Hosting the Holidays

Whether you’re having the family over for the holidays or just some friends for a night of hot chocolate, Christmas music, and gift wrapping, this time of year is a wonderful time for entertaining! We love the idea of adding in elements into your home decor to give a little holiday touch, like replacing your usual pillows with some that are holiday patterned, or adding wreaths around the house to give your home a cheerful atmosphere.

A hot chocolate bar for guests is a great way to get family and friends in the holiday spirit, as well as treats topped with peppermint and festive holiday cocktails! If you’re having a casual get together, or a fancy holiday dinner, these extra touches are sure to inspire. Take a look at these photos for ideas for your holiday gathering!

Happy Halloween!

Hosting a spooky soirée for friends and family can be a great way to get people in the Halloween spirit! With holidays soon approaching, a Halloween dinner is a great time to get together before the busy season ensues.

For the Beetlejuice themed dinner we hosted, we had fun with the classic Beetlejuice incorporating elements of burgundy velvet, black and white stripe and a moody floral color palette. We layered in some eerie candlesticks and candelabras as well as working in some DIY fun by making some dramatic velvet chargers to create a moody, dark atmosphere for the gathering. Take a look at these pictures from the event for inspiration! Also a special thanks to Saffron Avenue for collaborating on this event with us! 🙂 So fun!

Vendors:

Venue – Charlie’s on Main

Photographer – Hart & Fig Photography

Event Design & Styling – Cherry Blossom Events

Calligraphy/Stationery – Saffron Avenue

Floral – Daffodil Parker

Rentals – A La Crate Vintage Rentals and Event Essentials

Linens – BBJ Linen

Favors – Cookies by Kate

Magician – James Ember

Entertain your Guests Throughout your Whole Wedding Weekend (2 of 2)

 

The ceremony may be over, but the party is just getting started! A popular trend for many newlyweds is incorporating extra parties into their special weekend. This trend is gaining popularity because many guests and couples don’t want the evening to come to a close. In addition, many couples spend the majority of the reception greeting and chatting with guests and don’t get anytime to spend with close friends and family. Besides, consider it another chance to impress your guests with surprising details and personal touches. Here are some ideas to inspire you!

Cocktail Hour

A cocktail hour is a great way to set the tone and warm guests up for the reception. Keep it simple, but make sure there are enough servers so each guest gets something to drink and eat. Most guests won’t mind standing and mingling, but just in case make sure there are seating options available. Finally, it may be laid back but don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through! Bring in entertainment, exotic cuisine, or personalized drinks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After Reception Party

Go out and hit the town! If you have a large wedding party consider booking a bar for a private event. Keep in mind that some of your guests may have already started drinking; plan accordingly with a shuttle or taxi service.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Post-wedding Brunch

Newlyweds if you are not leaving for your honeymoon right away, a brunch can be the perfect way to bring the celebration to a close. It’s a great opportunity to thank guests for a lovely weekend, or to spend some quality time with loved ones.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photography Credit:

http://www.brit.co/signature-cocktails/?utm_campaign=pinbutton_hover

http://www.brit.co/diy-glitter-party-decor/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/66709638204385614/

https://www.theknot.com/content/8-easy-ideas-for-and-amazing-morning-after-wedding-brunch

Entertain your Guests Throughout your Whole Wedding Weekend (1 of 2)

Inviting a large number of family and friends together can be a slightly stressful, yet wonderful time. If you plan on extending your wedding celebration into a whole weekend, it can be a great idea to have extra festivities to keep your guests occupied while they meet and mingle. These are definitely not required, but if you have it in your budget, it can be a generous and fun gift to your guests who may not know each other, or the city where you’re getting married.

Welcome Party

Throwing a welcome party is a great way to kick off your wedding weekend, and to greet and introduce your guests in a relaxed atmosphere. Get inspired by backyard barbecues, cocktail parties, or find a place that showcases local flavor, such Texas barbecue, Chicago deep-dish pizza, or Wisconsin cheese curds. This is also an opportunity to introduce guests to the area.

 

Wedding Party Field Day

If you have a large wedding party the dress rehearsal may be their first time meeting each other. To break the ice and let everyone bond, throw a wedding party field day. Think classic backyard party games like three-legged races or water balloon toss. After, continue the fun by heading out to your favorite local bar or attraction.

Morning Yoga

Have a favorite yoga teacher or studio in town? Host a special wedding day yoga class for your guests at the studio or their hotel. This can be a great way to get everyone’s day started, and fill the time gap before the ceremony. If you have time feel free to join too, taking an exercise class can reduce any last minute stress or jitters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photography Credit:

http://www.weddingchicks.com/2013/07/11/welcome-wedding-bbq/

http://jwileyphotography.com/carrie-sean-pre-wedding-field-day-extravaganza/

 

 

 

An Alternative Night On the Town: Capitol Pedaler (2 of 2):

Instead of doing the traditional pub crawl for your bachelor or bachelorette party, try the innovative, pedal powered, trolley on wheels! Captiol Pedaler is perfect and fun way to transport your party around downtown Madison. This unique trolly holds up to 14 people; you even get your own captain and bartender! As you pedal through the state street area and stop at the bars, you will be the talk of the town.

