Custom Reception Centerpieces

• If lighting a Unity candle is part of your ceremony, give each guest a candle at the entrance of the ceremony (or if done at the reception, have one at each place setting). Have them to light their candle from the unity candle the bride and groom lit together, this gives them the reason they are at your wedding, because they have been a part of your lives and are a part of each of you, this ceremony further bonds them to you both.
• Pass around a blank journal book, ask the guest to write their own memory of the bride and or groom.

• Instead of the traditional guest book, have a framed canvas for your guest to sign. This is something you can  hang in your  home together as a unique memory of your wedding day.
  • Leave blank squares to mount snap shots, from the ceremony to make as a collage.
• Another thought is have a friend of family member at the door with a Polaroid instant camera. Take photos of each guest as they enter, and have them sign the photo. That way you really get to see everyone of your guests!
• I just read a really neat idea where the guests were each mailed a guestbook page to do with as they will, decorate, write what they wish, etc. The guests then bring the page with them to be placed in the guestbook. What an awesome memory, very personal, and very unique.
  • The bride and groom will have something much more well thought out then a hurried scrawl in a book as they pass by, they get to think and create and make it memorable.
  • Great for all those scrap booking creative people out there, they can make a masterpiece for the couple perhaps including some memory photos of themselves with the bride and or groom!

• I noted on previous pages, this idea I think is just fantastic: a break-away bouquet. Each mini bouquet with a charm, each charm has its own meaning (each charm based from the countless myths and folklore). When thrown the bouquet breaks apart, and it is also a surprise which charm (or wish) each maid will  receive. So no more mad massacres at the reception! Well not as much of one (depending on how many maids you have at your reception), since there would be several bouquets going into the air. (The charms are a nineteenth century American custom)
  • How to? Some florists know how to do this, but this really is so simple you can do it your self. Make several mini bundles of flowers (hand tie the stems, and attach a "cake" charm to each bundle) gather the mini bundles then tie a wide ribbon around the group (do not knot it), make it so when you throw it you can hold onto one end of the ribbon and set the mini bundles free.
  • Make the mini-bouquets even more meaningful, use floral meanings, create a bundle with specific meaning and charm (with corresponding or complimenting meanings) , attach a little card explaining the floral meanings of the bundle and the charm's meaning.
• If early morning, or late-evening carrying lanterns or candles is beautiful, make sure that this is ok with the location to do this (some location have restrictions on such things). Be care of the use of ribbons or flowers around open flames, or the heated unit of the lantern, might want to just keep them plain.
  • This is something I was planning, when we hoped to get married at a light house, still might use this when we renew our vows down the line.
• See also total Theme ideas below.

• Break-away centerpieces: mini individual baskets, vases, or other holders with a small bundle of flowers in each, gather them together to form a larger looking bouquet. Each mini bouquet can be take home by guests. Instead of baskets or vases, bind the stems of each bouquet, cut the bottoms evenly, let them stand on their own.
• A single flower at each place setting, wrap around the stem paper with some unique wedding traditions (per your culture, or at random). This might encourage conversation amongst guest who are not previously acquainted. (A friend of ours made each table represent a culture, and had meanings of that cultures traditions written down at each place setting).
• Potted plant as a centerpiece, this often is much less expensive, it is also able to be enjoyed much longer. You can also do the break-away centerpiece idea here to, with several potted plants gathered together, you can also tier smaller ones to make more of an impact. Paint each pot, or cover in fabric or tulle tie a wide ribbon around the center. If the plant is all greenery, stick some silk flowers in it or live singles strategically into the pot. Another idea is to add some crystal marbles glued to copper rods and stuck in the plant too. Go wild with creativity, feel free to email me I really would be happy to help!

Individual Favor Ideas:

• One of my favorites is giving a small seedling of a tree, have each guest plant this on their property of the property of a friend or family member to remember you both as the years pass.

• Take the "Wedding Cake" to where it came, as a pile of pastries, and baked goods. This can be as pretty or unusual as you are. This can save money and also goes with the reason to have a wedding, which is to create a wonderful memory not just a cookie cutter ceremony.
  • You can have all identical beautifully decorated individual cupcakes. Pile them up elegantly on cake stands. Several tiers would look beautiful.
    • Assortment of cupcakes, different flavors and styles. Again the tiered cake stands would look excellent.
  • Go completely for tradition and have your guests each bring different pastries and bake goods and have them pile them up as the original idea of the wedding cake came from! This can be just your direct family and friends, also have an explanation posted at the table for others who are not aware of the origin of the wedding cake. This would be definitely something to photograph, completely unique very memorable (certainly not cookie-cutter)!

