Get Creative With Your Wedding Table Names

At most weddings, when guests arrive at the reception, they will be directed towards a seating chart or escort cards to guide them to their seats. While you certainly could name your tables 1 – 15, it is quite standard and adds no style or personality to your wedding. Why not take the opportunity to do something fun or expressive? These are some great ideas on how to get creative with your wedding table names.

If your wedding has a theme, choosing creative names for tables will be a snap. Let’s say that you are planning an Old Hollywood Glamor wedding, complete with a red carpet and glitzy bridal jewelry sets. Each of your tables can be named after a famous film or movie star, such as Marilyn Monroe or “Roman Holiday”. Or if you were having a tropical theme wedding, choose related names like luau, Pina Colada, and hibiscus. Once you get the ball rolling, you will come up with more themed name ideas than you even have tables.

Table names which relate to the bride and groom are always a nice personal touch at a wedding. If you have no particular theme, why not name all the tables after your favorites? It could be books, movies, songs, or places, just to name a few. One of the great things about this concept is that it can be a terrific conversation starter for your wedding guests at dinner. You could choose a theme without stating it, like Hitchcock films or Audrey Hepburn characters, and see how long it takes everyone to piece it together. Before you know it, your Aunt Mildred and old college roommate will be happily chatting about whether Grace Kelly was better in Hitchcock’s “Rear Window”, “To Catch a Thief”, or “Dial M for Murder”.

Some couples like to tie their table names into their honeymoon destination. For a honeymoon to the City of Lights, choose from Parisian landmarks such as the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe or use more simple concepts like patisserie and croissant. Or celebrate your roots; a pair of newlyweds from New York could name their reception tables Statue of Liberty and Broadway. To make it even more entertaining, print a picture of each location under its name.

French Inspired Wedding Details

Looking to add a little “ooh la la” to your wedding? Trying to put together a reception with that perfect “je ne sais quoi”? Why not give your wedding a chic European flair with these fabulous French-inspired wedding details? The results are sure to be “magnifique”!

When planning a wedding with French details, the only place to begin is with the wine. Make your wedding an event to remember by serving a flight of fine French wines with dinner. What that means is that a sommelier pairs each course of the meal with a wine which is the perfect complement to the food. It is a truly fine way to present an elegant dinner. Another idea would be to have a tasting of a selection of French wines during the cocktail hour, led by a wine expert. Naturally, French Champagne will be a priority for any Francophile’s wedding!

The food will be one of the highlights at a French-inspired wedding. You can really make a splash during the cocktail hour with passed hors d’oeuvres such as canapes and mini quiches and stations overflowing with French cheeses (Brie in puff pastry!) and fresh baguettes. For dinner, consider serving classic French fare like escargots, poulet a la Provencale (chicken sauteed with white wine, capers, garlic, leeks and tomatoes), or filet mignon (make it special by topping it with a tasty French sauce). Follow with either a regular tiered wedding cake with a French design such as fleur-de-lis, or opt for the authentic French wedding cake, the croquembouche.

Little French touches can be infused throughout the rest of the wedding. The bride can wear a gown made from French lace paired with glamorous bridal jewelry. Music is a wonderful way to convey a mood at a wedding, so why not treat your guests to classic French songs such as those by Edith Piaf, the beloved French chantuese. Splits of French Champagne or wine could be the wedding favors, perhaps personalized with a tag reading “merci”. The style and romance of France is a wonderful source of inspiration for a memorable and chic wedding.

The Wedding Reception Viennese Hour

Let’s face it: everyone remembers a wedding which had really great food. My first encounter with a Viennese hour was at a Winter Wonderland wedding. The bride wore a beautiful beaded gown and dazzling crystal bridal jewelry. The band was amazing. But what I really remember about that wedding was the moment after dinner when the doors were opened to an adjoining room to reveal the most spectacular display of desserts I had ever seen in one place: the Viennese hour.

The basics of a wedding Viennese hour or dessert bar are cookies, bars like brownies and blondies, cakes, pies, and mini pastries. Regional specialties should certainly be on the menu; think New York cheesecake in Manhattan or beignets in New Orleans. Individual servings of favorite desserts like crème brule and chocolate pudding should also be on the menu. And this is only the beginning!

Chocolate and candies are another part of a Viennese hour. The most impressive way to serve chocolate is a chocolate fountain. Guests find them irresistible, and love the chance to dip fresh fruit, pretzels, and gourmet marshmallows into the flowing chocolate. Another option is to present chocolate dipped fruits like strawberries instead of having the fountain. An array of white, milk, and dark chocolate dipped fruits would be especially nice.

