My Wedding Reception Ideas Blog

14 Creative Drink Stations You Need at Your Outdoor Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth McKinney) — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 16:00:00 +0000

Drinks are usually an underrated decorative option for your wedding. Yep, decorative! Rather than setting up the usual table with the usual dispensers and the usual cups, turn your outdoor drink table into a drink display.

Beerbarrow

For a farmhouse wedding, what cuter cooler than a beerbarrow? Not to mention how easy cleanup will be. For a dressier look, or for wine or champagne instead of beer, put floral arrangements in the ice.

Source: Beerbarrow

Well, maybe this tractor is cuter than a wheelbarrow.

Source: Tractor Cooler

Booze bath

If your wedding has a rustic theme, try these wash bins as coolers. They can hold quite a few bottles and cans and look great with a burlap bow. If you're looking for something more unique, use a claw foot bathtub!

Source: Wash Bins, Bathtub

Photo booth

Set up your drink display near the photo booth, so your guests can pick up a drink as soon as they're done snapping their mementos – or, in case your guests need some liquid courage before they get in front of the camera.

Source: Photo Booth Props, Drink Station

Sangria bar

Let your guests make their own sangria! Set out pitchers with different juices, your favorite white and red wines, a clear soda, and lots of fruit. This makes a beautifully colored arrangement that is sure to please everyone. Letting your guests mix their own also lets kids create an alcohol-free sangria they can enjoy, too.

Source: Sangria Bar

Champagne punch bar

Similar to the sangria bar, set out several juice choices and fruit chunks for your guests to add to their champagne flutes. If it's a hot day, consider adding fruit sorbets or freezing flowers in ice cubes for a simple, elegant accent.

Source: Champagne Bar, Frozen Flowers

Wine & beer barrels

You can use barrels a couple different ways for drinks. If you only have access to two or three barrels, you can lay a board across the top and use it as a table. If you have more barrels, you can use the top of the barrel itself as the table, and scatter them around the reception area so a drink is always within reach.

Source: Barrel Tables, Barrel Tops

Cooler canoe

Are you having your reception near a river or pond? Or do you just love being in the water? Fill a canoe with ice and your favorite boating or tubing drinks.

Source: Canoe

Tailgating

Who doesn't love tailgating? Decorate your old truck and set coolers in the bed.

Source: Green Truck, Blue Truck

Lockers

If you're going for a totally unique look and style, check out this awesome locker bar. The lockers held glasses and napkins and the bride and groom had their favorite beers on tap for their guests during cocktail hour.

Source: Locker Bar

Vintage

For a vintage-themed wedding, consider using old suitcases and hat boxes as drink stations. These would also be great decorations for the bride and groom who love to travel. Inside the lid, attach maps of places you've been or places you intend to go.

Source: Suitcase Coolers, Suitcase Map

On a budget?

There are some awesome ideas here, but some can get pretty expensive if you don't already have the items. No need to worry – you can still make an incredible, unique drink station your guests will love. Use furniture you already have! A dresser or vanity is perfect for a drink table because you can use the drawers to hold cups, straws, napkins, even containers of fruit or other add-ins. Strategically lay fabric and flowers across it and around the drawers for a stunning display.

A ladder can be an eye-catching drink station, too. Lay boards across the steps – but secure these really well so they don't get unbalanced – for pre-made drinks to sit on.

Source: Vanity, Ladder

Elizabeth graduated from The University of Findlay with a Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Writing. She now resides in Portland, Oregon where she is employed in the real estate business and is particularly enjoying the local cuisine. As a writer, Elizabeth believes in a quote from one of her favorite TV shows: "We have only two jobs on this Earth. The first: to learn. The second: to cope." A deep desire to learn struck Elizabeth when she was young, and now she hopes to help you cope by sharing information, and helping you apply the knowledge. Weddings and event planning can be overwhelming; sometimes it's okay to take a little advice from a stranger on the internet.

7 Fun Ideas to Personalize Your Way to a Unique Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth McKinney) — Fri, 27 Jul 2018 15:20:00 +0000

Source: Boat Send Off

One of the best things about weddings is the way the couple lets their personalities shine through the decorations, vows, music, even the food choices—everything. It gives guests a chance to see who they are as individuals as well as who they are as a couple. Every couple wants to make their wedding perfectly personalized to them, but sometimes it can be difficult to sort through all the current and past and upcoming wedding trends to find the right fit.

When planning a wedding, it’s easy to fall in love with someone else’s decorations or buffet or first song or signage. Hopefully, this blog will help you take a step back from what everyone else is doing and think about what you really want and what will make your wedding day as unique as it can be.

Source: Alpaca Witness

While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with following a trend (especially a wedding trend, because there are so many incredible and ingenious ideas out there!), a wedding that changes things up is a wedding that will be remembered for a lifetime. And who knows: maybe you’ll spark some trends yourself. The best news is this can be a lot easier, though maybe not as awesome, than having an alpaca as your witness or leaving for your honeymoon in a boat.

One way to make your wedding unique is, of course, to personalize certain components. We’ve seen couples’ names written on everything from the placemats to the wall banners to the favors. Personalization can go beyond just your names, though. Decide what you want to share with your guests about your wedding and your relationship. Show your quirky or nerdy side. Show your silly and sweet side. Show your mischevious side. Have a good time with it! Your wedding is anything and everything you make it to be.

1. Gift Bags

Gift bags are a common way to add some personalization to your wedding – and for good reason! There are tons of cute sayings, artwork, and designs to put on bags. Personalized bags can be used for everything from a “Will you be my bridesmaid?” gift to hotel welcome bags to favors at the reception.

There are different types of bags to choose from, too. Paper, frosted plastic, even canvas tote bags can be personalized for your wedding. Then you get to decide between artwork and words, a sweet or funny phrase and your names and wedding date, or all of the above! Different sayings work best for different situations and different layouts work best on different types of bags. You can find more ideas for personalizing gift bags here.

To take things up a notch, if you have time, hand-decorate your gift bags. You can easily get your names and wedding date or a sweet phrase printed on the bag and then sketch a design to match your decorations on the bags yourself. Show off our artsy side and wow your guests with your talents.

Source: Gift Bag

2. Signs

Typically, you will see the same signs at weddings, telling you: where to sit, where the bathrooms are, where the reception is, what the food is, and so on. Sometimes, these signs have a fun, poem-like saying (you know the type – “please pick a seat, not a side; we’re all family once the knot is tied”), or they’ll share the couple’s “love story,” or display the wedding’s hashtag, but they often are lacking in the creativity and uniqueness factors.

Personalized signs can go beyond names and dates and worn out quotes; spruce up your wedding by sharing more information in a new way. Your “Reception this way” sign? Change it to a picture of the bride and groom holding an arrow pointing in that direction. If you’re offering his-and-hers signature cocktails, include the ingredients and an explanation of why you chose these particular drinks. Post a sign near the dance floor with the lyrics to your song and a note about why it’s your song.

Source: Cocktails

Maybe you have an inside joke or favorite memory you can use. For instance, that night when, maybe after a few too many drinks, the groom stuck two Twizzlers in his teeth and pretended to be a walrus – they’re his favorite candy, so you’re serving them at the reception, so why not include that story as a reason for serving the candy? Bonus points if you have a picture of it. Extra bonus points if he recreates that moment at the reception.

If you want to improve a sign you found at someone else’s wedding, but can’t decide how, you can’t go wrong by adding pictures of the bride and groom acting out whatever it is the sign says.

Source: Dance Floor

3. Cups and napkins

Cups, napkins, and silverware are possibly the least-thought-about items at a wedding, but they’re so important and cups and napkins are such an easy way to add a personal note to your wedding. I you're keeping your decorations simple but still want that personalized element, these are the way to do it! Especially if you are having an outdoor or casual wedding, plastic stadium cups with your names and wedding date and a cute floral design are exactly what you need. Not to mention the cups can double as favors for your guests. If you’re having a more formal wedding but still sticking tight to a budget, consider these lovely frosted plastic cups – they are so elegant with a script font printed on them!

Source: Cups, Napkins

4. Koozies

Forgetting the cups and sticking with bottles and cans? Or maybe you’re having an after-party bonfire and need to make sure your drinks stay cold? Personalize some koozies! Again, these can double as a favor – and they’re both fun and practical, so it’s a win-win for your guests.

Koozies are a classic gift that never gets old. How do you bring new life to them? You could go the same route as your gift bags, and draw on them yourself, or you can make them into a game. Put a piece of paper inside for a version of Truth or Dare. Each paper should have a question or a dare for the bride and/or groom. You’re making the rules, so don’t write anything you’d be uncomfortable doing. Questions like “When and where was your first kiss” and “what color are you going to paint the bedroom in your house” and dares such as “Dance with as many people as you can during the next song” or “feed each other a bite of cake while blindfolded” are awesome because they are fun, simple, and sure to be enjoyed by everyone without being too embarrassing.

Source: Can, Bottle

5. Favors

When choosing a favor, and deciding if and how to personalize that favor, you have almost unlimited options.

One of the simplest options is to put your names and wedding date on the gift bag or box the favor comes in, and this is a great option for a few reasons. It will be easier for guests to identify what the favor is. You have more flexibility with what you can choose for the favor itself if you’re decorating the packaging rather than the item. Not all guests want a token with the couple’s name on it to remind them of the wedding for years to come. Sounds crazy, I know, but it’s safer to personalize the gift packaging if you’re worried people might not take or keep the favor if it’s personalized.

If you still want a favor you can personalize – and we don’t blame you – check out this blog for some fun ideas! Other than putting your names on any old favor, pick something that means something to you, and something your guests will enjoy for years to come.

6. Place card holders/escort cards

You might not think of putting your name on an escort card – I mean, it is supposed to say the guest’s name, right? Yes, but depending on what you choose for escort cards, you can add your names and wedding date to one side and it can double as a favor! Have you thought about using geode or agate as escort cards? Put your guests’ names on the top in a non-permanent way and your names on the bottom. They can be used as a paperweight or small jewelry holder or decoration after the wedding, and your guests can choose to hide or display your names.

Source: Geode Place Card

You can also apply the Truth or Dare game here: using any type of place card holder you wish, add a piece of paper with a question or dare on it.

For an escort card that doesn’t use names, you can use photos! Find a picture of each guest with the bride and/or groom and write the table number on the back. You’ll bring back memories for everyone to share during the reception and it’ll be a nice little memento for your guests to take home.

7. Photo booth

I know what you’re thinking: nobody wants my name in the funny picture they take home with them; how am I supposed to personalize a photo booth? But you have tons of options. Start with the props: pull props from your lives, rather than traditional photo booth props. Do you still have your high school sports jersey? That’ll do! What are your favorite movies? You can pull inspiration from those. That trip you took to Vegas? Include a deck of cards and an Elvis costume. Do you have a stuffed animal collection? Throw in a few animals. Do you both love video games? Add a controller or two to the pile. You can also leave a chalkboard and colored chalk so your guests can write a note for you to hold up in their picture. Photo booth props don’t have to be all giant sunglasses and feather boas and mustaches on a stick. Don’t be afraid to think outside the booth!

Source: Photo Booth

To literally think outside the booth, why not use an old van instead?

