Pew Decorations to Make Your Walk Down the Aisle Even More Special

If you are planning a church wedding then you are thinking about church pew wedding decorations that will  match your colors and theme.

If you’re looking for ideas the you’ve come to the right place because I’ve got some incredible ideas that you can incorporate into your wedding.

While a big shiny bow or some nice flowers attached to the ends of the pews was enough in the past that’s just not true with  today’s more adventuresome couples.

Pew decorations now are more creative, colorful and reflect the personalities of the bride and groom and can match whatever style of wedding you’re having from casual to whimsical to elegant.

They are also one of the first introductions to the wedding guests of what your colors and theme are.

Read on to see some great ideas for your pew decorations…

Bows and Flowers are Still a Beautiful Options

Bows are still very popular and they range from lovely, rich velvet bows to hand-tied raffia bows and everything in-between.

Flowers, on the other hand, have taken on a whole new look and don’t be surpised to see everything from small wreaths to flower balls hung with theme colored ribbon to wedding bouquets in small galvanized cans.

There are clip-on holders that can hold a basket, bucket or cone arrangements of blooms.

You can also combine flowers and bows if you wish by hanging a small wreath below a bow that has ribbon streamers.

Here’s a video showing you how to quickly and easily create flower pew decorations.

Tulle for an Inexpensive but Lavish Look

Tulle may be purchased by the yard in many different colors and is so easy to work with.

Do a puffy large bow attached to each pew and swag it from row to row; finish it be tucking some small flowers in each bow.

Make a large bow and tuck things that fit your wedding theme throughout the bow.

Other Pew Decoration Ideas

Nowadays you can get faux fruit arrangement that look really nice; tie them attractively to the end pews.

Feathers are quite popular now and they can be beautifully stunning when attached with ribbons or silk scarfs; depending upon the feathers and the ribbons or scarfs this is perfect for contemporary or elegant weddings.

For Christmas or winter weddings, tuck small ornaments into tulle bows and try to pick those that fit your personal theme.

Pom Poms of paper or fabric in your colors is inexpensive and easy for an informal wedding and use gold, silver or white for a formal wedding; I really like these because they’re different and eye catching.

Shepherd's Hooks as Holders for Pew Decorations

Small framed photos of the couple tied with ribbon is a special and very personal decoration for church pews.

You can rent or buy wedding pew clips that will not damage the pews and can hang whatever you wish from them.

You can also use shepherd’s hooks and stands.

Incorporate your wedding theme and colors into your design as this gives your guests a lovely look at the theme that will be carried out for the balance of the day.

There are truly so many things you can do to make the aisle you walk down very special for you and for your special day.

Some Cautions

One caution, however, is that depending upon your church rules and your religious background you may be restricted about what you can do to decorate in the church sanctuary.

To save stress and such,  always check out the design of what you wish to do and get approval from the church before purchasing anything.

Another caution is to be careful you don’t make it hard for guests to get into their seats or block the aisle so it’s hard for people to walk down.

May your day be just as you dream it to be with family and friends watching you take each step down the aisle passing each church pew wedding decoration you have lovingly planned.

Give me your suggestions for your church pew wedding decorations below and thanks.

Incredible Church Pew Wedding Decoration Ideas is a post from: Inexpensive Wedding Ideas Guide

Having Popcorn Buffet for your Wedding Reception is a post from: Inexpensive Wedding Ideas Guide

A Wedding Dress Shop is a Good Place to Start Looking

The date is set and it’s time to start shopping for your perfect petite wedding dress. You have probably been pouring over all the bride’s books and found a few dresses you really love and have cut them out to take with you.

But, Alas you get to the shop and show your choices to the salesperson and she frowns and shakes her head. She tells you that the dresses you love are not for you as you are a petite size, In fact, most of the designs you have shown her she says, will make you look as if the dress was wearing you not that you are wearing the dress.

The dresses you chose were mainly ball gown style with puffy sleeves or a very full skirt which would be an overwhelming look for you.

Also a long torso design is not good on a shorter silouette and that was one of the styles you really liked.

This is not to say all the styles you have picked are not right for a petite size. Once you try it on you know if it is right for you and your petite silouette. So let’s see what is most complementary to a petite bride.

The styles that work most often for a shorter woman would be, the very trendy, sheath. Also, there is the empire waist, A-line, sleeveless, asymmetrical or a long fitted sleeves will give an illusion of a taller figure.

The simpler designs are usually the most beautiful on a petite bride.

