All posts in Reception

Themed Wedding Menu – A Wild West Summer Wedding

cowboy wedding

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If you have picked your wedding venue and have a general theme in mind, then it’s time to start working on your menu and tying everything together. Today I am going to give you some tips on how to create a themed wedding menu. Let’s pretend that you are having a summer wedding on a dude ranch. We are going to go through various ways you can incorporate a Western cowgirl type theme into your food and drinks.

Signature drinks: As your guests start filing into your reception, have servers ready to start handing out your signature drinks. This drink should tie into your Western theme and will be your guests first impression of what the night has in the store for them. For example, your signature drink could be a 7 and 7 or a rum punch. You could even come up with your own cocktails mixes and give them fun themed names.

Just make sure you have something to offer the non-drinkers such as lemonade or iced tea. Remember, water is always a must!

themed wedding ideas

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Small bites: Guests typically want to mix and mingle for a bit before the big meal, so have a few of your favorite tasty appetizers on hand to go along with those cocktails. Some great options for this theme would be: sliders, onion rings, quesadillas, and chicken wings with blue cheese or rich BBQ sauce. Also have servers offering guests kabobs or skewers with fruit and vegetables on them. It’s a good rule of thumb to make sure that there something for everyone.

themed wedding menu ideas

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BBQ: When I think of a Wild West summer wedding, I immediately picture red and white checkered colored tablecloths and traditional BBQ cuisine. If you have a favorite BBQ restaurant in your town, ask them if they cater and what their options are. Think BBQ chicken, beef brisket, pulled pork, short ribs, corn on the cob, cornbread and coleslaw!

western themed wedding

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Dessert: Whatever you and your husband-to-be decide on for your wedding dessert, just be sure to have fun with it! Tell your wedding cake designer what your theme is and she what idea they can come up with.  Cake pops are also a great idea for weddings and would be perhaps more the wild west style you are looking for. They are an extremely popular dessert option right now that also be custom made to compliment your color scheme and your overall wedding theme. Another way to add a bit of great detail to your dessert is to have unique custom made cake topper for your cake. Representing your wedding theme with a fun topper will certainly provide you and your guests many laughs for years to come.

themed wedding cake ideas

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Hopefully this mock wedding theme has given you ideas on how to incorporate your wedding theme into the food that will be on your wedding menu.

Author Bio:

Jen Anderson graduated from Emerson College where she studied writing, literature, & publishing. She is currently a freelance writer, as well as running her own handmade card business in the Aspen, Colorado area. Check her cards out at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/CardsfromCO

7 Unique Ideas For Wedding Reception Centerpieces

Wedding centerpiece ideas

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Not fond of flowers? Do you or your spouse suffer from hay fever or do you simply want to steer clear of traditional floral arrangements and do something quirky?  Here is a selection of unique, beautiful and truly inspirational wedding reception centerpieces to get your imagination going.

1. Water

Use water to create peaceful and tranquil centerpieces that will suit any theme. Get creative and experiment with floating candles or flowers, colored gems, stones, shells or anything else you can think of. You could even color the water with food dye to match the color theme of your wedding.

wedding table centerpieces

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2. Candles

The soft, warm and romantic connotation of candlelit centerpieces are perfect for an evening reception. Available in many different sizes, shapes and colors, why not mix and match candles to create something really visually effective.  Where table space is limited, as you do not want to cause an accident, why not opt for a sculpted candle or design your table layout around a single but elegant candle holder. Add to the wow factor by choosing scented candles over ordinary ones and create an aromatic memory of your wedding for you and your guests. You may, however, want to check with your venue first to see if they have any safety issues regarding open flames. Alternatively, there are some very realistic looking electric and battery operated options.

wedding centerpieces

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3. Edible Fruit Arrangements

Looking for something a little more quirky, a spectacular edible fruit arrangement may be more in keeping with your style of wedding. Not only do they look look amazing adding an explosion of color to any table but fresh fruit can smell pretty sensational too. For real talking point, make your centerpiece part of the desert complete with a belgian chocolate fondue or mini chocolate fountain for each table; now this is certainly unique!

wedding table decoration ideas

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4. Photos

Using pictures of you and your spouse is a cute design idea for a table centerpiece. Use your favorite photos from your engagement shoot or a selection of fun photos that you have taken throughout your relationship that celebrate your journey together. You could even use your photo decoration to design your seating plan. Swap out the traditional table number system for fun table names such as “The first date”, “The first kiss” and “The big proposal” and entertain your guests with relevant photos of the occasion. These little touches will really help to personalize your wedding reception.