Source: Van Photo Booth

Your wedding is a celebration of your love for your soon-to-be spouse, and your ceremony and reception should reflect that. While the common wedding-themed sayings, signs, and decorations are cute, and some might seem perfect for you, there’s more to a wedding than what everyone else is doing. How can you make this wedding a truly unique experience for everyone who attends? Your love and relationship are special; your wedding should reflect that bond.

34 Wedding Koozie Personalization Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth McKinney) — Fri, 20 Jul 2018 16:02:00 +0000

Source: Mr and Mrs Monogram

Whether you prefer a bottle or can, keeping your drink cold is important. There’s almost nothing better than an ice-cold drink – and almost nothing worse than one that’s room temperature, especially when you’re partying the night away.

Source: Bottles

Personalized koozies make a great wedding favor as well because they are fun and practical, cute, reusable, and affordable! If you're having an outdoor wedding and/or reception, these are a must-have for your guests.

Source: Silver Plated, Leather

Weddings

Why limit happy to an hour?
To have and to hold and to keep your drink cold
Eat, drink, and be married
The vows are done; let’s have some fun!
Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something brewed
Celebrate love and beer
Live well, laugh often, love always
Here’s to love, laughter, and happily ever after
I do (want another drink!)
I do BBQ
Love potion
Cheers to beers and many years
Let’s make a memory
Cheers to the new Mr. & Mrs.
Let love brew
We want to be formal, but we're here to party!

Source:Diamond Ring, Mr. & Mrs., Be Married, Have and Hold

Bachelorette parties

Less thinking, more drinking
You can’t sip with us
Pretty in pink and ready to drink
Bride tribe
She’s tying the knot; buy her a shot!
Girls gone drinking

Source: Bachelorette, Bachelor

Bachelor parties

Got beer?
I don’t get drunk, I get awesome
Drink responsibly (don’t spill)
The in-laws are here – buy me a beer
Brews before “I Dos”
The hunt is over

Source: Neoprene Koozies

General drink-themed

In beer we trust
Don’t worry, beer happy!
Drinks well with others
Keep calm and party on
Bottoms up
Sip, Sip, Hooray!

Source: Bachelorette, Many Years

Don’t forget the classic option of just writing a name or bride, groom, bridesmaid, or groomsman on the koozie. While these may work better as gifts for your wedding party, they are a great spin off of your reception favors. And your bridal party will never lose their drink!

Source: Gray, Tropical

With all the different styles and fonts available, your koozies are sure to stand out from the crowd. You can also choose from foam, neoprene, leather or even silver-plated and can or bottle-shaped koozies to ensure your guests are getting the perfect favor.

Unique Groomsman Invitation Gift Boxes

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth McKinney) — Mon, 16 Jul 2018 14:00:00 +0000

Who says the bridesmaids are the only ones who can receive fun, gift-filled invitation boxes? The groomsmen are just as important to the groom as the bridesmaids are to the bride, and they deserve the same level of attention and just as many unique, personalized gifts.

Source: Gift Box

Now, the age-old question: what do you give them? A stereotype about men is they’re hard to buy for. It seems we often come back to the traditional gifts, like tools or a tie or a flask. There’s nothing wrong with those gifts; they’re practical, and with personalization, they can be amazing and thoughtful presents.

But the way to take your gift-giving up a notch and really impress your groomsmen is to give unique, personalized accessories to go with those traditional (and perhaps stereotypical, but who cares? We all can always use another pocket knife) gifts.

Source: Gift Box

Tools

If your groomsman loves to spend time working with his hands—whether it’s woodworking, gardening, or even grilling—but already has every tool he could ever want, it’s time to give him an apron that will protect his clothes and keep his frequently-used tools nearby.

Source: Apron

Ties

Once he has enough ties, he needs a tie travel case! This case will keep his ties wrinkle-free during his trips – making it perfect for your wedding weekend and his upcoming business trip!

Source: Tie Case

If he’s a more casual businessman or even a teacher, consider a desk caddie to help him stay organized; you don’t want him to lose his wedding invitation!

Or consider this docking station, which is perfect for using at the office or at home, for the groomsman who already has the watch and phone case and money clip – but seems to always forget one or the other!

Source: Desk Caddie, Docking Station

Flasks

What pairs with whiskey better than cigars? Once you’ve selected the best cigars for your best men, personalize one of these stunning rosewood humidors for them too, so their cigars never go dry.

Source: Humidor

Looking for something more portable? You need this cigar flask! One side holds a cigar and one holds liquid. It’s smaller than a traditional flask, so your guys can take it anywhere.

Or, maybe your groomsmen are more into wine than liquor. If that’s the case, they need this stopper and pourer set. The two pieces fit together to re-cork the wine bottle with an easy-to-remove cap and no-spill pourer, keeping the wine fresh longer and minimizing leaks.

Source: Cigar Flask, Wine Stopper

You've got his favorite player’s jersey, tickets to the next home game, and shot glasses with his hometown team’s logo on them – these are all great gifts for ay sports fan. They also fit really well in a gift box. Or, even better, you can tuck them into the pockets of this awesome stadium chair that easily folds up and includes an insulated pocket for a drink. Now you're the star, because thanks to you, he can use his personalized seat at that home game while supporting his favorite player.

If he prefers a backyard match or street pick-up game, check out this handy cooler that doubles as a stool. He can easily grab a drink and a break in between quarters.

Source: Stadium Chair, Cooler Chair

Knives
We all love a good pocket knife--the more tools, the better! Some pocket knives even include a pair of pliers. But do your groomsmen have a pocket knife with a hammer with their names on them? Well, they definitely need one!

Source: Hammer Tool

Gift Box

If you don't like the look of gift boxes and hate the idea of a plain old gift bag, or maybe you’re attempting to live a zero-waste life, you can easily make the container part of the gift. This messenger bag is heavy duty and waterproof while still looking reserved and classy, making it perfect for any and every type of guy. It’s big enough to hold everything he’ll need for work or school, a perfect carry-on item for a flight, and it has enough pockets for all the gifts you want to stuff in it!

Source: Messenger Bag

Notes

For some people, writing a letter to someone they care about is the hardest thing in the world. If you're one of these people, here are some ideas for notes to include to tell your groomsmen how important they are -- sometimes, a few simple words are all you need.

Source: Notes

Who you ask to be your groomsmen is an easy decision. You can ensure their answers will be an easy "yes!" with any of these thoughtful and unique gifts.

Waterfront Sequin and Driftwood Seattle Real Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (My Wedding Reception Ideas) — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 15:57:00 +0000

Inspired by the sea, Katie and Nate had the most magnificent wedding at Seattle's World Trade Center. Love, laughter, stunning decor, and waterfront views made it an event to remember. Sequins, air plants, and driftwood were hard for me to picture together at first, but after you see how they were tied together in this wedding, we promise you will adore the combination as much as we do.

Photographed to dreamy perfection by B. Jones Photography and coordinated flawlessly by Wishes! Wedding Coordination, this wedding embraces a nautical theme in a way we have never seen and won't soon forget.

CEREMONY

---

Katie and Nate exchanged vows in the same room where their reception would be held later that evening. The Holland America Line Room in the Seattle World Trade Center features floor-to-ceiling windows, providing a sweeping view of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains - the most perfect backdrop to this sweet couple's I Do's.

RECEPTION

---

From the navy and silver color scheme to the perfectly planned decor details, this reception was jaw-dropping. Guests were greeted by oyster shell place cards with hand-written names scrawled across the insides in navy ink. Blown-glass balls tied with weathered rope and acrylic signs paired with several different kinds of air plants and driftwood adorned the tables, coming together in simple elegance. In addition to their wedding cake, a donut wall kept guests happy all night long!

Photographer: B. Jones Photography

Event Planner: Wishes! Wedding Coordination

Reception Venue: World Trade Center Seattle

Floral Designer: Bella Fiori

Cake Designer: Honey Crumb Cake Studio

Doughnut Bakery: Top Pot Doughnuts

Dress Store: Nordstroms Wedding

Officiant: Seattle Wedding Officiants

DJ: DJ Headsmile

Hair Stylist: Posh Styling

Dinner Boxes: The Cute and Easy Rehearsal Dinner Alternative

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth McKinney) — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 14:00:00 +0000

Weddings are stressful. There’s no denying it takes a lot of effort to pull one off, no matter how many people you have helping out. All you want to do is sit down and relax with your family and friends and chill. Especially the night before. You want to have a calm evening before your wedding day. The last thing you need is a big, fancy dinner party after the rehearsal adding to your stress levels.

You’d rather relax in the grass at a park with a picnic basket and a bottle of wine, right? Well, you can easily do just that with these awesome dinner boxes. Fill them with your favorite picnic foods a day or two before and they will still be delicious by the rehearsal dinner.

Source: Gourmet Picnic Dinner Box, 'Let's Picnic!' Rehearsal Dinner Boxes

The Food

Of course, typical picnic foods are best, because they tend to last longer out of a refrigerator. You can throw these items together up to a couple of days before the dinner and store in the fridge in small containers or you can fill the boxes themselves and store those in the fridge for an even easier dinner.

For sides, think light and refreshing foods:

Crackers
Cherries
Berries
Grapes
Applesauce cups
Sliced veggies
Potato chips
Watermelon cucumber salad
Salad on a skewer

Souce: Fruit Salad, Watermelon Cucumber Salad

For the main course, you’ll want something easy to eat, prepare, and store:

Smoked meats and cheese
Finger sandwiches
Wraps
Grilled chicken salad

Source: Caprese Sandwiches, Chicken Salad

Don’t forget dessert! Again, something easy to store and eat is ideal:

Cookies
Brownies
Cake
Cheesecake
Gummy candies

Source: Chocolate Cherry Cookies, Cheesecake

The best thing about all of these dishes? They are so easy. Not to mention they are sure to impress your guests and, depending on your packaging, there is net to no clean up required!

The Drinks

Drinks can be served from a glass pitcher or in personalized cups with lids or even mason jars with cute, custom labels. If it’s a warm day, you’ll just need to make sure you have ice available.

Lemonade
Cocktails
Punch
Wine
Beer

Source: Stadium Cup, Mason Jar, Lemonade

Get Fancy, the Easy Way

A simple way to wow your guests (other than with these fun personalized boxes and delicious, effortless dinners) is to pick the perfect drinks to complement your food.

Dish: Smoked meat (such as summer sausage) and hard cheeses

Wine: A medium-sweet Rosé with hints of berries and a marked acidity

Beer: Kolsch

Dish: Grilled chicken salad or wrap

Wine: A Chardonnay with strong nectarine and white peach flavors or a rich Pinot Gris

Beer: Hefeweizen (or a wheat beer)

Dish: Caprese sandwiches

Wine: a crisp Verdicchio or a dry Rosé

Beer: A light lager

Dish: Berries/fruit salads

Wine: Moscato d’Asti

Beer: Kolsch or a Belgian Wheat Ale

Dish: Fresh vegetables

Wine: A California Cabernet or a Malbec

Beer: A Pale Ale

Dessert: Chocolate-based

Wine: Port or Pinot Noir or Shiraz

Beer: A Stout, particularly an Imperial Stout

Source: Wine Pairing

You can set out display cards next to each food dish recommending a specific drink if you’re serving multiples of both. You could even have a “his and hers” drink choice for each dish to give your guests multiple options for pairings.

