Wedding Details :: Scrabble

If you're a Scrabble enthusiast and want to include that love in your wedding day, there are a ton of creative and eye pleasing options to consider! Centerpieces, table names/numbers, invitations, cake topper, gifts...take a look at some of these suggestions, then get creative!

Photo from Style Me Pretty

Photo from Aleman Photography

Photo from k19marshall

Photo from icandothat_design

Photo by aimeesscrabblewordart

Photo by scrabbleartframes

Photo from hopefarmco

Wedding Day :: Cutting the Cake

In doing over 100 weddings and events, I've seen many so many different options when cutting the wedding cake. Everyone should make it personal and their own style! The cake cutting is the first task you complete or accomplish together as husband and wife and it symbolizes your promise to each other, so make it great! Here are a few do's and dont's, tips for choosing music, things to remember to make it go off without a hitch, and even some alternatives to having a wedding cake.... 

Choose a Great Cake-Cutting Song
It's important to choose a great wedding song! Here's a link to some great cake cutting songs to choose from! I've been asked to research alternative interesting songs for all sorts of weddings. Some want traditional songs, some want a song no one's ever heard before at a wedding....here are a few links with options for whatever you want!

9 Totally Unexpected Cake Cutting Songs from Loverly

Most Popular Cake Cutting Songs from Project Wedding

10 Country Cake Cutting Songs from Wedding-Music-Help.com

Photos :: Cut the Cake, Feed the Cake to Each Other and Smash the Cake
Your photographer is going to want to get the perfect pic of you cutting the cake, so don't feel like you have to rush through it. Go slow, take your time, laugh and enjoy the moment. Generally you want to cut the bottom tier, and the top tier is saved in the freezer to enjoy on your first anniversary. The venue may provide a cake knife and server, but most choose to buy their own and some even have them engraved.

After the cake cutting, take the slice you cut and plate it. You each take a fork and feed a bite to each other. Again, don't rush...your photographer is wanting the perfect pic for you, so go slow and enjoy the moment. Then it's on the cake smash. You take a small portion of the cake you cut and smash it in your new spouse's face. Some choose to leave this out (maybe she doesn't want to take the chance of getting chocolate frosting on the dress, or maybe she doesn't want to chance her perfect make up being smudged when cleaning off cake... Several reasons might halt this part of the tradition...and that's ok! It's your day, so do it however you choose.

When to Cut the Cake
Most weddings opt to use the wedding cake as the dessert for the evening, so that means the catering staff needs time to cut it and plate it after it's cut. Generally the best time to cut your cake is before dinner. That way, the staff has it cut to pass once the guests are finished eating. If you're not serving a plated dinner and you're having a cocktail and hors d'oeuvres type reception, you can alter the time and have it served whenever you choose.

Where to Place & Cut the Cake
Make sure to cut the cake in a central location that all the guests have a front row view...depending on your venue, maybe the center of the dance floor, maybe near the head table...just make sure to make your cake table front and center! Everyone loves to see the cake and watch as the bride and groom cut it. It's a fleeting moment that happens quickly, so make sure everyone has a shot to see it! You can even add some flare to the moment by having the bridal party line up and create an entry way to the cake location.

Options Instead of the Traditional Wedding Cake
These days it is becoming popular to provide something instead of the traditional wedding cake. No matter the situation or what you decide to use, you can still order a small cake to cut into and feed to each other so you can have the traditional moment for your reception if you prefer. Here are a few ideas of what we've used in the past instead of wedding cake:

Cupcakes - Cupcakes are a great alternative to the traditional wedding cake. They can be presented in the same fashion, as you can see in the photo there are 6 tiers for a dynamite presentation. One bonus to choosing this option is you forego the cake-cutting fee some venues charge to take your cake in the back and slice it up and plate it. This way, your guests can grab their own cupcake after you're done cutting the top tier together. If you want to keep the top tier for your first wedding anniversary, have a separate small cake like the top tier make for you to cut into...or even take a cupcake, plate it, cut it together, and feed it to each other.

Pies -  Pies can still be cut traditionally as a wedding cake and fed to each other the same way too. It is always wonderful to get a delicious different dessert when going to a wedding. the cake is expected, so the surprise of a delicious alternative is always welcomed! In this particular photo, you'll notice they opted for the small wedding cake to cut for tradition and photo purposes, then they have a pie/dessert bar available for the guests. Loved it!

Venue Spotlight :: Longhorn Ballroom

I had the wonderful opportunity to tour the Longhorn Ballroom today, the oldest ballroom in North Texas! It really is a beautiful venue filled with so much history and character. I can't wait to host an event here! They are currently under renovations and plan to be up and running for events in July 2017.

During its prime the venue was the host to some big names in the country music world. Stars like Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard, Conway Twitty, Willie Nelson, George Jones, and Ray Price, but it wasn’t long after that Jazz, Blues, R&B and even Punk Rock could be heard at the Longhorn Ballroom. Still a country music venue, one night a week it would cater to other markets by renting it out to other promoters. Legends like B.B. King, Lionel Hampton, Nat King Cole, and Al Green have all graced the Longhorn stage.

