When it comes to the ceremony and reception everyone seems to look for those finishing touches that help either add something special or create memories, like the photo cufflinks I told you about earlier this week. For my cousin’s wedding almost two years ago now she and her mother made homemade jam in a number of different flavors and provided them as favors at the reception. Not only was it a nice homemade gift that reflected something she enjoyed, she also has the memory of cooking up all those batches with her mom.
Unique Wedding and Reception Ideas
Here are a few other suggestions for things to add or do during the ceremony that are a little unique:
- Consider a photo guest book. Have one of your attendants take a Polaroid of each guest or group of guests (however they arrive) and then add the photo to the guestbook or scrapbook and have them sign below it.
- Get married by candlelight for a romantic touch.
- Have the officiant stand down on the floor while you stand on stairs or a platform so that your guests can see your faces and expressions instead of just the back of your heads.
And here are some unique thoughts for the reception:
- When choosing food, go regional. From New England? Then you might want lobster bisque or clam chowder. Does your town have it’s own brewery? Try stocking your bar with it or have the local claim-to-fame cocktail be your signature drink.
- Try a candy “bar” at your reception. Gather old glass apothecary jars, colored vases, tea cups – whatever containers best fit your theme. Then fill them with a collection of candies. Rock candy on sticks, jelly beans, layers of colored M&Ms, swirled lollipops and other brightly colored candies really stand out. The kids will love it (and so will the adults). See some sample photos here at the Disney Food Blog (one of my faves!).
- Do a dessert sampling table. Offer a variety of small desserts like chocolate covered strawberries, brownies, bites of cheesecake dipped in chocolate, mini strawberry shortcakes, etc. If a family member has a dessert they are “known” for (with my Gram it would be her famous peanut butter fudge and frosted chocolate brownies), consider asking them to share a couple of batches. It gives your loved ones a way to contribute to the festivities and makes everything a little more personal.