Once you have the basic elements of your wedding Viennese hour decided, it is time to choose your “wow” factor. Remember that a Viennese hour should be elaborate and indulgent, so this is the time to really pull out all the stops. Any number of specialized stations will work as your “wow” feature. Choose one, or if space allows, include them all to really blow your guests away. An ice cream sundae bar is one idea for the main feature. A custom crepe station with an attendant to make whatever your guests want is an elegant addition. Or go for a nostalgic carnival theme with cotton candy and funnel cake carts. With all of the elements in place, you can be certain that your guests will remember your wedding reception Viennese hour for years to come!

Orange Wedding Bouquets

One of the nice things about orange wedding flowers is that they come in a terrific variety, both in terms of depth of color and style. Let’s begin by exploring some wonderful options for orange spring wedding bouquets. Is your style sweet with a hint of vintage? Then try a romantic collection of ruffly sweet peas in a lush apricot color. The apricot hue combines marvelously with all shades of yellow flowers, as well. Tie it up with an antique moire ribbon for the perfect orange spring bouquet.

Summer wedding flowers tend to be on the bright side, and orange is one of the best colors to choose. For a casual affair, you can’t beat a simple round bouquet of orange and fuchsia gerbera daisies. A jaunty striped ribbon will be the ideal accent. If your style is more dramatic, choose a grand bouquet of bright orange tiger lilies. This would be a fabulous addition to an otherwise white wedding attire and jewelry look. Very sophisticated.

In the autumn, orange is one of the top colors. For a classic fall bouquet, try combining a variety of orange hues, from vivid to rusty. Many of the most poplar flowers of the season come in a shade of orange. You can create gorgeous bouquets by combining zinnias, mum, and dahlias. Add some unique character with textural accents such as hanging Chinese lantern pods, berries, and even dried vines. A rustic burlap wrap would look great for an informal wedding, or dress things up a bit with a rich chocolate brown velvet ribbon.

Typical winter wedding colors are red and white, but why not try an orange bouquet for something less expected? One of the prettiest winter wedding bouquets I ever saw was a classic nosegay of terra cotta roses accented with hypericum berries. Mango mini calla lilies would make a gorgeous sophisticated winter bouquet, as would exotic orange orchids arranged in a dramatic waterfall cascade. There are so many spectacular options for orange bridal bouquets that there is something to suit almost any bride’s taste.

Khaki Suits for Grooms

I love a tuxedo as next as the much person, but it is not the only option for wedding attire for a groom. Unless the wedding is to be very formal, in the spring and summer months, it can be so much more fresh and modern to lighten things up a bit. Enter the khaki suit: appropriate for an elegant daytime wedding yet perfectly in style for the season, it can be an excellent alternative to either a tuxedo or a traditional navy suit. These are some ideas on how to style khaki suits for the groom and his groomsmen.

A spring garden wedding is a wonderful place for a khaki suit. Instead of a basic white shirt, why not have the men in the wedding wear shirts in a pastel color? Pale blue is always handsome, or select a shirt color which coordinates with the wedding colors. Light yellow shirts are very springy and surprisingly neutral. A discreet pattern on the groom’s shirt, such as a tiny gingham check would be a marvelous addition.

A great idea for a tie for a garden wedding would be one with a small floral print, such as a Liberty floral. It would look fresh and springlike with a khaki suit and light colored shirt. If your groom will not go for a floral print, a small print in a motif which appeals to him could be nice, such as a green and white golf design. Keep the rest of the accessories simple, such as a classic pair of silver monogrammed cufflinks (these also make great groomsmen gifts). A cheerful daisy boutonierre would be a great finishing detail.

In the summer, khaki suits are perfect for nautical themed weddings. What could be more crisp and classic than khaki paired with navy and bright white? For a dash of color, mix in subtle accents of lime green or red. Starting with the shirts, pair the khaki suits with either a pure white or an elegant French blue. Embrace the nautical theme with anchor or sailboat cufflinks, which are not only terrific gifts for groomsmen, but also for the groom himself. Select a tie which either has diagonal stripes or a discreet nautical print. Motifs like anchors, ships’ wheels, knots, or whales are just a few appropriate tie motif ideas (check out places like Vineyard Vines for great looking options). With so many ways to wear one, the khaki suit is really the go-to look for spring and summer grooms.