Don’t forget the utensils and personalized napkins!

Easy & Affordable Wedding Favor Ideas You'll Fall For

noreply@blogger.com (My Wedding Reception Ideas) — Fri, 22 Jun 2018 15:00:00 +0000

If you’re having a wedding this Fall, it’s time to be thinking about favors! There are always tons of options for wedding favors; it can be overwhelming to decide what to give your guests. Thank yous are important, and you want your loved ones to remember your wedding day for a long time, so what can you give them to make sure that happens?

It may make your decision a little easier if you narrow it down by the season. Here are some great ideas for Fall wedding favors you can personalize.

Food

Maybe one of the best things about Fall is the food. Pumpkin pie or bread, candy corn, s'mores, squash, pecan brittle, and everything apples – raw, roasted, pie, candied, caramel, cider – this list could go on forever. There are so many rich, savory foods this time of year, and many people will want to incorporate them into their wedding somehow. Fortunately, food favors are usually a big hit, especially if they're homemade!

Source: Honey, Maple Syrup

The food itself might not last very long as a favor, but the personalized container you give it in could! Check out these awesome gift boxes.

Source: Candy Boxes, Leaf Boxes, Cupcake Boxes, Jars, Pie Boxes

Drinks

Because the temperatures are dropping, it's probably a good idea to provide something warm for your guests to drink. Apple cider is a must for fall weddings, along with hot chocolate and maybe even a pumpkin beer. If you home-brew, this is an excellent time to show off your homemade cider! But what good is a drink without a cup or a beer without a bottle opener?

Source: Stadium Cups, Frosted Cups, Pumpkin Opener, Leaf Opener

And don't forget the bottle stoppers!

Source: Pumpkin Stopper, Leaf Stopper

Candles

Speaking of keeping warm – most of us enjoy a good bonfire on a fall evening, or a cozy fire in a fireplace indoors in the winter. Not everyone can have a fire, though, so they rely on candles for that warm glow. These candle tins can be personalized with your names, wedding date, colors, and more. Don't forget to include a box of matches, too!

Source: Candles, Matchbox

Placecard Holders
One way to stick to your budget is to use things that have a dual purpose -- but they don't have to look like they're budget friendly! These picture frames, bells, and pumpkins are super cute ways to help guests find their seats and serve as a useful favor.

Source: Picture Frame, Leaf Bell Holder, Mini Pumpkins

Gift Bags

You can’t forget something for your guests to carry their favors in! If you need ideas for how to personalize your favor bags or boxes, look here.

Source: Burlap Bag, Paper Bag

Now it's your turn to do us a favor and share what you gave your Fall wedding guests!

53 Phrases for Your Wedding Welcome Bags

noreply@blogger.com (My Wedding Reception Ideas) — Fri, 15 Jun 2018 15:00:00 +0000

So you've decided to personalize your gift bags for your wedding. Now you need to decide how to personalize them. Whether you're using the bags for hotel welcome bags, bridal party gifts, favors, or anything in between, it can be tough to know what to write on the bag. More and more, couples are coming up with cute puns based on their names, but not everyone is that creative -- or has the names for the puns! If you want to say something other than a simple "thank you," here are some ideas for how to personalize your bags.

Welcome
1. Welcome To Our Wedding Weekend
2. Welcome to Our Beginning
3. Our Story Begins Here
4. From [location] with love
5. It means the world to have you here

Photography Source: Gold Welcome To Our Wedding Bags, White Welcome To Charleston Bags

Thanks

6. Thank you for being a part of our happily ever after
7. Thank you for joining us
8. Thank you for coming all this way to help us celebrate our special day

Photography Source: Clear Thank You Bags, Black Thank You Message Bags

General
9. Live well, laugh often, love always
10. And so our adventure begins
11. Love, laughter, and happily ever after
12. Forever starts today
13. Love is a song that never ends; thanks for dancing with us!
14. We decided on forever; thanks for seeing us through the first step
15. Together is a beautiful place to be
16. Today and always
17. Here's to good times and great friends

Photography Source: Canvas Let's Be Adventurers Bag, Clear Let The Adventure Begin Bags

Beach
18. With sandy toes and salty kisses, we became Mr. & Mrs.
19. Anchored in love
20. Waves of love and thanks

Photography Source: Canvas Sandy Toes Salty Kisses Bag, Canvas Colorful Beach Bag

Hunting/Fishing/Outdoors
21. Hook, Line, Sinker. Catch of a lifetime!
22. I'd rather be ~~fishing~~ married
23. The hunt is over!

Photography Source: Fishing Themed Wedding Gift Bag

Homemade
24. Something old, something new, something from us just for you
25. Made with love

Photography Source: Black Something For You Gift Bags, Made With Love Tags

Food
26. Hugs & Kisses from the new Mr. & Mrs.
27. A sweet ending to a new beginning
28. Sweets from the sweethearts

Photography Source: Natural Kraft Apple Bags, White Sweets Favor Bag

Hangover Kits
29. You partied hard when we were wed. Use this kit and go to bed!
30. In sickness and in health

Photography Source: Natural Kraft Hangover Kit Bags

Spring
31. Let flowers bloom while our love grows
32. Let love grow

Photography Source: Let Love Grow Favor Bags

Summer
33. Good Times and Tan Lines
34. Summer lovin' -- let's have us a blast!
35. I do BBQ

Photography Source: Good Times Tan Lines Bag, Tandem Bike Treat Bags

Fall
36. Fall In Love
37. I love you a bushel and a peck
38. This fall, we're harvesting blessings

Photography Source: Brown Fall Guest Gift Bag, Berry Red Welcome Fall Leaves Bag

Winter
39. Our Warmest Thanks
40. Snow In Love
41. Some people are worth melting for.

Photography Source: Winter Gift Tags, Silver Snow In Love Gift Bags

Holidays
42. Eat, Drink, & Be Merried (Christmas)
43. Merry Everything, Happy Always (Christmas)
44. Wed, White, & Blue (4th of July)
45. We'd like to thank the red, white, and you (4th of July)
46. Ringing in the New Year and our new beginning! (New Year's Eve)
47. New Year, new last name (New Year's Eve)
48. Welcome to our Hallo-wedding! (Halloween)
49. Love is a boo-tiful thing! (Halloween)

Monograms

If you can't decide on a phrase or saying, or are looking for a more simple option, a monogram may be the way to go! Use block, script, casual, formal, or mixed fonts to fit your personality or wedding theme.

50. Large last name initial

51. Two first name initials
52. Two first name initials with the last name initial in the center

53. Two first names with the last name initial in the center

Photography Source: White Gift Bag with Window, Purple Monogrammed Gift Bags

After choosing a saying or a monogram, you'll want to decide on a layout and a font. Try combining your saying, design, or monogram with your names, date, and/or location for a completely custom personalized bag.

Do you need some suggestions for how to fill your beautifully personalized bags now? Check this out.

Stunningly Elegant Key West Real Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (My Wedding Reception Ideas) — Fri, 08 Jun 2018 15:00:00 +0000

Taryn and Zach came all the way from Germany, where Zach is stationed, to get married in paradise. From proteas to their beloved puppy, their wedding day was the iconic destination wedding. Every detail oozed class, with a distinctive tropical elegance. It was captured beautifully with digital images and film scans by the oh-so-talented Iris Moore Photography.

Each carefully curated detail makes this magical day feel as if it is straight out the pages of a romance novel. Take a few minutes to daydream with us at the historic Fort Zachary Taylor in Key West with a stroll down Taryn and Zach's memory lane. We won't tell!

GETTING READY

---

Taryn and her bridesmaids got ready at a classic old Key West cottage with a dreamy front porch and white picket fence. The bride spent a lot of time making things special for every last part of her wedding day, and the morning of was no different.

Custom hangers for the dresses and matching floral robes made for beautiful pictures, and each accessory for her day was a perfect fit - from her stunning solitaire ring to her lace-wrapped clutch, lace and rhinestone garters, and Badgley Mischka heels. Her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel got ready with the girls, and what can we say besides adorable?

CEREMONY

---

Guests were welcomed by a large gold-framed welcome sign with the couple's names and wedding date as well as sheet music cones filled with leaf 'confetti' for guests to toss as the newlyweds walk down the aisle after saying their I Do's. The wedding arbor was accented with fabric and soft florals and stood in front of the water.

Taryn and Zach were married at The Point, located on the west side of Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, where the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico meet. Located at the entry of the Key West shipping channel, The Point is always an active site with boats sailing by, fishing boats coming and going, and an occasional cruise ship passing. The breathtaking views made for a wonderful backdrop to the couple's nuptials.

RECEPTION

---
Taryn worked closely with Fort Zachary Taylor's event director Kirsten who helped her to make every last detail perfect. Kristen and her team handled vendors, set up, and all of the day-of details, resulting in a spectacular affair that the bride and groom were able to enjoy without any worries. The reception was held in the Fortress, and was nothing short of magical.

The fort was built in the mid 1800’s to defend the southern coastline of the United States, and is used today as a state park. Cannons line the long, narrow reception area made entirely of brick and open to the outside through wide archways. String lights lit up the night both above the reception tables and outside, above the cozy seating area for guests to retreat to throughout the evening. Airy linen table runners, gold lanterns and candlesticks, lush greenery, and heartfelt thank you notes adorned the long tables. Don't mind us daydreaming the afternoon away!

Photographer: Iris Moore Photography

Event Venue: Fort Zachary Taylor State Park

Reception Venue: Fort Zachary Taylor

Floral Designer: Duarte Floral Design

Invitation Designer: Minted

Officiant: Rev. Steve Torrence

DJ: SoundWave Productions

Equipment Rentals: Eventfully Yours Rentals

Dress Designer: Ti Adora by Alvina Valenta

Dress Store: Wolsfelt's Bridal

Shoes: Badgley Mischka

Bridesmaid Dresses: Jenny Yoo

Tuxedo and Mens Attire: Generation Tux

Hair Stylist: Bella Luxe Hair & Makeup

Transportation: Old Town Trolley Tours

Cake Designer: Key West Cakes

Caterer: Catered Affairs of Key West

What Your Hotel Welcome Gift Bags Are Missing

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth McKinney) — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 16:00:00 +0000

We recently shared what hotel welcome bags are and why you might decide to gift them to your out-of-town guests. The hardest part now is choosing what to put in them! Here’s our guide to filling your hotel welcome gift bags to help you make sure you don't leave out anything important.

Source: Frosted Plastic Welcome Bags

These bags can be as simple or as extravagant as you want them to be – anything from a couple basic necessities to a location-themed grab bag. Throw items in the bag willy-nilly or connect them all with a theme. The goal of these bags should be to help your guests feel more comfortable during their travels.

