December 3, 2019
in Wedding Planning, Wedding Reception Ideas, Wedding Trends

We won’t lie to you, we’ve tasted our fair share of wedding dessert delicacies and live for a good slice of red velvet cake (don’t be shy on that cream cheese frosting)! We’ve really seen such a shift in couples steering themselves away from the traditional tiered wedding cake, and for a variety of reasons. Some say “we just aren’t cake people” or “we have a lot of food allergies and kids to accommodate” but simply put, the millennial getting married wants to give their guests an experience in everything from the bar atmosphere, entertainment factor, and by all means, the food vibes. Here we’ll bring our insight to the wedding desserts we see and help you find your perfect match. 

The Sweetheart Cake

We feel like sweetheart cakes get a regular sighting at our weddings. These petite, single or two-tier cakes are perfect for capturing the traditional cake cutting ceremony, without the need for a size cake that’ll serve 150 guests. Fear not, your guests still get to splurge on other wedding desserts.

 

Insider Tip: If you aren’t interested in serving other wedding desserts and want to stick to cake, still consider a sweetheart cake to be on display for photo opportunities and “the cut”, but serve guests sheet cakes that have been tucked away in the kitchen. The guests never have to know, and you just saved yourself some money.

Photo: Courtney Sinclair
Photo: Justine Montigny | Baker: Love and Macs

Sugary Comfort Food 

Comfort food at weddings has been going strong, with barbeque entrees and macaroni and cheese sides. Seeing it as a wedding dessert takes the midnight snack treats you always look for at home and gives your guests so many comfy options to enjoy: cupcakes, cookies, whoopie pies and double fudge brownies.

Photo: Kati Mallory | Baker: Sweet Mandy B's
Photo: Kati Mallory | Baker: Sweet Mandy B's
Photo: Let it Be | Baker: Mimi's Cupcakes

Sophisticated Bites

These elevated desserts are for sure conversation starters and hit a different level of sophisticated and refined tasty treats. Think macaroons, bite-sized panna cotta, fresh fruit tarts, creme brulee, and mousse cups. People will love the variety and want to try a little bit of everything so be sure to account for that in your quantities (and trust the baker’s recommendation).

Photo: Kelly Sweet | Baker: Froehlich's Bakery
Photo: Beth Joy | Baker: Froehich's Bakery
Photo: Brick and Pine | Baker: Froehlich's Bakery
Photo: 430 Studios | Baker: Bit of Swiss

Michigan Hits

So many of our couples search for a way to bring a touch of Michigan into their wedding. Locally sourced fruit pies or cider donuts and s’mores scream a Michigan summer and fall night.

Photo: Maiko Media | Venue: Homestead 1835
Photo : Ashley Galminas | Baker: Amanda Marie's Bakery
Photo: Stephanie Gamble | Baker: Mackenzie's
November 6, 2019
in 1928 Planning, Real Weddings, Wedding Coordination, Wedding Design Ideas, Wedding Planning, Wedding Preparation, Wedding Reception Ideas

 

THE DETAILS

Date: September 2, 2018

Venue: Private Residence; Lakehouse in Whitehall, Michigan

Color Scheme: Grays, Creams, Greenery, Gold

Design Inspiration: Refined rustic with classic flair

 

 

 

THE HIGHLIGHTS

The location of Justin and Casey’s wedding celebration was such a wonderful way to bring family, old and new, together on a property filled with memories, spectacular lake views and privacy. The expansive lawn provided space for ceremony over the bluff, cocktail space, and an adjacent tented reception. With all areas being outdoors, they wanted nothing more than to showcase greenery, and the earthiness of the outdoors into their chosen color palette and wedding design. It really was a winning look we enjoyed seeing come together! 

Private residence weddings are essentially creating a wedding venue from a blank canvas. Down to selecting what size tent, colored chair, type of fork, and everything in between, Justin and Casey had an eye and vision that was consistent and simplistic. We are drawn to looks like are straightforward, focused and airy. It allows for the overall impact to speak for itself. What to live this day even more? Check out their wedding video trailer!