A Gorgeous Embellished Bridal Dress Train

Another thing to remember is that if you try on a dress and the alterations will require that a lot of fabric will have to be taken and distort the design. Keep looking!!

Almost all bridal gowns have some sort of embellishment. This might be lace, sequins and beads. This is quite nice on a gown and will be lovely on your gown.

Necklines are not so limiting for a petite. You can show off pretty shoulders with a bateau neck or lovely arms wearing a sleeveless scoop.

For a slim petite showing your collarbone, neck and shoulders with a strapless or sweetheart neckline will make for a lovely look.

A halter neck will also flatter slim arms and shoulders.

Whether slim or not so slim it is important that you consider your foundation undergarment to make sure you have the support you need for the dress on the day of the wedding.

Be sure and wear either the shoes you will be wearing with the dress or a shoe with exactly the same heel height when trying on dresses and wnen having the chosen dress altered.

As you shop for shoes make sure that they will be the same color as the dress fabric or go a bit wild and wear a different color shoe to match your wedding color theme.

When deciding on the veil for the perfect dress you just bought a simple small tiara ot headpiece is best and depending on the dress style a floor length veil is quite pretty as is a blusher or any length in between.

A Lovely Wedding Veil and Dress with Long Fitted Sleeves

The veil should also be simple and stay away from heavy borders if you can. Also, there are shades of white and ivory so when looking for your veil try to take along fabric from your dress to make sure they match nicely.

I really hope that there are some guidelines here that will make shopping for your petit wedding dress even more fun for you.

Would appreciate any comment or other ideas from you and you can comment below

You’re Petite, You’re Shopping for A Perfect Wedding Dress and Need Ideas is a post from: Inexpensive Wedding Ideas Guide

When you’re planning your wedding food and want something that looks good, is oh so tasty, but that’s different and less costly than a full dinner think about having a fabulous wedding taco bar with all the trimmings.

You can make it as simple as you wish or as elaborate as you can imagine all within your budget even if it’s tight so “Go for it.”

It’s so easy that you can even put it together yourself, have fun doing it, and save the cost of a caterer.

That leaves you with some extra money in the budget to use elsewhere — like your honeymoon!!!

There are a few things you need to do before the preparation of the food so keep reading to see what you need to do and how much fun and how tasty you can make your wedding taco bar.

Keeping the Food the Proper Temperature

You’ll need to rent enough chaffing dishes as you will need them for both hot and cold food.

Rectangular sterno chaffing dishes can be used for the food you need to keep warm and usually these dishes require two sterno units.

For things like the vegetables and salsa you’ll need to put ice in the water pan and, of course, no sterno units

Start the sterno at least 20 minutes before placing the food in the chaffing dish to make sure it is very hot.

Note that you can find what you need at an event rental store or you can purchase them at a restaurant supply store but it’ll save you money if you’re able to rent them.

Your Plates and Flatware Ready for Wedding Guests

Setting Up Your Taco Bar

Be sure to have purchased or rented enough of the plates and flatware you’ll need to have for your guests.

Now to set up the table in a way that both appealing and in a convenient way for the guest to build their tacos.

Start the taco bar line with plates, napkins and flatware arranged in an attractive way.

Next, have corn and flour tortillas in baskets for the guests to select their favorite. Also, be sure to give them a choice of hard or soft taco shells.

The next thing on the table is your meat, you should have several choices for people, options can be ground or chopped turkey, chicken, ground beef or shredded pork, and even fish; any and all of these make great tacos — see the video at the bottom to see a younger Rachel Ray creating 2 different meat fillings.

It’s also a good idea is to have some hot chaffing dishes of refried beans, black beans, and pinto beans for guests who like beans and for the vegetarians who would be attending you wedding reception.

I know they will really appreciate your thoughtfulness.

Delish Toppings to Start Your Wedding Tacos

Next, put a variety of  vegetables in line, although some people put the cheese next so that the heat from the meat and beans welts the cheese.

This should include tomatoes, scallions, finely chopped onions, lettuce and/or cabbage shredded.

Finely chopped olives is a nice touch and all of this can easily be done a day or two before the wedding.

For a special touch, you could have some grilled vegetables including squash, onions, and peppers.

Now comes you cheeses which you can now buy already shredded in at least 16 oz. packages.

Serve them from large bowls with tongs so you guests can easily pick up the cheese.

Salsa, sour cream, and guacamole are, of course,  a must and see if you can get half pans so they may be served side by side.