• Try a caricaturist to do caricatures of your guests.
• A high Tea for a reception instead of the regular dinner. This is very elegant, and since not typical would be very well remembered.
• A desert reception, saves many bucks, but again would be memorable. Serve opulent and unique desserts, this goes perfect with a beautiful candlelight wedding! (be sure to note to the guests that it is a dessert reception, you do not want a crowd of cranky & hungry guests at your wedding!)
• If your attendants have significant others or spouses at the wedding, instead of having them all sitting on display at the head table create an intimate table for two (the bride and groom) and let the attendants sit with their spouse of significant other.
• To encourage guests to dance, assign each table a love song, when the band (or DJ) plays that song that table should get up to dance. You know likely know whether this would work or not with your crowd, but is a neat idea.
• Balloon artist to make balloons, especially effective if a number of kids will be there.

• How about a Picnic? Bridesmaids in either gingham or floral, each carrying a basket, instead of or with wildflowers. Have this in a park, the food, of course would be picnic fare! (Very casual, affordable and relaxing!)
  • Ceremony could be held there too, no need for guest to travel from ceremony to reception. But it would still be nice even if you did decide to go from a ceremony location to the picnic.
  • Table setting? have a picnic table with picnic baskets each containing a gingham cloth, plates, cups, etc, and the meal (fried chicken, corn on the cob, cubed melons and beverage, and a candle of course) The guest choose the basket (they are all the same, so it does not matter) and they choose where they wish to sit, by a tree, out in the open, etc.
    • Think about it, the basket might be 20 bucks each (including the utensils and dishes), and  this would be per two people.
    • The food you could pick up prepared at the grocery if you did not feel up to the bother of preparing it yourself, there would be no fee for flatware, dishes, or hall.
    • No centerpieces to worry about, nature would take care of the beauty naturally.
    • No seating arrangements, or table cards to deal with. Not to mention, how relaxing!
  • For the wedding cake? How about tiered cake stands with slices of pie on it (apple of course, and blue berry, peach, etc).
    • How much less expensive than an ornate wedding cake no one remembers or sees? They will remember the pies!
  • Music? You could either go with a violinist, guitarist, flutist, or a combo, or you could do true picnic style and get a boom-box or pull a vehicle up and blare the music from the vehicle! This depends on if you want a more elegant picnic or a "normal" picnic. Either way, Have fun with it!
  • Entertainment? Have some of those rental boats available, for guest to go and enjoy.
• Lighthouse wedding, instead of flowers lanterns, ceremony held at sunrise or set would be ideal!
  • The picnic would go well with this too, or depending on the lighthouse location something connected to the area or the lighthouse's history, would work out really nice.
• Hayride Wedding. Of course the fall would be ideal for this. You could have the bridal party brought in on a hayride, and keep it around for reception entertainment (perhaps pony rides too). Hay bales for seating. Favors wrapped in bandannas.
  • Groomsmen gifts could be personalize branding irons (very effective if they like to grill allot).
  • bouquets would be wildflowers (add some wheat in there too!) tie with raffia or narrow ribbon.
• Winter Weddings can be awesome!
  •  Silver is a dreamy crisp accent. For Christmas time add some bells to the bouquets. Sprinkle silver glitter on white and icy blue flowers, or over white tulle covering the bouquet. The maids carrying wreaths instead, candles or lanterns.
  • Of course you can take it to be totally opposite and do a tropical theme in the middle of winter, or an indoor garden party, use your imagination make to your day, as it should be!
• Make a theme based on something near and dear to both of you, a place, perhaps where you met, sport or activity, movie or theatre, a time period (the twenties, sixties, seventies, eighties...), military, or based on your honeymoon, your own ethnic background, or dream place (Ireland, Italy, Island.. ) use the culture or traditions from those places as part of your ceremony, or the decor or ethnic costume.
• Surprise party: Neat twist, surprise the guests. Invite them to a birthday party which is really your wedding. Theme the event as such making it very casual and simply a fun party! Buffet tables with normal party fare (chips, crackers, ill wieners, grilling dogs and burgers), and so on.
• Pool & Barbeque! (Along with the Surprise party and picnic wedding, another casual option) If you do not have a pool, and no one you know has one, check out a local public or private pool. See if you can rent it for a Pool & Barbeque party. If you are close enough to a beach that obviously would work too, check restrictions, see if you could do a night bonfire!
  • The fool typical barbeque
  • The dress typical cookout ensembles! (Groomsmen in coordinating Hawaiian shirts and Bermuda shorts or swim trunks)
    • Maids could wear the same as the groomsmen, or cool swimsuits, or fun comfortable sun dresses.
  • Bouquet could be an inflatable flower, (check your local Spencer's or hit Oriental Trader or Hippygifts.com.) other floral for the bridal party leis of course!
  • No seating arrangement needed, nor table cards! Bathing suits recommended!
  • Favors? Mini Super Soakers! Click sun screen bottles, sunglasses, beach hats, mini personal battery operated fans, Or other fun back yard toys, inflatable-s (pool toys or beach balls)!

