Essence of Events, LLC

When guests attend the wedding, the menu is one of the last things they think about. What’s on the menu, sure, but the actual tactile menu that they will hold in their hands, perhaps not.

Gone are the days of fancy menu cards, instead couples are opting for a more fun approach with quirky and witty cards telling their guests what they will be noshing on instead. No matter how formal the reception, there is always a unique way to blend styles these days. Read on and check out some great options below.

Boards are perfect when you have a buffet or for cocktail hour. Guests know exactly what is being served and what their options are.

The typography on this menu card is amazing, and bonus! It serves as a place card holder!

Your parents always warned you never to play with your food, but I think in this case we can make an exception.

Incorporate your menu into your table décor.

Geometric shaped menu cards are modern and fun.

This is a great way to hold those utensils. Multipurpose and functional designs are always the best.

Use your menu as a placemat.

Print your menu right on snack bags for a fun time for everyone, serve them up during cocktail hour for a great preview.

For those still wanting to add sophistication to their menu, try using napkins as a decorative element.

For vendors and stationers who can assist you with creating your perfect menu card, and for all of your wedding related needs, contact Essence of Events to set up your free, initial consultation today. Call 253.292.1482 or email us at contact@essenceofevents.com

Written by Samantha Macrae

Most couples give chocolates, candy or some miniature takeaway to their guests as a thank-you for participating in their big day. These gifts are wonderful, but can often never be used again or only enjoyed once. Essence of Events, LLC has some suggestions f you are looking for something a little more heartfelt, lasting and keeps on giving. When selecting gifts that will keep on giving ,it is important to focus on what matters to you both as a couple, and individually. If for instance you are environmentally conscience, then several options present themselves to the eco-friendly bride. Maybe you are an avid gardener, or really into organics, herbs would be a great choice.

Another great option for organic lovers are vegetable starter favors.

Perhaps you’re more into flowers. Miniature succulents or daisies would make pretty gifts for your guests.

If you’re into camping or love the great outdoors, then a unique favor for your guests would be tree seedlings. This would enable your guests to plant a memory that would last a lifetime.

If nature isn’t your forte, there are still lasting heartfelt favor options for you. On a day when you are being showered with gifts and love, it will do your heart good to give a little back. Guests are sure to be impressed by your philanthropic efforts of your gifts in their behalf that keep on giving. Make a small donation in your guests’ names to the charity or charities that you both feel passionate about.

Whatever form of favor you chose for your guests, be sure that you put thought and heartfelt appreciation into it. Your guests are there to support you on your big day and what could be better than passing that along in a gift that keeps on giving. For more ideas on favors, contact Essence of Events, LLC to setup your free initial consultation today 253.292.1482 or contact@essenceofevents.com.

DIY is huge right now, whether in the home, in your clothing, design, or even weddings. While Essence of Events doesn’t recommend DIY-ing your entire wedding (it can be stressful, labor intensive, costly, and not so fun after a while) having homemade wedding favors is a great way to add your crafty touch to your big day.

Guests love seeing personal touches, and if you love crafting or being creative, then we’ve compiled some of the best and our favorite types of DIY homemade wedding favors for your wedding or any event.

Homemade jam is one of the most popular favors to give. Attach a tag that reads “spread the love” or “jam packed with love” for bonus points. Other homemade jarred items to consider are hot sauce, chili, and even ice cream.

Love this cake-in-a-jar concept. Basically just add the layers of a cake into a jar or container for your guests. They make great midnight snacks as well if you attach utensils.

Infused oils and vinaigrettes are easy to make and add a classy and personal touch to your wedding.

Homemade cookies, biscotti, and other goodies are delicious and the packaging can be part of the favor as well.

Soaps are beautiful and will add a great fragrance to your reception room if they have added essential oils.

If you make your own wine, consider gifting some to your guests. If not, customize bottles with your own labels to add a personal touch.

Add the dry ingredients of a recipe to a jar, and put instructions on a label. You can have cookies, brownies, cake, or a number of other yummy treats as options for this great favor.

These birdseed feeders are easy and inexpensive to make, but are cute and personal if you add a tag.

Put tea leaves in a vessel for your guests. You can buy the infusions online or at tea stores like Teavana.

For even more unique favor ideas, DIY or store brought, contact Essence of Events today. To get all your questions answered and to schedule your free, initial consultation call 253.292.1482 or email contact@essenceofevents.com

Written by Samantha Macrae

Your Save the Date Cards are the first piece of wedding stationary that you will mail out to your wedding guests announcing the date of your wedding. You want them to reflect you and the style of your day, as this will be one of the first reflections of your wedding and you together. Feeling pressure? Essence of Events is here to help!

Increasingly, Save the Dates are becoming more quirky. While your invitations may take on a more formal tone, these cards can be more fun and more “you” while the invitations will reflect the tone and theme of the big day.

Typically Save the Dates are mailed out about six before the actual date of the wedding. Their purpose is to let guests know about your upcoming nuptials, and to mark their calendars for your fabulous event!

So if you need some inspiration for your cool, distinctive, and original cards, we have pulled some of our favorites. Take a peek and scroll through these photos for your own inspiration.

Chalk save the dates are fun and whimsical. Adding this sense of nostilagia to your cards will put a smile on your guests face and let them know what a good time they are sure to have at your wedding.

This is perfect for the artistic couple, or anyone who wants to make a bold statement. It not only makes a great card, but a beautiful photograph as well.

Different variations of Scrabble make for another unique way of telling your guests when they should be marking their calendars.

Incorporating your passions into your wedding is important to show off what kind of couple you are. This bride and groom love theater, as clearly seen from their background in front of the Paramount.

Literal meanings of tying the knot and saving the date are taken into effect, as seen here in these images.

Writing on the bottoms of shoes is also popular as a form of getting the word out about the big day.

The sports themed save the dates are cute, and a good way of incorporating something that the couple, or especially the groom, love into the wedding. You may not use the sports theme on the actual day, but you can use it in the save the dates and it is fun!

Shadow art is a unique way to showcase the date.

I love this tie sent to the males in the wedding party. It is thoughtful and original.

For vendor referrals on photographers and stationers who can help you accomplish these looks, contact Essence of Events today. And to set up your free, initial consultation to get your questions answered call 253.292.1482 or email contact@essenceofevents.com

Written by Samantha Macrae