photo inspired unique wedding centerpieces

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5. Balloons

While you may associate balloons with children’s parties, you can however, get some very stylish balloons that look amazing at weddings. Not only are balloons wonderfully festive and help to maximize your table space, they are a great way to fill an empty corner or two without compromising the budget. Choose from shiny pearlized balloons to customized options which can include anything from names or initials, the date of the wedding or a simple ‘congratulations’ to a romantic quote or any other words you feel would be appropriate or that mean something special to you and your partner.

reception table centrepieces

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6. Cakes

Mini cake centerpieces will never fail to make a great impression with your guests. You may be able to work out a discount with the designer of your main wedding cake but for a more DIY approach you could easily order cheaper cupcakes from your local bakery, ask a family member or friend who loves baking to get involved or make them yourself the day before and come up with your own designs, time permitting of course.

wedding reception ideas

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7. Comment Jars

This centerpiece can be designed and customized to however you would like it set out. A twist on the traditional guest book, decorate a large glass jar or have one per table and ask your guests to write down a bit of wedding advice, their favorite memory of you and/or your spouse, or anything they wish to say on your special day. You could later make a collage out of them or slot them into your wedding photo album.

wedding centre pieces

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Any of these centerpiece ideas can be customized to match any wedding reception. There are so many ideas out there, so let your imagination take hold and design a center piece that is personal to you and your wedding.

Author Bio: 

Rosalie Jenkins was born and spent her childhood in Peterborough. During her school time she was interested in Fruit Flower Arrangements and her hobby soon became her business. She is now a professional wedding decorator working with various companies who are in the same business.

 

5 Reasons For A Sweetheart Wedding Table Rather Than A Head Table

couple's table

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Have you ever been in a wedding party and been forced to sit at the head table while your significant other was assigned a table across the room from you? Do your wedding party, their significant others, and yourself a favor by having a sweetheart table for just you and your fiancé instead. Still not sold on the couple’s table idea? Here are 5 good reasons why you may want to reconsider:

1.) More Intimate. Weddings can get a bit on the stressful side. By having a sweetheart table you will be making it possible to have some one-on-one time with your spouse, without distraction.  Take this time to sit back to enjoy the meal and festivities you have been planning for months together.

wedding couple's table

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2.) Avoid family conflicts. Having a couple’s table is one way to avoid petty arguments between family members about who were asked to sit at the head table and who was not.  This is especially relevant when you have step-parents or divorced parents that don’t get along.

3.) Picture time. Having a couple’s sweetheart table is just one more perfect opportunity for your wedding photographer to capture some super cute moments between you and your new spouse.  Think about having a unique banner hanging on your table or a fun sign.  Ask the photographer for tips about taking advantage of this time alone at your wedding reception.

sweetheart wedding table

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4.) Make your wedding party happy. Allow your wedding party some freedom to spend time with their date. Having a head table only permits the wedding party to sit there and could create some awkward tension, particularly if their partners don’t know many people at the wedding.

5.) First meal as husband and wife. Make your first meal as husband and wife count! Sure, you’ve been on plenty of dates together, but this is a big one! Take advantage of all the time and effort, not to mention money, you two have put into this wedding planning process and enjoy your first meal together as husband and wife! You only have so much time left before you have to mix and mingle with the crowd.

couples table wedding

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Author Bio:

Jen Anderson graduated from Emerson College where she studied writing, literature, & publishing. She is currently a freelance writer, as well as running her own handmade card business in the Aspen, Colorado area. Check her cards out at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/CardsfromCO

Add A Sprinkling Of Springtime To Your Easter Wedding

Springtime wedding

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For all you spring lovers who are getting ready for your Easter wedding, what a beautiful season to get married in.  It is hard to ignore the magic in the air as it gets warmer outside and flowers begin to bloom; a perfect time in which to walk down the aisle and start your new chapter in life as husband and wife.

