Displaying Table Numbers at Your Reception

If you are planning to have assigned seating at your wedding reception, you will need a way to indicate the number of each table. There are standard ways to display table numbers, which are fine, but perhaps a bit unoriginal. From the classic to the quirky, these are some ideas for displaying the table numbers at your reception.

If your style is very classic, you can make a small variation on the standard table number provided by the wedding venue. An easy way to make it more special is to use your own number cards. An ivory card stock with the number spelled out in a fancy script would be a nice alternative to the basic black and white card. Swap out the plain card holder for a more ornate version with a gold scroll design, and suddenly your table numbers will go from standard to sublime.

Tall table numbers can be nice because they are easy to read from a distance, but they can also detract from the centerpieces and other table décor. For this reason, many brides prefer a numbering system that is low and unobtrusive. This opens up all sorts of decorative options. Picture frames can be a nice display idea, as well as a fun way to add style to your reception tables. Choose frames that complement another element in your wedding, such as your color scheme or the gems in a set of handcrafted bridal jewelry. A pearl bordered frame would be a classic and elegant tie in to bridal jewelry that is handcrafted with pearls, or select crystal rimmed frames for drama and sparkle.

If you want to keep things really streamlined and simple, a folded over tent card can be just right. To keep it from looking like an afterthought, design a tent card with style. Bold colors, interesting fonts, and layered paper will ensure that your table numbers enhance the overall effect of your tablescape. Another idea is to add an accent to each number tent, such as gluing on a shell or starfish for a beach wedding. There are endless possibilities for ways in which you can make your table numbers into a special accent at your reception instead of just a basic necessity.

Boots and Black Tie Weddings

If you are a Texan, you probably know just what I mean by a boots and black tie wedding. The literal meaning of a boots and black tie wedding or event is that the gentlemen wear black tie attire, but instead of the traditional shoes, they wear a great pair of cowboy boots (your dressy black cowboy boots, please, not the scuffed up ones that you wear working on the ranch!). At this type of party, the ladies will also wear very elegant attire, most often long dresses, but they are also free to add some character to their outfits, as well. Western inspired details are the most common choice, and some of the ladies may also decide to wear a very fancy pair of boots as well under a long full skirt.

The spirit of a boots and black tie wedding is one of relaxed elegance. In other words, it is black tie, which is formal, and yet, festive, fun, and above all, never stuffy. The bride can wear any gown that strikes her fancy, although with the men in black tie, it needs to be fairly dressy. An all-over lace gown can be the perfect answer, and if the skirt is full enough, the bride can even wear her own pair of boots under it (this is cute under a full skirt, because the boots will only peek out once in a while). To bring the look back down to earth, unique handcrafted bridal jewelry is great, as is a loose hairstyle.

Part of the spirit of relaxed elegance will be achieved by the music at the wedding. You definitely want a great band for dancing to really get the good times rolling. If you are a true daughter of Texas, you might go with a hot country band. Brides who are not country music fans could consider another style of music with a folksy edge that will get the toes tapping, such as zydeco or Irish folk music. What to avoid? Anything too stuffy like classical music.

Food is always a big part of the festivities at a wedding.  Choose a whimsical cake topper to perch atop your dessert, such as a little bride and groom dressed in formal attire with cowboy boots (this is the type of thing that you can custom order from a website like etsy).

A boots and black tie wedding is a fun twist on the traditional formal black tie wedding. It is one of the rare occasions in life where you can have your cake and eat it, too; an elegant and stylish wedding that is also festive and fun. Whether you are a native son or daughter of the Lone Star State, or are just looking for inspiration for a great wedding theme, a boots and black tie wedding might be just what you have been looking for.

Fun Public Wedding Venues

There is a trend in weddings these days to get away from the expected and the traditional and instead to have more fun and be creative. A great way to achieve this is by having your wedding at a unique and fun venue, rather than the usual ballroom, club, or hall. These are some great ideas on the festive public places that you can consider for your wedding venue.

When you are having your wedding at a fun and unique place, you should definitely embrace the spirit of your site. For instance, there is no point trying to have a formal reception at a carnival or fair. Instead, get into the swing of it, by offering your guests cotton candy, candy apples, funnel cake, blooming onions, and other fair favorites. You can use your invitations to give your lucky guests a preview of your wedding. Design them to look like the admission ticket for a carnival by substituting your wedding details for the fair information, and blowing them up to a standard invitation size.

