Invite Designer - Creative Wedding Planning & Ideas

After writing my last post about movie themed weddings, I ended up stumbling on all kinds of cool wedding accesories that would fit the movie theme perfectly and I just couldn’t help but post some of them here for you to have a look at.

Like I mentioned in my previous post; a movie theme may not be for everyone, but for those of you looking for something different or those who are all out movie buffs; a movie themed wedding is an awesome choice that will surely create a lasting memory for all in attendance.

A great thing about a theme wedding is that you have carte blanche to go as wild as you want! You could incorporate a few elements and keep it simple, or have fun and go hog wild with theme-friendly goodies oozing from every inch of your reception hall!

Here are some neat little accessories that you may get a kick out of; from clapboard placecard holders to movie themed wedding cakes!

 Having a movie themed wedding is a cool option for anyone looking for something a little different, but more so if you and/or your spouse are movie buffs. By having a movie themed wedding, there will be elements of the special day that everyone else will relate to regardless of age or background which is a nice way to make everyone feel connected and your wedding feel more intimate no matter how many guests you have.

Here are some ideas for your move themed wedding:

Don’t Number Your Tables – Name Them After Movies: Place a seating chart at the entrance to the reception hall with each table named after a movie and place a placard with the name of the movie and a quote from that movie that relates to your relationship or history together somehow. When you make your rounds, you can explain quickly to each table the special meaning behind your choice. Some quotes are hilarious or so offbeat that they will make great ice breakers and conversation starters.

Sprinkle Your Speeches With Movie Quotes: This is such a great alternative to the super-sappy and often times boring speeches that we have to endure at weddings! Not sure how to pull this off? Using quotes  from total guy movies like The God Father or Caddy Shack when addressing a male in your speech or something out of Love Story or even Thelma and Louise when thanking your Maid of Honor or mother! 

Inflict the Idea Above on Your Maid of Honor and Best Man: Tell those standing up for you that in keeping with the theme, they will need to reference movies and quotes in their speeches to you and your new spouse. This makes the dreaded speechwriting seem like a lot less of a chore and with some funny quotes in there they can guarantee some laughs to take the edge off and some tears to satisfy the bride’s likely need for at least some emotion and sap!

Make It A Masquerade Affair: If you have enough time before your big day for your guests to prepare, why not have everyone come dressed as a move character? Think it’s a tad overboard? How about just the Bride and Groom and the wedding party then? Think classic film stars for a slightly more glamorous and vintage feel and try to keep to just one film for consistency. (Gone with the Wind and Casablanca are great ones!)

As long as you refrain from using quotes that may offend or films that are on the racy or inappropriate side; a move themed wedding will make for an unforgettable day that everyone will rave about for years to come!

I already had theme weddings on my mind when I got up this morning as it was to be my topic du jour, but in need of a new desk; I spent some time schmoozing the Ikea website and not only stumbled on my dream desk/table, but the inspiration for an entire wedding! The table I speak of is the Vika Glasholm. It’s actually a table top; you choose the legs separately.

This beautiful glass table top has the word “Love” etched all over it in 50 different languages. How could one not be inspired?! While it could prove costly to buy up a whole slew of these for your guests to sit at, one or two would look très chic at the entrance of your venue with a guest book and money box.

Surfing the site led me to several other goodies–many under $10!– including the new Blomster vases that come in the most delicious shades of pink, among others. They range in size from teeny-tiny to medium and would make a pretty yet trendy statement on any table, especially for those who aren’t fans of the larger and more intrusive centerpieces.

While we’re talking about pretty items for your table top; the Skimmer candle holders, which are made of mercury glass, would really glam up any table! As reflective as a crispy-clean mirror; these candle holders placed throughout a room would bounce light allover and a sparkle like no other. F-a-b-u-l-o-u-s!

And now that I have used the word “sparkle”, I need to mention another goody from our Swedish friends that would help to light up any wedding from a casual indoor soirée to a garden wedding; light chains and curtains. Ikea has the best collection of outdoor lighting! Flowers or birds; either will help to make your special day shine and whimsy that will make your guests smile.

Finally, since lighting really is the most important element in creating ambiance and setting a mood; I am in love with the Knubbig table lamps! In big and small and in colors that range from bright and happy to classic and elegant; these pretty balls o’ light pack enough punch to work as centerpieces all on their own.

