Howerton+Wooten Events Blog. The musings of a Maryland Wedding and Event Planner

An Intermezzo Course at Your Wedding Dinner

So, what is an Intermezzo?

Depending upon who you ask, an Intermezzo means different things to different people.

According to Google’s on-line dictionary, the word, “Intermezzo,” has Italian roots and it is basically a small piece connecting tow larger entities.  In the music and drama world, an Intermezzo is a short instrumental performance between larger sections of a musical or dramatic composition.

When it comes to food, the purpose of the intermezzo course is to cleanse the pallet so that your taste buds can fully enjoy the flavor of your next course.

In my experience, the intermezzo (most often a petite serving of sorbet) is typically served between the first course and the main entrée of a wedding dinner.  But, I have also enjoyed an intermezzo course after the main course.  It all depends upon your menu and your preference.

Some of my favorite sorbet flavors for the intermezzo course are lemon, blood orange, mango and mint.  If you are not a fan of sorbet, you will be happy to know that there are numerous options for the Intermezzo course.  I noted a few of them below.

1. A Chilled Soup

2. Lemon Ice and Strawberries

3. Vodka ß Better suited for “Adult Only” receptions

4. Ahi Tuna over a Sliced Cucumber

5. Watermelon or Strawberries served with Balsamic Vinegar

Do you have any other options for an Intermezzo Course?  I would love to hear it.

Love and Soul Always, Kay

 

Photo: Chica and Joe

 

Love and Honor

Proclaiming love and demonstrating love are two different things.  Your spirit feels love if your relationship honors you as a human being.

Love & Soul Always, Kay

What Is the Difference Between A Service Charge and a Gratuity?

A service charge is a mandatory and automatic (pre-determined) fee that is typically added to your hotel or caterer or audiovisual (lighting, microphones, etc.) invoice for the service personnel.  Here is an example -- Most hotels in the Washington DC area charge a service charge (typically 20 - 24%) on their F&B invoice and their audiovisual invoice.

A gratuity is a voluntary amount of money given in exchange for a service performed.  A gratuity is also known as a tip.  Example -- We typically tip our waitress or our hair stylist for great service.

So, what's the difference -- A service charge is mandatory and it is pre-determined by the hotel or vendor.  The gratuity is at the discretion of the bride or groom.

One more thing.  Most service charges are taxed, so a 24% charge could be as high as 34% when it is all said and done. (ouch!)  So, I recommend reviewing this charge with your vendors beforehand to ensure that you plan your wedding budget accordingly.

Love and Soul Always, Kay

Engagement or Wedding Photos Near a DC Monument or Park

Are you planning to take your engagement photos and/or wedding photos near a Washington, DC monument?

 

If your answer is yes, please know that the National Park Service requires you to get a permit ahead of time.

 

You should submit a completed application, along with the $50 application fee, as far in advance as possible.

 

In addition to your application fee, you may be required to pay a fee to cover the use of the National Park.  The National Park Service uses the following fee schedule:

 

Commercial Filming/Videos		Still Photography
1 - 2 people, camera & tripod only	$0/day
1 - 10 people	$150/day	1 - 10 people	$50/day
11 - 30 people	$250/day	11 - 30 people	$150/day
31 - 49 people	$500/day	Over 30 people	$250/day
Over 50 people	$750/day

 

 

You can download the permit application here.  If you have more questions, contact the National Park Service's division of Park Programs.

 

National Park Service, National Capital Region

1100 Ohio Drive, SW -- Room 128

Washington, DC 20242

(202) 619-7224

 

Check back on Friday for the list of DC park locations that require a permit, along with some of the DC area locations that do not require a permit.

 

Now, I have heard some brides say that they are willing to take a chance, and go without the permit.  But, here is the deal, if you don't have a permit, you can be asked by a park policeman to stop your photo shoot, which would really stink since wedding photographs are typically a one-time event.

If you want to take your photos (engagement or wedding), get a permit first.

 

Love & Soul Always, Kay 

 

A Spiritual Wedding Reading by Kahlil Gibran

As I have said so many times before, I love special poems and readings for wedding ceremonies.  This poem from the book, The Prophet, by Kahlil Gibran, is perfect for a wedding ceremony reading.

 

"You Were Born Together"

"You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore.  You shall be together when the white wings of death scatter your days.  Aye, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God.  But let there be spades in your togetherness.  And let the winds of the heavens dance between you.  Love one another but make not a bond of love.  Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.  Fill each other’s cup but drink not from one cup.  Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf.  Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each of you be alone, even as the strings of the lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.  Give your hearts, but not into each other’s keeping.  For only the land of Life can contain your hearts.  And stand together, yet not too near together, for the pillars of the temple stand apart, and the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other’s shadow."

Love & Soul Always, Kay

Friday Happy Hour: The Wedding Dress Cocktail

First and foremost, any cocktail called, "The Wedding Dress" is all right with me.

This cocktail (found on FineLiving.com) would be perfect for a bridal party luncheon or a "girls night out."

Ingredients --

One (1) Egg White

Ice

Two (2) Ounces of Silver Tequila
Juice of ½ Lemon (approximately ½ ounce)

Splash of Frangelico Hazelnut Liqueur

Agave Nectar, to taste (approximately one teaspoon)

Sprinkle of Walnuts, chopped and toasted

 

Preparation –

 

Place egg white in a martini shaker

Shake vigorously until frothy, up to 5 minutes.  Set aside.

In a Pint Glass with Ice, mix the Tequila, Lemon Juice, Hazelnut Liqueur and Agave Nectar.

Add the mixture to the Martini Shaker with the Egg White and shake to blend.

Strain and pour into a martini glass and top with chopped, toasted walnuts.

Enjoy!

Love & Soul Always, Kay

(Photo: FineLiving)