Polka Dot Bride » ABC Of Weddings

Well how zany can a wedding get? Let us recount some of the ways you can add a touch of ‘zany-ness’ to your wedding. From bungy jumping, to your wedding in a cave in the Blue Mountains, to serving fairy floss at your reception, there has to be something that appeals to the ‘kid’ in you.

Mix It Up

Choose a wedding venue that is out of the norm.

Check out adventure sites like Freemanx for ‘alternative’ wedding venues. Bungy jumping at Cairns, QLD or hot air ballooning at Byron Bay NSW or the Yarra Valley in Victoria. Hold your wedding at the Cathedral Chamber Cave in the Blue Mountains, NSW, lit to highlight the extraordinary features of the cave.

Other unique venues include

Boats
Underwater over The Great Barrier Reef
Theme parks
Skydiving
Airplanes
Igloos
Top of the Sydney Harbour bridge

Make It Fun

Add humour, fun and childlike features to your reception- be creative and let your personality shine through.

Photo by Emilie Inc

Chocolate Fountains are a delicious way to get the sweet toothed guests mingling. Provide a wide variety of treats to dips- fruit, marshmallows, sweet biscuits, candy even pretzels!

A magician could entertain guests during cocktail hour. Using the tricks that used to amuse you as a child – pulling a coin out of thin air – will be remembered by your guests and is a good way to get them interacting.

The Three Waiters involves “three singing waiters hiding in plain sight at your private function before unleashing a dynamic and sophisticated live performance a la The Three Tenors. What a way to add laughter to your reception! They can perform all over the world and add a surprise laugh or two!

For the theatrical bridesmaids and groomsmen why not secretly practice a song or small performance that is sprung on guests and the bride and groom, at a designated time during the reception. It adds a really personal touch and much frivolity to the occasion – just hope that no-one chokes on their food! For inspiration, don’t forget to check out Amy’s Song, which I posted earlier this year.

Best Wedding Toast Ever!!!! (Amy’s Song) –

A comedian could be a fun addition to the entertainment. He could be a ‘stand alone’ act, or if you chose a band with an ebullient front man who is genuinely funny it will add extra pizzazz to your evening. Just ensure that the jokes are not made at the expense of someone (unless they have a great sense of humour and are thick skinned) and that they are appropriate for all the age groups present. Your elderly granny might be uncomfortable with really risqué jokes, for example.

Photobooths are always a hit at a wedding. Provide props like feather boas and big hats, even consider a large cardboard cutout photo of the newlyweds for some extra fun.

Photo by Rae Leytham Photography

Do a fun, choreographed first dance. You’ve seen the videos! The evolution of dance, a sweet love song that turns into heavy metal, even recreating the famous scene from Dirty Dancing. It’s always a hit with guests and spending your first dancing having a ball sounds wonderful to me!

Provide bubbles instead of confetti for your guests and let them recapture their childhoods with a good bit of bubble blowing action. Consider using bubble guns for even bigger bubbles!

Photo by Emilie Inc

Provide paper tablecloths and a bunch of crayons and let guests go wild on their table cloth. If you’re really sentimental, collect the tablecloths and cut out your favourite drawings to frame or put in an album.

Hire an artist to create caricatures of guests that they can take home. It gives guests a great talking point and is a fun way to liven up the evening.

If you are into ‘dressing up’, why not organize your wedding around a theme? You could have food prepared appropriate to the theme, your venue decorated in appropriate fabrics and accessories, and your guests invited to dress up in clothes that express your chosen theme. Themes could be medieval, all white, movie, musical, Hawaiian or even 19th century.

So much could be zany. It is just limited by your imagination. Why does the reception have to be staid and formal? From venues, to food and its presentation, to the favours, be different and think outside the square, and have a wedding that everyone will remember!

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ABC Of Weddings: Y Is For Years

Polka Dot Bride — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 05:45:00 +0000

The years fly by while yodeling and eating yoghurt until we are yearning to be youthful again.

