Making Your Wedding Magical: Tips For A Special Day

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but it's important to remember that it's your day and you can make it as unique as you want. From the invitations to the decor, there are endless ways to personalise your wedding and make it a memorable event for you and your guests.

- Add a personal touch to your invitations, such as including a photo of the wedding venue or creating a 3D invitation.

- Create a unique seating arrangement, such as a circular pattern around the couple, to make the ceremony more intimate.

- Decorate the aisle and entrance with balloons, disco balls, florals or foliage.

- Embrace the season by incorporating natural elements into your decor, like an autumnal flower crown.

- Surprise your guests with an end-of-the-night food truck serving grilled cheese, pizza or ice cream sandwiches.

- Involve your pets in the wedding ceremony or include them in your wedding photos.

- Create a chill-out zone with cushions and blankets where guests can relax and chat.

- Have a unique cake, such as a cheese cake or a doughnut wall.

- Incorporate your heritage or culture into the ceremony, such as including traditional elements or performing a unity ceremony.

- Write personalised notes to your guests, thanking them for coming and sharing a special memory.

- Break the mould by involving your family and friends in unique ways, such as having your mother walk you down the aisle or asking your uncle to be your officiant.

Serve carnival food

Carnival food is a fun and unexpected way to delight your wedding guests. Here are some ideas to help you create a carnival-themed menu that will leave a lasting impression:

Hot Dog Bar

Take the classic hot dog to the next level by offering an array of gourmet toppings. Set up a self-serve bar with a variety of condiments, such as maple cream cheese, crushed Fritos, crumbled potato chips, and more. This will be a surefire hit with your guests, who can customize their dogs to their heart's content.

Mac & Cheese Cups

Individual serving cups of creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese are perfect for a carnival-themed wedding. They're easy to eat, and your guests will love the comfort food vibe.

Pulled Pork Sliders

Offer pulled pork sandwiches as another hearty option for your guests. Set up a slider bar with a selection of toppings, including coleslaw, barbecue sauce, and pickles, so guests can customize their sandwiches.

Curly Fries

No carnival is complete without curly fries! Source these from a local restaurant supply store and serve them in festive paper cones. It's a fun and tasty treat that will bring out the inner child in your guests.

Popcorn Booth

Set up a popcorn booth with regular, cheese, and caramel popcorn. Provide different flavoring seasonings so guests can experiment and create their own unique blends. This is a great snack option for guests to munch on throughout the event.

Cotton Candy

Rent a cotton candy machine to bring the true carnival experience to your wedding. Cotton candy is a nostalgic treat that will put a smile on your guests' faces and satisfy their sweet tooth.

Doughnut Cake

Instead of a traditional wedding cake, opt for a doughnut cake! Stack doughnuts from your favorite bakery on cake plates to create a tower of deliciousness. You can even offer a variety of doughnut flavors to cater to different tastes.

Lemonade Booth

Offer a refreshing drink option with a lemonade booth. Provide regular, pink, raspberry, and strawberry lemonade to quench your guests' thirst. Decorate the straws with the bride and groom's names for an extra special touch.

Ice Cream Bar

Set up an ice cream bar with a variety of toppings, syrups, and sprinkles. Hire someone to scoop ice cream throughout the night, ensuring a constant supply of this sweet treat for your guests. It's a fun and interactive way to end the meal.

Carnival-Style French Fries

As suggested by Martha Stewart Weddings, serve garlicky French fries in paper cones. It's a festive and whimsical way to present this classic side dish.

Creative Presentation

Present your food in creative, carnival-style packaging. Use buckets, cones, and cups to serve your treats, adding to the fun and informal atmosphere.

Interactive Elements

Encourage your guests to interact and create their own combinations. For example, set up a build-your-own sundae bar or a create-your-own-sliders station. This will keep your guests entertained and engaged throughout the event.

Colorful Decor

Enhance the carnival atmosphere with colorful decor. Use bright, bold colors in your table settings, backdrops, and signage. Hang streamers, balloons, and string lights to create a festive ambiance.