• Keep everyone (friends, family, guests & attendants) current with a newsletter, or website.
  • If the group does not know each other well, add photos and bios on each member.
  • Add a calendar of events, like alterations by such a date, tuxedo fittings, or tux pickups by this date.
  • If people are coming from a distance include some local info (things to do, places of interest, places to stay, maps).
  • Also can include registry info, where and how etc.

• Photo Opportunities:
  • Guests really hate to hang outside and wait for the couple to come out, so they can toss the fertility blessings on you both (bubbles, birdseed, etc). It also loses the whole feel of the event, when they have to wait then wait and wait again.
  • When walking down the aisle, make it smooth, stopping for a photo really unnerves everyone. Talk to your photographer in advance about these kind of shots and or find one who can work with spontaneous motions.
• Drinks: A lot of people feel required to serve alcoholic beverages at the reception, there are a few for-thoughts to think about.
  • Guests paying: this is an insult to your guests to pay, know your guests and how they will feel. If they know how things are for your financially and perhaps the bride and groom or paying for the event that might be another story, but for the most part people get annoyed when they have to pay for the alcohol.
  • Speeches: make sure speeches are given early, so you don't have any intoxicated surprises.
  • Home Safely: Think about your guests (and others on the road) if you will be serving alcohol make sure all guests have a designated driver or you are making arrangements for their safe trip home, or have rooms available (if at a hotel or near a hotel).
• The Dances:
  • OK really a very small percentage of the human race enjoys the Chicken Dance, Macarena, and Electric Slide. Know your guests, and if you know this will be uncomfortable make sure your DJ does not include them. They are embarrassing, and really are not amusing.
• Stranded Guests:
  • If your have a bridal party member who has a guest with them, you might want to consider having your bridal party sitting with other guests including their spouse or significant other then stranding this person with people they may or may not know.
• Seats Please!
  • Perhaps it is a wine and cheese event, or Hors D'oeuvres event, make sure everyone has a seat. There are some areas that have these no chairs events, and it makes many people uncomfortable.
  • If you are doing something unusual make sure there is someone there to direct things. If you have food rooms, certain rooms with specific courses etc in each, make sure there are people there to help the guests. Nothing is worse then a guest feeling alienated because they have no idea what is going on, where to go, and what to do.
• Kids:
  • Don't Ban the Kids! One of the most fun portions of a wedding is including children. If you have children close to you both, then they should be part of this important event, include them, invite them! Children can also add levity to and otherwise tense occasion.
• Make it Unique!
  • No matter how much money you spend, if your wedding is cookie cutter and seems rehearsed no one will remember it and most will not enjoy it. Make it your own, make it part of you both, not part of a book you read, or do things you think you "have" to do! Share with your guests part of who you both are!
  • Consider having a day after the wedding gathering or perhaps 2 weeks after, share this event with those who shared it with you! (nice and informal and casual, just be who you both really are!)
• Late on a Sunday:
  • Keep in mind many people have to work on Monday, and also think about anyone who has had to travel to arrive at your wedding. A wedding that begins at 5:pm reception at 630 pm dinner might be served about 7:30 or 8:pm by the time that is over might be 9:30 pm and then there is cutting the cake, dancing and mingling.. your guests might not be able to get home till midnight or later. They have arrived to be there to be part of your important day, simply leaving early is not an typically an option (remember they want to be there and enjoy the event).