The wedding party attire should also fit in with the special venue. The bride can certainly still wear a white wedding gown (expect a massive dry cleaning bill afterwards!), but it should be lighthearted and whimsical, not serious or very traditional. Handcrafted bridal jewelry in pretty colors would make a nice alternative to the classic strand of pearls. You can have your bridal jewelry handcrafted to match the color of your bridesmaid dresses, or even go for a fun tutti-fruity mixture of colored crystals, would which suit a carnival or fair perfectly.

This is the type of wedding where hiring a really talented photographer is key, because you will have the opportunity to get some fantastic shots. Forget about posed group photos, and make your wedding album be all about capturing the enjoyable moments of your wedding reception. Take advantage of the special features of your reception site. For example, a Coney Island wedding would not be complete without some photos of the newlyweds on a wooden rollercoaster. The carnival offers many wonderful photographic backdrops, such as the ferris wheel, carousel, and even the strong man contest (maybe the groom can ring the bell and win a prize for his new bride!)

Your wedding is a time to have fun and celebrate. Choosing a unique and fun public place for your venue is one great idea to make your wedding a memorable and enjoyable time for your guests. As they say, let the good times roll!

Rich Accessories for Autumn Brides

If you are an autumn bride, you will be delighted to hear that there are some wonderful accessories available to you. The best pieces embrace the warmth of the season with rich tones and luxurious textures. Check out these perfect autumn wedding accessories for inspiration.

A great place to begin when choosing your accessories is with your headpiece. For autumn, some of the nicest motifs are abstract floral and vines. Look for pieces such as hairpins and tiaras that have little flowers created from freshwater pearls or Swarovski crystals. When you are shopping for pearls, keep in mind that a warm ivory tone will be better for fall than stark white. Vines are a very pretty motif, especially if you are planning to use some autumn leaves and branches in your wedding centerpieces.

There are many fabulous options for bridal jewelry sets that would be perfect for a fall wedding. It is often possible to have your bridal jewelry handcrafted in your choice of colors, so why not take advantage of this to design a custom set of jewelry especially for you? Bronze and amber Swarovksi crystals and pearls look gorgeous in combination with 14kt gold and creamy freshwater pearls. Handcrafted bridal jewelry in the warm tones of autumn are the perfect accent for a fall bride.

Something else to think about for fall is a special wrap in case the weather is chilly. These can really run the gamut from rustic to very elegant, so there will be a cover up that is a beautiful complement to any style of gown. One of the most basic styles is a simple silk wrap in a heavy satin, a soft slubby silk, or a crisp organza. Although you could certainly choose a wrap that matches the color of your bridal gown, you might also think about having some fun, and letting your cover up bring a nice pop of color to your wedding ensemble. You could either order a wrap in a color that matches your bridesmaid dresses, or simply choose your favorite rich fall hue. Some great options include chocolate brown, cranberry, or a deep golden yellow. Rich tones, metallics, and nature-inspired elements are all perfect accessories for autumn weddings.

Should the Groom Get a Say in the Gown?

Tradition holds that it is unlucky for the groom to see the bride in her wedding gown before the ceremony. However, more and more couples are bucking this custom. In some cases, the groom even gets to help pick out the bride’s dress! This got me to thinking, just how much say should the groom have in selecting the wedding gown?

When the young couple is paying for the wedding themselves, they will need to come up with a detailed budget. This means that even traditional brides who intend to keep their gowns a surprise until they walk down the aisle may still have to allow the groom a voice when it comes to the price of the gown. Now personally, I frown on this, because most men have no clue about how much it costs to look fabulous, but in the interest of fairness, if joint funds are being used, the groom should probably get at least some say on the appropriate price range for the bridal gown, veil, and handcrafted bridal jewelry. Of course, if you do not want your fiance to have even this much influence on your gown selection, you might want to set aside your own separate funds beyond the general wedding budget so that you can spend whatever you feel is necessary to get your dream gown.