Wedding anniversaries are one of the fun things you get to celebrate after your wedding. Each anniversary has a traditional and modern gift interpretation.

Anniversaries between the 15th-50th do not have traditional gifts associated with them (unless they end in 5) Each anniversary also has a flower and gemstone associated with it.

You can be as creative or as traditional as you want with the ‘guide’. Push the boundaries and have some fun with it.

Here’s some ideas to provoke your imagination for all those wedding anniversaries you’ll be celebrating together!

1st Anniversary

Traditional – Paper

Airplane tickets, a first edition book, photo book, a coffee table book, tickets to a theatre show, shares in a company, magazine subscription, personalised stationery, vintage map.

Travel Clock from Tiffany

Modern – Clocks

A grandfather clock, a fob watch, a gorgeous watch, travel clock, a sundial.

2nd Anniversary

Traditional – Cotton

High thread count sheets, a canvas painting, luxurious pyjamas, towels, bathrobes, rugs, hammock

Modern – China

A designer place setting, a gorgeous platter, a china ornament

3rd Anniversary

Traditional – Leather

Leather bound book, leather diary, bags, briefcases, luggage, wallet, leather desk accessories, belts, sports balls (think signed baseball), leather photo frames

Modern – Crystal/Glass

Decanter, stemware, perfume bottles, designer glass jewellery, platters and vases,

4th Anniversary

Traditional – Linen/Silk

Lounge wear, evening wear, table accessories, clothing, Tea towels

Modern – Appliances/Fruits and Flowers

Kitchen Aid mixmaster, still life paintings, fruit trees, floral perfume,

5th Anniversary

Traditional – Wood

Wine barrel planters, platters, salad servers, furniture such as chests, tables and chairs, wine rack, carved items such as book covers, boxes and trays.

Swing Candelabra from Georg Jensen

Modern – Silverware

Jewellery, coasters, napkin rings, pens, money clips, cufflinks, candelabras, photo frames.

6th Anniversary

Traditional – Iron/Sweets

Screens, gates, candle sticks furniture, hand made iron work, garden ornaments, hearth accessories, decadent chocolates, chocolate tasting course, chocolate delivered for a year

Modern – Wood

Wine barrel planters, platters, salad servers, furniture such as chests, tables and chairs, wine rack, carved items such as book covers, boxes and trays.

7th Anniversary

Traditional – Wool/Copper

Vintage washing copper, copper sauces, jewellery, copper bowls, coal scuttle, wool rugs, pashmina, tapestries, sculptures, wool quilt

Modern – Desk Sets

8th Anniversary

Traditional – Bronze/Pottery

Candlesticks & accessories, bookends, elaborate door knobs, tableware, vases, cookware, vintage finds from old ware shops

Modern – Bronze/Pottery

Candlesticks & accessories, bookends, elaborate door knobs, tableware, vases, cookware, vintage finds from old ware shops

9th Anniversary

Traditional – Pottery/China/Willow

Crockery, vessels, ornamental pottery, vases, handmade items from an artisan studio.

Modern – Linen/Lace

Lounge wear, evening wear, table accessories, clothing, tea towels, sleepwear

10th Anniversary

Vera Wang Love Knots Cutlery from Peters Of Kensington

Traditional – Tin/Aluminium

Cutlery, saucepans, antique tin toys, lanterns, mirrors, pewter jewellery

Modern – Leather

Leather bound book, leather diary, bags, briefcases, luggage, wallet, leather desk accessories, belts, sports balls (think signed baseball), leather photo frames

15th Anniversary

Traditional – Crystal

Modern – Watches

20th Anniversary

Traditional – China

Modern – Platinum

25th Anniversary

Traditional – Silver

Modern – Sterling Silver

30th Anniversary

Traditional – Pearl

Modern – Diamond

40th Anniversary

Traditional – Ruby

Modern – Ruby

50th Anniversary

Traditional – Gold

Modern – Gold

60th Anniversary

Traditional – Diamond

Modern – Diamond

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ABC Of Weddings: X Is For Xtras

Polka Dot Bride — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 05:43:28 +0000

Xylophones were used for that extra touch at the Xmas wedding of Xavier and Xanthe.