The Necessities

Bottles of water
Personalized water bottles, koozies or flasks
Outdoor items like sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, handwarmers, or a rain poncho
Advil/tums/bandaids
An area map
Mints or gum
A grooming set with tweezers, nail clippers, and a nail file

Source: Water Bottles, Custom Lip Balm, Monogrammed Floral Sunglasses

Local Gifts

Write a personalized guide to your favorite nearby restaurants and attractions
Include gift cards or coupons for a restaurant (bonus: you can use these almost like tissue paper as a filler, too!)
Locally-made food or drinks
Check out this list of state-specific souvenir ideas

Source: Colorado, Vienna

The Practical

Portable phone charger
A note that says “Please call anyone but the bride” and a list of phone numbers for people who know the area and the weekend’s events
Snacks

Fresh fruit
Power bars
Trail mix
Chocolates
Bride’s and groom’s favorite candy or snack
Something sweet and something salty

Clothing-repair kit

Mini sewing kit
Safety pins
Wrinkle release spray
Lint roller

Bottle opener
Hand sanitizer

Source: Bottle Openers, Phone List

The Extra

Alcohol

Champagne is a good go-to, but don’t be afraid to include a local wine or a couple bottles of the bride’s and groom’s favorite beers or ciders

Coffee – beans, grounds, or already brewed
Candles or incense
Lotion or soap
Deck of cards or travel-sized game
A hardy plant like a cactus or succulent
A small notebook and pen
A disposable camera
Lip balm
Nail polish
An uber promo code for your event
Febreeze or air freshener
A recipe for a dish served at the wedding or unique to the area

Source: Cards, Plant, Candles

The Whimsical

A lottery ticket
The bride and groom’s favorite toys
A favorite book or a book set in the area
A handwritten book telling the couple’s love story
Personalized “do not disturb sign” for their hotel room door
A framed print of a map or photograph of the area or wedding venue
Sparklers or small fireworks
Postcards from the area your guests can send back home
Drink coasters

Source: Box, Postcards

Themed Bags

Wedding

How can you tie your wedding theme into the gift bags?

Wedding destination

Focus on the unique, local items and maps

Candy

In addition to a variety of candy, include candy-scented candles, make-your-own candy kits, candy-flavored alcohol

Travel

Neck pillows, small blankets, eye masks, noise-canceling headphone, reusable water bottles, reusable bags, sunglasses, hats, passport holder, toiletry bag

Lotion, tanning oil or sunscreen, face and eye masks, coupon or gift card for a massage after the wedding (or a handheld massager), wine

Color

Use your wedding colors or another favorite color scheme and choose items suggested above within that color scheme
For example, yellow, pink, and orange: yellow-framed sunglasses, mini bottles of orange juice and pink champagne, lemon-scented soap or lotion, a rose-scented candle

Activities

If there's a lot to do near the wedding venue, center your gift bags around these activities: sunglasses, energy bars and trail mix, trail guides, coupons for the activities, a local scavenger hunt

Games

A deck of cards, travel-sized checkers or scrabble, a book of road trip games, mad libs, plus all the best gaming snacks (chips, chocolate, popcorn, pretzels, m&ms or skittles)

Source: Travel Bag, Italy, Pineapple Theme, Toiletry Bag

Make sure you include a note explaining why you included the personal items! Who likes which candy or drink? Why did you choose that particular quote for the bag? Which restaurant is your favorite and why?

Keep in mind you’re doing this to help your guests feel more comfortable away from home, and think about their favorite things. You’ll also need to remember who is driving and who is flying – and what they’ll be able to fit in their luggage.

Have a little fun with the bags. Because you're not giving them to every wedding guest, you can make them more personal and give yourself a chance to think about how much this guest means to you and why you're so happy to have them attend your wedding.

The Ultimate Guide to Hotel Wedding Welcome Gift Bags

noreply@blogger.com (My Wedding Reception Ideas) — Fri, 25 May 2018 16:00:00 +0000

Remember that wedding you went to when you had to travel for hours and then drag your luggage to your hotel room and you collapsed on the bed only to immediately realize you had forgotten your toothbrush? Or you magically arrived hours early and suddenly you needed something to do for the rest of the day, but the hotel’s welcome book was missing from the nightstand, so you ended up at a two-star restaurant on accident?

You don’t want that to happen to your guests who are traveling to your wedding. You want them to have just as magical a weekend as you will have. We've created this guide to hotel wedding welcome gift bags to help you make the start of their weekend spectacular.

Source: Canvas Bag

How Many Will You Need?
You will want to plan on putting together a bag for any guest who is traveling in order to attend your wedding. Whether they’re staying in a hotel or with a family member, these gift bags are just one small way you can make their visit more comfortable.

If you are reserving a block of rooms at a hotel or multiple hotels in your area, check in at least a month or two in advance to get an estimate of how many people have made reservations so far. You will want to add some extra for guests that may be staying with other family members, or who simply haven't made their travel plans yet.

Choosing Your Packaging
Hotel welcome gift bags are bags filled with anything from useful to whimsical, from generic to personal. Give to your out-of-town wedding guests to make their weekends just a little better. Travel can be so stressful; it’s heartwarming to know the bride and groom are thoughtful, even when they are busy with last-minute wedding details.

There are TONS of gift bags out there. How will you ever decide which one to use?! First, set a budget and decide what items you want to include. Once you know how much money you have left over for the bag, it should be easier to pick a style.

Do you have a lot of items to include? Consider a canvas bag, which is sturdier and will be able to hold more, and will also hold up better than a paper bag – not to mention they’re reusable, making the bag itself part of the gift.
Plastic or paper bags will keep your cost down, and they can be easily “dressed up” with a personalized print.
If you do want to personalize the bag, consider a frosted plastic with a bright, bold color for the print.

Source: Plastic Bag, Canvas Bag, Paper Bag

Curating The Contents
The welcome gift bags can be as simple or as extravagant as you’d like. Here are some basic guidelines for what to include.

The necessities/things commonly forgotten while traveling
Something special/unique to the area
Snacks: sweet, salty, and savory
Water bottles – ensure your guests stay hydrated
Wedding itinerary or invitation to ensure guests know the timeline for all of your events
Recommendations for the area; what to do, where to eat, etc. Bonus points if you include coupons!
A note or letter from the bride and groom welcoming the guests
Tissue paper or other filler

Source: Frosted Bag

Deciding On Delivery

The delivery may be the trickiest part of the gift. Should the bags be waiting in your guests’ hotel rooms? At the front desk when they check in? Should you hand-deliver them? Or wait until the first wedding event?

The simplest delivery method is to trust the hotel staff with the bags. The staff can keep them at the desk (be sure to write the guests’ full names on the bags!) or may even be able to deliver them to the guests' rooms before they arrive. If the guests are staying with a family member or friend, it should be no problem for you to drop the bags off at the houses before your guests get in. Delivering bags in person is probably the best way, but you’re going to be busy, so don’t sweat it if you won’t be able to greet everyone when they get to town. If everyone will be at the rehearsal dinner, you can hand them out after. Or maybe this is the perfect excuse to host a bonfire the night everyone arrives – you can have a relaxing evening and still get to watch your guests’ reactions when they see the bags!

Is It Really Worth It?

If you’re having a destination wedding, your guests are spending a lot of money on travel to be with you. If you’re not having a destination wedding but do have out-of-town guests, it’s a way to thank them for taking the extra time to travel to you. Out-of-town guests who don’t know the area may be uncomfortable being in a new place at such an important time. A welcome gift bag is a really easy way for you to let your guests know how much you appreciate the time and effort they put into being at your wedding.

Consider the luggage restrictions for travelers. There are so many rules for what you can and can’t take on an airplane, or maybe your guests don’t have access to a big enough car. They’ll have to cut down on what they pack, and the stress can cause them to forget something they actually need, or they may have to forgo something they might or might not need because they couldn’t quite justify the space it would take up without being certain they'll use it. Guests who are traveling - with kids in particular - have to make sacrifices with what they pack. Including items in the gift bags for kids (coloring books, bubbles, small toys, etc.) can relieve some of that stress.

Source: Thank You Bags

Assembling Your Gifts

How can you possibly make time for ordering the pieces, filling the bags, and delivering them?! This last week before your wedding is probably your busiest. Consider these bags a chance to relax. Pour a glass of wine, sit down with your partner, and have fun with it. Hand write the notes and arrange the bags like they’re floral bouquets and placement matters. Or, if you really don’t have time, enlist a younger sibling or cousin to help – they may have fun with it! Even better: make the bags way in advance. As long as you're not including any perishable items, you can also put the bags together as early as you want. Even if you do want to include some perishable items, you can start the bags any time and add to them as the date gets closer.

You can save time (and money on shipping!) by ordering everything for the bag from one website, too.

Source: Canvas Bag

A welcome gift bag is an easy and thoughtful way to help your guests relax and enjoy their weekend that much more.

Product Spotlight: Heart Drop Shadow Box Guest Book

noreply@blogger.com (My Wedding Reception Ideas) — Fri, 18 May 2018 16:30:00 +0000

Guest books for any event are a wonderful thing. Years later, you can look back and read your loved ones’ kind words and remember exactly who was there celebrating with you.

The problem with more traditional guest books is they tend to get lost on a bookshelf or forgotten in a box filled with pictures and memorabilia. No matter how good our intentions are, items like guest books are usually eventually considered clutter and are put away somewhere.

That’s just one reason among many couples are choosing alternative guest books more often. One gorgeous alternative to a book is this shadow box with silver and gold wooden hearts for guests to sign. The box has hooks on the back, so you can hang it on a wall – meaning no clutter and no lost cardboard box full of wedding momentos for this guest book! It’s only 1.5 inches deep, too, so it won’t stick out too far on the wall.

Source: Shadow Box Display

The plexiglass can be etched as well, allowing you to personalize your box with either two lines of text (anything from your names and the wedding date to your wedding’s social media hashtag) or a single initial, in addition to the floral prints above and below.

Check out how one of our customers designed hers:

Photo Credit: Emma Cleary Photo & Video

These shadow boxes make excellent gifts at different events as well. Are you going to a baby shower? This shadow box can be hung in the baby’s room, so she/he can grow up reading the names on the hearts and know how many people love her/him. Is a bride having two bridal showers? The guests at each party can sign one color of the hearts; the mingling of the colors inside the shadow box represents the mingling of two families. Birthday parties, graduations, anniversary parties – the possibilities for this beautiful box are endless. The simplicity of the box paired with the color and design options also ensure this box will fit any theme or color scheme at the party.

Source: Gold, Silver

After the party, it’s sure to grab anyone’s attention hanging on your wall, and this can lead to even more stories about the event. You will add to your memories time and time again over the years with the box always in sight.

Purple Desert Botanical Garden Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (My Wedding Reception Ideas) — Fri, 11 May 2018 16:00:00 +0000

Alexandra and Steven were married in beautiful Arizona at the Desert Botanical Gardens in a picturesque outdoor setting. Shades of rich purple, greens, and white naturally accented the gorgeous landscape, making this lovely ceremony and reception stunningly unique.

From cacti details to exquisite floral arrangements, this desert wedding was perfect from start to finish. Many thanks to the talented Laura Segall Photography for sharing this breathtaking wedding with us.

CEREMONY

---

The couple exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony within the gorgeous herb garden featuring a large sundial, unique backdrop, and beautiful floral accents. Programs matching the invitations were laid out for guests, and a laser-etched wood front guestbook was on display for guests to sign. A memorial table featured picture frames with photos of family members being remembered on this special day.