Be sure to have salsa of different spiciness, but be sure you label them each for their degree of spiciness.

Be sure to have side dishes to go along with your tacos.

Refried beans and Spanish rice are quite traditional. Include a bowl of tortilla chip which are especially good warmed.

Another nice addition is to have a green salad with a choice of dressings instead of, or along with, the beans and rice.

Another idea is to have a nacho fountain which is rather like a chocolate fountain.

Sangria Toast to the Newlyweds

Have nacho cheese flowing from it and serve chips, vegetables, pretzels, bread and things like that with it; this also is a nice treat for the vegetarians attending.

The drinks you serve should  be along the same Mexican theme such as sangria, tropical fruit smoothies, and Mexican beer or margaritas if your your budget allows.

Be sure to have a lot of water handy for drinking as this kind of food makes people especially thirsty and can be too spicy for some people.

Taco Bar Tips

There are some things you should do to ensure you have a successful wedding bar

First, keep the dishes always look bountiful.

In addition to having napkins, have a basket or bowl of handy wipes on the table.

Be sure and label the meats and other food so your guests will know what is in each chaffing dish.

The table linens for the buffet table should match your theme or be something compatible with a great taco bar.

I hope this is helpful in your planning a wedding taco bar, I know it made me hungry for a taco and the trimmings as I wrote about it

If you can add anything to this about what to serve or what you might have seen at a wedding taco bar reception please share it by making a comment below and thanks a million.

Here is a video of Rachel Ray making 2 taco fillings that could be used for a wedding taco bar.

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Wedding Taco Bar – A Great Idea for Your Wedding Reception is a post from: Inexpensive Wedding Ideas Guide

If you are on a rather tight budget or just want to make your wedding favors very personal, your can choose from a myriad of ideas and, as the saying goes, you’re limited only by your imagination; but I have some ideas to help spark it!

You can make the whole thing even more fun and have a “Make Our Wedding Favors” party with your close family and friends who love to be creative and want to help you with this part of your wedding day.

It really makes them feel a special part of  the wedding plans.

Have a look at the ideas I have for you and you can go from there…

S’mores

YUM!! Who Wouldn't Love Getting This for A wedding Favor?

Who doesn’t love S’mores, so how about a S’mores kit?

Fill a cellophane bag with graham crackers, two or three marshmallows, and chocolate and seal it with an attractive seal.

YUM!!!!

Saltwater Taffy

If you are having a beach or summer wedding then saltwater taffy, packed in theme related favor boxes or cellophane bags, is a very appropriate and tasty treat for your guests.

Assortment of Candies

Set up a table and have a nice assortment of candies available on it, then have some Chinese take-out boxes stamped with your names.

Give one to each guest and have them fill it before they go.

Homemade Gifts

A small jar of a locally made jam, preserves, honey, maple syrup, candies or anything that is homemade in the city where you are being married, make great remembrances of your wedding day.

Coffee Beans, Yes Coffee Beans

Gourmet chocolate-covered coffee beans placed in decorative tins and sealed with a personalized seal is great for coffee lovers.

A Little Bottle of Wine so the Guest can Toast you at Home

Wine

Send your guests home with a mini wine bottle.

If you can making it the same as the wine you serve at your reception would be great.

Homemade Granola

Get some Chinese take-out boxes and fill them with some homemade granola for something really tasty and good for you too; seal the boxes with your mongrammed seals.

It makes a very good snack or a tasty bowl to start your morning.

Here’s a recipe I like from the Food Network and another one that’s an interesting alternative. Finally, here is a recipe that will make granola clusters.

Sea Salts

Unusual flavored sea salts in small jars appeal to many people.

And, guess what, there are instructions on the Internet so that you can make them yourself with things like basil, rosemary or many other choices.

Popcorn

You can use popcorn in many ways but my personal favorite is to create caramel popcorn balls with some premier chocolate drizzled on them and then sprinkled with nuts.

Wrap them in theme-colored (or multi-colored) cellophane and tie them up with your own personalized ribbon to make a guest-pleaser.

A Guest's Good Fortune to Receive these as A Wedding Favor

Fortune Cookies

Gourmet Chinese fortune cookies are a fun favor.

There are many places on the Internet where you can check out all the great options and you know that everyone loves to crack open a fortune cookie!

You can customize them with your theme colors, a favorite flavor or have them just plain and simple.

Package them in a theme favor box or with cellophane tied with pretty ribbon.

