[Photo: Style Me Pretty]
To-Go Treats
Instead of the typically dessert bar or sweets to go at the end of the evening, design butler-pass "Good Night Treats"--memorable parting eats for guests as they exit the wedding, says Joyce Scardina Becker of Events of Distinction. "Everyone loves the idea, try miniature burgers on slider rolls with balsamic onions, ketchup and mustard. Think more savory items such as cheese cake with hickory sauce or honey lavender ice cream made with organic dried lavender and honey."
A One-of-a-Kind Invitation
If you're having a smaller affair, then custom design your wedding invitation on a bottle of Champagne or Sparkling California Wine and ship to each of your guests or hire a hand delivery service, says Scardina Becker. "The invitation will certainly set the tone for your wedding and create a must attend response."
[Photo: Erich McVey]
Signature Scent
You can give your ceremony and reception space a signature scent through something like Aroma360, a compact, scented oil diffuser that can transform any banquet hall, church, or private dining room. A unique scent creates a serene space that sets the tone for romance, whimsy or whatever style the bride and groom prefer. Just make sure not to make the aroma too strong, which can be irritating to your guests.
Grow Your Reception Food
"My favorite idea is 'plant your wedding and watch it grow,'" says Scardina Becker. "Select an outdoor venue where you can plant your lettuces and vegetables during your initial site inspections, watch your garden grow and serve from 'vegetable garden to table' at your wedding."
Color-Coordinated Waiters
Complement the décor and cuisine with another harmonizing detail--waiters in colored ties to complete the wedding palette or ethnic attire or theme attire, says Scardina Becker.
Multiple Dress Changes
If you love more than one dress, or if your dress is only aisle-ready, and not dance-ready, then you should incorporate a second outfit change, says Nicole Harris of One Last Frog Events. "If you have the photographer for the night and you have multiple beautiful gowns, then go for it! It is your day. Also, your bridesmaids can join in the fun too and have a reception outfit change."
Alternative Live Entertainment
Before dancing the night away, Scardina Becker suggests warming up your guests with some "lively" cocktail music, such as an a cappella group, multiethnic vocal group or dance troupes or even live event "artists" creating masterpieces at the wedding.
Full Accent Lighting
This can transform the room into one color, so if you want to have a Tiffany blue wedding color scheme, you can turn the entire reception room into that hue for the night, says Harris.
Hanging Centerpieces
Wow your guests--and don't block their view of one another at the table--with a lush floral arrangement hanging above from the ceiling, says Katie Hart of Palmetto Duo Photography.
Sparkling Diamonds
Accessorize with real diamonds, says Jyl Deering of Chancey Charm Boston. "Borrow the real thing like movie stars! A powerful necklace or tiara screams over the top, and makes it feel like an 'Oscar' night. Guests will remember the stunning jewels and they will be in your photos forever (since you can't keep them)."
Picture Perfect Photos
Go to amazing places for your wedding portraits, says Deering. "Think cliffside, under a waterfall, or on a busy city street. Wearing a gown and a tux at different locations, will totally make your photos unique and different from the standard and posed traditional ones."
[Photo: Erich McVey]