ATTIRE

---

The bride was stunning in her elegant fit-and-flare wedding dress featuring embroidered lace motifs dancing over tulle on both the body and sleeves of the gown. Classic black tuxes - complete with bowties - were donned by both the groom and his groomsmen. Off-the-shoulder floor-length dresses in a deep shade of purple were worn by the bridesmaids, tying in perfectly with their beautiful bouquets.

DECOR

---

Wooden tables were decorated with large floral arrangements, gold-rimmed glass chargers, custom printed place cards and menus, and purple cloth napkins. The cake was a three-tiered, buttercream-frosted beauty, adorned by more florals and a 'fly away with me' laser cut topper. Favors of prickly pear tea, packaged in small glass jars with custom printed labels were given to guests as a thank you for attending. The reception was nothing short of perfection against the backdrop of the cacti and other desert plants.

Photographer: Laura Segall Photography

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Desert Botanical Gardens

Event Planner: Meant2Be Events

Equipment Rentals: Classic Party Rentals

Invitation Designer: Be In Love Designs

Floral Designer: Chasing Bliss Design

Cake Designer: Piece of Cake Desserts Bakery

Officiant: From This Day Forward

Caterer: Atlasta Catering and Event Concepts

Beauty: The Getaway Studio

Makeup Artist: Artistry by Azure

DJ: Valley Mix Entertainment

16 Ways to Dazzle with Geodes at Your Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (My Wedding Reception Ideas) — Thu, 10 May 2018 12:31:00 +0000

Geodes are a stunning natural occurrence where crystal quartz formations develop inside hollow rocks. Agate is a similar-looking, colorful and patterned type of rock often used in conjunction with geodes, and is formed in lava or volcanic rocks. Lately, they have been forming in other ways: cakes, jewelry, nail polish, wall art, and more. We absolutely love how geodes are being used in art, food, and parties to add some color and sparkle! The beautiful crystals are basically begging to be used in your wedding. Here are some ideas for how you can include geodes as decorations, favors, foods, and more!

Source: Green Geode Print, Pink Geode

Decorations
If you love color, sparkle, glitter, pizazz, or even just are looking for something different, consider using geodes in your decorations. They make beautiful escort cards – and if you write the table number on a piece of paper attached to the stone, guests can take them home and use them as paperweights, coasters, or bookends.

Source: Agate Escort Cards

If you have high ceilings, consider hanging geodes or similar, geometric shapes. Hanging decorations can also save table space!

Source: Hanging Shapes, Hanging Pendants

You can find hollowed-out geodes that hold tea lights and use them in your centerpieces. Mix them into your floral centerpieces too, like with these succulents.

Source: Candle Holder, Succulent and Geode Arrangement

Are you setting out photos of the bride and groom? Or are you having a memorial table? Use geodes and wire as photo holders.

Source: Geode Photo Holder

Wrap them around your napkins! These would be easy enough to make, too, with your favorite geodes, ribbon, and some hot glue.

Source: Napkin Rings

And who needs a beach wedding when you have one of these incredible geode prints as your ceremony backdrop? You could also use a large geode print as a backdrop for a photo booth at your reception.

Source: Wall Art

Favors
The escort cards and candle holders mentioned before make awesome favors, but there are other options too! Remember those geode-and-succulent centerpieces? If you put them in small containers, give those to your guests to take home. Better yet, take those hollowed-out geodes and plant the succulents directly in them! Air plants also work really well inside geodes, and you don’t need as big of a hole for them.

Source: Air Plant

Food
The only thing better than eating good food is eating good food that is also pretty.

Source: Blue Cake, Green Cake

There have been some amazing geode cakes served at weddings, but you can do more than cut away a section and decorate it. Check out these geode cookies and cake pops, too!

Source: Cookies, Cake Pops

What about cupcakes? Easy to make and just as beautiful.

Source: Cupcakes

Rock candy is another easy one, and can be made in tons of different colors. This would be a great favor for kids, as well. You can make the traditional rock candy on a stick, or impress your guests with these geode-shaped rock candies.

Source: Rock Candy

You can also use these adorable geode cake toppers instead of a more traditional pair. They’re really easy to make yourself, as well. Just pick two geodes you love and add a veil and a hat or tie."

Source: Bride and Groom Topper, Cake Topper

Jewelry
Instead of a ring pillow, check out these gorgeous geodes, hollowed out and attached with a hinge to make a ring box:

Source: Ring Box

The bridesmaids can have matching jewelry. Geodes give you the options of simple but eye-grabbing jewelry, like the images below, or pieces as extravagant as your wedding itself.

Source: Earrings, Necklace

Are the groomsmen wearing boutonnieres? Add a geode!

Source: Boutonniere, Groom

These incredible rocks are so beautiful and so versatile when it comes to decorations -- and themes. Use them in your natural theme, rock theme, color theme, or many others. The possibilities are endless. How will you use them in your wedding?

Unique Twists for your Greenery-Themed Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (My Wedding Reception Ideas) — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 16:00:00 +0000

One wedding trend still going strong this year is the use of succulents and other greenery. We get it -- the simplicity of the greens and whites is stunning. The most common displays of this theme are in bouquets and table decorations, of course. But with so many brides doing this, you may want to add a few details here and there to make your wedding stand out from the rest. Mixing in unexpected colors, signature cocktails and desserts, and other accessories are just a few ways to make the theme your own.

One of our favorite colors to pair with succulents is this deep garnet.

Source: Tie, Dahlia

Another is ultra violet, pairing with more general greenery.

Source: Leaves, Galaxy

Keep reading to find ways to incorporate each of these in your wedding plans!

Flowers and Decorations

You’ll want to minimize the use of these colors in a bouquet or decorations in order to truly stick with the greenery theme, but just a couple of flowers per bouquet in either of these beautiful colors will be enough to draw anyone’s eye.

Source: Succulent Bouquet

The same applies to table arrangements. How gorgeous is this simply-decorated reception hall, from the garland to the lights to the bursts of purple on the tables? Less is more if you’re looking for an attention-getting pop of color.

Source: Table Decorations

If your venue allows for it, use a “stepable” succulent or other sturdy plant in the aisle – it’ll feel like walking through a forest. Sedum Makinoi is durable enough that it could be planted afterwards, too, so you could have someone collect it after the ceremony and include it in the favors or plant it yourself. Imagine looking at your yard every day and being reminded of walking down the aisle!

Source: Stepables Succulent

Accessories

These wooden ring boxes are adorable and would be an awesome craft for you and your partner to make together.

Source: Tree Stump Ring Box, Carved Wood Ring Box

If you’re leaning more towards succulents, these beautiful ring boxes are sure to stun as a ring-holding terrarium. You can paint the outside garnet red or ultra violet to match.

Source: Terrarium Ring Boxes

Use leaves as your place cards or escort cards. You could also use potted mini succulents as an escort card and a favor.

Source: Succulent Favors, Escort Card Leaves

Cocktails

Really take your reception up a notch by serving one of these cocktails. You can also put your own spin on the cocktail and include a recipe card and personalized cup or flute as a wedding favor.

Greenery – put the theme into your drinks!

Pomegranate and Rosemary Champagne Cocktail: this easy cocktail is gorgeous and delicious, with just pomegranate arils and juice, rosemary, and champagne.

Rose and Cucumber Collins: this twist on the gin-based classic Tom Collins is refreshing and perfect for a summer wedding.

Source: Pomegranate Rosemary Champagne, Rose Cucumber Collins

Green

Midori Mebuki: a bright green drink made with melon liqueur that tastes like sour candy. “Mebuki” means “budding” in Japanese and refers to the beginning of spring, making this cocktail an interesting addition to your spring wedding bar menu.

Amuse Vert: this recipe calls for Hendrick’s Gin, which is made with rose and cucumber, ginger, lime juice, and fresh kiwis. The fresh fruit adds to the color and adds a sweet and tart flavor that can’t be matched by artificial fruit flavoring.

Source: Midori Mebuki, Amuse Vert

Ultra Violet

Shrinking Violet Cocktail: supposedly, the name comes from how fast this drink shrinks after you take a drink. Made with just Crème de Violette Liqueur and champagne, this simple purple cocktail is a great upgrade to the traditional champagne toast.

The Artist: a violet gin martini. Garnish with flowers instead of olives.

Source: Shrinking Violet, The Artist

Garnet Red

Summer’s Garden: another wonderful summer drink. Blackberries, rose geranium syrup, gin, and lemon juice blend beautifully for a light, tart taste.

Frozen Hibiscus Margarita: this clever combination can be served in a glass as a margarita or frozen and eaten as a sorbet. The addition of hibiscus flowers and vanilla bean make this a margarita your guests will love recreating at home.

Source: Hibiscus Margaritas, Summer's Garden

Desserts

My favorite part of any theme is the matching desserts. This is your chance to get really creative. Where do succulents, greenery, and flowers fit in the dessert world?

Lilac blackberry pavlova: this meringue-based dessert is fairly easy to make and is just as delicious as it is pretty.

Donuts: you can’t go wrong with donuts to begin with, but with these colors and the added flowers, your guests won’t be able to stop – gushing or eating!

Source: Lilac Blackberry Pavlova, Lavender Floral Donuts

Candied violets: this versatile candy can be added to cookies, cakes, ice cream, drinks, fruit plates, and more for a sweet, delicate touch.

Violet creams: basically a violet-infused pudding that can be served as a pudding or over shortbread cookies. Sprinkle some of the candied violets on top!

Source: Candied Violets, Violet Creams

Rosewater and raspberry panna cotta: another “basically pudding” dish, this panna cotta is creamy and decadent, despite the recipe boasting it’s low-calorie content (but we all know calories don’t count at a wedding anyway).

Source: Panna Cotta

Red velvet cheesecake brownies: What’s better than combining two desserts? Cutting them into heart shapes and serving them at your wedding.

Red velvet lava cakes: don’t forget the napkins - you'll need them for these decadent brownies that are also cheesecake.

Source: Cheesecake Brownies, Lava Cakes

Even if you choose flower-less desserts, you can still dress up the dessert table with this theme. Remember the Sedum you walked on? That same plant works beautifully as a filler on your dessert table. It’s small enough that it will rest underneath the edge of any serving platter while still giving your desserts a colorful background.

Colorful Oceanfront Cabo Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (My Wedding Reception Ideas) — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 13:30:00 +0000

Kim and David traveled all the way from San Francisco to celebrate their wedding with family and friends at a luxury oceanfront resort in Cabo San Lucas. Their happiness shines through in every breathtaking image captured by Gonzalo Verdeja, owner of GVPhotographer.

With colorful details and stunning views, we can't imagine a more perfect destination beach wedding. Kim and David got ready for their I Do's in the resort with rooms overlooking the pool and beach, said their vows, and then partied late into the night under the string lights illuminating their reception space. Enjoy every bit of this gorgeous tropical wedding, and join us in wishing this bride and groom the best in all the years to come.

ATTIRE

---

Kim's wedding dress had a sexy sheer bodice and sheer lace train, lending a bohemian feel to her radiant, beachy beauty. A floral jeweled headpiece and relaxed beach waves finished off her flawless look. Her bridesmaids wore mismatched neutral dresses to keep with the relaxed feel.

David donned light blue pants, a navy jacket, white shirt, and pink handkerchief. His groomsmen matched perfectly, minus the jacket, and sported navy and white belts to complete the look.