You should plan your favors so they coordinate with your wedding day colors and it’s nice to include a bit of yourselves like a monogram or your wedding day theme with your favors.

Just imagine what fun your edible wedding favors will be for you to put together and for your guests to receive? Have fun and be sure to enjoy!

Please share any edible wedding favor ideas you might have in the comments below with my thanks.

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10 Tasty and Edible Wedding Favor Ideas is a post from: Inexpensive Wedding Ideas Guide

A Lovely and Romantic Heart Candle Centerpiece

When you are starting your wedding planning one of the most important things you should consider is the wedding decorations and your color theme.

You’re probably on a budget but, of course, you still want beautiful and memorable decorations.

You’re in luck!

I’ve  got some nice  and inexpensive wedding decoration ideas that will help you do a great centerpiece and will keep you within your budget.

Wedding centerpieces can be created using lots of things including flowers, candles, edibles and lovely lighting.

Here are some of my favorite inexpensive wedding table decorations so here goes…

Floral Centerpieces

When choosing your flowers for the centerpieces if you buy locally you will save shipping fees and support your local growers.

Also, use seasonal flowers as they are less costly and if you are having a casual wedding think about growing the blooms yourself or using native wild flowers.

For containers, you have many choices, such as, baskets, mason jars, a mixed assortment of vases which lend an interesting charm to each table.

Better yet use your creative ideas to come up with something that says “You.”

A Beautiful Weddingg Cake and Table as Decoration

Food Wedding Centerpieces

Some small bowls of candy and mints arranged on a reflective mirror with votive candles placed around the bowls is inexpensive, looks great and is a tasty treat for the guests.

A lovely arrangement of fruit that is non-perishable with theme colored confetti sprinkled around the container make a great looking centerpiece.

Another idea is to get rich artisan breads from your local bread baker and arrange in various shapes of interesting baskets.

Make your wedding cake a decoration by having the cake table set in a prominent place.

Decorate the table attractively and have the cake there from the very beginning of the reception for all to enjoy.

A fall wedding would look fantastic with the wonderful colors of fall vegetables such as squash arranged on fall colored leaves and greenery; scatter some nuts in their shells to add to the seasonal look.

Balloon Centerpieces

When tastefully done, balloons can be really nice decorations and will certainly help you stay within your budget.

One thing you can do with them is you can create an arch at the entrance for all to walk through.

Balloon centerpieces should be elevated so that they do not disrupt table conversation by being in the way; it is also a wonderful way to use your theme colors.

Wedding Favor Centerpieces

A Tasty Cake Pop Centerpiece and Favor for Your Guests to Enjoy

You can have your table centerpieces do double duty by turning them into your wedding favors at the end of the evening.

Try this…

Place a grouping of votive candles with a personal name tag on each one and  arrange them in the shape of a heart for a more romantic look.

Or how about this…

Fill small terra cotta pots with live herbs, baby roses or small green plants, they’ll make a lasting remembrance of their day with you as you invite each guest to take one home at the end of the day.

Now this is a delicious one…

Wedding cake pops are very trendy now and make a beautiful centerpiece when they are arranged in a tall clear container; tell the guests to each take one at the end of the party.

Using Fabrics

The use of inexpensive fabric is another way to get a lovely look and still be cost effective.

When you drape tulle at the entrance to your reception you’ll create a soft and inviting look.

Use soft fabrics as a backdrop swagged behind the head table or draped around the cake table cloth, the head table, or both.

Another way to use fabric is to layer colored cloths on tables or use colored table runners with contrasting cloths.

Other Tips

Ask your venue if they have any decorations you might use as they may actually be part of your rental fee. If they aren’t included there may be just a minimal fee to use them.

Try to recycle flowers or other decorations from the ceremony to the reception venue and have them do double duty.

Let these ideas start you and your family and you friends to using your creative talents and abilities to come up with even more great and memorable inexpensive wedding decorations that are unique and special for your wedding day.

Let me invite you to comment on any inexpensive wedding decoration ideas you might have that would be helpful to a couple on a budget and wanting their day to look perfectly beautiful.

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Do You Need Some Inexpensive Wedding Decoration Ideas? is a post from: Inexpensive Wedding Ideas Guide

Choose Your Wedding Colors and Have Fun Doing It

One of the easier and fun things to do when planning your wedding is to choose  your wedding theme colors so I thought I’d let you know what the hot colors are for 2012.

Every year a few colors or color combinations take center stage and dominate the weddings for the year.