 

THE VENDORS

Photo: Jillian Bowes

Video: Maiko Media

Design, Logistics Planning, Day of Coordination, Rentals: 1928 Planning Co.

Floral: Every Little Detail 

Seating Chart: Kimy Battista Art

Venue Rentals: Aays Event Rental (tent, lighting, dance floor, tables, reception chairs, place-settings) + Classic Catering + Events (ceremony chairs, restrooms).

Baker: Sweet Traditions

Entertainment: Kaleidoscope Events, 77 VW Photobooth Bus

 

 

 

January 25, 2018
in 1928 Planning, Wedding Coordination, Wedding Planning, Wedding Preparation

One of the best parts of a wedding is seeing all of your out of town guests you don’t visit often, but they will need a place to stay. As mundane as it may be, room blocks can be one of the most important bookings you will make for your guests. We’ve put together some tips to help make this task go as smooth as possible.

LET’S START FROM THE BEGINNING

First of all, what is a room block? A room block is a group of rooms a hotel holds for your wedding guests, typically at a discounted rate. Guests are responsible for booking and paying for their rooms, while the couple is responsible for reserving the block.

START EARLY! 

The sooner you begin your hotel searches, the better chance in finding availability. Keep in mind any weekend events happening around St. Joe, as hotels will book much more quickly than a non- event weekends.

AVAILABILITY

Check hotel availability before booking your venue. All of the hotels near your venue are booked for your date? Try to have some date flexibility so you have plenty of hotel options. The last thing you want is to have no where for your guests to stay during your wedding weekend.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Keep in mind the distance between your wedding venue and the hotels you make room blocks at. Would you like to travel another 25 minutes to a wedding when you have already come in from out of town? Probably not and chances are your guests wouldn’t either. Safety also comes into play for returning to the hotel after the wedding. In short, the closer, the better.

ASK QUESTIONS

Contracts are typically required for reserving a room block, so always know what you are signing off on. Is there a minimum number of rooms you can block? Is there a maximum number you can block? Are there any fees for unbooked rooms? If not, how many rooms can go unbooked? What is the typical booking deadline before the unbooked rooms become available for regular hotel guests? Is there a deposit for making a room block? Are there any rules or restrictions regarding room blocks? What amenities does the hotel offer to guests? Does the hotel offer shuttle service for guests?

 

Last, but certainly not least, get everything in writing! If there is anything you discussed with the hotel, but is not explicitly stated in the contract, wait for an updated contract before signing anything.

START SMALL

Most couples have no idea on exactly how many rooms they should have in their room block, which can be frustrating. Begin by booking a small amount of rooms and add if needed, especially if there are any fees associated with unbooked rooms.

ROOM TYPE

Along with how many rooms to reserve, know your guest list to book appropriate types of rooms in your block. Think of how many families versus couples will be coming in from out of town.

KEEP COST IN MIND

One of the best options you have is to make room blocks at two to three hotels in different price ranges in the area for guests to choose from. This will help make accommodations accessible to (hopefully) all of your out of town guests. Along with this, look at the big picture. Including the room rate, are there any extra fees (parking, late check- out, etc.) that your guests may need?

 CHECK- IN TIMES

Don’t forget to keep check- in and check- out times in mind regarding other wedding weekend events. Guests will appreciate having some time before any festivities to check into their hotels and freshen up.

COMMUNICATE

You finally have your room blocks set, now tell your guests about them! Include hotel contact information and any specific instructions they will need to book from your room block.

January 5, 2018
in 1928 Planning, Wedding Planning, Wedding Preparation

Setting a date is one of the first steps in planning a wedding and it can be one of the most daunting. Trying to accommodate guests, while planning around your hectic schedule can be a feat in itself, so here are some tips to help you get started.