Photography Credit:
http://host.madison.com/gallery/news/local/photos-capitol-pedaler-makes-the-rounds-downtown/collection_1a4682ee-bab4-11e0-9f5c-001cc4c002e0.html#0
http://www.travelwisconsin.com/food-tours/capitol-pedaler-196413

An Alternative Night on the Town: Pontoon Porch (1 of 2):

Madison is a great place to hold bachelor and bachelorette parties; there are plenty of bars and many choices for fabulous entertainment. Want an alternative party idea that will make waves? Try Madison’s very own Pontoon Porch. Pontoon Porch is a floating party deck that can hold up to 30 people. This boat not only cruises around the lake, but it has a grill, comfy furniture, speakers, a bathroom, and even an opening in the deck where you can fish or dip your feet into the water! This party craft is perfect for having a novel and nautical fab time with your gals or guys; all you need are friends, food and drinks, and you will be set to sail for the night.

Photography Credit:
pontoonporch.com

Secrets to a Fun Wedding Reception: Games and More

Wedding receptions are meant to be full of joy and laughter for everyone. In between all the food, dancing and cocktails there is plenty of downtime. Finding ways to keep your guests happy throughout your special day doesn’t have to be hard! You don’t want to spend any time worrying about entertaining your guests, so here are some ideas to ensure everyone is having a great time at your wedding. These activities work great because they keep your guests entertained and some even provide you with advice for the future. It’s the best of both worlds!

Wedding I Spy – This is an easy way to get your guests involved, as well as gather additional candid photos from your wedding. Tailor the list of pictures based on which moments you want captured. Ask your guests to take pictures with their phones and provide disposable cameras for the younger guests. One of your favorite wedding memories may come from a photo captured in I Spy!

Giant Jenga – What a fun and competitive way to get your guests on their feet! This is the perfect game for young and old. By following this link you can even learn how to make your own Jenga set. http://community.homedepot.com/howto/ArticleDetail/Building-a-Giant-Jenga-Game-ka450000000TQG1

RSVP Song Request Cards – Ensure that your guests will dance the night away to some of their favorite songs by allowing them to request a song. It’s also a creative way to encourage everyone to show off their best dance moves when their song comes on.

Table Game Booklets – Leave a book and pen at each table for guests to write down a few words of advice for you and your loved one. You can come up with whatever questions you want answers to. Some other ideas include: what is your favorite vacation spot?, what should we name our first child?, what’s the secret to a happy marriage?.

Mad Libs – Create your own Mad Libs cards for your guests to fill out. These cards are good conversation starters for your guests to get to know each other, as well as something funny for you to read afterwards. You could even bind the cards together and make a book out of them!

Photo booth – You can’t go wrong with a photo booth! If you’ve already been to a wedding or even with a photo booth you know just how much fun they are! They encourage your guests to loosen up and have fun, and the photos make wonderful wedding favors. Say cheese!

 

Photography credit:

http://briansnyderentertainment.com/blog/2014/04/14/hey-mr-dj-play-my-request/

http://thenaturalweddingcompany.co.uk/blog/2012/04/lucy-and-jons-rural-peak-district-wedding-handcrafted-by-family-and-friends/

https://shine.yahoo.com/photos/15-ways-wedding-reception-less-slideshow/booklets-photo-2688192-175600422.html

http://www.lovevsdesign.com/printables/all/rustic-mad-libs

http://gallery.weddingbee.com/photo/my-i-spy-cards/#axzz37yBGaabD

http://www.inspiredwives.com/2013/02/creative-photo-booth-wedding-ideas.html

Fun and Games: Indoors (2 of 2)

Interested in having some extra entertainment for guests at your wedding, but concerned about rain or not enough outdoor space?  There are tons of fun indoor crowd pleasers to keep spirits high, even before any champagne gets poured. From classic board games, to special crossword puzzles with questions about the happy couple, there is no limit to the fun you can provide.

Photo Credit: www.etsy.com

www.weddingwindow.com

www.bubblybride.com

www.boards.weddingbee.com

Fun and Games: Outdoors (1 of 2)

Have a pretty large time gap between the ceremony and the reception?  Many out of town guests may not know of places to go or things to do. Especially if you have one location for both, many will stay and relax for the downtime. Cocktail hour and appetizers are always a great idea, but having some activities for the guests will be greatly appreciated!

If you have some outdoor space, beanbag toss, bocce ball, mini golf, or a sack race for kids would be really fun. You can even customize games to your wedding colors or make special rules that you and your groom decide.  Guests are sure to have a blast!

Photo Credit: www.bendthelight.com

www.elizabethannedesigns.com

www.clementinechicago.com

www.theknot.com

Dynamic Duo Drinks: Customized Cocktails

Naturally, every wedding should be as unique as the dynamic duo that’s getting hitched. This begs the question: if you plan on personalizing a myriad of nuptial details, why leave out specially tailored drinks? An ever-growing wedding trend involves creating (with the help of an expert mixologist) custom cocktails that are reflective of the couple’s style, taste, and personality. Whether you want to incorporate a favorite liquor, create a drink that matches your color scheme, or feature a local ingredient, inventing an imaginative cocktail is a must for your post-ceremony soiree.  Still searching for inspiration? Try creating a concoction like this “Lucky in Love” St. Patrick’s Day themed beverage.

 

1 cup diced ripe honeydew

1 oz vanilla vodka

1/2 oz. Cointreau

1/2 oz. Midori

3/4 oz fresh lime juice

1 tbsp roughly chopped fresh mint

at least 1/2 cup cold brut Champagne or dry sparking wine

 

Puree the melon in a blender (add 1 or 2 tablespoons of water if necessary). Press the melon mixture through a strainer into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Add the vodka, Cointreau, Midori, lime juice and mint. Shake vigorously to infuse. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass and top with Champagne to fill; give a quick stir and serve.

Photography and recipe credit: Floridian Weddings