Of course, white is always popular but many bride’s tend to go for a trendy color combo or make it their very own by selecting personal colors.

Whatever you choose — elegant, bright, cool or whimsical colors — it’s nice to know what the choices you have are so you can make the best choice for your wedding.

Ready? Here are the 7 super hot colors for this summer…

1. Tangerine and Hot Pink

How Gorgeous Is This?

One of the top color picks for a summer wedding this year is tangerine and hot pink. WOW!!

The combination is bright and cheerful and imagine a bridesmaid bouquet of tangerine and pink carnations with ribbon streamers of tangerine and hot pink.

And imagine those hot pink pumps!

Spray roses would be elegant but are more expensive than carnations which are making a big come-back as a wedding flower of choice.

You can see some examples of tangerine and hot pink wedding idea photos here.

2. Lilac and Soft Lime

I like lilac and soft lime as a lovely color theme. Florists are using more shades of green in bouquets such as green hydrangeas and Bells of Ireland.

You can also find spider mums, orchids, mini carnations and mini button poms in shades of green.

Lilac Calla Lilies are gorgeous as are lilacs, heather and orchids. There are many choices in a price range from inexpensive to quite expensive.

You can see some examples of lilac and soft lime wedding idea photos here.

Inexpensive and Pretty Carnations for Bouquets and Centerpieces

3. Red and Pale Pink

Red and pale pink is another bright and soft combination that makes for a romantic color theme and bouquets of red and pink spray roses for your bridesmaid is simply stunning.

Red and pink carnations and Gerber daisies can be beautifully arranged and less costly than roses or orchids.

Check for red and pink flowers that are seasonal in your area.

You can see some examples of red and pale pink wedding idea photos here.

4. White on White

White on white is always a wonderful theme and there are actually shade of white that you can tastefully combine for a really “killer” look.

Some examples of shades of white you can use are cream, ivory, eggshell, ecru, buff, and many more.

You just need to be sure that the white you choose to combine complement each other.

Your bouquet can follow the white on white theme or they can be a splash of color in your white on white theme.

You can see some examples of white on white wedding idea photos here.

Blue Willow and White China Pieces

5. Blue Willow and White

Blue Willow and White is another color choice that’s very popular  in 2012 by many brides; it is a combination that is complementary to just about everyone.

You can use blue and white china pieces for centerpiece arrangements and add a touch of red or sunny yellow in the arrangement to give it an interesting highlight.

You can see some examples of blue willow and white wedding idea photos here.

6. Peach and Silver

Peach and silver is a cool combination of colors for a summer wedding and looks quite elegant when used in attendant wedding attire.

Have the groomsmen in grey tuxedos and peach vests or ties.

The bridesmaid would be charming in peach dresses and perhaps a silver sash to accent the dress.

At the reception picture peach cloths and napkins with silver runners for your tables.

Do an arrangement of different size pillar candles in peach and silver on a reflective mirror for the centerpieces; just picture how beautiful that would be.

You can see some examples of peach and silver wedding idea photos here.

A Cool Lilac and Blue Color Combo for a 2012 Summer Wedding

7. Lilac and Soft Baby Blue

The just right shades of lilac and soft baby blue is a great color combo and a bit different for 2012.

The colors blend so well together and are a cool look on a warm summer day.

Use these colors in your ceremony and reception decorations and the bridal party attire.

You can see some examples of lilac and soft lime wedding idea photos here.

A touch of white along with the theme colors gives a special accent of freshness and enhances the lilac and blue you are using.

The bottom line is that for this most important of days the two of you should pick the summer wedding theme colors that you like personally and speak of your personalities. Have fun and make it truly your special day.

Share any favorite wedding colors you’ve used or have seen. Love to hear from you so comment below please.

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Need Some Ideas as You Choose Your 2012 Summer Wedding Colors is a post from: Inexpensive Wedding Ideas Guide

A Lovely Print Dress for a Mother of the Bride

I bet you have asked yourself and your daughter more than once “What shall I wear as the ‘Mother of the Bride?’” Well here are some ideas and tips That just might help you pick out a mother of the bride wedding dress.

It is your good fortune that the many designers of wedding attire today, realize that you don’t want that matronly look of past mother of the bride dresses, but a chic and stylish look for her daughter’s wedding day.

The bride is, of course, the star of the day, but you will be looked at often during the day and you will want to be tasteful and attractive as well.

Also, you will be in many of the photos and will want to look back at that day and feel you have the perfect wedding outfit.