PERSONAL DATES

While you are concerned with guest schedule, always check for previous engagements on your own calendar. Many family events, reunions, graduations take place in the summer months, so make a list of personal dates to avoid. Think about any busy work seasons as well. Trust us, you don’t want to be preparing for your wedding in the middle of a hectic work schedule.

 

Along with this, ask yourselves if there are any meaningful dates you would like to book your wedding on or around, such as the date you and your fiancé first met or your grandparent’s wedding anniversary. If this is the case, then including this detail in your wedding will make your day even more special for both you and your guests.

HOLIDAY WEEKENDS

From Mother’s Day to Halloween, below are the 2018 holidays to keep in mind while planning your big day.

 

Mother’s Day Weekend: May 12-13

Memorial Day Weekend: May 26-28

Father’s Day Weekend: June 16-17

Fourth of July: Wednesday, July 4

Labor Day Weekend: September 1-3

Halloween: Wednesday, October 31

SPECIAL EVENTS

The summer months in Saint Joseph are packed with events, so we’ve compiled a list of events that will be taking place in downtown Saint Joe this upcoming 2018 summer.

 

BBQ, Blues, & Blue Grass: Saturday, May 19

Memorial Day Parade: Friday, May 25

2018 Senior PGA Championship: May 22- May 28

Fourth of July Fireworks

Krasl Art Fair: July 14-15

Mike Yore Memorial Car Show: Friday, July 20

Chalk the Block: August 3-5

Ironman 70.3 Steelhead: Sunday, August 12

6th Annual Fall Fest: Saturday, September 22

Roots & Brews: Saturday, September 22

 

Keep in mind that hotels book quickly for holiday and special event weekends in St. Joe, so make sure to check hotel availability before you book a date!

VENDORS

Vendor availability can drive a decision on your final wedding date. If you have a vendor in mind that you just have to have, start a conversation with them earlier rather than later, so you are on their radar. We suggest booking your must- have vendors before setting a final wedding date, which will ensure you the vendors of your choosing.

 

Budget can absolutely play a factor in choosing your wedding date in that pricing can differ between days of the week. If budget is a driving factor in choosing vendors, think about a Friday, Sunday, or even Thursday for your wedding date, as these typically book at lower rates than Saturdays.

December 7, 2017
in 1928 Planning, Beach Wedding, DIY Hot Spot!, Schades of Light, Wedding Design Ideas, Wedding Planning, Wedding Preparation, Wedding Reception Ideas

There are so many opinions when it comes to the best way to plan a wedding, especially now with all of the Pinterest ideas at your fingertips. Pinterest is a super helpful tool to help you plan a wedding but it can also be an added stress to your long wedding to-do list. Here are some ups of planning a pinterest wedding:

POSITIVES:

Your options and inspiration guides are endless

If you are having any sort of design issue, you can quickly search for inspiration on pinterest, you will never run out of design ideas for your wedding.

You can easily share your ideas

Pinterest lets you share your boards with your family and friends, which gives them access to all of your dreams and visions for your big day. You are also given the option to give your friends access to pin to your board, if you choose, allowing for ultimate collaborating. This is also a great tool to use when collaborating with your vendors. As wedding planners, it is so helpful to be able to view someone’s vision of their wedding. Wedding Planners love to pin too, we love to help give our brides ideas and guidance!

Your one stop shop for weddings

 Most pins lead you directly to the website or give you ideas of where you can buy or how you can make the item you pinned. When you find your dream dress, it’ll take you to the shop who sells it, find a cute DIY escort card design, directions will be linked right there when you click on it.

Private vs Public Boards

Another great feature of pinterest is that you can choose to have your board be public or private. This is helpful, if you are pinning a lot and you do not want everyone to see all of your pins, choose the private setting, or if you want to share your planning and ideas you can make it public.

We all love pinterest and it comes in handy for a lot of different aspects in our everyday lives, but everyone has to admit there are some downsides. Here are some downsides to planning a pinterest wedding:

NEGATIVES:

Lacking Originality

Even though it feels like pinterest is filled with millions of new, creative, and original ideas, it is highly likely you will hear your female guests say “I have seen this on pinterest”. Pinterest trends tend to be seen over and over again.

