winter weddings can be very beautiful and intimate, and certainly will stand out from the many summer weddings that are held each year. Having a winter wedding could significantly cut the cost of your wedding compared to a traditional spring/summer wedding.

While there are some disadvantages to having a winter wedding, there are some significant advantages. If you want a wedding that will be beautiful and truly different, there are lots of winter themes for weddings that are unique and that will make your wedding very personal and special.

The Advantages of a Winter Wedding

When thinking on whether or not to have a winter wedding here are some advantages to consider:

You can save a lot of money. By holding your wedding in the winter you can significantly save on the cost of a traditional summer wedding and get more for your money since winter is considered as "off season".
You can get exactly what you want. It’s more likely that you will be able to get the venue of your choice. But since fewer people get married in the winter, the same popular locations may be available and usually at a reduced cost.
More of your loved ones may be able to attend. By holding your wedding in the winter it’s more likely that family and friends will have fewer social commitments and thus will be free to attend your wedding.
Winter weddings are different. Do you want your wedding to stand out and be memorable; a winter wedding can be a great way to do something new and different for your wedding.

If you would like more Ideas for a winter wedding: Click Here

1920's Themed wedding

2010-10-25T14:19:00.000-07:00

Do you love the idea of having a 1920's wedding when flapper dresses, long pearl necklaces, and pinstriped zoot suits were the fashion statement of the day? If so, read on for some fabulous ideas to make your vintage wedding celebration a day to remember.

Something to have in mind to look authentic.

Wear low-strapped pumps with seamed stockings (remember, pantyhose hadn't been invented yet)
Wear low-strapped pumps with seamed stockings (remember, pantyhose hadn't been invented yet)
A chaplet headpiece (this is a simple band usually worn around the forehead) is a perfect choice in place of a wedding headpiece and veil. You may also consider wearing a flat veil held in place by an orange blossom wreath, which was also popular at the time.

Bridesmaids

Outfit your wedding attendants with flapper dresses, feather boas, and long bead necklaces. Have them carry a single orchid, beautiful lily, or an ostrich fan.

The Groom of the Twenties

Dress the man-of-the-hour in a pinstriped zoot suit, ascot tie, and a felt, roll-brimmed fedora hat or zoot suit hat. Another option is to wear a double-breasted 4 button jacket with wide-lapels, cuffed trousers, ascot tie or white scarf, white gloves, spats (shoes), black top hat and a walking stick.

Groomsmen

Dress similarly to the groom, but you could make them look like the "mobsters" by having them carry toy machine guns (for a fun spin on the celebration.) Also, suspenders were the "in" thing.

1920's Vintage Wedding Invitations

Have your cards printed in the shape of an old phonograph, 33 1/3 RPM record or 1920's sports car.
To put more of a gangster spin on it, have your invitations printed as an "entry permit" to an illegal speakeasy. Make sure to put a "secret code password" on it. We have a door with a peep hole where guests can give the password to come down to the speakeasy.

1920's Wedding Decorating Ideas

Having your wedding at the Ryde Hotel with an authentic speakeasy makes the decoration a lot easier Keep your reception tables small and cozy, just like a speakeasy would be - only 4 to 6 people to each table. Have a photographer set up an old-time-photo studio where guests can have 1920's snap-shots taken.

Tables and Centerpieces To Suit a 1920's Wedding Theme

Fill large brandy snifters with colored water and float petal blossoms and candles.
Use cigarette holders as place card holders.
Make an arrangement with an empty champagne bottle, a couple of wine glasses and strings of beads in the center of each table.
Keep it simple and elegant with a single large orchid in a crystal vase.

The "Cat's Meow" in Wedding Favors

Give the men miniature Model T cars (Hot Wheels^TM)
The women could receive long bead necklaces, feather boas or ostrich fans.
Put together a CD of your favorite 1920's music. Get a picture of the two of you dressed in 1920's outfits and print them out on the CD labels. Don't forget to come up with a catchy name for your CD!
Get some interesting "1920-ish" note-size paper and print out a sheet with trivia facts about the twenties. Roll them up, tie with ribbon and place on the tables for each guest.

