Tag: wedding reception ideas
courtesy of treschicbride.blogspot.com
When throwing a shower for one of my girlfriends awhile back, I came across a little recipe for “cake pops” and have been OBSESSED ever since!
Being the regular Betty Crocker (for those of you that know me, please hold in your laughter) that I am, I decided this would be an excellent choice for a festive dessert! And if I’ve gotta be completely honest… it TOTALLY was! (Subsequently pats self on back) I made three kinds: Vanilla, Chocolate and Strawberry.
Now, while these three flavors may seem like nothing all too impressive, it’s what you can do with them that makes them so incredible! After baking the three cake mixes in the oven (according to the box instructions), I simpled let the pans cool for about 15 minutes before crumbling each flavor into a mixing bowl and stiring in the same flavor frosting. (White w/ Vanilla, Chocolate w/ Chocolate and Strawberry w/ Strawberry.) After which, I balled the sugary goodness into small circles and covered them with candy melt toppings.
It took a little practice, but once I got the hang of it, it was super easy… and even more delicious! I topped the White Cake Balls with vanilla icing and yellow sprinkles; the Chocolate Cake Balls with chocolate candy melts and coconut, and the Strawberry Cake Balls with a melted white chocolate candy bar and pink candy heart sprinkles (my faves!). I placed some on sticks, creating a gourmet sucker look and the rest I left on decorative trays for easy, sweet munching!
There are several options on how you can create your cake pops / balls, but I have yet to find one I didn’t enjoy! Take a look below for some delicious inspiration and easy to make recipes (found below images) and start poppin’ your way to party goodness!
Choloate and Turquoise Dream!
courtesy of karascakery.com courtesy of Google Images courtesy of bzevents.com
Pretty in Pink!
courtesy of bakersroyale.com
Citrus-y Goodness!
courtesy of bzevents.com
Wrapped with Love!
courtesy of etsy.com
Turtle-Something Surprise!
courtesy of cakebybridges.com
Cupcake Cuties!
courtesy of thehappychickadee.blogspot.com
Designed by Darlings!
courtesy of camillestyles.wordpress.com
Lined with Perfection!
courtesy of thesepeasarehollow.blogspot.com
Sweetly say “I do!”
courtesy of etsy.com
Example Recipe Guide for Reference:
- 1 Box of Cake Mix (Choose your favorite the flavor)
- 1 16 ounce Container of Pre-Made Frosting (Again, choose the flavor!)
- 1 3 ounce Bar of Flavored Confectionery or Candy Melts (Choose your taste yet again! Mixing and Matching is half the fun!)
1. Prepare the cake mix according to package details, using any of the recommended pans for backing. Once cake is baked fully, simply crumble the cake while still warm (but after 15 minutes of cooling) into a large mixing bowl, and stir in the frosting until well blended.
2. Melt your flavored confectionery or candy melt coating in a glass bowl in the microwave or a metal pot over a pan of simmering water on the stove-top, stirring occasionally until at a smooth consistency.
3. Use a melon baller or scoop (or even just your hands!) to form small balls (use Dunkin’ Donut holes as reference) of your cake mixture. Then, either dip the balls into the melted pan of goodness using a toothpick or simply drizzle it on top using a spoon to coat each one accordingly. Place on waxed paper to set.
4. Decorate accordinly. Place on sucker sticks if desired. Refrigerate once fully cooled.
5. & ENJOY!!
August 2, 2011
Anna and her Papa making their way to the groom!
First and foremost, I’d like to thank all of you that sent nice weather vibes to Osgood, Indiana last weekend… because even though the rain eventually came, it was well after the outdoor ceremony concluded and the bride was properly covered :)
Secondly, can I just say what a BLASTIN’ good I had celebrating my girlfriend’s wedding!? There were sooo many cute things they did with the ceremony, which I would encourage all my brides-to-be to at least take a gander at:
- The wedding was outdoors and incorporated all Anna’s (the bride’s) nieces and nephews. Ranging in ages from little to little-er, Anna and her now hubs set up blankets on the grass in the front for all the little ones to lounge during the ceremony. They also equipped them with candy; so, the level of satisfaction was at an all time high.