This spot is the perfect place for any musical or country & western themed event! They can hold over 2,000 people standing and 1,000 seated indoors, plus there is an outdoor area that is also being updated for event use.  The outdoor area will be perfect for wedding ceremonies! It really is worth checking out! For more information on this venue, visit the links below and contact Jayson!

Website: www.longhornballroom.com

Facebook: LonghornBallroom

Instagram: @longhornballroom

Twitter: @Longhorn_Dallas

Email: info@longhornballroom.com

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Here are some old photos of the Longhorn Ballroom:

This bar is actually from the 1800's and it's a great place to set up as a photo backdrop!

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And here are some photos I took today during my tour of the renovation process:

 They are restoring all the murals on the outsides of the buildings...

This outdoor space has a great view of Dallas and will be beautiful for ceremonies!

Get Creative with Cocktail Napkins

Many couples like to have personalized cocktail napkins at their wedding receptions. They're generally monogrammed, in colors coordinating with the wedding, and all look the same. Change it up a bit by trading the monogram or generic picture for something fun! Give the guests something to do and talk about during cocktail hour - - try a scavenger hunt photo list printed on the napkins....a photo of someone eating a piece of wedding cake, the bride and groom kissing, you hugging the bride, glass raised in a toast, a blue dress, a gorgeous flower, etc....

You could also use little known facts about the bride & groom, like in this photo. These funny little cocktail napkins will inspire the guests to mingle and trade facts! (Photo from InStyle Weddings)

These napkins say:

"Did You Know? Christine has worn glasses since age 6. John wore corrective shoes when he was 6. Nerds find nerds."

"Did You Know? Christine was crowned an Acteen Princess. John received a perfect attendance award. No, they did not "peak" in high school."

5 Ways to Save on your Wedding Budget

Everyone's on a tight budget these days, but skimping in the wrong places could lead to bigger problems in the long run! Take our advice and use these tips to save on 5 areas of your wedding:

1. Choose and use flowers wisely - Peonies may be your absolute favorite, but they're not available all year and very expensive to get at certain times. Consult with your florist on making less costly replacements for flowers that may not be in season. Another great idea to stretch your flower budget that we often suggest to our floral clients is re-using ceremony flowers at the reception. Your pew bows can decorate the buffet table, your alter arrangements can decorate the entrance to the reception or highlight your head table, and your bouquets can double as head table centerpieces or cake table decor. Your florist should even be able to move these for you (there may be a small added expense for the move, but it will still be less than ordering all those extra flowers!)

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 Peacock feather ceremony arrangements used again at the entry way to the reception.

Arrangements, Archway and Photos by Michéll Events

Peacock feather ceremony arrangements used again at the entry way to the reception.

Arrangements, Archway and Photos by Michéll Events

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2. Choose a venue where you can have your ceremony and reception - By having all of your festivities for the day in one location, you can cut down drastically on the cost of transportation for you and your wedding party. No shuttles, no round trips, no waiting in the parking lot....this will add quite a handful back into your budget!

3. Choose a favor that doubles as entertainment or decor - I'm a big fan of killing two birds with one stone, and this is the perfect opportunity. A photo booth with a take home photo for the guests, or a caricature artist to draw the guests are both great options. A candy station (or cookie station, or mini dessert station) with take-home bags for your guests acts as an interactive entertainment feature, plus it gives them a sweet treat they can take home!

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Candy station to "wow" guests at the entrance to the reception.

Candy Station, Linen and Photo by Michéll Events

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4. Choose DIY projects wisely - If you're a crafty type of bride, there are a few things you may be able to DIY to save yourself some money. If you're not, don't try! It can end up costing more and causing more headaches than it's worth! Hand made invitations always add a sweet touch of your own personality, and when done correctly they can cost much less that professionally printed invites with all the required inclusions. Favors are another thing you can DIY. Your guests will love a personal gift from you, like home baked cookies wrapped in pretty fabric and tied with a bow.

5. Cut down on the guest list - This may be the hardest to do, but it will save you the most money in the long run. For every name you cross of the list you're saving a meal, a seat, a favor, a place card. Remove 8-10 names and you cut out an entire table of meals and beverages, a centerpiece, a linen, 8-10 favors, 8-10 escort and/or place cards, plus other items associated with each guest. In short, trimming some names from the guest list will save you in ALL areas of your wedding at once. It may be the most painful cut to make, but it will be the biggest budget saver of all!

5 Unique Alternatives to the Traditional Candy Buffet

Candy stations and dessert buffets have been very popular over the past years at our weddings and events. They act as an interactive element for your guests along with adding a pop of color and décor to your event. They also act as a take home favor for both adults and children. It's a great idea, but put a unique spin on it to make yours different!

