As wedding coordinators, for us, it is truly “all in the details”. We love seeing how brides incorporate the small details that make a lasting impression on their guests. Forgetting the finishing touches might leave the wedding feeling incomplete, disconnected, and ordinary. Brides can sometimes feel overwhelmed by the nit-picky questions we pepper throughout each consultation, but we do this for a reason! We want to ensure you think through the most minuet aspects of your day so no detail is forgotten. We often hear that brides are re-focused and inspired at the conclusion of our meetings. They now know where they want to devote their time and energy to make the day even more distinctive.
When thinking about the design and detail aspect of your wedding, we would encourage you to pick a few places to really highlight.
Some details about the details:
PAPER GOODS
If paper goods are important to you then consider commissioning an artist to design a personalized monogram crest that is carried throughout your paper suite. Save-the-dates, invitations, programs, signage, menus, place cards, napkins and so on. Maybe even take it a step further and have your custom monogram embossed on a sweet treat, hotel welcome bags or waxed stamped onto each invitation envelope.
Images by: Ivan & Louise Images
SIGNAGE
Puzzled expressions are common when we ask about signage. This is another simple detail that threads together each individual aspect of your day into one cohesive wedding. Wood is always a beautiful option but we are also seeing a lot of other materials used like acrylic, metal, marble, copper, and glass. Welcome guests at the ceremony and/or reception with a sign, add bar and late-night menu details to a sign, or pick your favorite quote and have a sign made that can double as wedding and later home décor.
Image by: Jessica Kettle Photography
FAVORS
Favors are one of those things that brides tend to forego since “the party is our gift”. True, but hear us out on this one. Guests love a small take away that is special or commemorative to your day. Choose something that represents your wedding day and you as a couple. For example, do you both have a sweet tooth? Have your baker whip up some beautiful macarons in your wedding colors, package them in a clear box and place at each guests’ setting. Boom! You now have a visually appealing design detail that guests are sure to remember and devour!
Image by: Stacy Able Photography
ESCORT CARDS
The first thing guests want to know upon entering the reception is where they are seated and who they are seated with. It can sometimes feel a little middle-school-lunch-room-jitters at times, right? Our suggestion is to make this detail clear, visually interesting, and maybe even have a little fun with it! A specialty cocktail with a pop of color or a tequila shot with lime as a nod to your heritage is a perfect way to start your soiree. Maybe you want the escort cards to be more bespoke but know that doing it for 200 guests is unrealistic. In that case you could personalize place “cards” for the head table only. Pick something like an apple, leaf, or a stone like agate or marble.
Image by: Danielle Poff Photography
GUESTBOOK
All this talk about your guests’ experience but what about something special that you can take away from the day? The guestbook is perfect for this! The conundrum is always finding something that you won’t put away in a closet only to be seen on your anniversary each year. Gorgeous coffee table books from your honeymoon location are a great option. Guests can pick their favorite picture to sign or leave a sweet note and now you have a seamless addition to your new home. Another idea is a rustic wood piece, hand lettered and primed for signatures from each guest that shared in your day. It is a challenge on the day to truly spend as much time as you want chatting with your special guests. We promise you will not be disappointed if you give guests an avenue to leave you a heartfelt note.
Image credit: Artifact Uprising
THAT WOW FACTOR
When guests enter the reception space many brides want to provide that ‘wow’ factor. Pick something to be the focal point of the room and play up that space. Whether it be customizing your head table with wooden cross-back chairs, glass chargers or even individual laser cut place cards. Or consider the bar space where guests spend a lot of time. Drape florals or greenery across the front of the bar or take it a step further and suspend flowers above it. You could even consider selecting specialty linens – ones that add texture or a subtle pop of color to the space to highlight specific tables.
Image by: Ivan & Louise Images
Xo,
The JDWC Team
Featured image by Ivan & Louise Images
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