- Also, during the Sand Candle Ceremony, Anna and Brian (the groom) both had previously given the pastor a list of items they thought the sand represented from the other one. So, when they were pouring their vases into the center vase, the pastor read off all the wonderful qualities each found in each other. Sooo sweet!
- Another uber sweet thing the ceremony brought about was talking about the four family sides that would be joined at the marriage of Anna and Brian: Anna’s mom and dad’s family and Brian’s maternal and paternal sides. Taking the ceremony reigns again, Anna and Brian stated their favorite qualities of each side and how they could only hope to emulate each. Of course, this was a tear jerkin’ fave for the crowd.
- To keep the country fun rolling, dinner was served as a delicious buffet style meal — fixed with all grandma’s favorites!! Including (buts obvs not limited to): fried chicken, country buttered rolls, potato and pasta salad, crisp greens, smashed potatoes and gravy and all the mouth watering trimmings you can imagine. For serious, my mouth is watering right now just thinking about it.
- Of course, after all the swing like thunder dancing, refreshments were also served later in the evening, as well. They had hot dogs, topped with every street vending condiment known to man and Anna’s favorite, bags of buttery popcorn. de.lish.ous.
It was a beautiful day filled with beautiful people and even more beautiful memories. Check out below to see what I mean… here are some of the shots I captured :)
The b.e.a.uuuutiful flowers surrounding the nuptial arch :)
The gorrrrrgeous bridesmaids wore robin's egg blue and carried bouquets of pink! Love.Love.Love.
The bride, escorted by her Papa, near the end of the journey -- as the BEAMING groom's madre (far left) watches sweetly for his reaction. One of the best moments!
Delilah, the flower girl extraordinaire, "patiently" waiting for Anna's arrival down the aisle with her color coordinated sucker :)
FINALLY made it! Just shut up with the awesomeness of Anna's dress... straight diva.
Boys will be boys -- more concerned with their candy than the ceremony, hehe :)
The entire bridal party getting their wedding on! Back-dropped by the stunning grounds of Anna's parent's Osgood home.
While his hat did make it back on, this little ring bearer still found his time better spent digging into a new sucker flavor than the ceremony details. So stinkin' cute!
Conversations took a turn to the serious :)
Saying the vows...
Hugging the 'rents...
Still eating the candy :)
Congrats again to Anna and Brian! It was a wonderful day and hopefully a sign of even more wonderful days ahead! Love love love to you both and cheers to many, MANY years of happiness!
May 31, 2011
courtesy of Jessika Feltz Photography
If you’re a bride up to your elbows in wedding planning and you’re just as nervous about choosing the music and entertainment as you are about picking the perfect dress, it’s important for you to know something… You.Are.Not.Alone. Heck, every bride wants her wedding day to be a flawless celebration of love, laughter and whole lot of GET DOWN, which is why it’s so important to set the mood from the start.
Because musical styles are as varied as snowflakes, it’s vital for couples to narrow down their tastes and choose accordingly. By carefully integrating both you and your beau-to-be’s musical preferences with the overall vision of the big day, you have the opportunity to create the perfect combination of sights and sounds that will have guests ooh la la’ing long after the day is done.
For instance, if you’re envisioning a stately and dignified wedding, chances are a hip hop artist or punk rock band aren’t the best choices to set the musical mood for your ceremony. While their look, dress and lyrical styling’s are just what you and your guests might need to drop it like it’s hot at the reception, the wedding itself would be more suited for a softer sound. Maybe try a string quartet, a chamber orchestra (for larger weddings) or a classical pianist. All of these will lend an air of sophistication to the affair, which can seamlessly be transitioned from one part of the ceremony to the next.