Extras – not really an ‘X’ but we’ve put them in for you to Xerox in case you need them!

There are many ways you can give yourself a better sense of security on your wedding day if something goes wrong. Leaving yourself a lot of extras will allow for mishaps and allow you not to stress out over tiny details. The things so easily forgotten, the ‘doh!’ moments. There are also extras you can splurge on during your wedding day for a bit of extra fun.

Extra stationery- Extra invitations come in handy when you realise you’ve forgotten your Aunt Martha, and extra place cards and seating cards are a good idea in case plans suddenly change.

Extra time- Leave extra time in your schedule for anything that runs late on your wedding day. Leave extra time for makeup, extra time for photos, extra time for dancing!

Extra Confirmation- Don’t forget to confirm all of your vendors before the wedding. if you have a wedding planner (or even a Day Of Coordinator) they may look after this for you. Ensure they know the right details and scheduling of the day.

Extra information- Make sure you give as much information as possible to guests (especially if they are traveling) maps, directions, activities. Consider providing an open house to guests or planning activities such as golf or luncheons so ‘out of towners’ are not left stranded.

Write up your own wedding contact list and schedule and distribute to important people within your wedding. This will save you from having to Google the florists phone number on the morning of your wedding.

Extra Ceremony Touches

Add extra information in the ceremony program or order of service booklet about the different traditions and ceremonies

Add rice, confetti or bubbles, doves or butterflies for a ceremony departure.

A sign at the entrance to the venue reminding guests to switch cell phones off.

Make sure you have a few umbrellas on hand for if there is any doubt about rain.

Photo by Brooke Schwab Photography

On a hot summer’s day provide water, parasols and fans to keep guests cool. In winter ensure there is adequate heating and consider soft wraps and hot drinks.

Ensure there is plenty of signage at your venue (especially if all events are held at the one place) for restrooms, the reception area and any other places the guests will need to know.

Extra Reception Touches

Children’s Table – if inviting young children, ensure you have provided them with a quiet child friendly activity to keep them happy during long speeches.

Buffets – lolly or candy. coffee, chocolate, coffee, ice cream even a juice buffet are great ways to give your guests extra choice for food.

Bathroom Baskets – provide miniature size versions of amenities such as band aids and tampons to help out guests.

Midnight Snacks – extra food at midnight is the perfect way to keep guests’ appetite sustained and wake them up for the drive home.

Fireworks – definitely an ‘extra’ but they will add sparkle to a night time wedding. Permission will need to be obtained from local fire authorities.

Transport – ensure everyone has a way to get home, whether you hire a bus or ask the venue to call cabs at the end of the night, make sure no-one is left stranded! (your parents included as they may have travelled in the same car as you to the wedding).

Photo by Rae Lytham Photography

Sparklers – consider a send off from your reception with sparklers or confetti.

Thereafter – don’t forget to have someone pick up items such as gifts, your special cake knife, your champagne flutes, leftover wedding cake and other personal items.

Extra Care

Emergency Kit

Have an emergency kit at hand. Visit sites like Bridal Survival site for kits with those little things you never thought that you might need for travel, the wedding day, for mums of the bridal party and more

Backup Plans

Ensure you have backup plans! These are essential if your wedding ceremony is going to be outdoors! Backup plans are also essential if you’re relying on a CD or Ipod for your wedding music.

For Your Honeymoon

If you’re marrying overseas or taking an overseas honeymoon make sure that you know the entry requirements for each country.
Take extra copies of your travel documents with you, and leave a copy of them at home with a trusted person.