VENUE

---

The beach in front of the Hacienda Beach Resort was set up beautifully simply for the wedding ceremony. A copper pipe arch accented with bright flowers showcased the views behind the couple as they said their vows.

The reception followed the ceremony, still just steps from Medano Beach in the restaurant area of the Hacienda Cocina y Cantina and with the famous Cabo Arch in the background. Tables and chairs were set up near the infinity pool at the resort, making for spectacular views throughout the afternoon and as the sun set that evening.

DECOR

---

Amy Abbott Events brought to life a dreamy ceremony and reception, with colorful tropical decor. Gold and turquoise accents were set off by bold florals in bright pink, orange, and yellow.

Turquoise maracas were placed at each table setting as favors for guests, and featured a note that read "shake me at the kiss". Table runners added an extra pop at each table, with some in a black and white Aztec print, and some woven serape table runners in a rainbow of colors to bring some Mexican flair.

Photographer: GVPhotographer

Second Shooter: Fabi Rosas

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Hacienda Cocina y Cantina

Event Planner: Amy Abbott Events

Floral Designer: Pina Cate

Equipment Rentals: Let It Be Events and Del Cabo Event Design

Hair Stylist & Makeup Artist: Blanc On-Location Salon

Band: Mariachi Karina

DJ: Alex DJ Cabo Events

12 Creative Bridesmaid Invitation Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (My Wedding Reception Ideas) — Fri, 06 Apr 2018 22:00:00 +0000

Your girls are important to you, and so is your wedding. You need girls by your side who you love and trust to help you plan. Weddings aren't all work though -- let them know just how fun your wedding day will be by asking them to join your bridal party in a creative way.

1. Scavenger hunt

Source: Scavenger Hunt

For the girls who love puzzles. There are a couple of ways you can do this one. For a memory-based hunt, leave clues in your favorite or significant places to lead her around your city. At the end, meet her with a gift basket (or one of these great tote bags!) and ask her to be your bridesmaid. This one will take a lot of planning, so it might be best to save it for your Maid of Honor. Or, make the scavenger hunt wedding themed and have a list of specific items rather than clues, and have the girls team up to complete it together.

2. Be my “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue”

Source: Something Blue

For the more sentimental type, write a sweet letter to your girls, like this one:

Tradition says there are 4 things a bride needs on her wedding day: something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. I’m not sure about all that, but I do know:

our friendship is old,

our dresses will be new,

I may borrow your shoes,

and I’m blue without you!

Be my bridesmaid?

3. Custom shoes

Source: Sandals, Gold Shoe

While the converse-and-wedding-dress shoe trend may be fading, writing a note on the bottom of the bride or groom’s shoes isn’t. Extend this to your bridesmaids by giving them a pair of shoes you know they’ll love. These can be flats, tennis shoes, or stilettos. If you have enough planned for your wedding, you can give all the girls matching shoes they can wear to the wedding and/or reception. Write a note on the bottom asking them to be your ‘maids!

4. Send her flowers

Source: Floral Arrangement

Who says you can’t send your friend flowers? Most girls love getting flowers. Send her a gorgeous arrangement; just don’t forget to sign the card!

5. Ask with food

Source: Bridesmaid Cookies

You can’t go wrong with food. There are also tons of options for asking someone to be your bridesmaid that involve food. Take her out to dinner. Order delivery and binge-watch all the romantic comedies on Netflix. Decorate fudge or cookies together (ask her to be your bridesmaid in icing – who could say no to that?!) Maybe she loves a strange food combo, like Michael from Princess Diaries loves skittles on pizza. Instead of “Sorry”, write “Bridesmaid?”

6. Coffee

Source: Bridesmaid Mug, Polka Dot Personalized Mug

Arrange to meet up with her for coffee, but arrive early and order for her. Have the barista write “will you be my bridesmaid?” on her cup. You may need to be a little crafty with this one if she doesn’t notice right away. You could ask “Oh, did I grab your cup on accident? What’s the name?” For the eco-friendly coffee lover, or just for a more permanent gift, get a personalized coffee mug and have the barista use that for her coffee.

7. Personalized (wine) bottle label

Source: Personalized Wine Bottle Label

Get a bottle of her favorite wine, champagne, or other drink an put a personalized label on it. You can order a bottle with the label or make your own.

Want to do more than a bottle of wine? Check out these personalized wine-themed gifts!

8. Video invitation

Source: Video Invitation

For your long distance girls: you can still make the invitation more personal and exciting than a phone call or text. There are tons of cute videos going around the internet where someone makes signs instead of talking to share a story, reveal a pregnancy, or any other reason! You have complete control over this one, so make it as sappy or funny as you want. Maybe your invitation will go viral!

9. Are you having a destination wedding?

Source: Passport Cover

Give her a passport cover with a note inside! Bonus points if the note is on paper that looks like a passport page and is stamped with wherever you’re going (even if it doesn’t require a passport to get there).

10. Use your dog

Source: Dog Invitation

Do your girls love dogs? Or maybe your fiancé proposed to you by putting a ring on a puppy’s collar. A dog is probably the most adorable way to ask anyone anything. So why not your bridesmaids? Hang a sign around your dog’s neck, or just let him lay there and look cute with a sign next to him, if he doesn’t like things around his neck. Can he fetch a newspaper? Have him deliver a rolled up note to your girl.

11. Custom nail polish label

Source: Personalized Nail Polish, Maid Up Kit

Put together your own make-up kit (hint: use your wedding colors!) with nail polish and remover, a nail trimming set, eye liner and shadow, lip liner and lip stick, mascara, blush, foundation, highlighter or any combination of these! If possible, create a custom label for the containers.

12. Scratch off card

Source: Scratch Off Card

You’ve won the lottery with your fiancé, so let your girls share some of your luck with a super cute scratch-off invitation.

There are hundreds of ways to ask someone you care about to be your bridesmaid. The hard part is choosing which way to ask! What’s your favorite?

Product Spotlight: Personalized Gray Crosshatch Convertible Garment Bag

noreply@blogger.com (My Wedding Reception Ideas) — Thu, 29 Mar 2018 13:05:00 +0000

It can be difficult to buy gifts for people you care about. You need something personal, and it should be something they’ll love, but it will be even more special if it’s something they will use, too. This convertible garment bag is an incredible gift – for your husband-to-be, his groomsmen, or even just as a birthday gift. It is perfect for everyone, from gym-goers to travelers, whether they’re taking a family weekend getaway or visiting another country for work.

This polyester and faux leather duffel bag opens up and expands into a garment bag with hanging capabilities. It even has separate compartments on the inside for shoes. The two strap options let you carry the bag over your shoulder or in your hands. The bag offers two outer pockets on either end, and one wider pocket on the front as well.

The beautiful gray material with black accents is stylish without being too flashy, and the bold monogram stands out enough to ensure you’ll never get it mixed up with someone else’s on a baggage carousel in an airport. As an added bonus, this bag is also an airline approved carry on bag, so your traveling just got a whole lot easier if you prefer not waiting around a baggage carousel at all.

If you’re having a destination wedding (or even if you just have to travel a few hours away), these bags are the best gifts for your groomsmen and family members. Fill the bag with travel necessities, fun surprises, their favorite treats, and a thank you note and give them to the recipients when they arrive at the hotel.

Snacks
Drinks
Bottle opener
Hat and gloves (winter wedding)
Sandals and sunglasses (summer wedding)
Advil
Cuff links or pocket square or other matching accessory for the wedding day
A travel toiletries bag
Flask or coffee mug

The groom would love one too – just be sure to include honeymoon-specific items in his bag, too.
The wedding party will always travel in style and be sure to get tons of compliments on their personalized bags.

The Ultimate Wedding Guest Surprise

noreply@blogger.com (My Wedding Reception Ideas) — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 21:08:00 +0000

If you want a relaxed, down-to-earth wedding without the pressures that typically come with wedding planning, this might be just what you are looking for. Throw a surprise wedding! Some couples choose to invite only their closest family and friends, but you don't have to sacrifice quantity if you don’t want to. You can invite 400 people and still not stress over flowers and bridal party drama and seating charts. Sure, it'll be a little more difficult with that many people, but with the right circumstances and enough planning, anything is possible.

Source: Surprise Wedding Sign

The Logistics

That's right. Don't tell anyone, but don't sneak off to the courthouse either. And I'm not talking "celebrity surprise wedding" where they jet off somewhere totally remote, get married, and don't tell anyone until after. Invite everyone to a bonfire or a dinner party, a costume party on Halloween, a Christmas dinner, a New Year's Eve bash, a yacht party, or even just to hang out and have a "quiet night in." Maybe you two just bought a house and you want to have a house-warming party to celebrate. You could also pretend it's an engagement party and have the wedding ceremony instead. If you're really, really good at pretending, have the groom send out the invites and pretend he's throwing a party so he can propose to you; guests will be amazed to find out he proposed months earlier! Halfway through the event, change into your dress and tux, make a toast and reveal you actually invited them to a wedding!

Source: Surprise Wedding Announcement, Surprised Guest

The Perks

You'll have to let a few people in on the secret, of course. Your officiant, obviously. If you want to have a bridal party, you can ask them in advance (and ask them to help plan!) if you trust them to keep it a secret, or you pull them aside the night of and ask them on the spot. If you give them short notice, make sure to tell them they don't need to give a speech or a toast so they don't feel like they have to scramble to prepare.

A surprise wedding may take some extra effort on your part because you don't have as many people who know about it to help, but at the same time, you avoid the stress and drama involved in planning a traditional wedding, so it pays off. In particular, because no one else knows, you don't have to worry about pleasing anyone else. Your mother-in-law won't stick her nose in, your best friend from college who you haven't spoken to in years so you didn't invite her/him won't have a chance to be offended, and you won't have to find a bridesmaid dress that flatters everyone. You can plan at your own pace as well, and your engagement can be as short or as long as you want it to be, without anyone else's input. It can truly be your wedding filled with details you are passionate about, and none that you are pressured to include.

Besides relieving some of the pressure on the bride and groom, you're also relieving some of the pressure on the guests. Particularly, the pressure to bring a gift. For a plethora of reasons, many couples find it awkward to ask for gifts, even though it is common practice for weddings. If your guests don't know it's a wedding, they won't feel forced to find a perfect gift. Or, maybe you already have everything you need – so there goes the stress in trying to register for gifts you may or may not use! Your bridal party won't feel pressured to be perfect or worry about toasts.

Without all that stress and pressure, everyone is left to have an incredible time. Not to mention, a happy surprise adds an almost child-like feeling of delight to the evening.

Source: Secret Moment

The Challenges

The biggest downside to a surprise wedding is some loved ones might not be able to make it. We tend to make bigger sacrifices or exceptions for weddings than we would for a dinner party. There are ways around this, though. If only a couple people can't make it, you could let them in on the secret and let them know you'd really love for them to be there, but you understand if they can't make arrangements. If it's more than a few and you don't want to risk word getting out (even unintentionally), you can just reiterate how important the party is to you and how much you'd appreciate it if they could make it.

