Mr. T's Tuxedo & Menswear

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  • Home
  • About
    • Reviews
  • Tuxedos Catalog
    • Premium Catalog
    • Catalog
    • Discount Catalog
  • Men's Style Guide
    • Black Tie Event
    • From Boy To Stylish Man
    • If It SUITS You
    • Style Is In The Details
  • Brides Corner
    • Wedding Quotes
    • Honeymoon >
      • Great Honeymoon Ideas
    • Wedding Location Ideas >
      • The Ceremony
      • The Reception
    • Engagement
    • Wedding Tips
  • Party Planner
    • Planning Your Wedding
    • Wedding Professionals
    • Master Budget
    • Month By Month Checklist >
      • The Wedding Party
      • Cakes & Bakeries
      • Parties and Celebrations
      • Invitations and Stationery
      • Gifts
      • Wedding Attire
      • Health & Beauty
      • Flowers and Decoration
      • Music & Dance
      • Photography and Videography
      • Transportation
      • Guest Information & Accomodations
      • Traditions
      • Etiquette
  • Gallery
    • Mr. T's Scrapbook
  • FAQ
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  • Contact Us

THE RECEPTION

     While a wedding ceremony is likely to be emotional and poignant, the reception should be fun, fun, fun!  Regardless of where it’s held, how many people attend, or how much it costs, your wedding reception is a time to celebrate with people you care about and who care about you.  It’s a time for good food, toasts, music, dancing, congratulations and photography. It’s a time you will want to remember forever.

    A reception typically consumes about one-third of a wedding budget, meaning that it’s definitely a big deal.  When planning your reception, consider all available options and remember that there are many way you can trim cost if that is a concern

WHERE TO HAVE YOUR WEDDING RECEPTION
    There are many location choices for wedding receptions within the Schuylkill County and Philadelphia Areas, ranging from beautiful, outdoor settings to cozy, indoor locales.  When choosing a location, consider your personal preferences, budget and the number of people you’ll need to accommodate.  Basically, there are two types of reception sites --- those that charge per person fee that includes almost everything you’ll need and those that charge a room rental fee, with you responsible for providing almost everything.  

    Unless you’ve already decided on a place for your reception, you’ll want to do some research to see what is available.  If the ceremony and reception are in two different locations, most couples prefer to hold them close to one another.  When thinking about a location, remember to consider all the possibilities.

    Wedding receptions can be held in all kinds of spaces, ranging from public buildings to private homes.  Locally, wedding receptions are held in museums, art centers, historic mansions, hotels, inns, private clubs, outside groves and parks, ballrooms restaurants and historic sites.  Look for locations that will accommodate and enhance the style of your wedding, considering the level or formality, whether you’ll be there during the day or at night, the colors involved and other factors.

    If you’ve got an outdoor reception in mind, check for venues that facilitate, or better yet, specialize in, outdoor events.  You will need to work with a site representative who can give direction regarding what will be provided and what you’ll need to rent, such as a tent, dance floor, tables, chairs, linens and so forth.  Keep in mind that outdoor receptions, while beautiful and festive, come with some special challenges that you’ll want to thoroughly address in advance.

    Most popular venues for wedding receptions fill up far in advance, meaning that booking your reception is something you’ll want to do early in the planning process.  You can focus on decorating and other details after you’ve reserved your location.

