Thinking Outside the Box

Thinking Outside the Box
Creative Tips for Personalizing Your Gulf Coast Wedding
BY Stephanie Tate

Gone are the days where couples have to follow “the rules” when planning their Big Day. Aside from the obvious bridal checklist of events, there are no set criteria that brides and grooms must follow when creating their weddings. It’s okay if the bride doesn’t wear a white gown and yes, it’s acceptable for the mother of the bride to escort her daughter down the aisle. Wedding etiquette has definitely relaxed itself over the decades and couples are having a blast exploring ways to make their weddings scream “This is who we are!” Below are some suggestions on ways to “think outside the box” to make your gulf coast wedding really stand out.

NOT YOUR MOTHER’S WEDDING GOWN
Many women preserve their wedding gowns with the hope that one of their daughters will wear it on her Day. Yes, fashion is cyclical. But, chances are that mom’s long sleeved, bow backed gown with the ornate beadwork just isn’t going to make the cut and most of us don’t know a seamstress that we trust enough to pull off this kind of extreme dress makeover. Luckily, brides can still incorporate mom’s gown into the wedding without compromising on style. Recycle her dress by integrating it into other elements of the ceremony. Pieces or panels of the fabric can be used to create the stem wrapping on the bridal bouquet or, since bling is in, use some of the beadwork or lace to tuck into the flowers. Portions of the gown can also be used to make the flower girl basket, ring bearer pillow, or garter and then displayed at the reception next to a picture of mom on her wedding day. She will love the fact that her special dress was featured!

DEARLY BELOVED
There are many ways that couples can tailor their wedding ceremonies to fit their own styles. Duos who are marrying in locations that allow them to customize their seating arrangements can consider setting the seats in a circular or hexagonal pattern. It will lend to a more intimate feeling as guests are surrounding the couple as they exchange vows. Relatives occasionally shed a tear during the ceremony, so brides can provide monogrammed handkerchiefs so they will have something special to dry their faces with. They will really love the sweet gesture and will have a momentum of the special day. Some brides cherish the reverence of traditional wedding music but guests will surely remember your unique choices above the good ole’ classics. Couples might showcase their style by choosing some of their favorite songs for their processional or recessional. Or choose to have classic works played in a nontraditional arrangement or on an unexpected instrument. Ever hear Handel’s Messiah played on a ukulele? Well, maybe the ukulele won’t make it to your wedding but the creative process is part of the fun. Music is one of mankind’s oldest creative outlets and imaginative musical selections can completely transform the atmosphere of your ceremony. Couples can also opt to honor and protect the environment in their nuptials (See the article on “Something Green” in this issue of Gulf Coast Bride Magazine). Print your programs on recyclable paper and make a note that they will be collected at the end of the service so that you may recycle them after the wedding. Couples can also use native flowers in their floral décor. For those brides who wish to have petals strewn on the aisle, they can opt to scatter petals from native flora in lieu of traditional rose petals.

BRING ON THE CHEER
Signature drinks at receptions have become all the rave in the past couple of years. Couples love to offer guests a favorite martini or mixed drink and, in some circles, it is almost expected that a signature drink be present. The key is figuring out how to make your drink different. Some couples choose to reflect their heritage with drinks like German chocolate martinis, Irish Crème in the coffee, or a simple Cotes du Rhone to represent the family’s ancestry. A seasonal selection might celebrate a winter wedding with a hot tea station where guests can choose from a variety of gourmet herbals to sip and warm their souls. The most common inspiration for signature cocktails are memorable events or experiences that the couple has shared. Offering a frozen drink sipped on a summer vacation or the favorite cheap beer from college allows guests to participate in the couple’s memories. In addition to your personalized cocktails, pictures and other items can be used to decorate the bar area and help tell your signature story.

FEED THEM AND THEY WILL COME
Taking extra steps to make sure reception food not only tastes wonderful but is also presented memorably will leave guests raving about their meal. If granddad makes a mean macaroni and cheese, the bride and groom can have the caterer prepare the dish using the family recipe and maybe share grandpa’s secrets by providing printed recipe cards. Many couples personalize the menu by naming food items after themselves or their courtship. Guests will be intrigued by the catchy names and will surely ask for the story behind them. “She said ‘Yes,’ Chilled Shrimp Cocktail” might represent a beach proposal or “Snowed in Beef Wellington” could hint at a memorable ski adventure. Couples can also offer healthful food alternatives for wedding favors. For a summer wedding, give small containers of fresh seasonal fruit along with mini jugs of lemonade mix. For a winter alternative, mason jars filled with your favorite winter soup along with a packet of cocoa mix will surely please well wishers. The way to a person’s heart is through his stomach. Feeding your guests well and adding personal flare to your wedding delectables will definitely not be overlooked.

CAKE, ANYONE?
Reality television has definitely shown its viewers that wedding cakes have made tremendous leaps and bounds. Bride and groom figurines, fountains underneath the top tier, and the obligatory vanilla cake with white butter cream frosting are no longer required elements. The sky is the limit and cakes definitely come in many shapes and flavors. It is not uncommon to see a 3 tier cake having a square, round, and hexagonal shape at each level. It is very popular now to choose a different flavor for each tier as well. While it is definitely a good idea to offer one “safe” flavor that you know will appeal to all of your guests, go crazy on the other tiers. Include some off the wall flavors such as chocolate pistachio with a chocolate mousse filling. Brides and grooms will be pleasantly surprised as to how many people get more than one piece of cake just to try the different fillings. Cakes are a centerpiece of the reception and can add flavor to your wedding in more ways than one.

GIVE OUT THE GIFTS
Not all wedding favors have to be almonds or mini chocolates. Couples who have adopted pets from local animal shelters can give a donation to the shelter in their guests’ honor. They will not only appreciate the gesture but hopefully will remember the shelter when they decide to add a pet to their household. The movie-going couple can give their guests a DVD of their favorite comedy or drama. Show your green side by offering packets of wildflower seeds or providing guests with recycled handmade paper bookmarks infused with seeds that they can later plant. Creative wedding favors are yet another way to personalize your wedding and leave a lasting impression on all who attended.

Couples are able to showcase their personalities or interests throughout their Big Day. As a result, many grooms have really stepped up and become very involved in the planning process. From picking out their attire to choosing their cake flavors, some grooms contribute just as much as their brides. And guests can really recognize when couples have remembered the details and gone out of their way to illustrate their daily life in their wedding. Remember, it’s your wedding day. Have fun, think outside the box, and creatively emphasize your personalities—you and your guests will be glad you did! •

Stephanie Tate is a multi-published writer and a regular contributor to Gulf Coast Bride as well as being a professional wedding and event planner. She owns Savior Faire Weddings in Miramar Beach, Florida- near Destin- and can be contacted at (850) 499-6336.

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