If you’re hoping to set a quiet, ethereal, romantic mood, you might prefer to go with a harpist, rather than a high-powered blues band. Not that blues isn’t B.A. in its own right, it just may not be the best fit for “ethereal.” You could also try a jazz ensemble to help maintain the quiet momentum of a mellower ceremony, as well as a classical or easy listening guitarist… since these would all tend to lend a lighter, calmer, “cooler” air to your wedding festivities.
Other than choosing a musical style and performer(s) that you and your guests will enjoy, the most important consideration is to integrate the music into the overall ceremony in such a way that it provides the perfect tonal backdrop against which your marriage ceremony may unfold. (Golly I sound professional, don’t I? Haha!)
In fact, the right music will provide an accompaniment that can blend so beautifully, it will simply become a part of the ceremony, rather than standing out on its own. And who can’t appreciate that?
Just be sure to take time and really pick ceremony music that fits you and your mood. After all, how often do you get a chance to make it all about you?
May 24, 2011
photo courtesy of weddingbee.com
That’s right guys and gals, when it comes to your wedding day I do’s, it’s all about the bird!
{{I said a bird bird bird uh bird is da word!}}
Whether your feathering your ceremony in birdie delight or frocking your reception with lovebirds just right… one thing is for sure… brides and grooms the world over are discovering the undeniable cuteness of adding bird decor to their big day!
{{Ooh mow mow papa ooh mow ma mow!}}
Don’t even act like it’s not stuck in your head too! Haha! But I promise, all the pain of repeating the same lyrics over and over again will all be worth it, once you scope out this 2011 Trend in all it’s glory. Check out below to see what I mean:
Add feathered friends to all your wedding stationery -- guaranteed to be tweeted about later! (courtesy of claytonaustinlovestories.com)
Both trendy and cute, birdcage decor is all the rage :) (courtesy of greenweddingshoes.com)
No bird brain here! Just bridal hair covered in festive feathers! (courtesy of stoneblueproductions.com)
From feathery flower girls to uber cutie cake tops, it's all about the beautifying with birds! (courtesy of greenweddingshoes.com)
Bridesmaids? No! Birdsmaids, duh! (courtesy of weddingsgoinggreen.blogspot.com)
Create high flying decor and more! (courtesy of weddingbycolor.com)
Add feathers to your reception table for a look that's funky and fresh! (courtesy of josevillaphoto.com)
Bird's Nest? Yes! For the perfect ring bearer pillow alternative! (courtesy of sarahrhoads.com)
Birds of a feather... stick (and eat!) together! (courtesy of claytonaustinlovestories.com)
Bride + Bird = Love! (courtesy of claytonaustinlovestories.com)
April 7, 2011
photo courtesy of scottandtemphotography.com
A key ingredient in any successful wedding is… say it with me…atmosphere! And there are many things a bride and her groom can do to make sure that they establish exactly the mood and tone that they want at their wedding. From solemn religious occasions to tradition-busting YouTube extravaganzas, the decisions made regarding items like decorations, flowers, table settings, food and music will all affect how your guests behave throughout the celebration, but even more importantly, mark your occasion in their memory banks.
Choose A Mood.
Without a clear idea of what they want their wedding to be like, many brides find themselves awash in a sea of numerous, complex choices. Therefore, the first step to take when planning a wedding is to make a conscious decision about the mood and atmosphere guests should experience upon arriving at the occasion. Formal weddings, theme weddings and informal wedding celebrations are all equally valid, and the ideas behind each of these endeavors can be established during the ceremony then brought through to influence the tone of the reception, as well.
Use Music to Establish Atmosphere.
Church weddings often include formal organ music, but what about after the ceremony? With dozens of wedding bands to choose from, couples are often overwhelmed. Some find themselves turning to friends and family members to provide musical entertainment, while others wish to hire professional wedding bands to make sure their guests enjoy a night of dancing and merriment after the wedding ceremony is complete. A professional wedding band should be able to adapt their regular set list to the requests of the bride and groom, and should have a full grasp of the way a new couple wishes to celebrate their special day. By working with the wedding band prior to the celebration, couples can establish the kind of music they want: classic, romantic oldies, new chart-topping hits, or special genres in keeping with the bride and groom’s themed interests!
