Many weddings are still relatively traditional events, so there tends to be similarities between most weddings. Most brides will wear a white dress. Most grooms will wear a suit. There is a bouquet. There will be vows. There is a reception. There will be a cake. The list goes on and the majority of weddings check every box. But at the same time, while many couples don’t mind sticking to some type of wedding protocol, they do want something a bit different. Like them, you’re probably wanting to make your wedding stand out. You want your special day to be memorable.
Now, there are a number of ways to achieve this. Generally, small additions can make all the difference. So, here are a few that you might want to consider for your wedding day.
1. A Photo Booth
Photo booths are a popular feature at many weddings. While not every wedding will have one, increasing demand means that photo booth rental is more widely available and can easily be booked, brought to your wedding, operated for the day and picked up in the evening. It’s simple. It’s straightforward. Two things that are music to any wedding planner’s ears!
Your guests will have a lot fun with the props and posing with other guests. Instead of just using the typical props (feather boas, funny hats) you can get creative and come up with some props that fit your wedding theme. The booth itself will basically let your guests take high-quality pictures alone or together, and usually they’ll receive an automatic printout. This can be a great keepsake of your big day for their memory boxes or to be pinned to their fridges. If you’re feeling a little creative and would like copies of everyone’s pictures for your memory box too, be sure to make arrangements in advance with your photo booth company so they’ll know to print an extra copy of each picture taken. Your copy can be placed in a special box or basket, or can be stuck into a scrapbook next to the booth and your guests can write a wedding message next to their image for you. This will give you something to look forward to flicking through and reading through after the event!
2. Place Cards/Escort Cards
It’s a good idea to have assigned seating for all of your guests, especially if you’re going to have a meal of some sort at your wedding – whether it be a sit down meal or a buffet. This prevents people taking all but one space at a table and leaving others feeling too awkward to join a table of people they don’t know too well to dine. Place cards can let people know which seat is theirs and prevent any problems with seating arrangements, while escort cards only tell guests the table they are to be seated at, allowing them to choose their own specific seat at that table. Place cards will be pre-set in advance, with some sort of seating chart or listing at the entrance so guests don’t have to check every table for their name.
The easiest type of place card or escort card has the guest’s name (and table number for escort cards) printed on simple card stock, which is folded tent-fashion and placed on a table near the entry. But this is a great area to get creative! There are so many different types of place cards out there, so you’ll be bound to find some that meet your wedding’s theme. Browse Etsy for some great options. Alternatively, you can commission someone to make custom place cards especially for you, or even get crafty and create some yourself!
3. Food Trucks/Vans
Have you considered having some sort of food van for the reception meal itself or later in the evening? Late-in-the-evening snacks are a trendy addition to your big day that can also stave off guests’ hunger as the day slips into the night. Now, we’re not necessarily thinking of a greasy burger and chips type of van. Instead, there are all sorts of cute vans that appear at festivals. Some offer things as simple as grilled cheese. Some could have loaded fries. Some may have more substantial food. Whatever you like, there will be a food van out there that provides it and can be hired for the day or evening.
4. Fireworks
Fireworks aren’t exactly cheap. But if you’re willing to splash out, a fireworks display can be a truly beautiful way to round up your night. Many people love looking up to the sky in wonder as stunning colors and shapes appear in thin air. Just make sure to use professionals to set up and launch your display. You don’t want any accidents causing damage, harm, or problems for anyone on the day.
5. Wedding Favors
Some people like to give their guests a little gift to take home and remind them of the event. These are known as wedding favors, and can be absolutely anything. They can be a cookie or a little box of candy, or something practical, like a customized pen or a simple trinket. Whatever you opt for, try to keep it low cost – especially if you have a large number of guests.
These are just a few ideas of little additions that can make your wedding stand out from the crowd and create great memories for all of your loved ones!
Photo Credit: Nathan Cowley via Pexels
* This is a contributed post
I hope you found this information useful!
Hearts, Joy, Love!
Jean
For planning help and unique ideas for your wedding call or text me at 937-581-3647, or email me at [email protected]!