The best thing about an Ikea themed wedding? You get to incorporate it all into your home and have stylish little reminders of the happiest day of your life scattered throughout your love-nest!

Unique wedding favors will leave a lasting impression on your guests, whether you have a traditional wedding or a modern one.  Unique wedding favors do not have to be expensive.  Many of them you can make yourself, while others are reasonably priced through creative artisans and online stores. 

For eco-weddings, garden and flower seeds for guests to plant on a spring or summer day make unique wedding favors.  You can bundle attractive seed packets in sheer netting with a bow and scatter them throughout your reception area.  You can also combine seedlings in small plants to add greenery and color to your décor. 

If you want all-out fun and unique wedding favors, take some inspiration from the goody bags passed out at children’s birthday parties.  Your wedding “party bags” can include kazoos, party favor blow outs, bottles full of blowing bubbles, yoyos, spray string, paddle balls, and noisemakers.  Where possible, you can get these fun toys in your wedding colors. 

Attractive glass vases or tins filled with candies make irresistible unique wedding favors.  For those with dietary restrictions, it’s always best to include several of these candy favors that are low in sugar or are sugar free.

Other unique wedding favors include candles and soaps.  Since candles come in many colors, you’re likely to find them in your wedding colors.  If not, you can contact a local candle maker or one online who can custom color your wedding candles.  She or he may also be able to stamp your name, your groom’s name, and your wedding date on your candles.   

Soapylove offers totally delightful and creative unique wedding favors.  Her Champagne and Berry Soapsicles are designed especially for weddings.  These whimsical soapsicles are sure to make your guests break out in smiles or outright giggles.  If you want custom labels for these mouthwatering unique wedding favors, drop Debbie a line at debbie@soapylove.com.   

Unique wedding favors come in all shapes and sizes.  They are limited only by your imagination.  Consider offering unique wedding favors at your upcoming nuptials for a more personalized and lasting memory of your special day.

Destination weddings are becoming very popular with engaged couples.  At first blush, destination weddings sound like they would cost a lot more money than the usual church ceremony; however, they are often cheaper.  This is because many resorts, cruises, and other travel destinations offer wedding packages that include the wedding ceremony, a catered reception with food and wedding cake, photographer, officiant, and honeymoon.  Sometimes travel to and from the destination wedding is included.  If travel isn’t included, it’s best for couples to purchase air and hotel as a package because this saves money. 

A destination wedding package not only saves money, but it also saves the bride and groom all the time and stress of planning their wedding.  It’s already done for them!  All they have to do is show up and enjoy the vacation atmosphere that greets them as soon as they arrive. 

Destination weddings are also a reunion of sorts for friends and family.  Guests spend more time with each other because the wedding ceremony is usually a day or two after family and friends arrive.  This gives everyone time to catch up with friends and family or get acquainted with the in-laws.

Additionally, if this isn’t a bride’s and/or groom’s first marriage, destination weddings are an ideal choice.  This type of wedding is more private and often don’t have the usual tongues wagging about a second or third marriage.  Plus, if children are involved, a destination wedding at a family friendly resort or cruise is great for taking the kids along, particularly if there are step siblings.  This helps them get to know one another and to make them feel part of the new family. 

Popular destination weddings are the Bahamas, Las Vegas, Hawaii, cruises, and even castles in the UK.  Destination weddings don’t have to require traveling so far from home, however.  Local beaches and parks are great for destination weddings, as well as local vineyards.  Additionally, many Bed and Breakfasts are situated on acreage that includes large landscaped gardens.  These beautiful and natural surroundings provide an ideal setting because there’s plenty of room for wedding guests.  Of course, you have to cross your fingers for good weather.  It’s always best, if you go the route of an outdoor wedding, to make sure there’s a back up in case of inclement weather.  Some of the Bed and Breakfasts that are wedding destinations also provide catering, which saves the bride and groom the time and stress of trying to find a caterer, baker, and reception venue.  Often these destination wedding Bed and Breakfasts offer romantic honeymoon packages, so be sure to check if there’s a discount on having your destination wedding at the place where you’ll spend your honeymoon.

Destination weddings can be extravagant, with the couple and their family and friends traveling to exotic locations.  Or a destination wedding can be closer to home, saving the couple time and money.  Whichever route a couple takes, a destination wedding is sure to be unique and memorable.