Pastel colored bridesmaid dresses

Pops of pastel colors are ideal for spring and summer weddings, especially ones falling on or near to Easter weekend.  You could choose the same soft color for all of your special ladies to sport, or let them each dazzle in their own pastel choice and style. Think: yellow, pink, lilac, blue, green or even terracotta.  Don’t be afraid to mix and match. Have fun with your accessories and add even more pops of color to your already vibrant party. Pair pastels with classics such as strands of pearls, nude heels and bright flowers.

spring wedding dress ideas

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springtime bridesmaids dresses

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Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair

Wearing seasonal spring flowers in your hair is a timeless look that is both stunning and very feminine. Let out the wild side in you by allowing your hair to flow loose with a boho-chic flower crown or embrace your inner flower child and choose to wear your favorite flower for a delicate springtime touch. If you’d like to let everyone else in on the fun, choose flowers for all of your bridesmaids too.  Need further inspiration?

Fresh flower hair accessory

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Springtime wedding flower crown

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Easter dishes

When I think of what I will be eating and drinking on Easter, a smile comes across my face.  There’s nothing I love more than a savory elegant Easter Feast. Chefs always recommend celebrating what’s in season: steamed artichokes with tarragon mayonnaise, marmalade-glazed ham, scalloped potatoes with leeks, oven roasted asparagus, lemon cake, & sugar cookie bunnies. Doesn’t that just sound delicious? Hopefully the weather will be nice and you can even celebrate outdoors.

easter wedding

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Have an easter egg hunt

 A definite for the young and young at heart, an Easter egg hunt will even have the adults getting involved. Want to give your guests something to remember your special day by? Give them cute bags to collect their eggs in and scatter your hunt with fun wedding memorabilia for them to find along the way.

easter egg hunt wedding idea

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Hopefully these ideas have you inspired you, and have you and your fiancé excited about the fun to be had at a spring wedding that falls on or around Easter! Enjoy!

Author Bio:

Jen Anderson graduated from Emerson College where she studied writing, literature, & publishing. She is currently a freelance writer, as well as running her own handmade card business in the Aspen, Colorado area. Check her cards out at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/CardsfromCO

5 Fabulous Nautical Themed Wedding Ideas

themed wedding

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Did you spend your summers on an island while you were growing up? Did you met your partner while on a cruise or at the beach, or do you just have a deep-rooted love for the ocean?  If you answer yes to any of the above, then this is definitely a post for you to take a look at. If you’re thinking about having a summer wedding, what better way to say “I do” than by the seaside, clad in nothing but nautical theme. Here are some great ideas for you and your spouse-to-be.

nautical themed wedding

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1.) Nautical Save the Dates & or Wedding Invitations  

Give your guests a heads up as to what they are in for with the perfect save the date and wedding invitation combo.  Your invitation is the first impression your guests will have of your festivities, so it is important to make it count.  Think seashells, anchors, lighthouses, stripes, monograms, beaches and anything fabulously nautical.

themed wedding ideas

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2.) Clambake 

Summer is not only wedding season, but also clambake season.  What better way to kick off your big wedding weekend then having all of your friends and family members at a casual clambake on the beach? Serve clams, mussels, lobsters, and all of the trimmings in a charcoal kettle grill at this fun seaside feast. If you have a favorite local restaurant, look into them catering it for an extra special treat.

wedding themed party

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3.) Seashell Centerpieces for Tables.  Fill clear vases or surround candles with your favorite beach rocks, seashells, or starfish to make memorable nautical table decorations.  If you don’t have time to collect your own shells & rocks, look online for places that sell them at great wholesale prices.

Nautical themed table decoration

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4.) Seersucker

When I think of the quintessential preppy look in the summertime, seersucker immediately comes into mind. Whether you want your groomsmen to be sporting head to toe seersucker suits, your bridesmaids in seersucker dresses or wearing a stripy sash, seersucker is very easy to incorporate into a summertime wedding and it is a superb choice for a nautical themed summer wedding!

summer wedding ideas

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5.) Ice filled boats for beverages

Fill up rowboats, sailboats, or canoes with a boat load of ice and keep your beverages or shrimp cocktail cool while wowing guests with your stellar decorative ideas.

Nautical themed wedding beverage station

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Now that you have these five fabulous nautical themed wedding musts, enjoy planning your seaside wedding this summer! These give ideas are sure to leave a lasting impression on everyone involved.

beach weddings

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Author Bio:

Jen Anderson graduated from Emerson College where she studied writing, literature, & publishing. She is currently a freelance writer, as well as running her own handmade card business in the Aspen, Colorado area. Check her cards out at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/CardsfromCO