Trend - Colorful Lanterns

Hanging colorful chinese lanterns from trees at an outdoor reception can add to the lighting ambiance as well as create some pop of color mixed in amongst the trees.

Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Trend - Table Runners

If your venue is including their standard linens in your rental fee, ask what colors are available. If they only have white or off white available, criss-crossing table runners can be a creative way to include your accent colors and jazz up an otherwise drab white linen.Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Tip - Take Intimate Moments

Brides and grooms can get so busy greeting guests, taking pics and checking out the details that they won't see each other again until their first dance. Be sure to take a minute at your head table or sweetheart table to really take in how amazing this day is and how much you appreciate one another. Steal a quick kiss without waiting for glasses to clink.
Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Tip - Bargain Vases

You can find some great vases at your local discount stores, like Home Goods, TJ Maxx or Marshall's and use them to make festive centerpieces.Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Tip - Making Lovely Music

If you have friends that can be trusted, work with a DJ that will get your friends up on the mic! We're not saying to turn this into a karaoke session, but if you have a few friends that can capture the room with a great Marvin Gaye or Faith Hill rendition, work with your DJ and friends to get this party started!

Photo provided by The Memory Journalists

Trend - Floral Buds

Floral buds scattered across a reception table can create continuity for your theme and add decor to your table without spending extra money on decor items you may never use again.Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Trend - Tri-Fold Table Cards

These fantastic tri-fold table cards from Martha Stewart Weddings are creative and allow guests to avoid walking around their table trying to see the table numbers.

Photo provided by Martha Stewart Weddings

Tip - Share Your Perfect Harmony

If you and/or your fiance are musically inclined, consider singing or playing instruments together. People will love to see you two in action and it's a chance to show everyone that you're in perfect harmony!

Photo provided by Profinish Design

Trend - Placecard Placement

Placecards don't have to be displayed on an entry table. Mixing up the tradition adds personality to your wedding reception. Consider draping them down the back of a chair with ribbon or hanging them from chairs with a decorative bloom.

Photo provided by Martha Stewart Weddings

Trend - Colored Glassware

Colored glasses are great for tying in your color palette or to add a punch of accent color to your tables.Photo provided by The Memory Journalists; design by Blooms by Martha Andrews & Arcularius Events

Trend - Include Props

Setting props around the room can really make an impact on guests regarding your theme. This is also a unique way to share your hobbies/interests with your guests.

Photo provided by The Memory Journalists

Tip - Menu Cards On Tables

While your guests already made their entree choices when sending in their reply cards, it's a nice touch to have a menu card at each spot or at your buffet detailing the main ingredients. This will allow guests to know what to anticipate and help avoid any food allergies. It can also be a good conversation starter at the tables. "Oh! I love spinach salad with candied walnuts. Don't you?"Photo provided by Sharpe Photographers

Tip - Reception Dinner Seating Cards

Even if you're not doing assigned seating, don't forget to still create name cards for plated dinners so servers know by color or card style who's getting what entree. It will make food service faster and more convenient.

Photo provided by Sharpe Photographers

Tip - Cocktail Appetizers

Fresh fruit, dried fruit and an assortment of cheeses can make an excellent self serve cocktail hour snack for your guests. Sometimes this can be less costly and with the rich cheeses, guests are less likely to fill up before dinner.Photo provided by The Memory Journalists

Trend - Assorted Seating

While not too long ago there weren't many seating options for your wedding day, now there is a plethora of chairs, bench seating, etc. available for your wedding day. Consider the style that you are trying to bring across and talk with your coordinator or rental specialist about how your seating can help bring that across.

Photo provided by Sharpe Photographers

Trend - Outdoor Receptions

Outdoor wedding receptions are becoming more of a tradition, than a trend. When hosting an outdoor wedding reception, be sure to consider the elements. If there's a possibility that the weather could become too hot or cold, having a tent helps shield guests from the elements while still enjoying the beauty of the outdoors.Photo provided by Celebrations! Elegant Party Rentals

Tip - Holiday Colors Discounted

If you're planning your wedding, using specific colors that happen to be popular during certain holidays (Easter, for example), check for outrageous deals right around that holiday time. After the day, you could find some items up to 75% off!! This could apply to paper goods, ribbon, linens, baskets, containers, shoes, dresses, candy etc.

All photos provided Allison Stahl Photography, Profinish Design, Sharpe Photographers, The Memory Journalists

Other Dynamite Experts featured in this storyboard:
Flourish (floral ring and floral ring pillow)
Celebrations Elegant Party Rentals (table decor w/ tulips)

Tip - Share The Moment

Find out both your parents first dance songs and ask the DJ to create a song sharing the two to create your first dance. You could also ask the DJ to play a song that the two of you share and then invite your parents onto the dance floor to share their first dance, again.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - Musically Inclined Pals

Be sure to ask your musically inclined guests to bring their instruments and take center stage, entertaining all! You may have some friends that can sing along but be sure to ask everyone ahead of time of they would be willing to entertain. You don't want to put anyone on the spot.Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Great Guest Book

Signature guest books don't really have a place intermixed with your home decor. Consider ordering a coffee table book that relates to your interests as a couple and guests could sign it throughout or add funny captions to pictures.

Picture courtesy of Amazon.com