Why White? » unique reception ideas

How to Pull Off a Unique Color Scheme

Why White — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 13:21:41 +0000

Just like all of the other aspects of a wedding, the right color scheme reflects the style and personalities of the bride and groom. Choose a color scheme that is not only a reflection of yourselves, but also of your big day.

You may simply use a favorite color as inspiration, or you might pick colors which harmonize with your seasonal palette. Another great way to choose wedding colors is based on what kind of “feeling” or theme you want your wedding to emanate.

Let’s start with the easiest one – your favorite color. In order to make a huge impact on your big day, implement your chosen color as much as possible. From the flowers to the bridesmaid dresses to the food, make sure all of your guests don’t have a doubt as to which hue makes you the happiest. After you decide on your favorite color (which shouldn’t take much thought), choose an accent color that complements it. For example, let’s say your favorite color is green. A great complementary color would be brown. While it might not sound like the prettiest color combination, green and brown are natural earth tones that are especially pretty for an outdoor garden ceremony in the spring or summer.

The next method to choosing a color palette is to base it around what season your wedding will be in. Spring weddings are the most popular, so let’s use that as an example. There are so many options, from pastels to bright colors, which tend to work well together no matter which ones you choose. Let’s say you prefer bright colors, but don’t want your choices to be too overpowering. There are ways you can add pops of neon color that make a big impact but do not distract from the elegance of your big day. If you can’t choose just one, why not have a whole rainbow?

The last method is to choose colors that pop into your head when you think about the theme or vibe you would like your wedding to have. For instance, say you want to have a classic vintage wedding with a twist. Instead of choosing the ever popular powder pink, go for a peach shade instead. Add some gray accents, and you have a gorgeous vintage affair with a unique and modern twist.

Creative Edible Favor Ideas

Why White — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 13:23:54 +0000

Choosing the perfect favors can be one of the most fun things to do when it comes to wedding planning. Using favors to enhance their wedding theme while at the same time giving small tokens of appreciation to their guests is something many brides really enjoy doing. Of course, having wedding favors is optional. Some brides choose to forego the stereotypical cheesy wedding favor altogether. If you’d love to have favors at your upcoming nuptials but would like to avoid the snickering of your friends, consider making unique, unexpected edible favors.

First of all, if you think your only options when it comes to edible favors are the standard white Jordan almonds in the tulle bag, think again. There is an endless array of creative ideas out there just waiting for you to make them your own.

Jars of jam or honey – Choose adorable little jars that are easy to decorate. Bonus points if you make your own preserves.
Candy buffet - This idea is awesome for several reasons. First, it’s easy – and whatever makes your life simpler while wedding planning is usually a welcome thing. Second, guests love it. Third, if done right, it can be visually stunning. Buy jelly beans, rock candy, M&M’s, salt water taffy, lollipops, chocolate kisses, etc., in your wedding colors (or a rainbow of colors!), and set them out in pretty dishes. Provide bags for guests to fill with their favorite candies, and that’s it – you’re done.
Personalized cupcakes – Who doesn’t love cupcakes? This is an especially easy option if you're already serving cupcakes rather than a wedding cake. They are easy to personalize with your initials, wedding date, pictures, or anything else you can think of. Have extra cupcakes made and put out small, decorative take-home boxes so guests can take home their own cupcake.
Fortune cookies with custom fortunes – Not only delicious, but also interactive! (Note: Check out these origami fortune cookies if you would like a non-edible option. Not as palatable, but oh-so-pretty!)
Home-brewed wedding beer – No explanation necessary.

It’s hard to go wrong with edible favors because they are delicious and appeal to everyone. Sending your guests home with a little reminder of how truly sweet your big day was is a great way to end the evening.

Unique Dessert Table Ideas

Why White — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 13:19:42 +0000

When it comes to a wedding reception, one of the most popular attractions is the dessert table. If you want to make your wedding uniquely you (and what bride doesn’t?), an out-of-this-world after dinner sweet feast is an unexpected way to do so.

So, how exactly do you turn cookies and mini-cheesecakes into an expression of your unique, amazing personality? It’s actually not as hard as you might think.

The first step is to focus on something that really inspires you. It can be wedding related, such as the design on your invitations, or it can be something simple, like your favorite color. Now, take that one element and create your dessert table around it. Have your caterer recreate your invitation designs on your wedding cake, for instance. Or have every single item on the dessert table incorporate a shade of your favorite color, in frosting, food coloring, sprinkles, and linens – anything you want!

Speaking of linens, make sure what dresses up your dessert table looks just as yummy as the food that sits on top of it. Just because the sweets are the main attraction, it doesn’t mean that the background is any less important. Choose one-of-a-kind decorations and gorgeous linens to add to your beautiful, coordinated table.

If you are having a theme wedding, you could base your desserts around that as well. For example, if you’re both huge music lovers, have your cake decorator, baker, or caterer design cupcakes with music note toppers or hand-painted lyrics on your cake.

Have pretty take-home boxes set out on your dessert table. This way, your guests can take home some of those delicious treats to remind them of just how special and sweet your big day really was.

And last but certainly not least, make sure you sample the delicacies that will adorn your table before the big day. The most beautiful desserts are not always the most delicious! Although having a unique wedding is great, you want to make sure your guests remember your event for the right reasons – and not the not-so-delicious sweets they were served.

Using Non-floral Centerpieces

Why White — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 16:10:48 +0000

Creating a Unique Reception – Using Non-floral Centerpieces

Deciding on the perfect centerpiece can be difficult. Although floral centerpieces are still the standard at most weddings, many brides are choosing to forego flowers altogether in lieu of something more unique. However, if you decide on a DIY centerpiece, they can end up being a lot more work than you expected. If you have the patience and desire to nix the flowers and up the “wow” factor at your upcoming reception, adorn your guest tables with one of these adorable, funky ideas.

Sticks
Sticks are simple, natural, and inexpensive (sometimes even free!). There are so many ways to use sticks as centerpieces to create very eye-catching displays. You can put branches into vases or planters and decorate them with origami, candle holders, or anything else you can think of.

Books
Books as table centerpieces might seem strange at first, but there are so many unique elements you can incorporate into the idea. You could have each table themed after one of your most admired authors, complete with a stack of some of their hardcover books and a little framed quote from your favorite work. This idea is great for literary/scholarly couples.

Lanterns
Lanterns are great for Asian-themed weddings, but with a little creative twist, they can be used in almost any theme. There are battery-operated ones if your venue does not allow candles or open flames. You can use vintage lanterns for a country-themed wedding, or different glass and metal lanterns for a night-time wedding to set the ambiance.