Flowers and Bouquets For a 1920's Wedding

Bouquets were large and elaborate. Use magnolias, calla lilies, gardenias, and ostrich feathers.

1920's Wedding Entertainment

Play jazz and ragtime music from Ella Fitzgerald, Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Gene Austin, Duke Ellington, Irving Berlin.
If all or part of your wedding is being held outside, play croquet.
Hire a dance instructor to teach the Charleston, the Lindy Hop, and other popular dances of this era.

Other Suggestions

To get more ideas, watch movies such as the Great Gatsby, Bonnie & Clyde, and Chicago.
Make your wedding programs up to look like Tabloid Newspapers.
Remember, cabarets and speakeasies were the big thing of the day. Decorate your reception to resemble such an establishment.

See more samples of a roaring 20's wedding at the Ryde by clicking here!

Bridesmaid dresses.

2010-09-30T17:46:00.000-07:00

The quickest way to perturb your best friends? Invite them to be in your bridal party, and then turn them into fashion victims. Search for a style that flatters the different sizes and shapes of your bridesmaids. A-line skirts and empire waists tend to look good on all body types. Or consider choosing a color or a fabric and then letting each maid pick a style that will suit her. You wouldn't want to cram a tall, voluptuous bridesmaid into the exact same style as a petite, skinny girl (totally unfair to either). Dark-colored dresses like navy, hunter green, and black look great on almost every maid and can be worn to formal events later. Have in consideration their skin tone. It is not a rule that bridesmaids must wear all the same color; if you still stay within your main colors or near the same color your bridesmaids will still look fabulous, just look at the photo above.

Planning on a wedding right at sunset?

2010-08-23T13:18:00.000-07:00

Having a wedding at sunset not only makes for a magical ceremony but
also provides a beautiful backdrop for photos. Find out what time the sun will set on your wedding day. To help you pick the best time to start your ceremony I would like to share a link to a all year sunset calculator.

RydeHotel.com

How to deal with a drunk guest.

2010-08-11T10:51:00.000-07:00

I would like to share a video that I received in my e-mail a few days ago that served for inspiration to post this blog on how to deal with a drunk wedding guest.

Your wedding day is a dream come true, but a drunk guest could turn your dream into a nightmare. contingency plans must be put in place, on how to deal with this situation.

Designate Someone to Handle a Drunk Wedding Guest

Your wedding is supposed to go off without a hitch. In order to insure that any potential incidents are addressed as quickly as possible, designating a close friend or family member and instructing them on how to deal with drunk wedding guest.

Be Respectful but Firm

When engaging a drunk wedding guest, how you handle yourself, will determine their reaction. If you approach them in a calm demeanor and ask to speak to them in private, the situation will rapidly deescalate. How to deal with a drunk wedding guest effectively, involves using tact. Do not mention their obnoxious behavior or inappropriate comments. In my experience, if you smile a lot, while talking to them, seems to help them relax.

Isolate the Individual

Once a drunk wedding guest has been identified, it is essential to move them into a more isolated area This way, you can minimize the level of disruption. Offering them food, coffee and a chance to chat, will usually get their attention. The food alone will absorb some of the excess alcohol in their system, while the coffee will give them a temporary jolt, awakening them from their drunken stupor. The alcohol will remain in their system, but being on a full stomach, will help process it faster.

Take Away Their Keys

To protect a drunk wedding guest from exercising poor judgment, always take away their car keys. This guarantees that they won't find themselves behind the wheel. As a guest, I often had to take several sets of keys away from individuals. Dealing with a drunk wedding guest, always comes down to using common sense and taking all the necessary precautions.

At The Ryde Hotel we are committed to help make your dream perfect, please notify our staff if there is any way we can help.

rydehotel.com

http://rydehotel.com/

The wedding Book.

