Rethinking Reception Entertainment

Who says your only wedding reception entertainment has to be a DJ/Band and perhaps a photobooth thrown in?! That's right, no one! When thinking of ways to entertain your wedding guests, try thinking out of the box for a change. Do you and your fiance live for nights by the fire? Do you love spending countless summer afternoons playing lawn games? Don't worry if you haven't seen it in a wedding magazine or on a wedding blog, just do what feels right to YOU. Here are a few fun ways you can entertain your guests...outdoors, of course! :) 

Firepit/Camp fire.

Lawn Games - Bean Bag Toss (Cornhole) & Croquet.

Lawn Games - Horseshoes. 

Photo credit # 1 :: Marianne Wilson Photography. 

Photo credit # 2 :: Green Wedding Shoes.  
Photo credit # 3 :: Prepare to Wed.

Alternative Outdoor Seating :: Hay Bales

Hay bales are the perfect alternative seating arrangement for a rustic outdoor ceremony. You don't have to be getting married on a farm to pull it off either. Hay bales work great for backyard weddings, barn weddings, and even lakeside weddings...really any outdoor space will do.

Where to find? Finding hay bales is likely a lot easier than you would think. Check with local farms or horse stables as a 1st option. Often times, farms and stables will let you borrow the hay for a small nominal fee (sometimes free!), with the promise that you will return the hay bales post-wedding. If you don't live in an area with many farms or horse stables, you may want to check with a local landscaping company. Landscaping companies use hay when they spread grass seed, so it is very likely that they will have hay on hand. 

Accessorizing? Yes, accessorizing. You will need to find some way to cover the hay bales, because you certainly do not want your guests sitting on bare hay for a 30 minute ceremony. Umm...can you say "uncomfortable"?! Yeah...you get the idea. Accessorizing is fun! You can cover your hay bales with virtually anything...blankets, quilts, pillows, cushions...you name it! 

Allergies? It's important to keep in mind that some of your guests may be allergic to hay; therefore, having a few extra chairs on hand is recommended. Don't forget about your elderly guests who may also need a chair to sit on as well. 

Reuse? Hay bale seating isn't just for ceremonies. Don't forget about reception and/or lounge seating later on in the evening!

Photo credit :: Tec Petaja via C is for Charmed.

Vintage Book Table Numbers

I'm a sucker for pretty little details, and let's face it, these vintage book table numbers are quite charming. I think they add such an element of interest to the tables that guests are sure to love! After all, it's all in the details, right?

Photo credit # 1 :: The Found Blog

Photo credit # 2 :: 100 Layer Cake
Photo credit # 3 :: Amanda Rae Blog
Photo credit # 4 :: Next Exit Photography via Every Last Detail

Stripey Straws

Yes, stripey straws. These cute little straws pictured above are popping up EVERYWHERE lately! We have gotten dozens of questions regarding these adorable little things, so I thought a blog post would be fitting :) And yes, those are the official name. I didn't just make that up.

While there are many stripey straw resources out there, our favorite place to get these from is Shop Sweet Lulu. If you have not been to Shop Sweet Lulu's website yet, I recommend you check it out immediately...like now! There are SO many delightful details available that you just have to see it if for yourself!

Photo courtesy of Leeann Marie Photography. 

For Your Dancing Feet :: Flip Flops

Some say flip flops at weddings have gone "out of style". I disagree. What girl doesn't like to kick off her heels, throw on a pair of comfy flip flops and let loose on the dance floor?! Comfort doesn't go out of style. See my point? Not to mention, I still see flip flops at over half of our weddings each season. This "trend" doesn't seem to be letting up anytime soon. In fact, I've had at least 3 brides contact me within the past few weeks asking for advice on flip flops. Therefore, I thought I would write up a few helpful tips on this subject. 

• How many? Go through your guest list and count each woman/girl attending. I recommend having enough pairs for just about every single one of them. You don't want to leave anyone out. They will go quick, trust me!
• What sizes? This is tricky. Obviously, you aren't going to ask each guest their shoe size; therefore, I recommend purchasing the most common sizes: 7, 8, & 9. Be mindful of the little girls too - if you're inviting children, you should also think about purchasing a few smaller sizes as well.
• How to display? Get creative...there are no rules here! Think about your wedding style, and what type of container would suite your style best. Most common way of displaying? In a tub (as pictured above), basket, bucket, or even wooden box. Don't forget a cute sign too ;)
• Where to purchase? Hands down one of the most popular stores to get cute & cheap flip flops is Old Navy. Don't forget about stores like Target and Kohls too.

Tip :: If you have the ability to color coordinate the flip flops by size, I highly recommend doing so! As you'll see in the photos above, the bride not only color coordinated them, but also added fun little size tags to each pair as well. Totally optional, but definitely practical! 

Photos courtesy of Leeann Marie Photography.

Skeleton Key Wedding Inspiration

Sometimes, the most simplest of things can make for such interesting displays. Enter...the skeleton key. Little known fact: I am obsessed with skeleton keys. I've had my eye on a Tiffany skeleton key necklace for quite some time now. Hint, hint dear husband of mine ;) Anyways, the skeleton key made a quick appearance on the blog with this creative save-the-date last February, but today I wanted to share some other unique ways you can incorporate the skeleton key into your wedding. I'm sure many of you have seen the skeleton key escort card display (pictured above), but did you know you can also use them in your bouquet, guestbook, and even have skeleton key inspired stationery created? Are you incorporating the skeleton key into your wedding? If so, we want to hear all about it!  

