To Lounge Or Not To Lounge?

One of the latest trends we’ve been seeing is a lounge area at the reception. Loungers beware: there is one distinct effect that having a lounge will create on your reception: Far fewer people will dance.

Some couples are okay with this. Perhaps your families prefer to chat rather than tear up the dance floor. In that case, you could consider a lounge feel for the entire reception.

If you do want dancing, consider this option: Start the reception with the dancing portion and once the band is done and your grandparents have headed home, open an “after hours” lounge area. It will keep the party going all night and you can have a full dance floor and your chic lounge area.

 

It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane…It’s a Sky Feature!

A fireworks display is unique idea that’s becoming more and more popular these days.  We love the idea of the guests walking out of the reception after having an amazing time and being greeted with a gorgeous fireworks display. 

Another option is using Chinese flying lanterns.  There are many different legends behind the use of Chinese flying lanterns: a high-flying lantern brings prosperity and good luck, or it brings good fortune in the future.  On thing is certain: the picture below is captivating!  It’s a beautiful way to get your guests involved in your day as well by having each person send a lantern as they leave.  Whether it’s fireworks, flying lanterns or something else in the sky…what a great way to send off your guests!

 

Show your Shoes!

A HUGE trend sweeping through the wedding industry is brightly-colored shoes for the bride. Many ladies have used this as an opportunity to incorporate their “something blue” or just to show a little bit of personality underneath their white gown. Not only is it a great shot for your photo album, it is truly a way to unique way to express yourself on your wedding day.  Here are some snapshots of the idea to inspire you!

 

A Juice Sensation

If your event takes place during the week, in the afternoon, or needs to be non-alcoholic, consider featuring a juice bar.  A table piled high with assorted fruits vegetables and special add-ons will provide your guests with their own personal Jamba Juice.  Most caterers are able to accomodate a juice bar with a few weeks’ notice and you can offer anything from a traditional fresh-squeezed orange juice to a protein and wheatgrass-infused blackberry banana smoothie.

 

 

Proposal Pointers: Music to her Ears

Why not contact a local singer/songwriter to write a special tune for your special guy or gal?  Just imagine having a song written especially for the two of you and your story… it makes the moment so personal!  You can have the composer perform in the background while you’re down on one knee or have a recording playing for more intimate and private proposals.  A special bonus…play the song at your wedding as your first dance song! Just think of how many girls have swooned over this scene from the Wedding Singer…

Barefoot Beach Resort Wedding & Reception

Andrea and Brandon were married on April 25th, 2009 in Indian Shores. Andrea and Brandon chose the Barefoot Beach Resort in Florida for their destination wedding. The ceremony was held on the beach with the Bride and Groom saying their vows and after the kiss, riding off on a Harley Davidson for a ride down the beach. The guests moved to the pool for the poolside reception. Andrea and Brandon chose food stations for the guests of a Seafood bar, Mexican Bar with make your own fajita’s and a gourmet cheese and fruit station supplied by Delectable’s Fine Catering. The guests enjoyed the sunset sipping cocktails and dancing to the music of Frank Lebano and company. We had suggested umbrellas to give shade cover around the pool since all 60 of the guests came from out of town. It made for a great time and kept the guests from getting to sunburned. The professional photos below are compliments of the photographer they chose for their wedding,Marley Lindley from Beautiful Wedding Photography. Thanks Marley, it was a pleasure as always working with you and they are fabulous photos! Enjoy!

Below is the testimonial from Andrea about our services at Special Moments:

Tammy and her team at Special Moments are exactly who we needed to help us plan our destination wedding in sunny Florida. I can not say enough how helpful and wonderful they were. They made sure every little detail was covered during the planning and the wedding event. Tammy went above and beyond what she needed to do and the whole event went smooth. I highly recommend this company for any one having a wedding in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area of Florida!

Candles Outside – Beware!

Ahhh, don’t you just love the scene below? So home-y and gorgeous, a warm glow of candlelight illuminating a beautiful table.  It’s absolutely stunning! One thing to keep in mind when re-creating this lovely look: the wind! Don’t underestimate the power of the wind to blow out your candles, no matter how large the jar or candleholder is!

Instead of lighting & re-lighting votives until your fingers are burnt, just go for the cheap battery-powered votives. You’ll get the same look but without the headache.

hanginglights

Hangover Helpers

The day after your party, your guests are bound to be feeling a little under the weather.  

Treat them to a Hangover Helper gift tote to help ease their pain.  For those DIY Hosts: use a charming retro ice bag like the ones from Gal Pal below and fill it with things like: a packet of Excedrin, a bottle of water, a pretty sleeping mask, a package of crackers, sunglasses, coffee sachet or even bloody mary mix.  

Don’t want to DIY?  Check out the hangover kits at Home Wet Bar.  Have your hotel deliver these while the reception is in full swing so your guests have it when they wake up the next morning! 

retro ice bags

A New Twist on Centerpieces for Casual Affairs

Save your guests time and save yourself some money! Instead of having flower centerpieces on each table, have a bucket filled with ice and bottles of beer, water, wine or soft drinks set on a small pedestal in the middle of the table. Waiters will keep an eye on the bucket throughout the meal and the evening and replenish them when needed. It’ll save your guests the trouble of going back and forth to the bar and you won’t need to spend money on expensive flower centerpieces! A few suggestions for gorgeous decorative buckets are from the MacBeth Collection - first you choose the style of bucket you’d like and then choose from tons of different fresh design choices.

 

 

Jamming Wedding Shower

For the Martha Stewart brides out there…try making your wedding shower a jam-making party! Rent a large kitchen (or use a friend’s) and have people be in charge of different stations: cutting the fruit, cooking on the stove, filling and decorating jars. These homemade goodies can be used as the favors during your big day and your friends and family will have a great time getting to know each other throughout the process! Prefer pickling or salsa-making? The can’s the limit!

jam jars display

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