As a planner, I work with a variety of budgets. I've had the pleasure of planning intimate affairs on a shoe-string and we used our creativity to stretch the budget. Additionally, I've worked on weddings where no expense is spared. I've found that there are a few non-essential wedding elements that can take your event to new levels. If you have the means to include them, it's my advice that you consider doing so!
1) Backdrops - These are usually strategically placed behind the head table and can be made from solid materials or fabric and lights. They really define the space where the wedding party will sit as special, and provide wonderful photo opportunities during speeches. Another area where backdrops can be used are for photographing wedding guests. This is an especially fun accessory when you have an outdoor cocktail hour. Setting up a station of hanging frames, a vintage sheet or crystal beading with a camera on a tripod attracts guests. It's a fun distraction during cocktail hour.2) Photo-booths - The next upgrade that I've found to be very popular is the photo-booth. These differ from backdrops in that they are actual photo-booths, like what you would find at the arcade. They come with an attendant and your guests will leave with a strip of themselves and their antics. Many companies also will put together a photo-book for you, which many couples opt to do in lieu of a traditional guest book.
3) Lounge Area - Most receptions have some form of dancing. Couples these days are recognizing that keeping people on the dance floor the entire evening makes for a very memorable event. Therefore, they're making it easier for guests to stay close to the action but allowing them a place to sit down and rest. Lounge areas use chic furniture, couches, chairs, and cocktail tables situated near the dance floor. This is great for older guests to be close to the action early on in the evening (Grandma can be right up front watching your first dance) and for the guests that stay late into the night, taking small breaks in between songs.
5) Additional Lighting - Investing in specialized lighting is definitely an upgrade. Chandeliers, paper lanterns, vintage light bulbs, Gobos, pin lighting.... All of these elements help to define the aesthetic of the reception. Many couples use crystal chandeliers to create elegance in basic structures, like tents or warehouses. Gobos with monogrammed initials gracing the dance floor celebrate the importance of your first dance, and up lighting in different colors can set help guests get into the mood to party! Lighting can generally be added on to your entertainment package, so be sure to ask about it.
6) Ceiling Draping - Speaking of lighting, swags of flowing fabric hung from the ceiling go hand in hand with beautiful luminaries. Generally, they are also lit with strands of twinkle light. The billowing lush fabric does a great job camouflaging an undesirable ceiling and creates romance. Worth every penny, especially when transforming a boring ballroom.
7) Special Entertainment - This trend is a personal favorite. I love dancing, so when a couple indulges in a choreographed dance or hires dancers to give a performance and entice guests onto the dance floor, I just love it! Other options, depending on the vibe of your reception, include alternative performers. Everything from belly dancers to fire breathers, and jugglers. Of course, be careful to pay attention to the overall feel of your event.
8) Late Night Snacks - The Late Night Snack is ingenious. Seriously, putting food into guests that have been imbibing is a great idea. Bonus if it's non-fussy, like pizza, sliders and fries, or a tortilla chip bar. Not only does it sober people up just a little, it takes care of those hunger pangs that hit around midnight. I truly hope that I've inspired you to consider upgrading your wedding. Adding just one or two of these elements will help to make your wedding a memorable masterpiece. If you can do them all, I'm sure we'll be seeing your fete on the pages of all the bridal magazines! :)
PHOTO CREDITS - 1) SNOWFROG PHOTOGRAPHY, 2) LAURA IVANOVA PHOTOGRAPHY, 3) BELLAGALA PHOTOGRAPHY, 4) MICHAEL JARVIS PHOTOGRAPHY, 5) A FRAME FORWARD
