Table arrangements too tricky? Try a communal table. This one from Style Me Pretty is so awesome and beautiful.

{photo from Style Me Pretty, by Gia Canali}

{Justin + Jen from Brooke Courtney on Vimeo}

Awesome.

Did you know you can RENT Smilebooth? Or…you could always create your own!

Guests are looking to be surprised at your wedding. They take in all the details and make mental notes on what to tell their friends and co-workers about come Monday. So don’t feel tied to a boring favor that guests “forget” when they leave. I love the idea of making your own commemorative pin your guests can wear or just have as a fun keepsake. You could have it say a favorite quote or be a fun drawing of you and your new hubs.

{Photo credits: Martha Stewart Weddings}

Do you dream of  wowing your guests with a perfectly practiced first dance? Or maybe you’re freaking out about dancing in front of all your guests. Either way, pre-wedding dance lessons are just the thing you need!
Let me recommend my super awesome bro-in-law Nick, who teaches ballroom dancing at Studio 180 in Annapolis. He’s taught many a couple how to dance (see how fly he looks taking Joanne for a spin at her and Adam’s wedding?). I could go on and on, but the bottom line is if you’re planning a first dance, you need to give him a call.

Speaking of dancing, I’m sort of dying over these Moschino Ballet Flats.

{photo by Mike B Photogarphy}

I’ve met a bride who was planning on cupcakes instead of a traditional wedding cake, and I’ve seen pictures of couples who opted for whoopie pies … but would you ever consider having donuts (gasp!) on your big day?  What if they were super cute and delicious?

Find  instructions at Such Pretty Things … via Twig & Thistle.

While I love that the cupcake is the new wedding cake, I would like to argue that the whoopie pie is the new new wedding cake.  They are kitschy, super cute and I’ll bet your reception guests will have a great time eating them. I first learned about whoopie pies while living in New England. They are delicious, but beware the gas station, vacuum-sealed versions (yuck). Not convinced? Whip up a batch of your own and you’ll know what I’m talking about.

The traditional black and white pie would be great with a black and white theme. Or, mix up the colors like Eat Your Tart Out.
If you love red velvet cake as much as I do, you might go for these valentine whoopie pies from Kristin at Iowa Girl Eats.

Or, because pumpkin spice is the reason for the season, try this tasty vegan recipe over at Enlightened Cooking.

Sweet Cake by Beerd van Stokkum. Million possibilities with this cupcake bottom. Wedding reception display … baby shower favor bin … personal candy holder …

I’ll take two!

Ananda

I wish there were some DIY way to re-create this stunning effect! If anyone has suggestions on how to do this for a wedding reception, let me know. Until then, I drool.

Chanel Couture (image from chanel.com)

Ananda

I found myself watching an episode of “Rich Bride, Poor Bride” the other night. It was a poor bride episode and the bride was on a strict budget. The only thing the groom wanted was a popcorn and a cotton candy machine at the reception. He ended up getting both. Having the machines up and running for all during the reception was kind of odd but the cotton candy treat was actually a hit.

So, if your groom insists on having cotton candy at the reception, you might give these mini-cotton candies on sticks posted over at Martha Stewart Weddings a whirl.

Heather

Seating cards are those little things that tell guests where to sit. The only information they need to hold is the guest’s name and table number. Seems simple, right? Simple, yes. But they don’t have to be simple Simon. Even though they seem small and insignificant, try not to overlook them. They can make a huge impact and really add to the feeling of the wedding. They are essentially the first thing guests see and pick up at the reception. Instead of just laying them out on a table, put some thought into it. Something so easy to overlook could turn out to be a truly wonderful touch to your day.

Heather