Trend - Offbeat Themes

Why follow suit? Choose an offbeat theme for your wedding reception. Maybe invite your guests backstage at a rock concert.

Photo provided by The Memory Journalists; name cards by Bella Vita Invitations; guitar cookies by Village Cake Shoppe, design by Arcularius Events & Blooms by Martha Andrews

Tip - Choose A Rehearsal Dinner Location That Fits You

When choosing a location for your rehearsal dinner, select a venue that fits you, not just a place that can host your guests for an affordable cost. Most locations will work with you to make sure that your evening is affordable. Choose a location that will set the mood for the kind of event that your wedding will bring, family and friends coming together in a great place to celebrate!!Photo provided by The Memory Journalists
Venue pictured: deVere's Irish Pub

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 - Decorating With Crystals

Crystals are a simple decor item that can add that glitz and glam feel, while cutting down on floral costs. Sometimes your florist has crystals that they will use in your design for a nominal rental fee or they may be able to rent them from an outside source. Crystals add a unique look when combined with florals! Photo provided by The Memory Journalists; design by Blooms by Martha Andrews

Tip - Give Yourself Ample Time To Get Ready

Try to cushion your timeline when getting ready, to leave 15-30 minutes for you to gather your thoughts, take in the moment and enjoy what's about to take place. This will also give you a few minutes by yourself or with your bridesmaids to tell them how much you appreciate them being there.

Photo provided by Sharpe Photographers

Tip - Take Care Of Your Parents

Your parents helped raise you to be the responsible, happy adult that you are and are here to share your special day. Consider doing something special for them before the wedding. If it's a spa day or just having room service deliver them breakfast with the morning paper. It would be a nice gesture to them to receive some pampering, no matter how small. They will be grateful and more relaxed for the important parts of your day.

Photo provided by Sharpe Photographers

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 - Be Sure Your Dress Fits Comfortably

Make sure to do a trial run with your dress before the big day, including a last fitting leading up to the wedding. Ask your alterations specialist what the absolute deadline would be for alterations before the wedding in case you lose or gain a few. No matter which way you falter, you want to make sure your dress fits perfectly on the day of.

Photo provided by Sharpe Photographers

Trend - Let Your Hobbies Shine Through

Include things in your wedding that are important to you as individuals and as a couple. If your fiance has been working on an old Chevy for years as a hobby, consider using that as your get away vehicle. If you both love riding bikes together, consider having your bikes out in front of the reception with a basket of blank cards where guests can fill out their best wishes and hang them from your bike.Photo provided by Profinish Design

Trend - Elegant Accessories

Wedding day accessories can turn an elegant gown into a wedding day dream. Be sure to consider what look you are going for on your wedding day and shop for accessories that complement it.Photo provided by Sharpe Photographers

Tip - Talk To Your Groomsmen

Grooms, make sure to talk to your groomsmen about what's expected from them on the day of your wedding. If you have a pal that things 2 day stubble is sexy and you don't, don't be shy..tell him! If your best man thinks the trip to Cancun story when you both got arrested makes for great public humor, stop him. Don't feel bad; who knows what he'll ask of you on his wedding day.Picture provided by Profinish Design

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

Trend - Beautiful Boutonnieres

Ask your florist about doing boutonnieres for key men at your wedding that aren't in the wedding party. If you have an uncle that you are close to that's traveling to share your day, consider this simple touch to show him how much you appreciate him being there.

Photo provided by Profinish Design

Get A FREE Wedding Cake!!

Carissa with Sugar and Spice and..., in the Sacramento area, has an offer right now to fit any budget. She is offering to design, create and deliver your cake for FREE!! The only thing you have to give in return is full license for creative freedom. Trust me, you won't be disappointed! Carissa's work is amazing and she will WOW you and your guests with her creation.

Your cake will be vanilla bean butter cake with layers of flavored buttercream (your choice). She has openings in July, early August, September and late October.

Don't miss out on this fabulous opportunity and email her today!! Be sure to tell her that you heard about this fantastic offer from Dynamite Weddings. Who knows, we may get a yummy treat from it. :)

Photos provided by The Memory Journalists

Tip - Ceremony Ushering

In all the plans sometimes the minor details are forgotten, like seating. Make sure you have ushers or someone to let people know which side to sit on for the ceremony or if it's open seating.Photo provided by Profinish Design