Author, nuptials guru and BG contributor Sharon Naylor's daily dose of bridal advice.
By: Sharon Naylor
February 29, 2012
Hand-written cards placed in guest welcome baskets impress so much more than computer-printout duplicates in all of your bags! So write out pretty notecards with messages of welcome and thanks, and make it easier by not putting guests’ names on each card.
February 28, 2012
The dessert bar is a big trend for the morning-after brunch! Fill your dessert buffet with mini-pastries, petit fours, mini cake pops, truffles, and little Chantilly-cream and fruit tartlets.
February 27, 2012
Wedding cakes are going ‘simple elegance’ with white-on-white icing pearls or swirls, or same-color sugar-paste cutouts, creating a monochromatic effect – for shower or reception!
February 26, 2012
DIY your ring pillow to match an element of your wedding dress, such as a lace pillow-cover made from the extra material of your ivory dress, or lots of sparkle glued or sewn on.
February 25, 2012
In addition to framed family wedding photos, also frame pretty text printouts of how each couple met, in their words. ‘He Said/She Said’ quotes are always touching.
February 24, 2012
A fresh orchid plant – in white, light or dark pink, even blue – is the new, ultra-pretty bridal shower guest table centerpiece…and a take-home prize that guests love to win.
February 23, 2012
Make décor items symbolic, such as glass vases filled with wild rice, grains, lentils or black-eyed peas for budget-smart, natural décor that also acts as a harbinger of abundance.
February 22, 2012
Scout your reception site for unexpected décor spots -- like fireplace mantels, windowsills, window boxes and bookshelves – where you can place extra florals and framed couple and family photos.
February 21, 2012
A brilliant extra take-home at the exit: a basket filled with bottles of personalized-label spring water, for guests to enjoy during their ride home.
February 20, 2012
Have a completely new guest table at your reception exit, holding the guest book, take-home snacks or favors, and a framed photo of the two of you holding a ‘Thank you for sharing our day!’ photo.
February 19, 2012
A new personalization trend for drinks: personalizing one choice to your bridesmaids, such as everyone’s favorite lemony shot, or personalizing a drink to your parents, such as their favorite sidecar or Tom Collins classics.
February 18, 2012
Choose signature drinks for your after-dinner drinks list, such as a creative Kahlua drink or a flavored coffee, such as the hazelnut flavor you sipped on your first date together.
February 17, 2012
A hot prospect at summertime outdoor weddings: having three different kinds of water on your wedding drinks list: citrus- or berry-infused tap, sparkling, or brand spring water.
February 16, 2012
Bar brilliance: featuring seasonal specials, such as a pumpkin martini or peppermint latte, on your drink menu. Also on the list: seasonal beers and microbrews with nutty fall or summer-light flavors.
February 15, 2012
A new drink personalization trend: telling your bar manager what your favorite candies are, and having your mixologists create signature drinks incorporating those candies! You could have sour candies in your Jack and Coke, or a Mounds® bar martini on the menu.
February 14, 2012
Arrange to have gourmet snacks, such as wasabi peas, banana chips, or flavored snack mix, set in pretty bowls on the bar for guests to pick on while waiting for their drinks.
February 13, 2012
If you’ll place scratch-off lottery tickets at guest table settings, be sure to place a ‘lucky penny’ with each one, to facilitate scratching!
February 12, 2012
A hot trend in tabletop décor for bridal showers and receptions: colorful, laser-cut placemats with intricate cut-out shapes and borders.
February 11, 2012
Be aware that some natural materials, such as leaves and moss that designers can use to make eco-friendly placemats, have a smell. Always ask to see, and smell, a sample before you order!
February 10, 2012
A hot décor trend: extending your tabletop color scheme into the glasses on the table, such as a cobalt-colored water goblet, or a very cool orange streak in your wine glass stems.
February 9, 2012
Shortly after you’re introduced into your reception room, after you’ve danced your first dances, take a moment or two to look around the room and take in every detail…from décor to guests’ happy faces. Those memories last forever.
February 8, 2012
Your reception’s 2nd-Look… in Jewelry: adding a dramatic piece of colored jewelry, such as big garnet earrings to match the deep red of your bouquet. That’s a fashionable photo op, too!
February 7, 2012
A hot dessert bar trend: the mousse bar. Line up an array of pretty glasses filled with chocolate, white chocolate, banana, coconut, lemon, berry and other kinds of mousses for a creamy, decadent dessert buffet.
February 6, 2012
A hot dessert bar trend: champagne flavors! From champagne-infused cupcake frosting to champagne-chocolate crème brulee, the bubbly is a bigtime taste for your dessert bar.
February 5, 2012
A hot dessert bar trend: the cake bar, comprised of a half dozen separate single-tier cakes! They can be all one flavor and color of frosting, with different cake flavors and fillings inside, or a pretty combo of frosting colors.
February 4, 2012
Make that jeweled bouquet trend happen by shopping at flea markets for 50-cent sparkling brooches.
February 3, 2012
Dress up for your gown dress shopping excursion! Wearing a cute dress and curling your hair puts you in a better, this-is-special mindframe than jeans and a ponytail.
February 2, 2012
Don’t count out a dress that looks odd on the hanger. Some of the prettiest dresses transform into fabulous when on the body, so don’t miss a winner!
February 1, 2012
Aisle runers are not just for the ceremony! Bring it to your reception site to lead into the entry, or lead into the reception room from the cocktail party.
For more of Sharon Naylor's advice, check out her special section devoted to bridesmaids, read more about her, or visit sharonnaylor.net and get to know this bridal guru better!