Too many pins

As stated above, your options are endless, this can also be a bad thing. Sometimes when pinning ideas for your wedding, you can get a little over excited, pin 200 ideas in 20 minutes. Then you look back and become more stressed because now you have to narrow down all of your favorite pins to a realistic amount of crafting ideas that you and your wedding planner or bridal party can handle.

Planning a Pinterest wedding can be a great way to keep your ideas stored in one area and share them with others in your family or bridal party. Ideas can easily become overwhelming, so making sure that we are pinning only serious visions and ideas is the key to keeping your Pinterest wedding simple and easy.

April 13, 2017
in Wedding Planning, Wedding Preparation, Wedding Trends

More than likely the wedding weekend will be packed with to-do lists and last minute details, so brides and grooms may not be able to welcome all their guests as they arrive to town. If this is the case, then think about putting together welcome bags for those guests traveling in for the big day. I’ve put together a few of my hometown favorite welcome bags that will make guests feel at home.

LOCAL FLAIR

Southwestern Michigan has so many local treasures, so create a welcome bag that highlights some of the local favorites. Located in downtown St. Joe, Purely Michigan offers everything from food to handmade items from Michigan artisans. If food is your thing, then check out Jollay Orchard’s fresh fruit, Kilwins fudge, South Bend Chocolate Company’s popcorn, or olive oil from the Olive Cart. Of course, include a list of things to do and local attraction for your guests to enjoy during weekend downtime.

A BOTTLE OF WINE

Need I say more? A bottle of a local wine is a great way to welcome anyone into town. A few local favorites to try are 12 Corners Vineyards, Lazy Ballerina Winery, Dablon Winery & Vineyard, Tabor Hill Winery, and Round Barn Winery. Attach a thank you note and you have a wonderful welcome gift!

A SWEET TREAT

Keep it short and sweet and give guests a box of local chocolates or baked goods. Southbend Chocolate Factory and Kilwins are great go-to’s for a sweet treat.

BEACH BAG

One of the biggest draws to southwest Michigan is, of course, Lake Michigan. Throw together a welcome bag full of beach essentials, such as sunscreen, bottles of water, and sunglasses, even if your ceremony won’t be on the beach! The beach is a great activity for any down time during the weekend as well.

SURVIVAL KIT

It is going to be a long weekend, so make sure guests have everything they need. Water, snacks, ibuprofen, band aids, toothpicks, and granola bars come in handier than you think!

A LITTLE R&R

Pack a bag full of items for your guests to relax with. Include a “Do Not Disturb” sign to hang on their door, a candle, some bubbly, and chocolate. With such a busy weekend, everyone will appreciate a little comfort.

HONEYMOON SUITE

Create a welcome bag with specialties from the couples’ honeymoon destination. Whether it is Cape Cod potato chips and Nantucket Nectar or a couple of Florida oranges, guests will be able to feel like they are you (without actually being with you) long after the wedding weekend ends.

HIS & HER BAG

Fill a bag (or a box!) with a few of the happy couple’s favorite things. Whether they are local favorites or maybe an activity they like to do together, guests will appreciate anything that is special to the couple. Add a list of local spots the couple loves to visit as well!

Wedding welcome bags will make guests feel greeted and they are a nice thank you for sharing an unforgettable weekend. Whichever kind of welcome you choose, always be sure to include a thank you and an itinerary for the weekend’s activities.

March 16, 2017
in Wedding Planning, Wedding Preparation

Between the hair appointments, travel, and keeping to the timeline, mishaps can very well happen, so make sure you are prepared with these bridal suite essentials. Does anyone really want to run out to the store for hairspray? Doubtful.  One safety pin can save the day. Hopefully this handy little kit won’t be needed, but just in case it is, here are some bridal suite essentials to keep on hand throughout your big day.