It is very important to most brides that their future husbands will be wowed by them the moment that they walk down the aisle. To this end, they are often very nervous about picking a gown that he will like. One way to get some input without giving everything away is to ask him his general likes and dislikes about dresses. Of course, you may not get very far with this, because a lot of men do not have strong opinions when it comes to ladies’ fashion! But if you think about it, you probably have a pretty good sense of his taste. Does he always compliment you when you wear a certain dress? Then you can use that as your jumping off point.

For those who are very concerned about the groom loving the wedding gown, the final step is to actually take him dress shopping. To be frank, I am not a big fan of this, as I think that it takes away from the bride’s big reveal on wedding day, but more and more brides do choose to go this route. This is especially true when the couple is assuming joint responsibility for the purchase of the gown, and she wants to make sure that he is happy with their investment (particularly when the gown is a costly designer one). I suppose that one advantage to this approach is that when the groom goes shopping for a gift of handcrafted bridal jewelry for the wedding present, he will know what will look best with the gown! In the end, as long as it works for you, it is fine to let the groom have a say in the bridal gown.

Florida Destination Weddings

Brides and grooms have always loved warm weather destination weddings. Many couples today, though, are not interested in the expense or hassle of getting married in a far-flung exotic island. For a warm and sunny wedding destination that is close to home, why not think about Florida, the Sunshine State?

Couples who are looking for a beach town that is all about having a good time can consider Key West. This little paradise on the Southern tip of Florida is known for its laid back vibe, tolerant attitude, and fascinating locals. Oh yeah, and don’t forget the key lime pie – yum! For a Key West wedding, a simple chiffon or organza wedding gown with unique handcrafted bridal jewelry would be ideal. Plan your wedding to take place during one of the legendary Key West sunsets.

If an urban beat is more your style, then you will love the chic flavor of a Miami wedding. This is the perfect spot for couples who love the nightlife. Serve up local Cuban-inspired food at your wedding and hire a great dance band with a Latin flair to give your guests the full Miami experience. For your honeymoon, stay at one of the renowned Art Deco or modern boutique style hotels. You can spend your days sunning yourself on South Beach, and your nights dancing at fabulous clubs.

And finally, no discussion about Florida wedding destinations would be complete without mentioning Disneyworld. This is a popular wedding destination for brides and grooms from around the world. If it has always been your fantasy to feel like a princess on your wedding day, then Disney is for you. Choose a Cinderella-inspired ballgown and top it off with fabulous handmade crystal bridal jewelry for a fantasy look as you marry your Prince Charming. A Disneyworld wedding is sure to be a dream come true.

Napkin Accessories for Your Reception

Napkin accessories? That’s right, at your wedding, even the napkins deserve a little adornment. There are numerous different ways to ornament the napkins at the place settings, from expensive to really cheap. The key is to choose a decoration that is not only beautiful, but that ties in with the rest of your wedding décor, as well.

Flowers are one of the most classic choices for napkin accessories at a wedding. A single blossom can be tucked into a neatly folded napkin for a festive surprise when your guests arrive at their seats for dinner. Often, the flower will be the same type that is featured in the centerpieces. However, if your centerpiece flowers do not lend themselves to this application, a classic white or pink rose is always a wonderful choice.

Ribbons are wonderful accents for your reception tables, and there are so many different styles from which to choose. A wide satin ribbon tied into a bow around a napkin says luxury. The napkins can be gently rolled, and secured with the ribbon of your choice. This is also a nice way to add more color to a mostly white table design.

If you want to get into something a bit more unique, consider having napkin rings handcrafted to coordinate with your bridal jewelry. Large faux pearls can be wired into a napkin ring for the bride who has chosen handcrafted freshwater pearl bridal jewelry. For an evening wedding, a ring created from dazzling Swarovski crystals would be a spectacular addition to your reception tables. The crystals can be in an “ab” finish to catch the candlelight, or in a combination of two alternating colors that tie in with the centerpieces.

For a winter wedding, snowflake ornaments can double as napkin adornments and wedding favors. Tie each snowflake to the napkin with a narrow silver satin ribbon, and put a small card on each table that lets your guests know that the ornament is theirs to keep. It is a great way to add style to your reception tables while also giving your guests a wonderful keepsake from your wedding.