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S'mores Station

S'mores are a wonderful treat for summertime weddings! You can pre-package the graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows and display them for your guests with a sign letting them know about the fire pit outside. Or, you can create an indoor s'mores station with candles. Mix up the marshmallow flavors (regular, tropical, strawberry, lime, chocolate, etc...), and offer different varieties of mini-chocolate bars (milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, chocolate with peanuts, chocolate with sea salt, etc...)

intimateweddings.com

southernweddings.com

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Candy Apple Station

Autumn is the perfect time for a candy or caramel apple station! Start with trays of apples on sticks. You can use all one type of apple, mini apples, or have different varieties and colors to choose from. Offer various dips such as chocolate, caramel, and traditional candy apple, and of course make sure to have nuts, sprinkles and candy to top them off! Provide take-home bags in case they don't want to eat it right away.

vtspiceoflife.com

maddycakesmuse.blogspot.com

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Doughnut Station

What better way to treat your guests later in the evening than a doughnut station? Provide several varieties of doughnuts. You can also include dips or toppings like chocolate sauce, strawberry jam, bavarian cream and lemon curd. You can also include sprinkles, nuts, coconut shavings, candy bits, powdered sugar and cinnamon. Coffee or hot chocolate can also be served with the doughnuts!

Party Frosting

True Photography

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Ice Cream Station

 Perfect for a warm summer wedding and reminiscent of childhood! Offer a variety of ice creams and all the works; bananas for banana splits, hot fudge for hot fudge sundaes, whipped cream and cherries for the top, strawberry sauce, butterscotch topping, chocolate chips, crumbled cookies, M&M's or other chopped candies, chopped nuts, brownie chunks, and even root beer or Coke for floats!

enamoreventsblog.com

stressawaybridalshop.com

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Cookies & Milk Station

What a great send off or "goodnight gift" for your guests! You can use all home made cookies, or a combination of home made and store bought. Pair them with jars or mini cartons of regular milk, strawberry milk and chocolate milk, and you have the perfect sweet treat for the end of the night!

wolfgangpuck.com

intimateweddings.com

detailbydetailevents.blogspot.com

Feathers: A Thing of Beauty!

I have always been partial to feathers. They're one of my favorite décor pieces. They're so elegant and beautiful and they're fitting for so many occasions! You can use them in their natural colors, or use artificially colored feathers if you want that extra pop! I like them so much I used them in my own wedding and everyone oooh'd and aaah'd them all night! If you like feathers, let us show you how versatile they are!

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White Ostrich Feathers

Cake by Wendy Kromer Confections

Décor and Centerpieces by Michéll Events

Photo by Trejo Photography

White Ostrich Feathers

Centerpiece & Table Design by Michéll Events

Purple Ostrich Feathers

Centerpiece & Table Design by Michéll Events

Photo by EM Event Photography

Peacock Feathers & Ostrich Feathers

Centerpiece & Table Design by Michéll Events

Peacock Feather Alter Arrangement

Arrangement by Michéll Events

How To Write Place Cards and Escort Cards

This may be one of the most common mistakes I hear on a regular basis, so I thought I'd dedicate a blog post to explaining the difference between escort cards and place cards and the proper way to address your guests on each card.

While most people just refer to all name cards as "place cards", there is a distinct difference between the two. It's important to know the difference when you're ordering for your wedding, especially if you're ordering online!

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Escort Cards are generally at the entrance to the reception or at cocktail hour. These are very important, as they welcome your guests and tell them where to be seated. If this isn't done in an organized fashion, the guests can become frustrated immediately upon arriving at your reception, and that's the last thing you want!

Guests names on the front of the escort card, assigned table numbers on the inside.

Moulin Rouge themed wedding in Sandusky, OH

(Note: These are informally addressed escort cards that don't include titles.)

Escort cards by Michéll Events

Photo by Trejo Photography

Informally, you can list the name and table number however you'd like. Formally, these cards should say the guests name and what table they are seated at. "Mr. & Mrs. John Smith, Table 12" or "Dr. Tom Jones, Table 2". If small children are attending, they should be included on the card "Mr. & Mrs. John Smith and Family",  and any children over 10 should have their own card with their own name.

It's best to sort and display these alphabetically by last name (not by table). This way, the guests can easily find their names and spend less time in line at the table searching. Names should be addressed formally, same as the invitation. Include titles such as Dr., Mr. & Mrs, and military rankings (Colonel, Captain, Major, etc.. - military titles should never be abbreviated when addressing formally).

Wine Cork Escort Cards for a Vineyard Wedding
Mon Ami Winery in Port Clinton, OH

Escort Cards by Michéll Events

Photo by Terra Sol Studio

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Place Cards are at each place setting at each dining table. The place card at the table can be less formal if you wish, but titles should still be used. Each card has a guest's name, and that designates which seat the guest should sit at. Place cards can also contain a marker of some sort to let the catering staff know which dinner to serve to that guest (vegetarian, chicken, beef, etc...).

Moulin Rouge themed wedding in Sandusky, OH

Hand Folded Eiffel Tower Place Cards by Michéll Events

Photo by Trejo Photography

Standard Tent Cards with Meal Markers 

Tented Tropical Wedding at Catawba Island Club in Port Clinton, OH

(These show markers for the catering staff signifying 

whether the guests meal should be beef, fish or vegetarian.)