Check out these absolutely breathtaking flower arrangements from Jessie at Rountree Flowers. Yes, that’s Rountree – not Roundtree – she named her business after her Grandfather, Herman Rountree, an accomplished illustrator from Rhode Island. Seems as though Herman’s talent was handed down to Jessie – I’m absolutely in love with the second bouquet – such unique colors!
If you’ve been trolling the internet day and night for beautiful glass vases that don’t bust your budget – troll no more! Check out CYS Excel. Yes, their website looks a little shady, but you get great customer service, prompt delivery and good quality products.
They have all types of glass vases from tower vases to huge cylinder vases to giant glass jars for your candy bar at really really great prices. It’s a bargain hunter’s (and event planner’s) dream! One last tip – many times their website will say they’re sold out of an item…try giving them a call directly to see if they do have it in stock. Chances are they have it and the website just hasn’t been updated yet!
Recently, a couple asked me what options could they consider for their buffet selections outside of the typical “chicken, beef or fish.” The answer is: stations! Instead of having one long buffet line of silver serving trays, go for 4+ stations that offer unique cuisine options and decorative motifs. Check with your caterer to see what they offer and what they can accomodate. Overwhelmed by options? Select 2 stations that represent your hometown and 2 that represent your favorite vacation destinations. Here’s a long list of suggestions to get you started:
Mashed Potato Bar photo courtesy of CuisinEtc!
Expand your wedding, event or company logo to coasters! In addition to customized stationary and napkins, have custom coasters printed for your event. This inexpensive detail will create a cohesive look for your party and will stick in the minds of your guests. Try Absorbent Ink or or Coasters for Less where they allow you to upload your own design or choose from a variety of templates. Pocketbook not an issue? Give custom tile coasters as part of your favors!
Traditionally, cocktail hour is reserved for an open bar and passed appetizers. Why not change it up and offer some fun activities?
Face painting and friendship bracelet stations would be perfect for a casual, outdoor affair. Christmas parties could feature a make-your-own-ornament table filled with glue, pipecleaners and assorted craft materials. A pumpkin carving station or caramel apple bar with choose-your-own toppings would be great for an autumn affair. Unique activities during cocktail hour will be sure to have your guests excited to attend your next event!
This is a question that often comes up from my socially-inclined brides. They love the idea of a head table to visit with their friends throughout the evening. However, they *also* love the idea of having a few intimate moments with their new husband to share a bite to eat and a few private words. To decipher this common issue, I recently asked Kate – one of my most favorite brides who ended up choosing a head table – what she thought.
Her response was perfect: ”It’s not very often that you get all of those loved ones together at one table. Enjoy their company at your wedding. You can talk to your husband during the honeymoon!” Well said! Stay tuned for some more thoughts on head tables…
For those hosts and hostesses whose tastes lean more towards personal, vintage and unique: we suggest choosing vintage tablecloths for each table instead of the average white linens or custom-designed ones. We adore the idea of a small, intimate wedding that features different vintage tablecloths in coordinating colors.
The idea also lends itself to using different sizes and shapes of tables which really makes your event look more personal. Check out Etsy for a good source of pretty vintage tablecloths and see below for our suggestions for an event with a red color palette. These inspirations are perfect for afternoon weddings, events taking place at a winery or small inn or anything where a personal touch will go a long way.
A fireworks display is unique idea that’s becoming more and more popular these days. We love the idea of the guests walking out of the reception after having an amazing time and being greeted with a gorgeous fireworks display.
Another option is using Chinese flying lanterns. There are many different legends behind the use of Chinese flying lanterns: a high-flying lantern brings prosperity and good luck, or it brings good fortune in the future. On thing is certain: the picture below is captivating! It’s a beautiful way to get your guests involved in your day as well by having each person send a lantern as they leave. Whether it’s fireworks, flying lanterns or something else in the sky…what a great way to send off your guests!
Make your entrance into your event an unforgettable one! Here are just a few ideas on how to ensure your guests are wow-ed from the start.
Just found this on YouTube and had to share – something funny especially for those of you out there who are tearing your hair out with planning your wedding!