Plan Ahead.
Although there is plenty of room to tailor general wedding possibilities to a specific occasion or crowd, perfecting the atmosphere at a wedding requires whoever is in charge of planning it – whether it be a professional planner or the happy couple – be clear and reasonable about their desires throughout the planning stages. Finally, once plans are complete, it’s important that the guests of honor – be able to let go, sit back and enjoy their day. Nothing spoils the perfect wedding more than a grumpy bride or groom! So keep that frown turned upside down and plan, plan, plan ’til your daddy takes the budget away, haha ;)
Courtesy of Freak Music Wedding band specialists
March 31, 2011
photo courtesy of computerclipart.com
Don’t rub your eyes. You read the title correctly :)
A man cave, also known as a mantuary, is a male sanctuary found within a home, generally equipped with specialized tackle of the hardy-har-har variety. This includes, but is not limited to: sport’s paraphernalia, video game consoles, big screen TVs, power tools, hot sauces, beer, grease, glory etc… you get the idea.
Now, before you get ahead of yourselves, ladies, and think, “Why the heck would I ever want a man cave at my wedding?!?”, please allot me a moment to explain. Recently, I attended a wedding (holler Kelly and Matt!), where they had a man cave or more appropriately a man corner set up in the rear of the reception hall.
It was kind of like a kid’s table you’d see at someone’s reception today. Actually, it was just like a kid’s table you’d see at someone’s reception today – the maturity level at least, hehe! The only difference was the equipment.
Instead of coloring books and crayons, the man cave or in this case the man corner had blackjack and brandy. Mixed nuts and flavored cigars replaced the typical kiddy supplies of fruit punch and sugar coated candies, and right smack dab in the center of it all was a large – but not overtly cumbersome - air hockey table. Yes, I said air hockey. (They’re from Chicago; so, apparently the Blackhawks – and all that is holy – is engrained in their blood.)
The emblematic connotation of a man cave may make women leery of its presence, but let me reassure you that was not the case here! It was actually a huge hit and become a part of the reception rather than a distraction to it. And just think of the possibilities! You could sanction and supply your wedding day man cave however you see fit, and who knows?? It just may be one of your favorite spots too! — Goodness knows I was schooling kids with these mad, air hockey skills :)
March 15, 2011
The theme of your wedding is by far the most aesthetically important aspect of your nuptials. It is what showcases your personality as a couple and also sets the tone for the entire day. There is always one detail, however, that works with any color scheme, any season and any décor.
What is it?? You may ask.
It’s a chic, classic and an incredibly personal part of your nuptials: your newly minted monogram! Monograms are nothing new, of course, but they have really been picking up some serious steam in the past couple years… especially with personalization becoming a must-have wedding detail. Here’s how to do it.
Postage Stamps. Sure, your newlywed names will cover every inch of the invites, but you’ll leave guests even more impressed with custom stamps decorating the outside envelope.
Aisle Runners, Table Runners. Or anything else that ends in “runner” for that fact. Why settle for a blank white canvas when you can make it uniquely your own?
Wine & Water Bottles. A notable feature that’s sure to delight the vino connoisseurs, personalized wine labels are the perfect touch for cocktail hour. Keep one bottle to break open on your golden anniversary for a sentimental celebration unlike any other.
photos courtesy of elizabethannedesigns.com
Accessories. A bride owns the right to accessorize freely! So why not add a hint of initialed love to your diva details? Try a unique wedding garter or even printed undies for a nice wedding night surprise!
Décor. Don’t just customize the basics that you will need for the big bash; think outside the box. Hang huge steel letters up and cover them with flowers and moss. Get an ice sculpture chiseled in your initials to keep the drinks cold. Or how about a monogrammed dance floor decal or even fun photo booth backdrop? The list could go on and on; so, feel free to get creative!
photo courtesy of marilynskeepsakes.com via Lindsey Kroemer Photography
Chocolate Bar Favors. There’s nothing like sending your guests off with a tasty treat for the road. Many companies will actually let you design the candy bar itself, and package it in a personalized wrapper. This makes a perfectly sweet treat your guests will never forget.
