Rethinking Reception Entertainment

Who says your only wedding reception entertainment has to be a DJ/Band and perhaps a photobooth thrown in?! That's right, no one! When thinking of ways to entertain your wedding guests, try thinking out of the box for a change. Do you and your fiance live for nights by the fire? Do you love spending countless summer afternoons playing lawn games? Don't worry if you haven't seen it in a wedding magazine or on a wedding blog, just do what feels right to YOU. Here are a few fun ways you can entertain your guests...outdoors, of course! :) 

Firepit/Camp fire.

Lawn Games - Bean Bag Toss (Cornhole) & Croquet.

Lawn Games - Horseshoes. 

Photo credit # 1 :: Marianne Wilson Photography. 

Photo credit # 2 :: Green Wedding Shoes.  
Photo credit # 3 :: Prepare to Wed.

Alternative Outdoor Seating :: Hay Bales

Hay bales are the perfect alternative seating arrangement for a rustic outdoor ceremony. You don't have to be getting married on a farm to pull it off either. Hay bales work great for backyard weddings, barn weddings, and even lakeside weddings...really any outdoor space will do.

Where to find? Finding hay bales is likely a lot easier than you would think. Check with local farms or horse stables as a 1st option. Often times, farms and stables will let you borrow the hay for a small nominal fee (sometimes free!), with the promise that you will return the hay bales post-wedding. If you don't live in an area with many farms or horse stables, you may want to check with a local landscaping company. Landscaping companies use hay when they spread grass seed, so it is very likely that they will have hay on hand. 

Accessorizing? Yes, accessorizing. You will need to find some way to cover the hay bales, because you certainly do not want your guests sitting on bare hay for a 30 minute ceremony. Umm...can you say "uncomfortable"?! Yeah...you get the idea. Accessorizing is fun! You can cover your hay bales with virtually anything...blankets, quilts, pillows, cushions...you name it! 

Allergies? It's important to keep in mind that some of your guests may be allergic to hay; therefore, having a few extra chairs on hand is recommended. Don't forget about your elderly guests who may also need a chair to sit on as well. 

Reuse? Hay bale seating isn't just for ceremonies. Don't forget about reception and/or lounge seating later on in the evening!

Photo credit :: Tec Petaja via C is for Charmed.

Vintage Book Table Numbers

I'm a sucker for pretty little details, and let's face it, these vintage book table numbers are quite charming. I think they add such an element of interest to the tables that guests are sure to love! After all, it's all in the details, right?

Photo credit # 1 :: The Found Blog

Photo credit # 2 :: 100 Layer Cake
Photo credit # 3 :: Amanda Rae Blog
Photo credit # 4 :: Next Exit Photography via Every Last Detail

Stripey Straws

Yes, stripey straws. These cute little straws pictured above are popping up EVERYWHERE lately! We have gotten dozens of questions regarding these adorable little things, so I thought a blog post would be fitting :) And yes, those are the official name. I didn't just make that up.

While there are many stripey straw resources out there, our favorite place to get these from is Shop Sweet Lulu. If you have not been to Shop Sweet Lulu's website yet, I recommend you check it out immediately...like now! There are SO many delightful details available that you just have to see it if for yourself!

Photo courtesy of Leeann Marie Photography.