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Once you have taken care of the initial ‘biggies’ to book on your wedding ‘to do’ list you can start to think about the little details that can make a big difference to the day.
From extra personal touches and super-special decor to some fabulous treats and surprises your guests, here we take a look at fun and fine ways to finish off a wedding in style…
photography by Photography34
Strike a pose
Using wedding photos in your décor can be a fabulous way to add a personalised finish to your big day. From Polaroid photo style bunting strung up around the venue showing happy memories throughout your relationship, to a photo table plan made up of images of your guests, there are plenty of ways to incorporate picture details. For something a little more unusual, you could make up a large frame of images to display with photos of you from each year of your relationship.
Culinary treats
If there’s a finishing touch your guests are guaranteed to appreciate, it’s some extra snacks throughout the day. Sweetie tables can provide a welcome treat, or alternatively, a savoury nibbles station filled with crisps and nuts. For something a little more substantial you could set up a pizza or doughnut station, or hire in a classic ice cream van or cart for some afternoon dessert indulgence.
photography by Helen Russell Photography
Happy hour
Likewise, guests are generally always grateful of a free drink (or two). If you can’t afford to put on a free bar for the whole reception, why not have a ‘happy hour’ where guests can enjoy a glass of wine or beer on you during that time. Alternatively, you could treat everyone to a cocktail and personalise with a ‘his and hers’ choices of the bride and groom’s favourite tipple.
Fabulous favours
Get your choice of gift right and a favour can provide a lovely memory of your day. Perhaps some type of seed/plant that guests can take away, nurture and grown. Or if you have a trusted family recipe for jam, chutney or even a home brew gin, you could jar/bottle this up as a tasty treat. Alternatively, if marrying near Christmas or Easter, you could gift a personalised decoration for their tree or bespoke egg cup, so you will be a part of their celebrations each year.
Meaningful music
Everybody loves to hear their song at a celebration, so try to think ahead with your music choices to include tracks that mean something to you and your guests. You could go down the root of asking guests to provide a song choice as part of their RSVP to ensure everyone is catered for. Otherwise think of songs that are special to your parents, grandparents and siblings, or any memorable tracks to include from the hen/stag do that will have your besties running onto the dancefloor!
photography by Helen Russell Photography
Think outside the guest book
As the evening party gets underway, it’s easy for the guest book to get forgotten about. So, why not go down a different route and hire, or set up your own photo booth with a Polaroid camera and props and ask guests to have a fun photo and stick it in the book along with a little message. Alternatively, you could ditch the guest book altogether and ask guests to come up with a ‘date night/anniversary celebration’ suggestion or ‘words of wedded wisdom’ tip instead. Rather than writing it in a book get them to jot ideas down on Jenga bricks or wooden love hearts that can be slotted in a frame and hung on display.
It’s the little things
There are lots of thoughtful touches you can add to your day to let your guests know that you care for them; from flipflops by the dancefloor to relieve tired dancing-feet, to soft throws and blankets provided for those that want to get some fresh air. Items for freshening up in the bathroom, such as deodorant, hair grips and hair spray, are often really appreciated by female guests, while male guests will think you are the coolest ever if you were to set up a ‘gents den’ style room/area with cigars, possibly whisky, and depending on the venue, a pool/snooker table. Meanwhile for the little ones any form of games or entertainment is a great shout; think garden games or activity packs.
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