Memory Lane Aisle Runner

Weddings are filled with flowers, fun, food, and dancing, but when you get down to it, a wedding is really all about the bride and groom's life together in the past, present, and future. We love when couples can find creative ways to add personal elements into their wedding day - especially to the ceremony! (after all, it's really what the whole day's about, right?) 

via Alexan Events

We think that this aisle runner is such a unique way to add that personal touch. You could start with your first date and add photos from all the special moments in your story leading up to your engagement photos and then your wedding day. It would be easy enough to make yourself by printing photos onto iron-transfer paper and using fabric markers.

Would you like to walk down this aisle?

Guest Reception Activities

We know that guests can sometimes get antsy while they're waiting at their tables. Whether they're waiting for the first dance, dinner to be served, or maybe for the dance floor to open, it's always nice for them to have something to do.  Having fun activities at their seats can be a great way to keep them happy, entertained and share a little more about what makes your love story so special! Most of these ideas can be turned into really unique guest books after the wedding as well - double-duty awesomeness!!

via Style Me Pretty

A cheat sheet! "5 Things Her Side Should Know About Him" and "5 Things His Side Should Know About Her." This would be a cute, easy way, to not only keep guests entertained, but also to let everyone get to know the couple a little better. There's no need to put one at each place setting either - stand them up like your table numbers and save money on printing!

via Etsy

We think this "Wishes for the Happy Couple" activity would be great in so many ways. It's an interactive activity that the bride and groom can look at after the wedding and keep as a personalized memory.

via Pinterest

Absolutely loving this idea! Put Popsicle Sticks, Sharpies, and a Mason Jar on each table. Have the guests write a fun date idea on one side, sign their name on the other, and drop the stick into the jar. A fun table activity that the couple can use time and again after the wedding!

These are just a few creative guest activity ideas for your reception! Do you have any fun ideas to add?

Creative Save-the-Dates

Hi everyone! We're back! We've been completely consumed by Spring Wedding Season around here and our blogging has fallen behind.....BUT - we can't wait to pick right up where we left off! We have such a great time blogging about the fun, unique and memorable ideas we come across and are over-the-moon when you comment and share your experiences too! Keep them coming! :)

First up: FUN Save-the-Dates!

Save-the-Dates are a great way to get your guests to remember that your wedding is coming up. Why not do something different to make your date stick in their head, and get them even more pumped for your big day?! We just can't get enough of these unique save-the-date ideas!

Please Inflate and Save the Date

via Weddings Illustrated

Isn't this just so cool?! Not only is it an interactive save-the-date idea, but you could even incorporate balloons into the decor on your big day as well!

Don't Forget to Pencil Us In!

via Etsy

This one is so unique, yet so simple! (And gives the guests no excuse to not write down the date right then and there!)

Photobooth Fun

via Pinterest

Who doesn't love a good photobooth? What a great way to capture your personalities for such a fun save-the-date! Then, have a fun photo booth at your wedding too!

Do you have any other creative save-the-date ideas? We would love to hear about them!

Guest Buttons & Escort Cards

I came across this idea for your wedding guests and literally laughed out loud! I love it - personalized buttons for each guest, complete with a cute description or fun fact!

via Style Me Pretty

Quite the undertaking with a big guest count, but if you're having a more intimate affair, it'd be completely doable!

Talk about a way for your guests to get to know one and other - It's a perfect icebreaker. Plus, I feel like it's a great, tongue-in-cheek, but meaningful way to show guests that they are special to you and you're happy they came.

Attach a little tag to the back pin with their table number and you're set for escort cards as well!

What do you think? Could you think of a fun tagline for each of your attendees? Challenge accepted!

Patterned Bridesmaid Dresses

There are so many different options for your ladies these days! Way beyond the standard taffeta, solid colors and big bows - brides are branching out all over the place!

I'm sure you've seen the ombre' effect for your maids, and you've definitely seen the different dresses each in the same shades. Have you considered patterns though?!

via Style Me Pretty

I am loving these stripes! (especially with the pops of color on the shoes!!) It's super elegant with a twist!

via That Weird Fashion Girl

Isn't this floral gown stunning?! I kinda feel like a bouquet would be overkill here...she would look beautiful walking down the aisle with a gorgeous clutch (as pictured) or maybe with a candle or pretty lantern? Or for an outdoor ceremony - a parasol?!

via The Polka Dot Bride

The bride herself jumped on the pattern train here! That's right - the bride is the one in the floral gown with her ladies in solid complimentary colors - how different and special!

We've been in love with nontraditional bridesmaid dresses for awhile now...check out these stylish polka dot ladies post too!

Weigh in - are your girls wearing solid colors or a patterned gown?

City Map Seating Chart

My favorite weddings are the ones that incorporate special touches about the couple and what makes their love story unique. I love it when guests get to learn more about the bride & groom! Whether it's as simple as some childhood pictures, a sign with their love story, or table names with meaningful things on them, all of these details make the day that much more intimate.

I saw this and thought it was a really neat way to add that personal touch every wedding needs!

via Bridal Musings

This couple used a city map as their seating chart for guests! Each table was named after a different location in Paris and guests found their names and found their seats. You could use your home town, the city you met, where you got engaged....the possibilities abound!

Speaking from my Gator side - I think doing this with a map of the University of Florida campus would be Gatortastic! You could use your dorms, classes you had together, special campus landmarks...fun, right? (Obviously I'm biased here, but any college would be special and really unique!)

One of my rules is that you should always alphabetize your seating charts and escort cards - it's just immensely easier for your guests. I love this idea so much though, I'm willing to break the rule here (What's a rule without that exception, right?). If your guest count is on the smaller side, you'll be set. If you have a bit of a larger wedding planned, think about electing a special person (or wedding planner!) that has an alphabetized list to assist guests standing nearby.

How are your guests finding their seats?

Paper Cut Boutonniere

Not everyone loves the look of traditional boutonnieres. Maybe you're looking for something a little more on the modern side for those special guys in your wedding?

I came across this picture and thought it was such a different and fun idea!

via Brooklyn Bride

It's still romantic and whimsical (as all good boutonnieres should be), but it's sleek and modern with a fun twist at the same time!

Literally, ANY color, pattern, texture is open to you. I'd use the heaviest card stock that I could find to help it keep its shape throughout the day (and all those hugs). You can pick any flower silhouette you like.

Plus it's light! If your groomsmen will be rocking the suspenders or vest only look (or maybe even just a dress shirt and tie?) you'll need boutonnieres that are as light weight as possible. Traditional boutonnieres just are typically too heavy to stay upright without using a bunch of pins, which gets uncomfortable.  This would be the perfect solution!

For the full list of instructions, as well as a downloadable template, check out Brooklyn Bride.

She used a craft cutter to help keep the lines cleaner. While she doesn't specify how it's pinned on, I think any pin backing from your local craft store would be fine with some light glue at the biggest point of the flower.

Tell us what you think! Would you create these for your wedding?