Low-Cost, Not Low-Class

Many of you out there in blogger-land have never known the "joys" of being involved in a traditional LDS (Mormon) reception. While they are not wholly different than the receptions you might attend for a non-Mormon family member or friend, they are frequently held in the Cultural Hall of LDS chapel buildings; most LDS families who hold their receptions in the Cultural Hall do so because it is free to LDS families. It occurred to me this weekend while helping with my brother-in-law wedding activities, that it is ironic how one can find help to "Cook on a Dime" or "Shop on a Shoestring", but when it comes to frugal LDS families who want to host a lovely event for their freidns and family, on behalf of their son or daughter, the resources are scarce. Last night my in-laws hosted one such event for their son, David, who married Erin Taylor in Utah last Friday. This event was not the actual reception, which was held in Utah, but rather an Open House for David's family and friends. Mom Hinckley was obviously "stressed" about the whole affair, as it can be a tremendous amount of work to carry out such a large task in a short period of time. My sister-in-law, Missi, and I agree that even when someone says, "I don't want you to get carried away," or "don't do much," it's a nice thought, but rarely realistic. When you are preparing an Open House on a budget, it unfortunately often means more work for the family. My brother-in-law, Pete, noted that it would be beneficial to every LDS family for someone to begin compiling a resource book full of examples of "classy" Cultural Receptions. After last night's shenanigans to pull-off a beautiful event, however, I am recusing myself from such a task. What I learned about myself and my extended family yesterday, is that when faced with an all-day, mind-scrambling, stress-inducing, overwhelming job, it is the overwhelming love and desire to help that allows you to pull-through, keep pushing, and work magic. I think the Hinckley clan did themselves proud last night and as far as Cultural Hall receptions go....this one was beautiful, and the guests enjoyed themselves, which is always a sign that you have succeeded. Please enjoy the pictures of our event:

Mom Hinckley made the beautiful runners for the tables. Missi and I designed the table decorations - I felt inspired by Ballard Designs or Pottery Barn - a mix of sophisticated elements and organic elements (see: Cranberries floating in water).

The Hinckley-grandmas didn't want to stand and receive guests for 2 hours, so we created a comfy seating area for them to relax in while guests made their way past them to the receiving line.

Dave and Erin made out like bandits! We borrowed the beautiful linens from my friends in Federal Way - the Duecks.

The cake table - sorry the focus is fuzzy.

The refreshment table looked awesome - more eclectic decorations, but with a common theme: chunky black candlesticks, framed pictures, red flowers, and greenery. The white lights glowing under the gauzy tulle created a nice touch. Plus, Mom Hinckley made all the food - what a champ!

Drinks and Sweets!

The family table was angled after the receiving line so guests could easily recognize and then chat with extended family.

The sign-in table set the tone for the whole reception.

This backdrop, in front of which the receiving line stood, was borrowed from my old stake in Federal Way - it was been passed around to many families there - but it was new to the families here in Puyallup. It added a nice feeling of being inside someone's home. The screen above the backdrop displayed a "loop" of pictures from the actual wedding/reception in Utah and distracted the guests who had to stand in line for a while.

The receiving line from the left: Brother Taylor, Sister Taylor, Erin, David, Mom Hinckley, and Dad Hinckley.

Strings of white lights helped to lower the effect of the ceiling and it seemed as it their were twinkling stars.

We would have only given our entire Saturday to produce these "smiling" faces.

It took nearly 8 hours to create the Open House, and little more than an hour and a half to tear the whole thing down. My mother-in-law queried whether it was all "worth it," but I guess I'm the kind of 'freak' who likes to take something from nothing and create a beautiful result. Plus, I think I inherited my "like" of developing these events from my own beautiful mom; she worked so hard to create a beautiful reception for me and I suppose I just want the same result for everyone else. Congrats Dave and Erin!