Here are some things that will help as you shop for your outfit…

A Mother and Daughter Shopping for the Mother of the Bride Dress

Here are 12 fabulous tips for you to get a perfect wedding dress:

1. When you go to choose your dress take your daughter along for fun and as a second opinion as you try on dresses.
2. Make sure you have plenty of time to look for what you want and 6 months, if you have that kind of time, is not to early to start.You may have to order a special color, have it properly altered, and most of all that it is just the right size and fit. This all takes time.
3. Look for a dress that shows off your best features and is appropriate for your daughter’s wedding day.
4. If you usually wear pants and are most comfortable doing so you can find an evening pantsuit that will look formal and stylish and lovely.
5. Depending on the time of year and whether the wedding is indoors or outdoors and how formal or informal it is your choice should be in accord with all that.
6. If the weather is warm you might pick a tea length dress with straps and wear a cape, bolero jacket or stole for the ceremony and take it off for the reception.
7. When the weather is cooler a long sleeved or 3/4 sleeved dress would be appropriate and comfortable in the cool weather. A great looking suit would also be very attractive for you.
8. The color you decide on usually coordinates with the color theme of the wedding. Be sure that the Mother of the Groom knows your colors so there is no conflict in the attire for the both of you.While black was a taboo color for the Mother to wear to her daughter’s wedding for many years, it is now very fashionable and elegant for formal weddings.It is important that you check with the bride and groom to be sure they are OK with it.
9. 

   A Gorgeous String of Pearls for the Mother of the Bride to Wear

   Wear your loveliest jewelry. That does not mean it must be very expensive. It must be tasteful and pearls or faux pearls are always a favorite choice.

10. Diamonds or faux stones will add a little bit of a sparkle to the outfit if they are appropriate for the day and your outfit.
11. Your shoes should match your attire and yet remember that you will be walking and standing a lot so make sure they are comfortable, too.
12. You have many places you can look to find your “just right outfit” and start with getting ideas from the internet.Good department stores such as Macy’s or Nordstrom’s usually carry a nice variety suited for the Mother of the Bride.Your top bridal shops like a David’s also carries a good selection of styles.

The main thing is to start early, be patient, have fun and be sure you and the bride are comfortable with what you select as your Mother of the Bride dress.

Share with me any other lovely ideas to make the Mother of the Bride the second most stunning woman at the wedding and thanks so much.

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12 Fabulous Tips to Finding a Mother of the Bride Wedding Dress is a post from: Inexpensive Wedding Ideas Guide

A Popcorn Heart for Your Wedding Buffet

The newest fun alternative to the more traditional wedding favors and treats is a  wedding popcorn buffet for your wedding guests to enjoy.

While popcorn might be fairly new to the wedding reception it can be traced back  thousands of years to New Mexico where archaeologists found ears of popcorn Native  Americans enjoyed way before the Europeans arrived in America.

This buffet might be cheaper even than a candy buffet and most likely different for  those attending,  if you do not buy the gourmet popcorn offered by many companies today

Here’s some ideas to get you started…

Popcorn

The new, very trendy gourmet popcorn is vet expensive but don’t get me wrong, if cost is no an object then go for it.

However, if you’re reading this, it’s likely you’re working with a (possibly tight) budget so you simply buy plain popcorn in large  bags or pop your own and make it gourmet yourself — it’s easy by adding your own flavoring.

Popcorn Flavors and Flavoring

There are a load of popcorn flavoring available now such as nacho, white cheese,  chili, chocolate, chocolate marshmallow, sour cream and onion, caramel, cajun and many more.

To make gourmet popcorn just put plain popcorn in large bags, add in the flavoring you want, seal the bag, and shake vigorously to until the popcorn is coated evenly and SURPRISE!!! you have gourmet popcorn.

You can also find a lot of chocolate and caramel popcorn recipes on the Internet so make you own chocolate or caramel popcorn; you may already have recipes of your own to use.

Popcorn Mix-ins

You can also mix popcorn with a variety of different things; just add them instead of, or with, the seasoning. Here are some of the things you can add to the popcorn:

• Raisins
• Dried fruit pieces
• Dry roasted nuts
• Honey roasted nuts
• M&Ms (plain, peanut and almond, and others)
• Reese’s Pieces
• Hershey’s Kisses
• Rolos
• Other chocolate pieces
• Sour and sweet candies
• Mini-marshmallows
• Cereal like Fruit Loops, Cocoa Puffs or Chex
• Just use your imagination!