WATER, WATER, WATER

It is so easy to forget to stay hydrated with all the excitement on your big day! Make sure to have plenty of water on hand throughout the day, so none of the gals (or guys!) get dehydrated. Encourage everyone to bring a water bottle with them, but have extras just in case. Small bottles are the perfect size for a quick drink.

SNACKS

Just like staying hydrated, make sure everyone has at least a little something to eat throughout the day. No one wants a sugar-low in the middle of the ceremony. Stock your suite with quick, no-mess snacks that people can grab and go.

FIRST AID KIT

Blisters are inevitable. Whether it is the shoes, dress, or a stray pin, it is always better to have Band-Aids, antiseptic, ibuprofen, tweezers, and antibiotic ointment on hand just in case.

SEWING KIT

Wardrobe malfunctions do happen and the last thing anyone wants is a stray bra strap sticking out or a pantyhose run. Keep basic sewing items on hand for when you need to make things work. Thread, needles, buttons, safety pins, clear nail polish, stain-remover, and fashion tape are essential.

HAIR ESSENTIALS

A little hairspray can fix almost anything (right?!), so put together a hair essentials kit and add bobby pins, clear hair elastics, a curling iron, and a brush. You can never have too many of these items.

EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS

Bring some of those everyday essentials that you may not think about until you are in a moment of need. Lint rollers, feminine products, baby powder, deodorant, lotion, and mints are items we really don’t give a second thought about, but are important things to always have.

PHONE CHARGERS

Phone batteries will run low early in the day, so bring a few extra chargers along for those important last-minute phone calls and must-have photo moments.

TISSUES

For, of course, those happy tears.

CATCH-ALL BAG

By the time everyone is ready, there (more than likely) won’t be much time to pick up the bridal suite and by the end of the night everyone is ready to head home (or to the after party), so pack a catch-all bag to throw everything in for a quick clean up.

LIGHT

The bridal suite is a wonderful place to take those must- have getting ready photos, so great lighting is essential.

Stock your suite with these ten bridal suite essentials and you will even find a bonus within the day- peace of mind!

December 16, 2016
in Beach Wedding, Wedding Design Ideas, Wedding Planning, Wedding Trends

blog-1-2-1

Photo Credit: Rachael Osborn Photography (bottom left)

Flowers have a remarkable history when it comes to weddings. For centuries flowers have been the root of tradition across cultures and are many times a focal point throughout the big day and for many years to come in photographs. “More brides are thinking outside the box and beginning to use flowers in nontraditional ways” said Shaya Sherwood, the bridal specialist at Crystal Springs Florist in Benton Harbor. Needless to say, flowers are a prominent and significant detail and while floral arrangements are traditional, you can make tradition your own by branching out with some wedding floral alternatives.

-Do you have a groomswoman in your party, but don’t want them to have a boutonniere like the guys or a bouquet like the girls? Try a flower necklace or sash! This wedding floral alternative will set them apart, yet keep everyone tied together. A necklace can also be a cost effective option. Typically, floral necklaces will start around $20.

-Rather than having moms or special attendants wear corsages on their wrist or shoulder, mix it up and try a ring or even something on their shoes! These special guests will still get something personal, but without the bulk of a traditional style. A ring typically begins around $10 compared to a corsage at $18- $20.

-Give your girls a little something extra and try a floral comb or crown for a pop of color. Brides, this is a great addition to yourselves as well! A hair comb is a small pop with a small cost typically starting at $10.

-Are shoes optional? Consider a floral anklet for the ladies. Instead of taking away footwear completely this wedding floral alternative will keep a little something while still being comfortable. An anklet typically begins between $18-$20, comparable to a corsage.

No matter which tradition you are carrying on, put a little personal spin on it. The more you make your big day your own, the more special it will be to you and your families.

 

*All floral arrangement costs depend on the type of flowers used. Price can vary greatly between each bloom. Cost will also vary between florist shop.