Centerpiece Vases. What you put your flowers in is often just as important as the flowers themselves, and when these vases embody the essence of you two as a couple, it’s the wedding-reception-embellishment-turned-home-accessory that just keeps on giving.
photo courtesy of marilynskeepsakes.com via Lindsey Kroemer Photography
Wedding Cake Toppers. The standard bride and groom figurines are over. These days, couples are getting their initials piped on the sides of their cake, or embellishing them with a variety of monogram toppers from contemporary to traditional.
Candy Buffet. Oh the things you can personalize. <insert yummified smile> A quick Google search yields any candy you could ever want to put your initials on, from M&Ms, mints, and chocolate coins to candy hearts and lollipops.
The possibilities truly are endless. Each of these unique facets is sure to amaze all onlookers, and because you can transfer most into chic keepsakes, you’ll always have a fabulous reminder of the day you said, “I do.”
March 3, 2011
photo courtesy of jaredwilsonphotography.com
From bagpipes to stand-up comedians turned DJ’s, wedding entertainment runs the gamut. The only difficulty is in determining what type of entertainment suits your personality and the likely mood of your guests. Whatever musical group or entertainer you choose, here’s a few general tips to keep in mind.
1. Keep It Light.
Weddings are festive occasions, meant for celebration. Don’t skimp on the cost of a band if it means you’re going to end up with a dour, listless bunch of performers. If possible listen to recordings of the band or better still watch a video to make sure they know upbeat songs that get people in the mood to dance and have a look that will suit your wedding’s style. Even a jazz band can play popular standards that will energize the crowd while keeping the reception moving. If you can’t afford a full band and choose to hire a DJ instead, ask for a sample playlist to get a feeling for what the DJ considers a musical good time.
2. Don’t Micromanage.
Although every bride wants her big day to go according to plan, there’s a difference between choosing the right entertainer and dragging them down with too many demands. Entertainers need a little spontaneity to keep their performances from feeling stale. Although it’s perfectly fine to request certain songs or ask for a DJ to follow a pre-programmed routine, don’t make the mistake of trying to plan out every last song or moment. Great entertainment will provide a mood; don’t get too nitpicky as to how they’re going to do it.
3. Plan for Different Stages.
Speaking of the right mood, what specific musician or entertainer should you choose to make the day memorable? In most cases, the bride and groom should choose someone who reflects their tastes but can also cater to an older crowd. After all, most weddings have a grandmother or two in the crowd. If you’re planning a big family wedding, make sure the group isn’t overly offensive. Jazz combos can make a fantastic addition to any wedding, as can eclectic DJ’s who know they should save spinning the more risqué numbers until after 9 or 10pm. Most wedding receptions have stages; there’s the immediate post-ceremony glow, followed by the mid-evening dinner/drinks period, followed by the late-night shift of die-hard partiers. Each stage has its own mood. Truly talented wedding entertainers will be able to effectively shift from one stage to the next. This will give your special day a textured quality suitable for all age groups.
By Freak Music Wedding Entertainment Specialists
March 1, 2011
photo courtesy of karenlisa.com/blog
Blue 42! Blue 42! Seeeeeet. Hut, hut, HIKE!
Ha! Don’t act like you’re not impressed with my all star quarterbacking skills. Okay, okay, so I’m no Peyton Manning, but I am from the city where he hones his skills, which I fig allots me some QB talent based on proximity alone. Yes? No? Maybe?
Anyhoot, with Super Bowl XLV closing off the NFL season this past weekend, I couldn’t help but catch a little football fever and wrap myself up in the frenzy of it all. I’m a HUGE (American) football fan. Not that I don’t love European football / soccer as well, but there is just something about watching dudes in tight pants and shoulder pads battling for field position that gets my blood moving!
