Essence of Events, LLC

Let’s face it, when you’re at your reception the majority of the time you will be posing for photos, visiting friends and family, and heck, just enjoying the fact that you just got married. The last thing on your mind is wanting to worry about whether or not every single guest is enjoying themselves. So why not plan ahead and find great ways to entertain guests and minimize potential wedding stress?
Essence of Events has come up with a few unique and easy ways to engage your friends and family during your special day and ensure that your wedding will be one to remember. These are great ideas to entertain your guests throughout your reception and to make sure they always have something to do.

Alternatives to Photobooths

Photobooths are great, but have you ever thought of adding a unique twist to this popular phenomonon? While your guests are taking photos, there are so many different ways to get them chatting with each other. One of our favorite ways to make your photobooth unique for you and your guests is to have them write wedding advice on a chalkboard – they’ll get to talk about their experiences, and you’ll reap the benefits of having tons of smart marriage advice!

Simple and Sophisticated Games

Games can be an easy way to entertain guests, and we’ve seen getting-to-know-you games that are classy, too. Popular picks include “I Spy,” wedding guest bingo, and Mad Libs, though we love the simple “Icebreakers” (above) which is perfect for guests waiting for the buffet line or a food to be served.

Memorable Guest Books

One of the first things your guests will do at your reception is sign a guest book. Make a lasting impression on them by picking a unique guest book that they’ll remember. We love creative ideas like having them sign Jenga blocks, pieces of a puzzle, or contributing to an artful display that you’ll keep forever.

An Excellent Seating Chart

Every guest will need to figure out where they’re seated at your reception, and unfortunately this process is usually more disorganized than fun. Why not try and create a charming experience for your guests instead? We love the idea of having guests find their placecard, and leaving behind a Polaroid picture of themselves before they’re seated. This doubles as a fun seating experience for your guests and a simple, visual way to remember everyone who attended your wedding.

Use a Social Wedding App to Share Moments

Everyone has a smartphone these days, and you can bet that they’ll be Instagramming their favorite moments and trying to look up their fellow guests on Facebook. Why not make it easy for them to get to know each other and share your wedding moments with a personal wedding app? Create an Instagram or Twitter account just for your wedding so your guests can personally hashtag your day and you can collect their photos after the night is over.

A DIY bar

Almost all of your wedding is planned to a T, so why not leave some parts up to the creativity of your guests? Let guests put together their own tasty treats with a DIY dessert bar. Some easy ideas might include a custom ice cream sandwich bar or a gourmet s’mores assembly station. We also love the idea of a DIY confetti bar, where guests can put together a colorful, custom bag of confetti to throw at your getaway.

A Kissing Menu for the Bride and Groom

Clinking glasses all night long to see the bride and groom exchange a couple of pecks can get a bit trite. Why not jazz it up a bit with a kissing menu? This way your guests will need to work together (and have some fun!) before you reward them with a smooch.

A Drink Tasting or Pairing

A little bit of Alcohol is always one way to get people more social – but why not add a twist and make it a little more interesting? Get an expert on your favorite alcohol (your BFF Sarah?) to hold a tasting or pairing for your guests at your reception. If the groom is a scotch aficionado, hold a scotch and chocolate pairing. Other great ideas could be a wine and cheese pairing, or a specialty beer tasting (for all you hipsters out there).

A Spectacular Send-off

Once guests are riding high on a night of dancing and drinks (open bar, right?) sending you off in style can be a fun way to end the night. Make sure you have a fun way to let them participate in your send-off. Sparklers and confetti are tried and true choices, but don’t limit yourself to these! Other ideas may include having guests create and toss paper airplanes, or having them attach a secret note for the bride and groom on a balloon and letting it go!

Door Hangers for the Morning After

Chances are some of your guests over the age of 21 will have a headache to nurse in the morning. It’s the mark of a truly successful wedding, after all! Charm them by leaving the guests staying in hotels with custom do-not-disturb door hangers. They’ll thank you (and think you’re a genius) in the morning.

Written by Samantha Macrae

For help utilizing these great ideas and more for your upcoming wedding, contact Essence of Events, LLC today to set up your free, initial consultation. Call 253.292.1482 or email contact@essenceofevents.com

With so many options, it can be difficult to decide which photographs to include on your big day. Essence of Events is here to help! Perhaps one of the most romantic and high couture poses available are those taken through the veil. Wrap yourselves up in the bridal veil for a once in a lifetime embrace; because in truth, how many times are you going to be wearing it? So take advantage!

A sly smile or a playful glance are very couture; but for a more romantic tone sweetly kiss your groom.

Not only do “through the veil” photos make dramatic statements for newly wedded couples, they also create brilliant bridal portraits. Show it off honey; bring out your inner sass!

No matter how you choose to pose in your veil, it will create a unique memento of your most precious day. For more cinematic advice for your upcoming event contact Essence of Events for your free initial consultation at 253.292.1482 or contact@essenceofevents.com .

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.

Putting your personal spin on the big day is important to most couples and Essence of Events, LLC can help. Signature drinks are a perfect way to invite your guests to partake of one of your favorite indulgences. To up the ante, why not make it his and her drinks? After all, it is a wedding! Many couples give their drinks cute names or dress it up with personalized tags. However you design them, your guests are sure to love the chance to try something unique.

Another great option for his and her drinks is to match them to your color scheme.

For top notch service for your guests, have a waiter ready at the entrance to your reception with a tray of your drinks.

There’s no need for your signature drinks to be alcoholic. Maybe you have a favorite flavor of lemonade or tea; you could even set up a Fresca bar with juices of all verities as mixers.

For these and other great ideas, contact Essence of Events, LLC to set up your free initial consultation at 253.292.1482 or contact@essenceofevents.com.