Popcorn Containers for Buffet

Display Yummy Popcorn Balls on A Lovely Tray

There are many ways to display and serve your different kinds of popcorn.

Apothecary jars with wide openings looks great, and have a little scoop available and  a small bag or bowl for the guest to use.

Retro looking galvanized containers make a great way to offer the popcorn to  guests also.

Attractive clear bowls show off the colors and flavor, just be sure to have scoops with  each container for the convenience of your guests along with something for them to  scoop the popcorn into.

You can offer mini popcorn balls on sticks for an interesting look and treat; you can do this with or without seasonings and mix-ins.

There are available small attractive popcorn boxes you can have on the table for  filling and taking home at the end of the day.

Bottom line is use your imagination and theme as a guide to what you use for containers; just remember they should be easy for the guest to get the popcorn out off!

How to Setup and Display the Various Kinds of Popcorn

Now that you have all these tasty treat it is the time to plan the buffet table display to show them off to the fullest.

One of the easiest things to do is the have the containers at various heights or  levels.

This can be done by simply using a sturdy box tipped upside down, or books  stacked at different heights. Cover them in an attractive way with theme colored or  white napkins.

Tips to Help You

Adorable Popcorn Filled Bags for Wedding Favors

1. You should appoint someone prior to the wedding day to make sure that the containers remain filled, you want the table to look inviting and  full the entire time.
2. Have a bowl of hand wipes at the table as popcorn can get messy or sticky on your  hands.
3. I cannot finish this without suggesting that if a popcorn buffet is more than you wish to do, there are other ways to have popcorn be part of your wedding party:
   • You can make different sizes of popcorn balls on sticks. Get an attractive container  and put florist foam tightly in the bottom of it. Arrange the popcorn balls in the  foam and cover the foam with interesting wrapped candies. It now becomes a really  neat centerpiece and invite the guests to take from it and enjoy.
   • Or how about making cellophane wrapped popcorn balls and tying them tightly with your theme-colored ribbon or raffia and arranging them in a big bowl as a table  centerpiece. Again you invite your guest to have one as an extra treat.

You may buy popcorn favor boxes or favor bags and fill each one with popcorn and have them at each  place setting as a wedding favor.

You might want to think of a way to personalize the  box with your names and wedding date, there are a number of ways, just put on your creative hat and let the ideas flow.

Well there you are and I hope that a wedding popcorn buffet is something you will  like to do on your special day.

I found this good video from Fine Cooking that shows you how to make caramel popcorn (of course you can add you mix-ins also). There is a neat party or reception idea at the end using origami paper so check it out — you can see the results in the video image below!

If you have any neat wedding popcorn buffet ideas to add to this please comment below and many thanks.

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Why Not A Trendy Wedding Popcorn Buffet? is a post from: Inexpensive Wedding Ideas Guide

Photo Area Backdrop

I’ve decided that since wedding backdrops are so important to the overall look of a wedding, both for their beauty and for the many pictures being taken, that I would do an update to my prior article about wedding backdrops.

One of the changes that’ve happened in wedding backdrops is the creative uses of many more different materials, some examples are designs with flowers, origami (particularly paper cranes), ribbons, paper mache, even wood pallets; combining materials like electronic lights and metal, wood and cloth is also very popular now.

There seem to be no limits nowadays to what you can use to create your wedding backdrop and one of the best ways to customize your wedding ceremony is to use a beautiful backdrop.

So let’s look at some fantastic and interesting wedding backdrops…

Paper Wedding Decorations

Wedding Pinwheels

How about doing a wall of pinwheels in your theme colors or a variety of contrasting colors?

You can find a variety of them on the Internet, I saw a great selection of pinwheels on a site called Rule 42; there are a bunch of other places, you just need to look around.

Have a “Make our Pinwheels” party with friends and family who have a creative side; it can be fun and everyone will feel that they are a part of your wedding day preparations.

Pinwheels are a perfect backdrop for the very trendy photo booth many couple are having at their receptions these days.

In fact, pinwheels can be used in a variety of areas – use your imagination!

Hang a heavy canvas, paper or drape and start arranging the pinwheels as you would like in an attractive design.

It will give it a nice finishing touch if you intersperse, among the pinwheels, some tulle bows or other things that go with your theme.

Be sure and keep in mind your wedding theme and colors so it will blend nicely with your other decor.

Using Light in Your Wedding Backdrop

Lighting is a wonderful and enchanting way to create backdrops.