One other downside to be aware of is some individuals might be offended by being left out of the planning. If you know someone like this and you're worried about even a partially negative reaction, luckily you can fix it easily. If this person is someone you would have asked to be a part of your traditional wedding, you should consider inviting them to help. Even if you just give them a small task or let them in on the secret a little early, it could go a long way towards protecting your feelings. Or, if you're really set on keeping the wedding a complete secret, write them a sincere letter explaining your decision to keep everyone out of the wedding, and let them know how much you care about them and that you're looking forward to all the new memories the two of you will make. If the person would have been in the bridal party in a traditional wedding, you can throw a secret bachelorette/bachelor party (it's your choice to tell them whether it's just another night out or what it's actually for), or you could wait until after your honeymoon and have a post-wedding bachelorette/bachelor party.

Special Twists

Maybe you're thinking there are other downsides – what about cake and having a photographer and a guestbook?! Don't worry: you can have all of those too. If you want a cake that really looks like a wedding cake, just keep it hidden until after the ceremony. You can have a photographer there too, but it's better if it's someone you know, who wouldn't stand out. You could even set up hidden cameras in the area you're going to reveal the big surprise. This way, you can record everyone's reactions to your news as well as the ceremony without giving anything away. One cute idea is to set out a few Polaroid cameras or even a photo booth. Encourage guests to take pictures all night, and later on, ask them to write a note on the back of the pictures so you can use those as your guestbook or put them in a scrapbook.

What do you think? Will you plan a surprise wedding or do you prefer the traditions that go along with a, well, traditional wedding? Tell us why!

Lush Pink and Gold Romantic Real Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (My Wedding Reception Ideas) — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 16:14:00 +0000

If you're looking for an afternoon pick me up, you've found it with this ethereal, lush wedding courtesy of Clint Bargen Photography. Get ready for a whole lot of pretty, and a super sweet bride and groom!

High school friends Richel (Shay) and Michael struck up a decade-long romance after coincidentally bumping into one another while visiting family for the holidays. On the foundation of years of friendship, they built a love that carried them into a joyous - and stunning - wedding day in the company of family and friends.

VENUE

---

After tying the knot at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Vancouver, BC, the newlyweds and their guests promptly moved over to Riverway Golf Course for the reception.

ATTIRE

---

Shay wowed in a beautiful lace-covered white dress with full-length lace sleeves, while the bridesmaids sparkled in sequin-top blush pink dresses. Mike looked sharp in a crisp blue suit, and his groomsmen sported gray suits with matching navy ties.

DECOR

---

The feel of the day was soft and ethereal, with lush greenery and golden accents balanced by wooden decorations and the existing beams throughout the reception space. Classic florals in white and green featured small leaf eucalyptus and spray roses in mercury glass vases were featured on each round table, and long strands of greenery lined the center of the large family style table in the center of the room.

Fun, playful touches were scattered throughout the reception to capture the couple's love of video games. Spray painted army men and video game controllers acted as compliments to succulent favors and table numbers. A few army men even made it onto the cake.

WORDS FROM THE BRIDE AND GROOM

---

For all the subdued grace of the wedding day, the couple themselves were charged with energy and clearly enjoyed every minute of their wedding day.

“It was Richel's outgoing personality that drew me to her,” Mike said. “She was so energetic, friendly and humorous. From the first day we talked until now, we always find ways to make each other laugh.”

Shay added, “Michael is and always will be my partner in crime. We scheme together, make goals together, laugh together, cry together- we do everything together. I couldn't be more blessed to have someone who also pushes me to be my own person and supports my independence. Mike inspires me in every way and he's one of the main reasons why I always aim to be the best version of me.”

Photographer: Clint Bargen Photography

Location: Riverway Golf Course

Event Planner: D'Love Affair Weddings & Events

Floral Designer: Kaye Fleur

Cake Designer: The Sweet Alley

Design and Decor: Past Pieces

Equipment Rental: A&B Party Time Rentals

Dress Store: The Bridal Gallery

Makeup Artist: Rita Tang Makeup & Hair

DJ: DJ MISS M

The Genius Cocktail Hour Upgrade You've Never Heard Of

noreply@blogger.com (My Wedding Reception Ideas) — Fri, 09 Mar 2018 22:30:00 +0000

Forget about the traditional cocktail hour. We’re tired of snacking and drinking and catching up while sitting at tables or strolling around a yard aimlessly. Yard games are good, but not if we’re inside or it’s raining. Give your guests something new and creative to do while you take your pictures. Receptions are a chance for the bride and groom to interact with everyone they love. Let the interactions start before you even get there, with a “pop-up museum” of your love story.

Source: Cocktail Hour

A pop-up museum is typically created by the visitors; a theme is determined and anyone who wants to participate just has to bring something related to the theme to put on display. This might be a little difficult at a wedding reception, but it can be easily modified to work. You and your significant other can provide the bones of it. Start with baby pictures, maybe even toys or blankets. Set up a maze of tables and props and arrange memorabilia from each of your lives. Ask your family members to bring items they have, too. The more interactive, the better. If you don’t want to burden others with bringing items, just set it up yourselves and let your guests enjoy it in full. Here are some display ideas:

First date
First trip together
Engagement/engagement party
For high school sweethearts, do a yearbook-style display of your high school times
Incomplete scrapbook pages

Travel-themed pages for your honeymoon

Baby pages, if you're planning on having kids relatively soon

Even wedding-themed pages for your wedding day pictures

Source: Sand Keepsake Bottles, Shadowboxes with Trip Mementos, Proposal

The museum can also double as your guest book. Leave cards or slips of paper or notecards scattered throughout the museum so your guests can write notes and advice. The wedding-themed scrapbook pages would be a great idea for your guest book, too – have your guests sign the pages at the reception and work pictures around them later. Or, if you want a more traditional guest book that guests can sign all in the same space, leave that in the museum too! Include a sign that says "You've explored our past – now help us start our future!"

A photo booth would fit right into a pop-up museum. Set up the photo booth in the middle and use props from your lives. Where did you go for your first date? Have a display of menus, movie or concert tickets, etc. from the date. Were/are sports a big part of your life? Use the equipment – a jersey, football helmet, hockey stick, or basketball. What’s your career and does it have anything you can use as a prop? Doctor: stethoscope. Teacher: chalkboard and chalk (this is a good photo booth prop no matter what your job is!). Administration: clipboard and pens. There are tons of options! Just make it personal. Where are you going for your honeymoon? Include travel brochures, sunglasses and beach hats, ski mask and goggles – anything that relates to your trip. Childhood stuffed animals or blankets; gifts from your engagement party/diaper party/wedding shower, if they're particularly significant; pictures of your first home or a special item from it; your first plant; favorite books or movies – the possibilities are endless. Guests can use props from the museum in their pictures.

Source: Photo Booth Backdrop

It’d be super easy and cute to have your favors be a part of the museum.

With the photo booth, encourage guests to pick up something they loved in the museum and use that as a prop; just make sure they put it back so the next person can enjoy it, too. Print out two copies of every photo – one for the guests as a favor (make sure the wedding date is in the picture of on the back!) and one for the bride and groom (ask the guests to write a quick note and sign it).

Is your honeymoon location known for anything in particular? Use that at the end of the museum for a favor. If you’re going somewhere sunny, give sunglasses and sunscreen (bonus points if your reception is outside!), and personalize the sunglasses somehow, either with a sticker, paint, or engraving on the side, or by just attaching a gift tag of sorts. Maybe you're taking a drive through Wine Country. Set out grapes and pears, cheese, crackers, mini wine bottles, and notecards about the bride and groom's favorite pairings. Make sure to have plenty of ice for these!

Source: Wine Bottles, Personalized Sunglasses

Think about the first date display – did you go to a movie? Have bags of popcorn or other candy! Decorate the bags to match the movie you saw together. If you went to a concert, you could give mixtapes (on a CD) with the songs you plan to use for the first dances at your reception.

You could give your guests options for favors, too. Get a few of each of the ideas above and spread them out through the museum so guests can pick their favorites. You'll need some instructions for this, so guests don't take one of everything, leaving others with nothing.

Source: Personalized Popcorn Bag, Wedding Mixtape

This next one is a bit trickier and not everyone will have the means to include it, but one way to really wow your guests within the museum is to live-stream your wedding photos being taken. This allows your guests to see something reception guests don't typically see. It also gives them an idea of when the bridal party will arrive at the reception. These days, we live stream everything. We show the wedding ceremony online for family members who can't make it. Guests take pictures and videos and upload them to social media. Snapchat will even let you create a Geofilter and a Story for your wedding. Why not let your guests view the picture taking, too? Talk to your photographer and find out if this is an option for you. Of course, if you have some surprises planned for your pictures, like getting chased by a T-Rex, you may not want to live stream them!

Source: Wedding Day Photos

Set up a sign at the beginning of the museum to explain it to your guests – it's not very common, so not everyone will know what it is. You'll need just a simple explanation, like:

Bride and Groom's Pop Up Museum

Typically, a Pop-Up Museum is created by the visitors, but we wanted you to relax and enjoy the day, so we created one for you. Enjoy strolling through our love story while chatting, snacking, and drinking until we can join you.

At the end of the museum, you'll find some mostly-empty scrapbook pages. Please leave us a note and be a part of the next chapter of our lives! You'll also find favors scattered through the museum – we chose a few different kinds so you can pick your favorite! We'd appreciate it if you'd start by picking just one. If there are any left when you're ready to leave, you're more than welcome to take another.

Leave the wedding small talk in the past and entertain your guests with memories and fun stories about you and your spouse. It's a creative way to make sure they never forget your wedding day!

3 Tips For Keeping Wedding Guests Involved

noreply@blogger.com (My Wedding Reception Ideas) — Mon, 05 Mar 2018 22:30:00 +0000

Humans love weddings. We love to witness love. But we love parties at least as much. The excitement, the interaction. Even just the food, for those of us who might otherwise prefer a quiet night in. There’s just something about being surrounded by people you care about while celebrating something important and good.

So, while the wedding is, of course, the reason everyone is together, the reception is just as important. The wedding is a commitment to loving each other, but the reception gives the bride and groom a chance to remind everyone of their commitment to friends and family as well. Make the reception a reflection of how much you care for your family and friends and give them a party they’ll remember fondly for years to come.

There are lots of blogs out there claiming to share ways to get your guests involved – but the most involved they get are playing yard games, signing alternative guests books such as surfboards, and writing notes of advice for the bride and groom. Here are some ways to really involve your guests in the reception.

Guest-Curated Playlist

Some of my best memories from every wedding I’ve gone to are of the dance floor. My extended family has every type of dancer covered – the foot-shuffler, the crazy arms, the bumper car, the person doing all the “classic” moves. You’ll see a little bit of everything at one of our family weddings. Because the dance floor is one of the highlights of the night, it’s also easy to remember the awkward, less fun parts on the dance floor; like when the DJ played a song no one liked. We liked to stand in a huddle on the middle of the dance floor, staring at the DJ until he or she played a different song. For us, and for many others, music is one of the most important parts of the reception.

Why not let your guests have a say in what they listen to? Sure, you can ask a DJ to play a particular song, but they don’t always have it in their files, or they don’t always play it when you want it played. When your guests have some say over the music, they’ll get to dance to what they want, and they will enjoy the evening all the more. You might also hear songs you wouldn’t expect to hear on a typical wedding playlist from a DJ but are perfect for your wedding. Not to mention giving your guests the option to participate (not forcing them to) is a great way to ensure everyone will have a good time.