2010-07-15T11:03:00.000-07:00

The Original purpose of a wedding guest book, used to be for helping newly weds remember who came to their wedding, to send thank you notes and start a formal address book. Now a days most wedding books sit in a closet collecting dust. In this blog we will help with some ideas on how to make your guest book stand out and serve a better purpose.
*Make every one sign it. Have some one stand next to the guest book greeting people and encouraging guests to sign the book. You don't want a guest book with only a few pages signed. A good Idea is to bring it also to rehearsal dinner that way your closest friends will have more time to sign it.
*Make it Personal. Rather than a book just filled with names, be creative! there is plenty of pages. Have your guests write a personal message, address and phone number, a favorite memory of the two of you, or some advice for a happy marriage.

Other Popular ideas that we have seen at the Ryde Hotel.

Turn a keepsake into a wedding guest book Have your guests sign a memento that you can display in your home, keeping the memories out in the open rather than up on the bookshelf. Some popular ideas:

Have your engagement photo framed with a wide white mat, and have your guests sign the mat board. You can also pre-purchase a mat in a standard size, and then put a note in the middle saying that you will add your wedding photo after wards. Another wonderful alternative is to frame your favorite wedding reading or piece of artwork, and have guests sign the mat.
Your guests can use a special ceramic marker to sign a platter or other piece of pottery. After the wedding, simply "fire" the piece in your own oven, and your memento can be displayed, or used to serve food.
Silver trays are a variation on the theme of the ceramic tray, but with the added bonus that they are harder to break! You can buy an engraving pen from your local jeweler or online and have guests sign either a family heirloom, or a new tray that is a soon-to-be family heirloom.

Whatever wedding guest book you choose, above all make sure it reflects your personalities, as it will be a beautiful reminder of your special day.

http://rydehotel.com/

Candle Light Wedding

2010-07-12T09:55:00.001-07:00

The dancing flames and soft shadows of candlelight impart a romantic feeling of intimacy and drama and define your wedding with unparalleled finesse. Inexpensive and lovely, candles will cast a romantic glow over your wedding event and they also have the added bonus of offering you the engaged couple a more economical alternative than other more expensive decorations. Candles create an aura of romance and whether you prefer elegant tapers, chunky pillars or pretty tea lights the choice of candles is an exquisite selection you can feel good about. The addition of candles upon your reception tables will enhance any decor and create an aura of beauty and romance. Whether your reception is held indoors or out the choice of candles should reflect your theme and colors. Unique ideas might include a centerpiece pillar candle adorned with roses or gardenias, of course the choice of flowers will reflect your own unique style. Bowls of floating tea light candles also make an exquisite addition and again might include rose or floral shaped candles. Whatever your choice of candles be sure to have fun decorating your event, after all it is yours and the selection of candles will speak volumes about your style.

The joys of the country!

2010-07-03T12:29:00.000-07:00

Being out here in the delta, aside from the great views of the Sacramento river, the great delta breeze, another advantage is being able to serve our guest the freshest of produce that the surrounding farms have to offer. We can litterally drive down the street and buy some great produce for our buffets and for our fabulous mixed drinks at the bar. It does not get any better than this!

The Wedding Toast

2010-06-11T09:45:00.000-07:00

The wedding toast is one of the most memorable parts of the wedding reception. Wedding toasts are given to wish the newly married couple good luck and to acknowledge those who helped make the day possible. The best man, maid of honor, bride, groom and other any guest may give a wedding toast, and there are several things to keep in mind before presenting a wedding toast to an audience.

Plan and Prepare

Begin preparing the toast at least a couple of weeks before the wedding. Think about what you will say and write it down. Gather information or anecdotes about the couple. Come up with an opening line that will quickly grab the audience's attention and use humor. A best man or maid of honor should make sure to keep the theme of the speech centered on the bride and groom. Time your speech to ensure that it does not run over five minutes. When you're comfortable with the speech, present it to someone you trust for honest feedback.

