As a wedding and events coordinator I have the unique opportunity to see the "inside" of a lot of weddings. Each wedding has its own unique twist and these are a few of my favorites:
- A bride knew she would have the possibility of rain showers during her wedding day. She ordered coordinating umbrellas and small tote bags from Lands End for her bridesmaids gifts. They all stayed dry and the umbrellas were used in the outdoor photos.
- Consider a new way to throw your bouquet. Order a special throw-away bouquet (like many brides do these days) that comes apart so that more than one person can catch it. You'll see a lot of smiling faces and maybe eliminate a scuffle.
- Will a lot of children be attending your festivities? One bride was thinking ahead. Expecting some unrest, she had a TV and children's videos at her reception, and handed out gift bags filled with toys from the dollar store and wedding coloring books she made. A portable crib is a handy thing to have on hand for babies who want to go to sleep and guests who don't want to go home.
- Bright colors -- hot pink, tangerine, yellows and lime green -- are very popular with weddings this year. One table centerpiece I saw recently used colored pieces of paper for a festive table covering.
- Fruits are being used in centerpieces -- lemons, limes, apples for fall, anything goes.
- Ribbon is another way to add color to your table. Wind silk ribbon around wine glasses, or tie the backs of chairs with a simple bow.
- Silk or real rose petals add to a table with little cost.
- Tie up silverware in a napkin wound with a colored ribbon or raffia for a different place setting.
Matching your dream and your budget
One thing that all weddings have in common is a budget. For many brides, trying to make the wedding match their budget becomes difficult. It doesn't have to be that way.
Here are some suggestions for making your wedding a little more cost effective.
- Rent trees and string with Christmas lights to add greenery to your reception hall. You can also use tree branches with lights for little cost. Generally, potted plants, ferns, and greenery can all be rented from your local florist.
- Have a dessert reception. Pick your favorite desserts and offer two or three of them along with wedding cake and really good coffee (and hot chocolate for the young guests).
There are many ways to personalize your wedding, so get creative. As long as it reflects your spirit and that of your groom, you really can't go wrong.
Binfet is the events coordinator for the Plains Art Museum in Fargo, where she has coordinated weddings and receptions for six years. She can be reached at (701) 232-3821, ext. 128, or at
