Planning your big day? We have some great tips to help you create an event that makes your guests stand up and take notice. To learn more, we turned to Jennifer Gonzalez, event coordinator for Zona Hotel and Suites in Scottsdale, Arizona, for her top tips for planning a wedding sure to impress guests.
Creative invitations
Grab your guests’ attention before they even get to the ceremony by sending an invite that gets noticed. “Look to sites like Pinterest for ideas and create your own invitation,” Gonzalez suggests. “Not so creative? Leave it to the professionals. They can take your vision and set the tone of your entire wedding,” she says.
Crafty and creative wedding invitations >>
Pre-ceremony cocktails
Offering guests a cocktail before the ceremony as they mill about and get settled is a new and noteworthy wedding trend, Gonzalez says. This is a great way to wow everyone at the wedding (choose a drink that represents you and your soon-to-be husband) and welcome loved ones to your big day. “Start your guests off on the right foot,” she says. The drink you choose will depend on the season and your venue. Make it simple but memorable.
Bright and bold florals
Gone are the days of bland and boring centerpieces and bouquets. This season the table decor and any other florals are becoming much more prominent, Gonzalez says. “Bling , bling, bling up your flowers including bouquets and centerpieces. Color is in,” she explains. “No more plain flowers. Show your style with color.”
Eye-catching color
Make your big day stand out by using colors that are stylish and that get noticed. Not sure where to start? Purple is in, Gonzalez says. “It is the color of 2012. Making its debut in late 2011, purple is here to play in 2012,” she says. You don’t have to opt for an all purple affair, but do use this regal, sophisticated hue in subtle but significant spots – icing on your mini cupcakes, flowers or even your shoes!
Lots of candles
Candles never fail to impress and create ambiance. This season especially looks to candles to create an elegant, wedding-ready look. “The more the better,” Gonzalez says. It is a wedding after all and what’s more romantic than two people saying I do? “Setting the ambiance with dim lights and candles is very romantic,” she adds.
Flavorful cake
Wedding cake need not be boring and it’s definitely not just for show this season. Gonzalez advises brides to get more creative with their cakes. “Opt for white cake on the outside with a surprise filing,” she says. “Surprise your guests with delicious, unique flavors.” Try raspberry, citrus or dark chocolate fudge cake.
Late night snacks
This is the year for making sure your guests have a full stomach well into the night. You don’t have to go all out with multiple courses, but do ensure no one goes home hungry or thirsty. “After the evening is dimming down, spice it up with a late night snack or favorite specialty drink,” says Gonzalez. Think about a wine and cheese bar, sandwiches and beer or bubbly and sophisticated snacks (gourmet poutine, elegant grilled cheese).
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