Games and Activities

Incorporate carnival games and activities to keep your guests entertained. Set up a ring toss, a balloon pop, or a dart throw. These interactive elements will add to the fun and create lasting memories for your guests.

Music and Entertainment

Hire a live band or DJ to provide upbeat music that fits the carnival theme. Consider brass bands, jazz ensembles, or even a karaoke machine to get your guests moving and grooving.

Creative Signage

Use creative signage to label your food offerings and direct guests to the different stations. Whimsical and playful signage will enhance the carnival atmosphere and make your event memorable.

Surprise and Delight

Finally, don't be afraid to surprise your guests with unexpected treats. Perhaps a late-night food truck serving grilled cheese or ice cream sandwiches, or a roaming raw bar serving oysters and mignonette sauces. These unexpected touches will leave a lasting impression.

Wear comfy shoes under your wedding gown

Wearing comfortable shoes under your wedding gown is a great way to ensure you can dance the night away without any discomfort. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect comfy wedding shoes:

Choose the Right Heel Height

Opting for a lower heel or even a pair of stylish flats can make a big difference in comfort. Kitten heels or block heels tend to provide more stability and comfort than taller, thinner heels. If you prefer the look of a higher heel, consider choosing a pair with a platform or a chunkier heel, as these can also provide more support.

Select the Right Fit

It is essential to choose shoes that fit your feet well. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to blisters and discomfort. Make sure to try on your wedding shoes and walk around in them before the big day to ensure they are comfortable and secure. Additionally, consider the width of the shoe; some brands offer narrow, medium, and wide width options to ensure an optimal fit.

Opt for Cushioning

Look for wedding shoes with built-in cushioning or insoles. This extra padding can make a significant difference in comfort, especially if you plan to be on your feet for extended periods. Brands like Bella Belle and Naturalizer offer shoes with additional cushioning designed to keep you comfortable throughout your special day.

Choose Breathable Materials

Selecting shoes made from breathable materials can help keep your feet comfortable, especially if you're planning a summer wedding or will be in a warm environment. Opt for materials like mesh, lace, or satin, which tend to be more breathable than synthetic materials.

Break in Your Shoes

It's a good idea to break in your wedding shoes before the big day. Wear them around the house or for short periods to help mould them to your feet and increase comfort. This will also help you identify any potential problem areas, allowing you to add gel pads or insoles if needed.

Consider Changing Shoes

If you have your heart set on a particular pair of shoes that may not be the most comfortable, consider bringing a second pair of shoes to change into during the reception. This way, you can have the best of both worlds – stylish shoes for the ceremony and comfortable shoes for dancing the night away.

By following these tips and choosing comfortable wedding shoes, you'll be able to fully enjoy your special day without any foot pain or discomfort. Happy dancing!

Have fun with the first look

The first look is a special moment for the couple to see each other for the first time on their wedding day. It is usually a private moment, but including the wedding party can make for some fun photos.

If you want to make the first look fun, why not include the bridesmaids? A fun trend is to blindfold the groom and have the bridesmaids on full display. Or, the bride could reserve the first look for her bridesmaids instead of the groom. Another option is to include the father of the bride, for a heartwarming moment as he sees his daughter as a bride for the first time.

If you're looking for a fun photo opportunity, consider having the groom wear a blindfold. Or, if you want to capture the groom's reaction, opt for indoor photos, which tend to be more intimate and romantic. Alternatively, outdoor photos offer more light, allowing you to capture the nuances of the groom's facial expressions.

For a unique twist, you could even have the couple arrive at the ceremony in a specially tricked-out tuk-tuk or a Back to the Future-style DeLorean!

Get a celebrity impersonator to perform at your reception

Hiring a celebrity impersonator to perform at your wedding reception is a fun and unique way to surprise and delight your guests. Here are some tips to make it a memorable experience:

Choose the Right Celebrity Impersonator

Select a celebrity impersonator that fits your wedding theme or one that is especially meaningful to you and your partner. Whether it's a classic like Elvis Presley or Marilyn Monroe, or a current pop star, choose someone who will create a buzz and get your guests excited.