A DJ is important, too, because they typically make announcements and steer the reception through the night. However, they’re not totally necessary. Maybe someone in the bridal party is a great emcee, or a close friend or family member who wasn’t part of the bridal party but you’d still like them to be involved could host the evening. Or, if you want a more laid-back reception and aren’t planning on doing some of the more formal traditions, you don’t have to have an emcee at all. This frees you up to let your guests choose the music.

With Spotify, you can make playlists, listen to a radio station, play every song one artist has ever produced, or you can create a queue. Playlists and queues are fairly similar, but each has its own benefits for a reception.

Source: Spotify Playlist

Playlist

When you create a playlist, you pre-pick the music for the night. Guests can still add to the list, but there’s less say over when the song will play. In a playlist, you can listen in a random order or sort by artist, date added, or alphabetical by song title.

Queue

You can still pre-pick songs in a queue. The main difference between a queue and a playlist is you can choose which order the songs play in the queue. Guests can add any song they want and play it whenever they want.

If you have a lot of children, or maybe some rowdy friends, at the reception, you may need someone to keep an eye on the music – a guest-run playlist has the potential to be disruptive. Maybe two people have a little too much to drink and they begin to fight over which song to play next; the back and forth could cause a lapse in the music and dancing, which should never happen at a wedding reception! Or, a child might think it’s funny to play an inappropriate song. But, if you know your guests and trust them to not be unruly, you can let them have free reign over the music. You might also want to include a note or sign with guidelines, like in this example:

Now that you’ve got the perfect mix, get on that dance floor!

Toasts

After the Maid of Honor and Best Man have said their pieces, the bride and groom should take a moment to thank everyone for joining their celebration. Then, invite your guests to make a toast as well.

Source: Group Toast

These toasts don’t have to be dedicated to the bride and groom. If you have a more outspoken crowd, you could try asking other married couples to stand up and ask if they have any advice or stories to share. Start by asking all married couples to stand up. Say something like “If you’ve been married ten years or less, what advice can you give the bride and groom? Do you have any stories about how you know their marriage will last well beyond the ten-year anniversary?” After everyone who wants to speak has, they can sit down. Continue with couples married up to 25 years, 50 years, as far as you can go before no one is left standing.

If your group is less bold, ask the children! Kids are full of hilarious and surprisingly insightful advice. Their comments can liven up the room and, who knows, maybe they can teach you something about love. Make sure you videotape these speeches – you never know when a little one will strike gold with their opinions.

Dares

A long-standing tradition says whenever a guest clinks their drinking glass, the bride and groom have to kiss. Let’s get a little creative with this one.

During the cocktail hour or before the bride and groom arrive at the reception, have guests write down “dares” (remind them to keep it PG!) for the bride and groom. Collect these dares in a vase or bowl. During the reception, whenever a guest clinks their glass, the bride or groom should draw a dare and do whatever the paper says. Here are some ideas:

Kiss

Dance to a particular song, chosen by the guest (it may be best to keep this one short, depending on the timeline for the reception – pick out a 30-second or so clip of the song)

Share a funny story about each other

Share the moment they knew they would marry the other

Name a particular dance move or two (the moonwalk, the Charleston, raise the roof, the sprinkler). The bride and groom must have a dance off with that move only

Take a shot

Give the oldest family member there a kiss on the cheek

Give the youngest family member there a kiss on the cheek

Source: Dance Moves

If the bride and groom are a little uncomfortable with this, it’s easily turned around. The bride and groom can come up with their own list of dares, and when someone clinks a glass, before the couple kisses, the clinker must complete a dare.

Share a story about the bride and groom

Share a story about their own significant other

Kiss their significant other

Take a shot

Take a funny selfie with the bride and groom

Impersonate a famous person until someone guesses who it is

Of course, the key to a great reception is knowing your audience. What will they enjoy? Maybe your family is on the introverted side, so the dares may make people more uncomfortable than it makes them laugh. Maybe everyone is fighting for the title of court jester, and you can have a friendly roast of the bride and groom or other guest of honor. Think about activities your family would adore and do your best to incorporate them into your reception.

18 Card Boxes to Complete your Gift Table

noreply@blogger.com (My Wedding Reception Ideas) — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 18:30:00 +0000

The gift table can be a tricky part of a wedding reception. For some, receiving gifts is awkward and they don’t want the gift table to be the center of attention. For others, gifts are a burden and they don’t want to think about the gifts at all. Still others are excited about the gifts and reading the cards from their loved ones. These days, more and more people are forgoing the wrapped gifts in favor of just cards and money, because they already have most of the household items they need.

Wherever you stand on the issue, the gift table is a significant part of any wedding reception. The table should be easy to find but out of the way and somewhat innocuous. Once you’ve figured out the location, though, comes the fun part – the decorating. Of course, you’ll want to keep the decorations fairly simple. You can, however, go all out on the card box instead!

The card box is often the centerpiece of the gift table. It’s the clue your guests need to know where to leave their presents, before anyone else leaves a gift or card there, at least. So why not make it an eye-catching, comment-grabbing clue?

Are you having a black tie affair? Check out these two simple and elegant card boxes:

Source: Black Bow Treasure Chest Card Box, Ivory Satin Treasure Chest Box

Do you love to travel? These suitcase and globe card boxes can help send you off on your honeymoon with a flair.

Source: Suitcase Card Box, Globe Card Box

Or maybe a Cinderella story wedding is in the works?

Source: Fairy Tale Coach Card Box, Carriage Wedding Card Box

Or, these scrolled metal boxes go great with just about any decorations – floral, lace, fairytale, casual, elegant – take your pick!

Source: Scrolled Metal Mailbox, Scrolled Metal Card Box

Speaking of floral themes, why not use a planter for your card box? This moss-covered square planter is beautiful, but any flower pot would do. You and your fiance could get a simple terracotta planter and paint it to match the rest of your decorations.

Source: Moss-Covered Card Box

For the beer and wine lover, this keg is a beautiful cardholder. Not to mention it can be used later as a decoration in your home!

Source: Wine Barrel Card Box

For a summery, outdoor reception, think about a picnic basket or a log card box:

Source: Picnic Basket Card Box, Log Card Box

If you’re going for a more modern, simplistic feel for your wedding reception decorations, you need this gorgeously simple card box. The beautiful Circle of Love design and the engraved monogram make this a great keepsake box for after your wedding, too!

Source: Circle of Love Card Box

Another great option for a simple feel is this photo box:

Source: Rustic Photo Card Box, Black Photo Card Box

This rose gold terrarium card box is the perfect accessory for a floral or otherwise plant-themed wedding. Surround it with bouquets or potted plants or succulents to create a beautiful display. After the wedding, you can dry your bouquet and put them in the box, or you can turn it into an actual terrarium!

Source: Terrarium Card Box

Our love for vintage isn't going away any time soon, and this hat box holds cards beautifully.

Source: Vintage Hat Box

If vintage isn't quite the old school vibe you're looking for, take your gift table back to its roots with the original card box: a mailbox!

Source: Mail Box

Which box is your favorite? Comment below!

Product Spotlight: Hourglass Wedding Unity Sand Ceremony Set

noreply@blogger.com (My Wedding Reception Ideas) — Tue, 20 Feb 2018 22:30:00 +0000

A sand ceremony is a beautiful addition to a wedding. The sand ceremony stemmed from the tradition of lighting a unity candle. The ceremonies both symbolize the joining of two families. More and more people are turning to sand rather than candles because a candle will eventually blow out. The sand, on the other hand, allows a visible, tangible representation of two people joining their lives together – and it can last forever.

Source: Sand Ceremony Hourglass Vase

The ceremony is usually performed during the wedding ceremony itself, to reinforce the vows the bride and groom just promised each other. The bride a groom each pick a color of sand and either take turns layering their sand or pour their sands at the same time, blending the colors together.

The sand can come from a favorite beach or can be chosen for its colors. Ideally, you’ll have two very distinct colors, but if the sand is especially important, the separate colors can take a back seat. You could also dye a portion of the sand, if you want to use sand that is the same or similar colors.

Another option is to perform the sand ceremony during the reception, so you can have your family members join in as well; this could be particularly important for a couple who has children, and even more so if the children are from a previous relationship. The ceremony represents combining the bride’s and groom’s worlds – shouldn’t the next most important part of those worlds be involved too? If you choose to include others in the sand ceremony, you can use a rainbow of colors or different shades of two colors, to represent the two families.

This simply stunning hourglass is a perfect vase for a sand ceremony. While serving as a display for the sand, it also acts as a representation of time: two families joined for the rest of time. If you need another reason to convince you to include a sand ceremony in your wedding, just think of it as the next best thing to a destination wedding – bring the sand to you!

Source: Colored Sands, Hourglass Unity Ceremony Set, Keepsake Hourglass Set

Which kind of unity ceremony will you include in your wedding? Tell us below!

Traditional Pink and Purple Scottish Real Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (My Wedding Reception Ideas) — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 23:00:00 +0000

Paul got down on one knee with Christina's great granny's engagement ring in front of the Fountains of Montjuic to propose, and only a little over a year later, the two tied the knot. We thought it couldn't get any more romantic than that sweet proposal, but Christina and Paul's wedding is the kind of dreamy affair we wish we could have seen in person. Traditional Scottish elements blend perfectly with classic, formal details to create an event we won't soon forget. A huge thank you to BWedding Invitations for sharing this beauty with us, and to Carley Buick for capturing it all!

Shades of pink, pops of deep purple, and tons of lush greenery add to the romantic feel of the day. The bride says they thought the interior of their venue was so beautiful that it wasn't necessary to have a bold style - and we couldn't agree more. The space inside St Andrews in the Square in Glasgow is one of the most beautiful venues we've ever had the pleasure of laying eyes on, making it perfect for both the wedding ceremony and reception.

The morning of the wedding, Christina surprised her bridesmaids with customized bridesmaid gifts in gorgeous blue and gold hat boxes. Silhouette cards on top are addressed to each of her closest friends. Inside, she included fun hair ties, Godiva chocolates, mini champagne bottles, and a few other items.

Christina looks flawlessly breathtaking in a mermaid wedding dress from Atelier Pronovias. The illusion neckline features lace appliqués and is separated from the gorgeous skirt by a narrow belt. The bridesmaids wore floor-length rose chiffon A-line dresses with a cross-front neckline, and groom and groomsmen donned plaid kilts and sporrans to tie in the traditional Scottish feel.

Guests got to enjoy an assortment of beautiful candies from the dessert table boasting a custom heart display stand filled with Ferrero Rocher chocolates.

Wedding Invitations: Adorn Invitations

Dress: Vicenta Dress by Atelier Pronovias

Makeup: Louise Ballantine

Hair: The Hair Boutique Renfrew

Shoes: Badgley Mischka

Bridesmaids Dresses: Watters

Grooms Suit: Geoffrey Kiltmakers

Photographer: Carley Buick

Menus & Place Cards: BWedding Invitations

Cake: A-cakes

Food: Café Source at St Andrews in the Square

Flowers: Flowers 4 Hours

Ceremony & Reception Venue: St Andrews in the Square, Glasgow, UK

Music: Little Red Wedding Band

String Quartet: Capella String Quartet