Using Light to Enhance Your Wedding Backdrop

Another example, would be free standing pillars or columns that have been decorated by wrapping greens or small twinkle lights around them.

When you want to really create a lovely frame for taking those all important wedding photos, then using strategically placed lights in the wedding backdrop can make a huge difference in how the pictures look.

A very popular ceremony backdrop often has an arch or canopy decorated with greenery and flowers and lights (like the picture at the top).

You can add tulle bows attached near the top allowing them to cascade down each side with the play of light, fabric and greenery giving a really magical look.

Using Nature in Your Wedding Backdrop

I mentioned that in the last example and ever since Kate’s and William’s royal wedding in 2011 there are more and more couples that want to bring the nature into their wedding.

And don’t worry if you’re having a church ceremony because it doesn’t mean you can’t create a backdrop by framing the entrance to the church making an arch of twisted willow or other thin branches and decorate it with fairy lights.

Have a few different sized columns arranged behind the bridal table and use candles or LED lights, which come in a number of sizes and shapes, on top of them as a sensational backdrop for your photos that are taken there.

Your might also drape organza or other sheer fabrics from the wall behind the columns if the area permits.

Notice again the combination of light and nature.

Other Options

Backdrops can be used anywhere that will have photographs taken although usually their used at the place where more important ones are taken, for example, behind the wedding cake table, behind the bridal head table and at the ceremony area.

Placing flower bouquets on the tops of pillars and columns looks particularly beautiful but be very sure that you use large flat container and you use florists block Oasis to create the design of the arrangement.

If you’re having a garden wedding it’s the perfect place to use wrought iron with some added greenery, flowers and ribbons to complete the backdrop.

Another nice and inexpensive backdrop is to use wood lattice panels that have been draped with garlands of greenery and flowers.

Add some beautiful tulle, satin or organza and you’ll be amazed at how striking and fantastic your backdrop will look; the combination of beautiful material and nature can elevate your pictures into an almost fairy tale look.

Wedding Cake Table Backdrop

The wedding cake table is a spot where many pictures are taken and you want it to be especially striking for that reason.

An arch can be placed behind where the bride and groom will be standing and cutting the cake. Decorate it as you would like, using soft sheer materials such as net, tulle, organza, greenery and flowers; of course, don’t forget to consider how adding light will take it to the next level.

The focal point of the wedding reception is, of course, the bridal head table. This is where toasts to the newlyweds are made, speeches given and, of course, many pictures are taken.

For the bridal head table the backdrop will depend on the actual room and the placement of the table. There are a number of ideas that can be lovely and inexpensive if you do it yourself..

If there’s an attractive window behind the table, rent a number of pillars or columns and place ferns or flowering potted plants in heavy containers on top.

As I said before, heavy containers are necessary to help keep them from being knocked off easily. You might drape swags of fabric in the wedding theme colors for a more finished look.

If there is no window, just a plain wall, hang a rod from the ceiling and drape fabric over it to cover an unattractive wall or whatever else is behind the head table so you enhance your theme and other decorations instead of detracting from them.

Considering Costs In Your Wedding Backdrop

You really need to figure out what you have to work with or what you need to cover up and be creative using your wedding colors to blend in with other wedding decorations you are planning.

Since rental backdrops can start at $350 and go up into the thousands you need to carefully consider what you have and what you need.

To save  some money you might try other things like folding or single piece screens and a flower arrangement at each end or a topiary plant would accent the screens and the area.

You can also make any number of interesting and beautiful backdrops with inexpensive material. I found a very creative idea at that was handmade with tissue paper using the same techniques you probably learned in school when you were a young child. Just look at this:

Handmade Paper Flower Wedding Backdrop

I borrowed the picture from the page where there are step-by-step instructions, you can view the Do-It-Yourself Project: Giant Paper Flowers from Ruche here.

Just look around and you’ll find lots of examples that you can use or make yourself for a unique and stunning wedding backdrop.

I hope these additional ideas will spark a new creative idea for your own as wedding backdrop that can be both inexpensive and truly help to set the mood you wish for on your all important day. It will all be beautiful, just take the time, be creative and ask for help.

I saw this really nice backdrop video below and thought you’d enjoy it.

If you have any ideas, examples or pictures of wedding backdrops — or just want to brainstorm a bit — then leave a comment below.

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Using Wedding Backdrops to Create That Perfect Look is a post from: Inexpensive Wedding Ideas Guide