 

September 23, 2015
in 1928 Planning, Wedding Planning, Wedding Trends

 

 

maidsdresses

Photo Credit: Allie Siarto Photography, 430 Studios, Woodnote Photography

The second most important dress you’ll ever go shopping for is the bridesmaid’s dress. My favorite saying when planning a wedding is that people make great decorations! I have worked as a wedding gown and dress specialist at David’s Bridal for a few years. Helping brides select the perfect dress was one of my more exciting experiences. I learned so much about the industry just from selling dresses alone. No amount of preparation will truly prepare you for rounding up your best girls and throwing them in and out of their comfort zones.

Here are a couple things to keep in mind before going shopping with your ‘maids:

Pick out your wedding gown first:

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND HAVING YOUR WEDDING GOWN PICKED OUT BEFORE YOUR BRIDESMAID’S DRESS APPOINTMENT!

I cannot stress this enough! Reason being: You don’t want your bridesmaids over or under dressed, or worse, too similar to your wedding gown; especially after your girls have already made their purchase.

Having your wedding gown purchased gives you a HUGE advantage by providing the look and feel for your whole wedding theme. You want everyone and everything around you to compliment you and to make you stand out. Therefore, you have to know what you are working with.

Know what you want and stick to it!

Know what you want or the direction you are at least trying to go in. Don’t go in blind. The last thing you want is to put the fate of YOUR wedding party attire in someone else’s hands. Also, it can be very frustrating for your bridesmaids, who are trying so hard to help you find out what it is you want, when you don’t even know what that is.

How can you get what you want for your wedding if you don’t even know what that is?!
Stop into dress shops and pick up catalogs. Mark the pages of dresses you like to show the consultant when you are ready to shop.

Get on that Pinterest!

Use different keywords to see different looks. And always check out 1928’s Pinterest page for the latest inspiration! Make sure you pin the ones you like on a separate inspirational bridesmaid’s dress board to also show your consultant. Once you have your direction and inspiration, STICK TO YOUR GUNS! This is your wedding and no one else’s. Be willing to be flexible where it counts, but if you have a vision that you are in love with, then go for it- it’s your day!

Length and Fabric

The length and fabric type of the bridesmaids’ dresses will have a huge impact on the overall formality and feel of your wedding. Long Satin dresses are elegant and classy whereas short chiffon dresses are more relaxed and fun. When selecting your length and fabric also keep the weather in mind. For example, a long chiffon dress is great for a late spring and early fall wedding because the length helps battle the cold, while the chiffon keeps you cool when it’s warm. Don’t forget to keep your wedding gown in mind when selecting the length and fabric. I wouldn’t recommend having your girls in satin if your wedding gown is chiffon.

Color

Picking out the color for the girls’ dresses is so much fun! There are so many different combinations you can choose from. Remember, when choosing your color, there is more than just the dress to consider. For example, neon colors are bright and vibrant but can be overwhelming when the entire dress is bright pink. Try a muted dress and add your pop of color with accessories and the bouquet.

Different Dresses

I adore the latest trend of all of the girls wearing different dresses; however, if it’s not done right it can look like your bridesmaids are from different weddings. The trick is having that one element that ties them all together. My general rule of thumb is if you are having different dresses, keep the fabric the same if you are having different colors or keep the same color if you are having different fabrics. Sometimes this rule can be bent when you have a strong enough unifying factor like lace. If you do decide that you would like your girls to have different dresses, that doesn’t have to mean that you can’t go on one shopping trip! I also recommend purchasing the dresses from the same store or designer.

Body Types

We women come in many different shapes and sizes. Therefore, one dress doesn’t always look great on everyone. If your bridesmaids are bustier, then I would recommend a dress with straps. Sweetheart neckline dresses give shape to those ladies who are not as busty. Dresses that have a waistband tend to compliment all body types by giving them an hourglass figure. I would also keep the venue in mind when selecting your dresses. If your wedding is at a vineyard, I would pick a romantic, soft style, but if you plan on having a Vegas-themed wedding, then I would go with a fun cocktail style dress.

