Tag: wedding reception
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
Maybe it’s the brilliant designs or the standout color blocking… perhaps it’s the fun, graphic schemes or simply the epically b.e.a.uuuuutiful photography (whaddya say, Lindsey K!)… either way, there is no if’s, and’s or but’s about it… I love love love our new table runner designs!!
Available in a variety of colors and designs to match any taste, each runner can be personalized at absolutely no cost to you! Simply choose from one of our hot color options, fill in the overhang with your names, monogram or initials and see how many ‘ooh’s and aww’s’ will be gasping the day you say ‘I do.’ Don’t believe me? Well the proof is in the pudding, my friends; so, grab a spoon and enjoy these tasty creations!
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
Personalized Table Runners cover a lot of ground and create a lot of drama, and they are extremely simple and easy to use! Printed on durable 100% cotton, our fabric table runners feature a polymer coating for a soft, canvas like texture to produce superior draping.
Because bold colors and schematic patterns cut down the need for decorations, you’ll be able to save on extra costs by simply adding your place settings and centerpieces to the already well fashioned tables.
November 17, 2011
Denise & Ryan, oh so in loaf! (courtesy of Denise Keown)
This past weekend, the Mister and I attended his step sister’s wedding in Indy. A beautiful black and white ceremony accented with richly red rose petals, the evening was filled with all the usual wedding charm. And while weddings have practically become a weekend standard for the Dietzes, it never ceases to amaze me how each one always brings in elements unique to the couple behind the celebration itself. Denise ( the hub’s step sister) and Ryan’s big day was no exception!
My absolute favorite part came after dinner when the DJ announced that everyone needed to return to their seats for at least the next two and half minutes… Two and a half minutes?? This immediately peaked my curiosity, as we all scurried back to our tables and anxiously awaited what would be revealed next.
Then, the deliberate emcee continued by saying that the bride and groom truly appreciated everyone for being there and wanted to make sure to remember each guest who was a part of their big day. He then explained that in order to do this, the bride and groom had decided to get a picture with each and every one of us!
So, while Aram Khachaturian’s The Sabre Dance (trust me, you know the tune) played over the stereo system, Denise and Ryan - followed super closely by their photographer - ran frantically from table to table posing with each group of people.
Some of the shots were funny. Some of them were serious. Some – especially by the tables who had obviously been previously forewarned – were well planned out, while others were thrown together haphazardly and hilariously… But no matter what the outcome of the actual shot was… all of them were definitely 100% authentic and 100% amazing.
And what a great way to make instant memories and set the tone for the rest evening!! Love love love it and can’t wait to see all the photos!
Congrats to Denise and Ryan and cheers to many, MANY years of happiness!
November 15, 2011
courtesy of doveweddingphotography.com
Because so many wedding trends tend to fashion around color, it’s no wonder that this colorful topic is among the hottest in industry news. Whether it is an unusual color combination or funky patterned table linens or even seasoned and stylized bouquets, brides everywhere have become aware of making their big day a bright and colorful occasion.
But what about the bride looking to create a cleaner look?
Well, she might try all white! Both simple and chic, all white weddings have a look that can be stylized both for vintage glam or modern flare. And if an all white pallet is simply too modern for you, try accenting it with another neutral color that will compliment its crisp design, while brining in a pop of interest. Blushes, creams and hydrangea greens all seem to do the trick. Check out below and let the inspiration begin!
photos courtesy of (top to bottom, left to right) blog.weddingpaperdivas.com, doveweddingphotography.com, kaboodle.com, dreamyapartment.com, weddings-invitations.org, blogs.dexknows.com and stevekoophotography.com
August 23, 2011
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
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 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
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 english-wedding.com
Every wedding has one. Some are given by the best man; some by the maid of honor, and still others by the bride or groom’s parents. They may make you laugh; they may make you cry, but one thing they certainly should NOT do is make you cringe.
I’m – of course – talking about the inevitable wedding speeches!
Wedding speeches are perhaps one of the most memorable aspects of your big day. It is, or at least it should be, an interesting insight to your relationship as a couple, a wish of goodwill and a toast in to your love. And because whatever the speech-giver says is generally amped across a microphone and loud speakers, it’s important that it’s good! So, here are a few tips on how to make it count:
First, let’s start off with what you should avoid at all costs. Humorous anecdotes are wonderful, but keep in mind that embarrassing does NOT always equal funny. Reminiscing about senior year spring break or that one time the groom went streaking through the frat house may make some (namely the bride and groom and more than likely Great Aunt Edna) uncomfortable.
On the other hand, don’t be boring. An easy way to find a compromise is through genuine sincerity. Try taking the emotional high road. Whether you choose to be humorous or sentimental, make sure that any stories or memories you have about the couple are relevant, sincere and stay on topic.