Plan Their Entrance

To make the most impact, plan a dramatic entrance for your celebrity impersonator. For example, they could stroll down a red carpet, pose for photos, or even give a short speech. This will create a buzz and build anticipation for their performance.

Prepare the Performance

Discuss with your chosen impersonator what kind of performance you want. They can simply pose for photos with your guests, or you can request a full stage show with costume changes and a live performance. If they impersonate a singer, they might lip-sync or perform live.

Rehearse and Confirm Details

Ensure that you and your celebrity impersonator are on the same page regarding the performance details. Confirm their arrival time, duration of the performance, and any specific requirements they may have. A well-rehearsed performance will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for you and your guests.

Enjoy the Show!

Hiring a celebrity impersonator will add a unique twist to your wedding reception and create lasting memories. Your guests will be thrilled to interact with a "celebrity" and it will be a fun conversation topic for years to come!

Use disco balls as décor

Disco balls are a fun and creative way to add some glamour to your wedding décor. Here are some ideas on how to use disco balls to make your wedding special:

Photoshoot Props

Disco balls are excellent props for your engagement or wedding photoshoot. Throw them around, cover your faces with them, or hang them from tree branches and dance underneath. Using disco balls outdoors will allow them to catch the natural light, creating amazing effects in your photos.

Statement Installation

Create a stunning visual fixture by hanging disco balls of different sizes and colours at varying heights. Adorn them with greenery or combine them with balloons, Edison lights, and bright paper pom-poms for a fun and festive look. This installation will add a touch of glamour to your wedding venue, especially if you hang them in a tent or above a chill-out area.

Centrepieces

Disco balls can be used as centrepieces to add pizzazz to your wedding tables. For an eclectic look, use a halved mirror ball as a vase for a gorgeous autumnal flower arrangement, surrounded by candles and jewel-tone glasses.

Combine with Colour

Hang bright pom-poms and a central disco ball from the ceiling to create a fun and colourful light display, especially in a tipi, yurt, or marquee venue.

Wedding Arch

Disco balls can flank the base of your wedding arch, adding a touch of sparkle and glamour. Pair them with tropical palms and fluffy fronds of pampas grass for a whimsical and elegant look.

Photo Booth Backdrop

Create a fun photo booth backdrop by combining balloons, mirror balls, and a creative sign. Set them up against a cool background, such as an exposed brick wall, and let your guests snap away!

Aisle Decoration

For a modern and minimalist look, decorate your wedding aisle with stark white chairs and disco balls of different sizes. This unique touch will surely impress your guests.

Top Tablescape

Make your top table stand out by incorporating disco balls into your tablescape. After all, it's not just the newlyweds but also your best friends and parents who deserve to feel special.

Disco Ball Drinks

Serve drinks in disco ball tumblers to add some extra sparkle to your celebration. If your budget doesn't allow for enough tumblers for all your guests, consider getting them just for the top table or your bridal party. You can even get smaller disco ball tumblers for the kids, which will prevent spills and keep them entertained.

Place Card Holders

Mini disco ball place card holders will add a touch of chic to your wedding reception. They set the tone for a glamorous and fun-filled evening, letting your guests know that dancing is on the agenda!

Mix with Dried Florals

Combine disco balls with floral clouds or installations to create a whimsical and sparkling display.

Cake Stand

Add a few mini disco balls around and on the side of your cake stand or dessert table to elevate the entire look. A simple naked or semi-naked cake can instantly become more special with this touch.

Room Divider Curtain

Hang strings of mini disco balls from the ceiling to create a fun and sparkling entrance for your guests to walk through as they enter the ceremony or reception space. This is especially effective if you have a large, open-plan venue.

Disco Seating Plan

Use mirrored circular table plans and place card holders to embrace the disco theme. Pair them with fresh greenery for a modern and elegant look.

Getting Ready Shots

If you're not sure how to incorporate disco balls into your décor, use them in your getting-ready shots. Sip champagne from disco ball tumblers with your bridesmaids or use them as props for photos of your shoes, ring, and other details. Your photographer will know how to capture them in the best light.

Frequently asked questions