Price

Being a bridesmaid may not be as expensive as planning a wedding, but the numbers do add up quickly. Get an idea of how much your ‘maids can afford. Be sure to sit down with your bridesmaids separately and get an idea of their budget comfort zone. It is not a good idea to ask how much they are willing to spend when they are all together as a group.

Have Fun!

More times than not, bridesmaid dress shopping is the first time that all of your girls are meeting one another. Plan to go out for lunch or drinks after to celebrate finding that perfect dress for everyone.

 

ChelseaSIg -01

 

 

 

March 18, 2015
in Wedding Design Ideas, Wedding Planning, Wedding Reception Ideas

One of my favorite things to help a client create as their planner is the layout of their wedding reception. I think this piece dictates so much – the atmosphere you are creating for guests, and the way each meticulous detail planned will be displayed in. In the past, we’ve talked a lot about things to consider at your reception, but barely touch on the important undertaking of the layout!

The perk of layout building:

As overwhelming of a task as it may sound to a couple unfamiliar with the venue or what is “traditional” at a wedding, most venues can pass along a blank template of the space for you to do some sketching on – letting your imagination run wild. Or maybe you’d rather see what’s been done before in the space – and take it from the venue on what seems to work the best overall. Don’t be afraid to ask your venue for sample layouts so you can really understand all layout considerations.

This post is directed more specifically on the wedding head table – where you and your bridal party will be seated during the reception – primarily for toasts, and dinner service. Though we’ve seen a lot in our experiences at multiple venues, we thought we’d hone in on the most popular options. Take a look!

Traditional

trad

Photo Credit: Karrn Frost Photography (top)  |  Ben Pancoast Photography (bottom)

Of the head table options we’ll show you in the post, this is probably the one you’ll see most as you attend weddings yourself. We call this a traditional wedding head table – where you and your beau are centered, with each of your bridal party members flanked off to the left and right. Typically groomsmen will be on the right, and bridesmaids on the left (as pictured), but it’s your wedding right? Do what you want!

Untitled

A little sketch goes a long way. The bottom sketch shows a different rendition of the traditional layout, where instead of the bride and groom seated at the same style table as the bridal party, they are seated at what we call a sweetheart table – a small round table. To keep with tradition, your bridal party can still be to either side of you.

 

Double-Sided

8ft

Photo Credit: Woodnote Photography (top left)  |  Ben Pancoast Photography (bottom)

This is a perfect option if looking save space because you’ll be seated on both sides of the table. Of course, it makes for easier conversation as well, being seated closer together.

Double-sided head tables are perfect if you have a larger bridal party and don’t want a long, never-ending table, or if you’d rather not be on a “stage” so-to-speak having all eyes on you as you eat your meal. Don’t be embarrassed if you enjoy that kind of thing!

 

King Arthur

 

Untitled

Photo Credit: Ben Pancoast Photography (bottom left) | Luna Dulce Photography (middle left)  |  Alison Glovak (right)

This is probably what we see most of at receptions. Set as two-8ft tables pushed together to create the illusion of an ‘almost’ square table.  Another great option if you have a larger bridal party, because you are utilizing all four sides of the table.

Having family-style dinner service? This type of table leaves tons of space for platters and bowls to be set.

A typical king arthur table will seat 12 people. Need to seat 20? Keep adding 8fts together to create the custom size you need. The photo shown above, on the right, sat 30 people (they chose to seat the bridal party with their significant others at the head table).

 

Sweetheart Table

SH Table

Photo Credit: Matt Pratt Photography (top left) | Luna Dulce Photography (top right) | Carolyn Lloyd Photography (bottom left)

Named so perfectly – a table for just you and your sweetie. Perhaps you’d like to have your bridal party sit with whomever they’d like and instead just need a small table for two. We usually see this size table as a 48” round, but ask your venue what size round table they can offer you.

 

Looking for more assistance building your reception layout? Reach out to us – we’re here to help!

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