Summer Wedding Checklist

Make sure that you have not overlooked anything with this handy summer wedding checklist…

Venues and Wedding Coordinator: This is certainly tops on the list. It is not too late to decide that you want to hire a coordinator just to make sure that the wedding day itself runs smoothly. Definitely be sure that all contracts are signed and delivered for both the ceremony and reception venues, if you have not already done so.

Musicians, Photographer, and Florist: By the early spring, your wedding vendors should be in place. However, you do still have some time to work on specific details. Your florist will certainly need to have your final bouquet and centerpiece selections made a few months in advance so that all the necessary blossoms and supplies can be ordered. However, as long as you have all song requests and a list of desired photographs in to the musicians and photographer a month before the wedding, that should be sufficient.

Caterer and Baker: Good caterers go fast, so hopefully you already have yours booked! Most caterers will want your final menu in a month or two before the event, and then the complete head count within one or two weeks before the reception date.

Transportation, Bridesmaid Gifts, Beauty Appointments: By early spring make sure to have your limos and beauty appointments scheduled. Bridesmaid gifts do not take as long, but why not get that important detail checked off your list now, rather than leave it until things are ultra-busy at the last minute?

Summer Extras: In the summer, especially for an outdoor wedding, be sure to plan for the things which will make the experience pleasant for everyone. That means things like suncreen wipes and possibly insect repellent (either to wear or environmental, like tiki torches and citronella candles), plenty of bottled water to offer guests as they arrive to the ceremony, pretty paper fans (great combo with the wedding programs), and a tent for shade.

With everything checked off of your list, it should be smooth sailing ahead to your summer wedding!

Unique Ideas for Wedding Entertainment

Sure, everyone has a band or a d.j. at their wedding, but why stop there? If you really want to wow your guests, think outside the box, and provide some fun and different entertainment which will set your wedding apart, play up your theme, or just plan make for a great party experience. To get you started, check out these unique ideas for wedding entertainment.

Certainly music is a wonderful way to set the mood at a wedding reception. If you or your fiance come from a cultural background which has a heritage of music, why not showcase it at your reception? A Mariachi band would be a fun addition to the dinner hour if the newlyweds have Mexican heritage. If you ancestors hailed from Italy, have several violinists wander through the cocktail hour or the dinner portion of the reception. Or honor your Scottish background with a bagpiper announcing your grand entrance to the party instead of just the bandleader. For a wedding with a Celtic theme, let a line of Riverdancers enchant your guests with their steps. In fact, any of these musical additions would be wonderful for a wedding even if the couple did not come from those cultural tradition.

Adding special details to a wedding is a fantastic way to give it a personality all its own. As every bride knows, the custom bridal jewelry or artisan designed invitations will make her wedding one-of-a-kind. The entertainment is no exception to this rule. Let’s say you were having a tropical theme wedding, with a flowy bridal gown and custom beach wedding jewelry. Firedancing with a Polynesian flair would be a dramatic addition to an outdoor evening wedding. Having a daytime tropical wedding? Why not incorporate some lovely hula dancers? Make it even more fun by having the dancers offer group lessons at the end of their performance so that your guests can give the hula a try.

There are many other inventive ideas for exciting wedding entertainment. You could have belly dancers or a traditional Chinese dragon performance. Hire a magician to entertain your youngest guests if you will have a lot of kids at your wedding. The possibilities are nearly limitless, and the best part is that you can tailor your special show to fit your own interests and wedding theme.

Cute and Affordable Wedding Favors

The wedding favors are a nice way to thank your guests for attending your wedding. Yet they need not be extravagant to be enjoyed, especially when you consider how many of the favors you will need to buy for your entire guest list. These are some great ideas for cute and affordable wedding favors.

Some of the best wedding favors are those which tie in with some other aspect of your plans. Let’s say that you like hearts, and are planning to use them for everything from your bridesmaid gifts (heart shaped crystal pendants make beautiful bridesmaid gifts) to your invitation motif. A very cute idea for the favors is a heart shaped cookie cutter on each place setting. It is something which will reinforce your theme, is romantic, and will cost less than $1 per favor. You can even make your favors do double duty by tying a card with each guest’s name on it to the cookie cutter and laying them on the plates at the dinner tables.

Candy is always a popular wedding favor; the trick is to present in a way that feels original. An adorable idea for a spring wedding would be to get tiny “nests” in which to place the candy. They will look very charming, yet are not costly. Their diminutive size also means that it won’t take a lot of Jordan almonds or chocolates to make the nests look nice and full. It sure beats a circle of tulle holding the candy for originality and style.