Make sure that if you need vaccinations for your destination, you see your doctor and get them done well before the wedding.
Have contingency plans set up at home in case your credit card is stolen or you get stuck in a difficult situation. Make sure someone at home knows where you are.

Check out the Australian Smart Traveller Website for handy hints and requirements for the country you are visiting.

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ABC Of Weddings: W For Wine

Polka Dot Bride — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 05:16:15 +0000

Whining wives are often found near the wine at a wedding while whistling for a water glass.

Food and good wine are one of my favourite parts of planning a wedding.

The drinks at your wedding can be dependent on the packages of your venue. Some may have a standard basic package which you can upgrade, others may ask you to bring your own supply of alcohol, (and certain bottle shops allow you to return the unopened bottles). Then there are venues that will work with you on creating the perfect mix of drinks.

Wine

Photo by Charlotte Geary

If your venue allows you, you may be able to have a wine tasting to determine the best wines for your night. If you’re a foodie this is a perfect way to put your stamp on your day!

Choose wines appropriate to the food you will be serving- i.e. a lovely pinot if you’re serving duck and if you’re serving fish a fresh white wine such as a riesling.

Consider choosing wines from your local area (i.e. if you’re Australian make use of the amazing drops our grape growers produce!) You may even like to showcase wines from your particular area or State.

Champagne

Photo from brides.com

Usually used only for toasting or straight after the ceremony, champagne is the perfect choice for such a big celebration. But if you feel really extravagant, offer champagne throughout the whole meal. To learn more about champagne check out the ‘C For Champagne’ entry.

The Cocktail

Photo by Apertura

Cocktails are a nice way to start the celebrations.

A signature cocktail, perhaps in one of your wedding colours, using your favourite flavours and named after something fun like “The Jessicatini” is a great way to be creative and put your own stamp on this part of the day.

Beer

Photo by Laura Kay

Don’t forget the beer! A preferred drink for many males (and some females) a beer always goes down nicely!

The Mocktail

Never let it be said you can’t create a delicious drink without alcohol. A mocktail is just like a fancy cocktail, minus the booze! Think exotic mixes of flavours. Blueberries. raspberries with pineapple juice – just use your imagination!

Non alcoholic Wine

For those that are the designated driver or prefer not to have alcohol, de – alcoholized wine or grape juice may be an option.

Soft drink/Soda

Be sure to provide plenty of soft drink.

Juice and water

Juice and water are thirst quenching on a hot day and a great alternative to alcohol.

Tea and coffee

For the long drive home, tea and coffee end the celebrations. Spice it up by providing a tea and coffee bar with various options- perhaps even offer alcoholic coffee, and selection of good quality teas – herbal, green and black.

Different drinks are served at different times throughout the wedding.

Ceremony

Photo from brides.com

You may choose to serve drinks at the ceremony.

For Summer, think of using containers such as galvanised tin pails filled with ice containing:

Personalised water bottles
Champagne piccolos
Italian soft drink/soda
Glass decanters of punch and homemade lemonade

For winter, embrace the cold and serve special toasty warm drinks:

Liqueur coffee
Mulled wine
Hot cocoa

Cocktail Hour

Photo by Mi Belle Inc

Normally this is right before the reception while the newlyweds are finishing off formal photographs. Cocktails and champagne are served with light hors d’oeuvres.

Dinner

Photo by Amy Carroll

Now is the time for the wine! Toasts will often be during the sit down part of the night too so the champagne may be poured at that time.

Post Dinner

Coffee from brides.com

You may choose to serve hard liquor at this time and then tea and coffee for the road. Dessert wine is a good choice if serving a complimentary dessert or cake.

For midnight snacks consider drinks like ice cream sodas, hot chocolate with marshmallows, with mini donuts, or a giant choc chip cookie with coffee. Your guests will surely be totally filled to the brim with good cheer!!

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