Give Thanks

The wedding couple should thank their guests for being part of their special day at the reception. It is also important to recognize those who helped with the planning and financing of the wedding. Bridal party members and guests giving wedding toasts should remember to thank the bride and groom for inviting them to share in their celebration.

Presentation

Stand tall and don't slouch when giving a wedding toast. Enunciate your words and speak clearly and loudly. Make eye contact with the audience. Do not read your toast from a sheet of paper. Memorize the wedding toast and use index cards with keywords for prompts if necessary.

Cautions

Avoid alcohol prior to giving a wedding toast. Drinking can slur speech, and lead to incoherent ramblings, and may cause you to say things that you may later regret. Watch your language. Don't use curse words in your wedding toast; these words may offend some at the reception. Be tactful, use discretion and don't make the bride or groom angry. Don't bring up details of the bachelor or bachelorette party or about the couple's prior relationships. Remember that a professional or guest may videotape the wedding toast and that it may be viewed many times, so do not give a toast that would be embarrassing

Last minute wedding.

2010-03-03T10:39:00.000-08:00

At the Ryde Hotel we pride ourselves in being a one stop shop. Lets begin by saying that a last minute wedding is completely possible. For a variety of reasons more people today decide to plan the wedding last minute, due to extenuating circumstances, anything from family illness, to new jobs in new cities, to military services. Most wedding guides and wedding planning books recommend that the bride and groom begin planning the wedding with at least one year in advance. There are also the couples that decide to spend less time planning and more time enjoying as it is often the case with most young couples today.
Places like the Ryde hotel where you can get all your services from floral to the cake can considerably take weight off your back, you must remember that a wedding from beginning to end although stressful, should be a joyful process.
The most important thing in planning a last minute wedding is to begin prioritizing and keeping in mind wishes and concerns of family and friends. You might consider elements such as budget, style, date and members of the party. Once these elements have been placed in order making decisions will be a much easier process.
It is really wise to carefully examine resources and resources of the wedding party. Being in a wedding involves financial issues specially when attendants are not given a great deal of planning time. Sometimes while working with a last minute wedding you will sacrifice something, sometimes the date you want can be already booked specially if it is during peak wedding season. You can think of planning your wedding off season since this sometimes can bring down the price of facility rentals.
Keep in mind all the other planning details which come before and after the wedding, such as choosing an engagement ring, wedding invitations, and pre-wedding parties (bachelor, bachelorette, and rehearsal dinner), honeymoon travel and more.
The key is to stay focused, set priorities, keep your budget and loved ones in mind. This is a very special day for you you should attempt to enjoy every moment of the process.

If you have any questions feel free to call us 916-776-1318. Our staff is knowledgeable and experienced and we can make your planning a lot easier.

Photo by: Teresa K photography

Don't throw your Bouquet away!

2010-02-22T09:35:00.000-08:00

Your bouquet holds a privileged place in your ceremony, and because of this, it deserves to receive the same treatment after the wedding so that it will be a lasting momentum of your special day.

That is why here at the Ryde Hotel with over 12 years of experience in the wedding industry, we propose not to throw your bouquet away, but save it forever. You can preserve it through a method called lyophilization, also known as freeze-drying.

After it has been freeze-dried it can be framed so that you can hang on your wall. Other options after freeze-drying are available. Your florist and lyophilization expert can help you decide how to best fulfill your vision.

More information in floral preservation

Your Wedding, Your bridesmaids.

2010-02-20T12:28:00.000-08:00

Make it a girl's day out!
Pick a day when you and your bridesmaids can all go out and visit your favorite bridal shops.
Have a specific idea of the kind of dresses you have in mind. Have your bridesmaids try on several dresses and share opinions. Made sure the style you select is complimentary for
all your bridesmaids.
Make it a very fun experience and then pick a place to have lunch and maybe some drinks.