Photo credit #1 :: Kate Headley via Ritzy Bee
Photo credit # 2 :: Diana Marie Photography via Elizabeth Anne Designs  
Photo credit # 3 :: A Gray Blog 
Photo credit # 4 :: Larissa Cleveland via Style Me Pretty  
Photo credit # 5 :: Gabriel Harber Photography via Inspired Bride

French Macaroons

You've probably seen these colorful little beauties popping up everywhere in wedding magazines and blogs lately. These cookies really are just about the cutest cookies out there, so today I thought I would share some macaroon inspiration with you. Enjoy!

Photo credit # 1 :: Rowell Photography
Photo credit # 2 :: Talia Events
Photo credit # 3 :: New Zealand Weddings
Photo credit # 4 :: Bakerella

Etsy Find :: Custom Illustrated Save the Dates

One of our 2012 brides recently sent this Etsy find to us, since she is considering using these for her save-the-dates. Umm, one word...ADORABLE! We won't say who sent this to us quite yet, since she hasn't even sent them out, but we just had to share this fun idea! I see a lot of different styles of save-the-dates, but these I have yet to see. I love that it's a custom drawing of the bride & groom AND you can even include your pet(s) for free!

Check out the Etsy listing for more details.

Cookies, Cookies, & More Cookies!

We see a lot of cookie tables here in Pittsburgh, but this one in particular is just too cute not to share. This is the cookie table we set up for Brienne & Adam's wedding last October. Caryn Azure, the couple's fab wedding photographer, just sent these photos over to me so I could share with all of you. We love all of the charming details this cookie table had - the doilies, the polka dot 'take out' bags, ribbons on the cookie stands, window decor, the 'Love Is Sweet' banner...basically we just love all of it! It's pretty clear to see why their guests just couldn't get enough of this cookie table. Kudos to Brienne and her family for spending countless hours baking these yummy treats!

Photos courtesy of Caryn Azure Photography.

Wine Bottle Guest Book

I think I have a thing for unique/alternative guest books...just take a look at all of our guest book related posts. I just love this wine bottle idea though, perfect for the wine connoisseur. There are a number of different ways to incorporate a wine bottle guest book into your wedding, but my favorite way is to have several different wine bottles available for guests to sign - all marked with various anniversary labels. For example, 1 year, 5 year, 10 year, etc... You'll also want to consider the size of your wedding when determining how many bottles you'll actually need. When each milestone anniversary rolls around, you'll have an aged bottle of wine to toast with and lots of congratulatory wishes to read. 

This idea is a simple DIY project, but if you're not into arts & crafts, you can purchase a wine bottle guest book kit from EV Creations on Etsy. 

Tip :: When labeling any bottles or containers that may be refrigerated, be sure to purchase water proof labels!

Photo courtesy of Wendy Hithe Photography.

Mini Cinnamon Rolls

I seem to be on a dessert kick lately (can you tell from our recent blog posts?!), and just couldn't pass up these mini cinnamon rolls on a stick. How perfect would these be for a fall or winter wedding? I love the idea of sending guests home with a warm treat after the reception is over. These cinnamon rolls would also work great for a bridal shower or Sunday morning brunch.

Photo courtesy of Zoe Bakes.

Unique Guestbook Idea :: Wood Wedding Puzzle

Kudos to my awesome assistant, Meghan, for sending me this fun guestbook idea she found on Etsy. Meghan and I both share a love for unique wedding elements - we're suckers for anything fun and original! Since this puzzle obviously meets both of those criteria, I had to share. 

How does it work, you ask? First, display your puzzle face down (puzzle can either be assembled or disassembled - whichever you prefer). Your guests then sign the back of the puzzle pieces (each puzzle piece has space for a name and a short message). After the guest signs their puzzle piece, they flip over their piece and put it in place. After all of your guests have signed the puzzle pieces, you will have a completed puzzle that can serve as a wedding memento for years to come. Cute, huh? 

For more information regarding the puzzle, head on over to Etsy.

DIY Hot Cocoa Favors

You may or may not already know this about me, but I absolutely despise coffee. My beverage of choice in the morning? Why, hot cocoa of course! I stumbled upon these cute little DIY hot cocoa favors on the Ruffled blog this morning, and immediately wanted to share. Super affordable (only 35 cents each!) and easy to make, these would make great favors for fall + winter weddings. 

For complete detailed instructions on how to make these for your own wedding, click here. 

Photo courtesy of Ruffled.

Cupcake Escort Cards

 

I think I actually squealed out loud in excitement when I came across these cupcake escort cards on EAD! These unique escort cards can double as a favor + dessert for your guests. Perfect for a smaller wedding, bridal/baby shower, or even rehearsal dinner. No matter what type of event you choose to make these for, they are sure to be a big hit with your guests!

For more details on these too-cute-to-pass-up cupcake escort cards, including instructions on how to make them, please visit Elizabeth Anne Designs.

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Anne Designs. 

Mini Desserts in a Jar

What's not to love about mini desserts in a jar?! Good for your waist line and oh so adorable! Perfect for weddings, bridal showers, and holiday parties! 

Photo Credit 1 :: Green Wedding Shoes

Photo Credit 2 :: Cakies Blog
Photo Credit 3 :: Our Best Bites