By Nora Heston Tarte
The checklist system is a common approach to wedding planning. Book a venue: check! Choose your wedding party: check! Send out invites: check! To give your day added pizzazz, take the planning past that cookie-cutter checklist. Floral arrangements, tablecloths and bridesmaid dresses are bare necessities; add a few extras to really astound.
Food. Include a fun, offbeat food bar for one-of-a-kind noshing at your reception. From mashed potatoes served in martini glasses to French fries in paper cones, the options are endless. Brian Lent of B&T Catering says the company has whipped up a baked potato bar, a slider burger bar and a cocktail-hour ranch-dressing fountain (think chocolate fountain outfitted for veggies). While brides can expect to pay a little extra for this add-on, it offers a new spin on the classic buffet. B&T’s mobile kitchen even cooks on sight so food is fresh upon arrival. Take the interactive fare into dessert with a candy bar full of sweet and sour treats or a build-your-own sundae or s’more bar (or both!).
Entertainment. The nuptials are about the bride and the groom. No one is arguing the reason for celebration. However, after the ceremony has adequately communicated your personal love story, remember to sneak some fun extras into the reception for guests to enjoy. A live band can give a concert-feel to your rowdy reception, while a DIY beer bar can add charm to a rustic affair. Even the ceremony can include guest participation. Hand out sparklers or confetti for attendees to use as the bride and groom descend the aisle as husband and wife for the first time.
Nick Xanttopulos of Media Fusion says the company offers a new take on the classic slideshow to jump-start a reception. Instead of running a film full of photos from your past, give guests a glimpse into the earlier parts of your wedding day. The company offers instant replays where they film snippets while the bride and groom get ready and then play an edited short for guests at the reception.
Favors. Photo booths are one way to add an interactive element to your wedding. The Giggle Box Photo Booth serves San Joaquin County. Their modernized booths can be customized to meet your event needs. From colored drapes to quirky props, the booths fit eight people comfortably. With printable strips, brides can forgo the favors, too. Guests take home their own shots as a souvenir.
Final Touches. Talk to your DJ or lighting team about adding a monogram to your dance floor. Want to waltz together on a cloud? Elite Entertainment can do that for you! Whether it’s a choreographed first dance or a late night snack via food trucks that will make your day, there’s plenty of ways to create your dream wedding.
There’s no shortage of opportunities to incorporate personal details into your wedding day; brides and grooms simply need to get creative! While some of these touches are a tad extravagant, and expensive, others could actually save money in the wedding budget.
Looking for ideas? Ask the experts:
B&T Catering
203 Commerce St., Ste. 101, Lodi
(209) 327-6075
LodiMobileKitchen.com
Media Fusion Studios
1833 W. March Ln., #5, Stockton
(209) 957-4003
Oooh My! Tablescape Designs & Events
(209) 910-4159
OoohMyTablescapeDesigns.wordpress.com