Every bride searches for unique wedding ideas for her special day. She wants to have a little flair that speaks of the couple and something that guests will long remember after the party. It  becomes harder and harder each year as couples try to find what speaks to them and hasn’t already been done a million times. Remember the ultimate compliment you might receive would be for someone who attended your wedding to duplicate your original idea at their event!

A lot will depend on what the hill country venue allows you to bring in, but the clients at Old Glory Ranch haven’t been any different from others in wanting that something unique. But, they may have come up with an idea or two that you haven’t seen before. Re-purposing something old into something new and different than its original intended purpose is a great way to start!

Try these on for size:

SIGN IN BOOK IDEAS:

A backdrop of ‘state’ related postcards for guests to write a personal note then place in the mailbox for the couple to read later.

Have a print of a tree depicting the couples names and date of their event, then provide small ink pads so guests can put their thumbprint ‘leaves’ on your tree [and don’t forget to have some wipes to remove the ink].

  
Perhaps, if the couple’s last name isn’t too long, have canvas wrapped letters of the last name for guests to sign.

A vintage mailbox with note cards for guests to drop in.

  

DECOR IDEAS:

A ‘fresh floral’ letter depicting the newlywed’s last name initial in a round bale of hay.

Instead of a traditional cake stand, why not a vintage suitcase, maybe even one of your grandmother’s to add that personal touch! Or, open a vintage suitcase for gift cards, or maybe even serve donuts as a late night snack out of a vintage suitcase. We’re sure you can think of more creative things to do with one!

   

GUEST GIFTS:

While they really aren’t necessary, guests do enjoy getting some kind of ‘take-away’ from your event to remember it by. Just remember to keep it simple and to be specific if the gift is for each guest or perhaps each couple and make a sign noting that.
If there’s a baker in your family, or a vendor you know and love that can make a tiny pie in a jar, or perhaps your grandmother wishes to participate some way and whips up homemade jam in a jar, add a little decor, and viola!

Another idea is to pre-bag guest gifts perhaps with a blend of the couples favorite coffee, burlap bag of peanuts, a S’mores kit for them to take home, a popcorn bar with flavored corn and bags/scoops, or even a packet of wildflower seeds. Be creative while keeping it personal.

 

   

     

     

PHOTOS FOR DISPLAY:

A new twist on providing family photos in a tree that is great for limited spaces, and a keepsake for the newlyweds as well.

SOMETHING BLUE:

Brides are incorporating their ‘something blue’ in their bridal gowns by having the date embroidered inside, or perhaps a blue tag with the event date. Or bedazzle your wedding shoes with a touch of blue.

   

ASSIGNED SEATING:

It’s a love/hate thing when it comes to assigned seating. Some brides insist on seating charts where they can pair couples or singles together with people they know, other brides feel that only immediate family members and the bridal party should have a reserved table. Either way, if a seating chart is involved or perhaps place cards, have fun with it!

Another use for a vintage suitcase is to have tiny tags hanging on the inside with the guests name and table number, or get a chalkboard listing tables and the guests it includes. Or perhaps a distressed window pane with table numbers an guest names detailed.

 

OUTSIDE CASUAL SEATING:

Yet another trendy idea is to have casual seating outside around the reception area where guests can relax and visit with others. Rental companies can deliver, or you can be creative using bales of hay with covers for that rustic flair.

   

OTHER COOL IDEAS:

Grandmother’s tea cup or grandfather’s shaving mug filled with flowers as a cake topper

Baskets of silk flowers lining the fence to the venue

Date night jar w/wide flat wooden sticks for guests to offer ideas for a date, then drop in a mason jar for the couple to choose from later

Bride & Groom Cut-outs – maybe place along the side of the road on the way to the venue with balloons!

Lawn games – why not add some fun for cocktail hour with bean bag toss [corn-hole], ladder golf, washer toss, or other fun games.

The main thing is to keep it easy, cost effective, and stay within your theme. Tons of ideas are also found on Pinterest, Etsy or for the DIY bride, visit thrift shops, stores like Michaels & Hobby Lobby are a good start.

Now here’s an age old discussion, children at weddings. Most everyone has an opinion, one way or the other. Just how tactful can you be when it comes to someone’s precious little angel attending one of the most important days of your life?

  

You and the love of your life are at the altar exchanging vows you’ve written especially for this occasion. You are pouring your heartfelt feelings out when all of the sudden a child starts wailing. And all eyes shift from you to the dear little one. Some brides won’t mind, others would rather avoid the questionable moment altogether.

What to Do?

If you are one of the brides that would rather avoid the situation. how do you avoid offending? Most people will be understanding, others will ignore your request and bring them in tow anyway, yes it happens.

If you do not want children at your wedding be sure not to include their name on the invitation. Stay positive.  Say “adult reception,” or perhaps, “we have reserved two seats for you”  rather than :no children allowed.”If you feel you will still have “violators” and are uncomfortable to address it personally, check to see if your venue has a room or area where children could be entertained and if they have suggestions for childcare or perhaps a children only party.

Some brides have made notecards for their greeters to give to guests who show up with children that might say something like this: “Thank you for sharing in our special day. We love your children but respectfully ask that if they are noisy or disruptive that they be removed during the ceremony so we may relish this special time in our lives.” If you are providing childcare you might also add that to your notecard and perhaps a note similar to: “In order that you to fully enjoy our special celebration worry free – we have provided childcare for the evening that includes pizza and special games for your little one’s enjoyment as well!”

 

Children Being Children

While some children can be ‘adorably disruptive’, others can create chaos and may even be destructive. Children want to play, period. Some parents will be extremely attentive, while others are just there for a party night out. There are stories of ring bearers and flowergirls losing it when it comes their time to walk down the aisle, because with youngsters, you never know for sure what you’re going to get!

And you’ve no doubt heard other stories of wedding disasters involving the little ones such as punch being spilled on bridal gowns, broken dishware, guests tripping over them on the dance floor, finger marks on your cake or worse, and so on. All are true and no doubt have created stories for brides and grooms to share forever. Some couples get a good chuckle out of it while others wanted to handcuff the little offenders! No matter what you decide, make your wishes clear to your family members and guests.

Here at Old Glory Ranch one of the perks offered is childcare for your guests little ones so everyone can enjoy your big day to the fullest.