Mayhaps it’s my love of the game or my love of a wedding day… either way, I can’t seem to get enough of NFL themed weddings! I mean, themed weddings are already a ball, but pair it with the fun of fall tailgates, cold brews and hot athletes and what’s not to love?
Of course, to make NFL themed weddings go off without a hitch, it doesn’t mean you have to force the entire bridal party into eye black, helmets and jerseys; you can take a more subtle approach and simply play up your favorite NFL teams’ colors.
You can incorporate hue-inspired team spirit into everything from your bouquets and boutonnieres to your bridesmaid dresses and centerpieces; you may even venture into football shaped groom’s cakes, color coordinated candy bars or hand out Terrible Towel or horseshoe shaped favors.
It really is up to you! I’ve seen brides and grooms have NFL and football themed cake toppers, wedding garters, car decorations and candy coated favors. I’ve seen and even participated in a makeshift bridal party football scrimmages to be immortalized in the fun photography Hall of Fame.
From tasteful to tacky, NFL inspired nuptials can be as restrained or unhinged as you see fit. Finding your balance is half the fun! And for inspiration, please direct your attention below for weddings spun around Super Bowl Champions, the Green Bay Packers (green + yellow), the NFL’s second place finishers, the Pittsburgh Steelers (black + gold + white) and because I gotta show some love for my boys in blue (+ the most popular wedding color too!), the Indianapolis Colts (blue + white).
photo courtesy of coreyann.net/blog
photos courtesy of w-weddingflowers.com
photo courtesy of craigphotography.wordpress.com
photo courtesy of jessicaclaire.net
photo courtesy of christinamontemurrophotography.com
photo courtesy of weddingcreativoblog.com
photos courtesy of chelseaelizabeth.com
photos courtesy of mintsflower.com
photo courtesy of paperpassionista.com
photo courtesy of flickriver.com
photo courtesy of flickr.com
photos courtesy of schiemerentertainment.com
photo courtesy of simplyperfectweddings.blogspot.com
photos courtesy of redboxpictures.com
photos courtesy of truephotography.com
photo courtesy of firstfloorfilms.typepad.com
Ha! And this last one is from my wedding reception… My father-in-law, a huuuuuuge Colts fan, is surrounded by his daughter and son-in-law from Chicago… Bears fans. Haha!
photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com
February 10, 2011
photo courtesy of flickr.com
Recently, a girlfriend at work (hollerrrrr Jessi!) attended a wedding, and after being impressed by the unique bouquet toss, she came in to dish the deets for The Best Wedding Blogger Ever – thank ya muchly, my dear!
At the reception she attended, instead of the bride throwing a traditional “tossing bouquet,” she threw a bouquet that split into several mini bouquets. Thus, providing more than one lady-in-waiting the coveted prize of “you’re next!” Obviously, la-Louvre-ing the idea, I immediately went into search mode to see what I could find.
While this kind of breakaway bouquet (also known as a fortune bouquet) hasn’t quite made a famed name for itself in the wedding world, it’s definitely a trend growing in popularity. Many brides who choose to take this option on keep the base idea the same: one bouquet splitting into several parts, but they also tag it with their own individual style as well.
Some brides will invite all their female guests - not just the single ones – out onto the dance floor and will either A) ask them all to make a wish or B) simply say that it’s a bouquet for luck, love or (fill in the blank) that everyone can enjoy.
I have also seen where other brides separate their entire bouquet into individual flowers and attach charms, fortunes, good luck ribbons, etc. to the stems; so, that each girl vying for a piece of that bridal gold will gladly do so.
It’s for sure an uber cute idea, and as someone who has made countless “walk ‘o’ shames” to catch the single lady bouquet, it most def makes it easier on any lady who begrudges the whole process!
So, put on your thinking caps, start tossing and spread even more joy!
photo courtesy of kai-photo.com
January 24, 2011
Next page
Previous page