Some wedding favors look more expensive than they really are. A bride who has creative abilities could purchase a large quantity of plain bud vases or votive holders and paint them herself. A design which ties in with your wedding theme would be lovely, just be sure it is something that would be attractive for everyday use. In other words, a clear vase handpainted with morning glories would be very pretty and thoughtful, but one personalized with your initials and wedding date would not be something your guests would be likely to use in their homes. The possibilities are nearly endless, and remember that great wedding favors do not have to be costly or extravagant to be appreciated by your guests.

Casual Chic Rehearsal Dinners

The rehearsal dinner is a wonderful opportunity for the family of the bride and groom to come together the day before the wedding. A relaxed atmosphere is often best, as it allows everyone a chance to mix and mingle before the big day. Take a look at these great ideas for casual chic rehearsal dinners.

For a spring rehearsal dinner, a really cute decoration would be small white ceramic flower pots with handpainted polka dots in lime, pink, yellow, and lilac. Any combination of the colors would work, or select one favorite to use throughout the room. Fill the diminutive pots with flowering bulbs like mini daffodils or hyacinth. Very sweet, but not too formal, perfect for a casual chic rehearsal dinner.

In the summertime, decoration options abound. For a rehearsal dinner at the beach, why not skip flowers and place hurricane lanterns in piles of sand with a few shells on each table?  Another idea is to place a bunch of freshly snipped flowers in a casual vessel, such as peonies in a pitcher or hydrangeas in a galvanized tin pail. The elegant flowers and the informal vases will help to create the desired atmosphere of relaxed elegance. Serve great food, like a crab or lobster boil on the beach, along with fresh ears of corn. The food is not fancy, but it is festive, which is ideal.

In the autumn, create a casual chic rehearsal dinner with colorful mums in wicker baskets. Hearty comfort foods prepared well will be crowd favorites. Things like homemade mac-n-cheese and apple pie would be big hits for the dinner menu. In the winter months, create a casual chic party with white branches instead of flowers for the table decorations. Hot cocoa with fresh marshmallows would be a terrific after dinner drink to serve.

Finally, always remember that the bride and groom set the tone for the rehearsal dinner. The bride should definitely wear a cute dress, even if the location is very casual. A white knee length sundress with a simple pair of pearl earrings would be lovely for a warm weather party. In the cooler months, if a dress felt like too much, the bride could choose to wear a beautiful cashmere sweater with a pencil skirt and stylish boots, along with her pearl earrings and a few charm bracelets. As for the groom, he can skip the tie if he wants, but it would look nice to wear a jacket for at least the beginning of the party. With the bride and groom looking so stylish, it will surely be a casual chic rehearsal dinner to remember!

Delicious and Gorgeous Chocolate Wedding Cakes

Everyone loves chocolate! Instead of the traditional white wedding cake, it can be really great to choose a rich, yummy chocolate cake instead. These days, you don’t have to hide a flavored cake under plain white icing, either; not only can you have a chocolate cake, but go ahead and frost it with chocolate icing, too. These are some fantastic ideas for delicious and gorgeous chocolate wedding cakes.

A chocolate wedding cake can be the perfect centerpiece for a grand wedding reception. Let’s say you were planning an opulent reception in an ornate ballroom in a luxury hotel. Begin by designing a cake which is very tall; five or more tiers would be good – you want your wedding cake to make a statement. Place it upon a silver cake stand and decorate it with fresh red roses between each tier. Top the cake with a small antique silver vase filled with red roses. Then decorate the sides of each tiers with a hand applied scroll pattern in crystals. The sparkling detail will really pop against the dark chocolate frosting, and is a fabulous complement to the bride’s Swarovski crystal bracelets, earrings, and bridal necklace.

There are some great modern cake designs which can be created for a chocolate wedding cake. Take three narrow layers and stack high before covering with a smooth-as-glass brown fondant. Adorn each tier of the wedding cake with circles in varying sizes done in white, lime green, and tangerine for a mod cake that will steal the show at the reception. Or opt for a modern elegant cake and decorate a fondant covered chocolate cake with an all-over damask motif in a contrasting color like sky blue. So sophisticated and definitely delicious.

Chocolate works great for a country wedding cake. A low cake with two or three wide tiers would look wonderful decorated with fresh strawberries for a summer reception. Another gorgeous idea is to decorate the cake with chocolate cosmos and pink wax flowers. Whichever decorations you choose, your guests are sure to love the sweet ending to your wedding reception!