    After you’ve determined the type of reception of reception you want, narrow your search to a few place.  Take time to compare features and ask some questions before making a final decision.  Be sure to consider the following:
  • Is the location the right size for your guest list?  If you’re having a large gathering, is it big enough to comfortably accommodate all your guests?  If your reception is more intimate, consider if the space might be too large for your guests.  You might want to consider a facility that offers a bar / lounge area away from the dining tables, giving guests who wish to do so a chance to move around and spread their wings a bit.
  • Will there be other events at your location on the same day or at the same time?  This doesn’t have to be a deal breaker, but consider the possibility that you’ll be sharing a space with people from another party.  If the place you’re considering will have multiple events on your wedding day, try to visit the location on a day there is more than one event there to see what it’s like before you agree to rent it.  Pay attention to noise, traffic flow and so forth.
  • Does the location match your budget?  You’ll be giving a rental fee, and then it’s time to start investigating.  Ask what deposits are required, what sort of payment plan is in place, and what the cancellation policy is like.  Find out if there are extra fees for parking, security or janitorial services and so forth.  Many facilities include basics such as tables, chairs, and linens, but be sure to clarify exactly what is included in the fee and be sure to factor in all costs involved before signing a contract for the location.
  • Is the site convenient for you and your guests?  If a third of your guests are from out of town, will they need overnight accommodations?  If so, it may make sense to consider a location with overnight facilities, such as a hotel, inn or bed and breakfast.  Is there adequate parking for guests?  Is it handicapped accessible?  Are there adequate spaces for photo opportunities?
  • Will you be able to add your personal touches to the locations?  If the hall or other location is already decorated, will you be able to make changes or additions to match your wedding style and colors?  Ask to see photos of other receptions held there to get some ideas of what types of decors are possible.
  • What’s the situation with food and catering?  Some locations require that they provide all food services, while others allow you to arrange for whatever catering services you want.  Also, be sure to ask about the alcohol policy.
  • Is the facility known for excellent service?  You don’t want to end up worrying about details on your wedding day.  Choose a place that’s known for excellent service.  Work closely with representatives ahead of time to assure that all details are covered so you can relax and enjoy your day.

DINING OPTIONS
    While many bride and grooms choose a reception with a sit-down, served dinner, that is just one option available as you plan your event.  There are no rules here.  Depending on the time and style of your wedding, you could consider a brunch, buffet, tasting menu, food stations, or even a picnic lunch with menu options that match your wedding theme.  There are many good food options in the area – the difficult part may be selecting what you want from among them.

    Some reception venues require that you use their catering services.  As long as you’ve sampled the food and know that it’s what you want, this is a fine option.  If your venue doesn’t include catering services, you’ll need to make those arrangements yourself.  Be sure to do plenty of research and ask a lot of people for recommendations before choosing a caterer.  Let’s take a closer look at some dining options.

Hors d’oeuvres reception.  Some couples opt to have a cocktails and hors d’oeuvres reception rather than a sit down dinner.  This is especially appropriate for an afternoon wedding.  There are, literally, hundreds of options for hors d’oeuvres, ranging from fondue stations to elegant bites served from trays to a chicken wing buffet.  If you choose this option, just be sure to plan for a wide variety of hors d’oeuvres so everyone can find foods they like.
Buffet dinner.  A buffet meal is simply one with a variety of foods that guest select and either serve for themselves, or are served to them at the buffet table.  Some wedding venues offer buffet service while others offer only sit-down options, so be sure to ask.
Wedding brunch.  A brunch can be a lovely option for a late-morning ceremony, with the advantages of usually being less expensive and less formal than a sit-down dinner. You’ll want to work with representatives from your venue or with a reputable caterer to plan the right variety of food choices for guests.
Served dinner.  This is probably the best option for a formal event, and some guests expect to be served at a wedding reception.  This is normally the most expensive dining option.  If you’re on a tight budget you’ll really need to stick to a plan.
Food stations.  These themed serving stations are a hot reception trend.  Generally, food stations are located at various places in the reception hall and serve one food or one food variety.  You could, have a seafood station, a cheese station, a pasta station, a carving station, or whatever else you can imagine.  The idea is to keep guests moving around and mingling, and food stations offer the advantage of allowing you to offer a wide variety of foods.
Family-style serving.  Some bridal parties like this option because it’s less formal and assures that guests will interact with one another as they pass plates and bowls of food.  
To-Go Containers.  Consider To-Go containers for the many leftovers that might otherwise go to waste.  Talk to your reception hall staff in advance to make this convenient for your guests.

Again, your dining options will be determined by your budge, the type of venue you choose, your wedding style, and your personal preferences.  Whatever you choose, just be sure to pay attention to details and hire reputable caterers and service providers.