Another thing to consider when beginning the speech-writing process is time frame. It’s difficult to wax poetic about a couple’s love in five minutes, but any longer than that and guests will be agitated by your long-windedness. (Heck, they may even get restless after 2, pending on how many people feel the need to speak after!)
That being said, do not go into a speech without a plan… no matter how skilled you think you are at impromptu. Because even the most brilliant “Who’s Line is it Anyway?” stars can stutter after a couple drinks.
When you actually start to construct your dialogue, think back to your middle school speech class: every speech should have a beginning, middle and end. Begin your toast by introducing yourself and your relation to the bride and groom. Talk about the beautiful ceremony to create an easy gateway to lead into the meat of your speech.
The Middle. This is where your original content should come from. Memories are great, but too many inside jokes will leave those on the outside unsettled. So, stick with subjects that will personalize your toast and maybe garner a few laughs and tears. Having the best of both worlds will create a well-rounded speech. So for every joke you tell, balance it with a genuine, maybe even tearful, sentiment of love. Also, avoid hard subjects like the economic state or politics and harsh language like cursing or vulgarity.
Finally, finish with a bang! If you’ve racked your brain for more perspective only to come up empty-handed, it’s time to bring in the experts. Quotes, whether they’re spoken by a famous author or a member of the family, serve as the perfect standby conclusion. Some great examples of touching quotes:
- “Marriage is not a ritual or an end. It is a long, intricate, intimate dance together and nothing matters more than your own sense of balance and your choice of partner.” – Amy Bloom
- “A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, and always with the same person.” – Mignon McLaughlin
- “Marriage: that I call the will of two to create the one who is more than those who created it.” - Friedrich Nietzsche
- “We have the greatest pre-nuptial agreement in the world. It’s called love.” – Gene Perret
- “A happy marriage is a long conversation which always seems too short.” – Andre Maurois
- “A happy home is one in which each spouse grants the possibility that the other may be right, though neither believes it.” – Don Fraser
- “To laugh often and love much… to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to give one’s self… this is to have succeeded.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
At this time, you will cue all of the wedding guests to join you in a toast to the bride and groom by raising their champagne flutes and wishing them eternal joy and happiness. And hopefully you’ll hear cheers and clapping, not crickets.
October 1, 2010
photo courtesy of stylemepretty.com
While there’s always discussion on whether or not children will or won’t be attending certain weddings, there’s not a single doubt in my mind when they do make the “A List,” they’ll have nothing but love for these creative, autumnal creations!
*Candy Apple Creation Stations
Feel free to set up a table and cover it with stick sturdy apples, warmed caramel, melted chocolate and all the crushed candy toppings you can find, and let your guests enjoying making their own treat to eat or take with them when they leave! It’s a great way to involve your guests as well as keep the kiddies occupied. (And no worries about hyping them up on too much sugar… they’re not going home with you! Haha!)
photo courtesy of recycledlovelies.com
photo courtesy of inspiredoccasions.blogspot.com
*Pumpkin Carving Campgrounds
photo courtesy of reverseshot.com
Okay, you don’t really need campgrounds, but the name just rolls off the tongue; so, I went with it :) Anyhoot, this is something – when done under adult supervision – can be a really great way to create lasting memories, as well as super fun photographs for your album. Hit up your local pumpkin patch, buy in bulk and let the fun begin! Feel free to accompany this reception section with pumpkin carvers, gloves and aprons… and if you’re worried that the carving may cause too much stress, use acrylic paints instead! And let the kiddies paint on their favorite face!
*Coloring Book Bonanza!
There’s no question that kids love to color. Whether you choose to man your coloring book station with fairy tale / dream-come-true images or Marvel comics finest character pages, there’s no doubt that kids of all ages will love gettin’ their color on during your big reception!
photo courtesy of weddingcustomcoloringbooks.com
*Disposable Glam Cams for Kids
And even more so than coloring, kids love feeling like grownups; so, why not arm your mini attendants with disposable glam cams for their very own “I feel soooo biiiig!” photography debut? They can get goofy pics of each other while trying their best to capture the day as they see it. And trust me on this one… some of their finds will be priceless :)
photo courtesy of greatexpectationsky.com
*Face-painting, Magic Tricks and Balloons… Oh My!
Pending your budget, sometimes the most well received children stations are the most over-the-top ones! So, bring in a magician, a balloon animating clown or even a face painting wizard to really let the kids get “wild” at your wedding! Of course, it never fails, sometimes these sections become even more populated by adults. I mean, come on, who doesn’t love a butterfly painted face or giraffes made out of rubber? Uhhh, no one! Duh :)
photo courtesy of blog.catchmyparty.com
September 10, 2010
Previous page