Weddings with Artistic Flair

If you or your intended have an artistic side, it would be wonderful to bring this sensibility to your wedding. There are many fantastic ways that you can express your creative side in your ceremony and reception. Your wedding is the perfect chance to share your love of the arts with others, so let your creative juices flow!

Look for special and unusual accessories to give your wedding ensemble that artistic touch. Handcrafted bridal jewelry is a wonderful option when you are looking to show off your creative side. Anyone with an appreciation for beautiful things will love bridal jewelry that has been handcrafted especially for them. Other special handmade accessories to consider would include shawls, veils, and purses.

Give some thought to how you can use your artistic abilities to enhance your wedding. Perhaps you are a painter; why not hand some of your favorite canvases on the walls of your reception venue to really personalize it? If calligraphy is your passion, you can hand address your invitations, as well as designing beautiful programs and menus. There are countless ways that you can showcase your creative side in your wedding plans; if you are an avid quilter, you could hand make a chuppah or an arch covering for your ceremony.

Finally, don’t forget to thank your guests for coming with a creative and festive wedding favor. At one wedding that I attended, the bride hand made ceramic ornaments with a flower and her wedding date on them. This same bride also handbeaded the edge of her chuppah, and made her own invitations. Once you get those creative juices flowing, you will find tons of great ways to make your wedding more artistic and unique.

Finding Your Bridal Style

In the wedding business, like all others, there are trends that come and go. While no one wants to be caught looking outdated or “so last year”, at the same time, you do not want to become one of those fashion victims who hops onto the trend of the moment. The key is to find balance, and to have the confidence to express your own personal style as a bride.

One of the key elements of having your own style is to be aware of trends without slavishly following them. For instance, one of the hottest looks for brides right now is the one shoulder gown. It is a great way to make a statement that you are right on top of the latest fashions, and it can be very beautiful. However, if asymmetry has always driven you crazy, it would nuts to go along with this particular trend. No matter how beautiful the gown, if it does not feel like you, you will look and feel uncomfortable in it all day.

For brides who have no clue about their personal style, a good starting point can be your own wardrobe. Think about the clothing and accessories that you are drawn to day in and day out. Perhaps you reach for your favorite crisp white blouse each Monday morning. Then a tailored gown with classic lines will be the wedding dress equivalent. Maybe you don’t care what you wear, as long as you can layer on some funky necklaces. Then make shopping for great handcrafted bridal jewelry a central part of your mission.

If you are still feeling stumped, think about what you truly dislike (this is one of the first questions a good bridal consultant will ask you). Maybe you are very sporty, and shudder at the thought of being made to wear a frilly lace dress. Perhaps you are afraid of looking like everyone else; for you a gown handcrafted by an up-and-coming designer paired with unique bridal jewelry may be just your style. Once you start making a list of your dislikes, your preferences will quickly become easier to see.

Acorn and Oak Leaf Wedding Motif

If you are planning a wedding for this fall, this is the perfect time to decide on your motif and get your details planned. A wonderful theme for an autumn wedding is acorns and oak leaves. Acorns symbolize good luck and oak leaves represent strength and longevity – what an auspicious start to your marriage!

With so much meaning behind your theme, you will want to be sure to share an explanation with your guests. Your wedding programs can be the perfect chance to say a few words about the luck and longevity behind the acorn and oak leaf motif. A short paragraph can be placed at the bottom of your program, or even on the front cover.

As your guests arrive at your ceremony, greet them with a stunning handmade velvet acorn and leaf wreath. You can use real or high quality faux leaves layered in all of fall’s beautiful colors. Then create little velvet acorns using real acorn caps for texture. These can be scattered throughout the leaves to create a gorgeous wreath. Finish it off with a wide satin bow. (You can get detailed instructions on how to make the wreath from Martha Stewart.)

Such a beautiful theme can even be carried into the wedding attire. The bride could think about having an acorn and leaf design hand embroidered somewhere on her gown, such as the train, or on a sash at the waist. Choose warm colors for the design that will tie in with your flowers and bridesmaid dresses. Handcrafted bridal jewelry in a warm color like copper or bronze would make a lovely accent. You can choose bridal jewelry that is handcrafted with sparkling crystals or lustrous pearls for that perfect bit of flair.