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.

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. 

Naming your Reception Tables

A great way to personalize your reception and add a touch of character is to name your reception tables instead of just numbering them. Most people still choose to number them (for order & direction of course), but are also creating unique names to go along with the numbers! Here are some examples that I've seen:

• Using travel destinations that the couple has traveled to together (Ex: Table 1 - Cape Cod, Table 2 - The Hampton's, etc...)
• Using words that describe love/marriage (Ex: Table 1 - Devotion, Table 2 - Laughter)
• Using your European honeymoon as inspiration (Ex: Table 1 - The Eiffel Tower, etc...)
• Using various flower names (Ex: Table 1 - Lilly, etc...)
• Using a favorite love poem or lyrics from a song and then choosing meaningful words from those to name your tables

The possibilities are really endless! If you want to add an extra attention to detail factor in your overall wedding design, naming your tables is a great way to do this!

"Should I have a head table at my reception?"

A very common question I am asked by my brides lately, is if they should have a head table or not. My answer is it's completely up to you and your fiance; however, I personally like the idea of not having a head table. I have several reasons why...First, at a head table you limit your contact time with your guests and often times are only able to talk with the people sitting on either side of you during dinner. Second, there are actually some brides (and especially grooms) that don't really like being the center of attention and having everyone stare at them during dinner makes them feel slightly uncomfortable. Lastly, if your bridal party attendants are married or are bringing a date with them (which is the case the majority of the time), having a head table distances them from that other person and can be quite uncomfortable if their date doesn't know many guests at the wedding.

My advice is to either sit amongst your guests or have a 'sweetheart' table where just the two of you sit together. If you choose to sit amongst your guests, you can do this in a number of different ways...some brides and grooms choose to sit with just their maid of honor and her date and the best man and his date. Or, they choose to sit with their parents/grandparents and close relatives only. Whichever seating arrangement you opt for at your reception, I recommend that the seating chart be done at least 2 weeks prior to the wedding date so you have time to think about the best options for your situation.