COCKTAILS
    Cocktails are a traditional aspect of a wedding reception, as they are considered celebratory.  If you choose not to serve alcohol, you can keep your reception festive and happy by serving sparkling water punches and juices, flavored waters, fruit smoothies, and so forth.  If you will be serving alcohol, there are some guidelines to keep in mind.

    An open bar is a fully stocked bar from guests are free to get whatever, and as many drinks as they wish.  This, of course, is your most expensive option.  Other possibilities include an open bar for a limited portion of the reception, and just beer, and wine and Non-Alcoholic drinks available after that time.  Or, you could offer just wine and beer, and opt for a cash bar, at which guests pay for their own cocktails.

    If you don’t have a bar at your reception, you might consider a champagne toast at the table, just before dinner is served.  This is when someone, typically the best man, proposes a toast and guests drink champagne to wish you well.  Another option is to provide wine for guests to enjoy with dinner.

    If you serve alcoholic beverages, estimate on about one drink per guest per hour for budgeting.  Your wedding consultant, caterer, or venue representative will be able to help you decide what liquors and beverages to have on hand.  The most popular are vodka, rum, gin, scotch, bourbon, white and red wine, champagne, and beer.  Some wedding parties offer a signature cocktail, such as monitors or martinis, supplemented by wine and beer, instead of a fully stocked open bar.  Punches, either with or without alcohol, also are popular.

RENTALS
    If you hire a reception site that is all inclusive, you won’t have to worry about renting equipment and accessories for your reception.  If you’re renting a venue that simply charges a room fee, you’ll need to pay close attention to what you need.
    Most facilities at least include tables and chairs.  You’ll need to make sure there are enough for your guests, however, and make arrangements to rent more, if necessary.  Other items to consider renting include:
    • Table linens, including chair covers   
    • Tents, if applicable
    • China and silverware
    • Candle holders
    • Champagne fountains
    • Cake plateaus
    • Serving tables
    • Steam tables
    • Lighting
    • Dance floor, if applicable
    • Table décor
    Work with your wedding consultant, caterer, or site representative to determine exactly what you’ll need to supply and where you can get it.  There are various party rental places in the area.   


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Locations

Philadelphia 
1701 Spruce Street
2nd Floor - Enter on 17th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Inside Henry A. Davidsen Custom Tailors & Image Consultants
Phone: 215-300-5881
​
By Appointment Only!

Schuylkill County 
118 Sunbury Street
Minersville, PA 17954
Phone: 570-399-5428

Montgomery County
24 Cheyenne Road
Royersford, PA 19468
On Site Fittings:  Home & Office
Phone: 215-300-5881
​
By Appointment Only!

What Our Clients Are Saying

Michael & Hannah (Graver) Pothering  - Purchased suits for groom and groomsmen and rented suits for their father for their beautiful wedding at Mountain Valley Golf Course on August 27, 2016 said:
​
“Thanks so much for getting the guys in tip top shape.  They looked great!!” ​
Jane Yourey, Nativity BVM High School – Coordinated a fashion show in January of 2016 for students to show off the latest prom gown and tuxedos.  Mr. T’s provided the tuxedos for the boys to show off. 
​She said: 
​
“Nativity’s young gentlemen looked outstanding and has a perfect fit.
Thank you for sharing your expertise and time to help accent the Spring Prom Fashion Show.”
​
Meg and Dave Zawisza – Rented tuxedo for their wedding in 2010. 
They said: 
​“Thank you so much for all the time and effort you gave to make our wedding tuxes look so great?  As you well know, in planning such a big event, you have to rely on a lot of people to make things happen as you planned.  Although there were some details we wondered how they’d turn out, the tuxes were never one of them and we knew you’d take good care of us.  We will highly recommend you to other.  Thanks again for such a great experience!”

Contact Us

Mr T's Tuxedos & Philly Formals
Bill Troutman  215-300-5881
Jaime Troutman  570-617-7616

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