Interesting Ways To Present The Rings During The Ceremony

Traditionally, it has always been the best man who is in charge of safeguarding the rings and safely handing them off to the bride and groom at the altar. Over the years, we have seen a shift in this tradition where couples have been getting pretty creative when it comes to their way to present the rings. Sure, some couples might choose a way that ties into the theme of their wedding, but others wish to have a sentimental or out-of-the box twist. Nonetheless, this element of their ceremony is a moment they can design to completely fit their personalities. 

Father of the Groom: 

Including the father of the groom in this special ceremony is one way to validate how truly special he has been in both the bride’s and groom’s lives. Especially if the father of the bride is given the honor of walking his daughter down the aisle and ‘giving her away’, this can allow both the bride and groom to have special moments with their fathers on their wedding day. Providing this moment for the father of the groom to share with the couple grants a sense of balance in the involvement of both families. 

Children: 

Whether they are your own children, a family member or friend, having a youngster walk your wedding rings down the aisle makes for many smiles and melted hearts. Giving a child this special task makes them feel included and important on your big day. It also will provide the guests with an opportunity for laughs if something is done unexpectedly, also providing cuteness overload. It is important to note that as cute as these kiddos can be, they may be a bit rambunctious or reckless, so making sure that the rings are safely secured while being carried down the aisle is a smart move to make! 

Fur Babies: 

For most unmarried couples, pets are their children and they love them just as much as they would human kids. To see any animal walking down the aisle is just fantastic, but even more so when there is a miniature outfit involved. Dressing up your furry friend to carry the rings will certainly have them stealing the show for a few moments, but will also make for long lasting memories. 

Flying Rings: 

Looking for a way to have your ceremony really stand out? What has a more elegant presence than having your rings flown in by majestic doves? Or maybe you are more of an outdoorsy couple who would prefer to incorporate the grace of an owl or eagle? Nonetheless, having your rings flown in will be sure to have guests oohing and ahhing and will make for a magical and memorable moment. 

However the couple chooses to present the rings, it is important to make sure that this significant detail of the ceremony is meaningful and special for both the bride and groom; making it a moment that lasts a lifetime. 

5 Ways To Celebrate Your Friends At Your Wedding

When you can’t squeeze everyone who is important to you into the wedding party, you have to get creative. Discover 5 ways to celebrate your friends at your wedding, even if they aren’t the ones standing next to you during the ceremony. With some thoughtful planning, you can make each friend feel special and loved on your big day. 

1. Select High-Quality Favors

The small gifts that you give to your wedding guests say a lot about what you think of them. Choose high-quality, useful items that represent your genuine appreciation for their presence at your celebration.  

Food items like hot cocoa mix in a special mug, a bag of jellybeans or coffee beans, a small bottle of olive oil and herbs, specialty chocolates, or a jar of local jam or honey are typically well-received, and you can attach personal notes if you like. If you’re looking for something special, may we suggest jars of our famous sauce, so you can take the taste of your wedding day feast home!  

Sunglasses, bottle openers, wine glasses, engraved keychains, tiny succulent plants, handmade candles, or cocktail kits can also make your friends feel loved and celebrated.  

2. Plan the Seating Carefully

Think about each one of your friends when you’re crafting the seating chart for your reception. Try to avoid awkward placements, like putting exes next to each other or placing relatives who don’t get along at the same table.  

Ideally, everyone should be close to someone familiar, and should have someone with common interests nearby to talk to. At the very least, try to seat your friends where they’ll be comfortable and able to enjoy the festivities.  

3. Ask for Advice

Even if a friend isn’t part of the wedding party, he or she may want to be involved with your big day. Bring him or her along for wedding-related errands, and ask for advice on wedding decisions. If you’re doing another venue tour or checking out table mock-ups, having a friend along adds a fresh perspective and helps that person feel included and valued.  

4. Invite Friends to Pre-Wedding Events

Inviting your friends to your bachelorette or bachelor party, adding them to your bridal shower list, making them honored guests at the engagement party— those are all ways to help them feel celebrated throughout the process. You could even host a cake-tasting or wine tasting night that includes friends you love who aren’t in the immediate group of bridesmaids and groomsmen.  

5. Involve Them in the Wedding Ceremony

Friends who aren’t in the wedding party can serve as greeters or hosts, offering programs to guests. They can help direct other guests from the ceremony space to the reception space. Consider asking some of your friends to do a special reading during the ceremony, to perform a song, or offer a toast at the reception. Some brides and grooms have a non-traditional procession, which might include a group of friends dancing down the aisle in celebration of the big day. 

For more ideas on including your friends in your wedding celebration, talk to our fantastic event specialists at Nanina’s in the Park. They can also guide you when it comes to other important decisions, like selecting vendors, planning decor, and choosing a menu. With careful planning, you can ensure that all your guests feel welcome at your wedding.

How To Infuse Holiday Glam Into Your Wedding Decor

With a holiday wedding, the trick is finding the right balance between too bland and too over-the-top. You want your wedding to be festive, fabulous, and memorable for your guests, without going too far into the seasonal decor. Discover how to infuse holiday glam into your wedding decor! 

Candles, Lots of Candles 

There’s just something about the warm, flickering light of candles— they create a charming, romantic atmosphere, and they’re also festive. Depending on the rules at your venue, you can use regular candles or battery-powered versions. Choose varieties that are fragrance-free, and look for varieties encrusted with sparkles or glitter for extra impact. 

Holiday Ornament Wedding Favors 

A custom-made or customized holiday ornament is a delightful wedding favor option for your holiday wedding. Choose beautiful pieces that will be treasured keepsakes for your guests. If the items are fragile, be sure to package them safely so they’ll make it home with your guests in one piece.  

Glamorous Holiday Bouquets 

Ask your florist to infuse elements associated with the season into your bouquet and those of your bridesmaids. Icy crystals, white twigs, strings of pearls, and sparkly accents take your bouquet from gorgeous to glam, adding holiday cheer without detracting from you as the bride.  

Mistletoe Photo Op 

At your reception, encourage the romance to blossom among your guests! As part of your photo booth, include a beautiful archway or backdrop featuring a bunch of mistletoe. You’ll see plenty of couples puckering up for a photo, and the experience will add to the charm of your holiday wedding.  

Silver and Gold 

Traditionally, silver and gold decorations are part of the holiday look. Choose one of these classic metals to feature in your wedding decorations, or find a way to include both! Gold or silver accents in floral arrangements, vases, candles, and signage take your wedding’s look to the next level. Don’t forget silver or gold ribbons for chairs and wreaths, as well as gold and silver jewelry and accessories for the wedding party.  

Romantic Holiday Cake 

Ask your baker about creating a cake that has a little extra holiday flair. Frosted red berries, powdered sugar, a touch of green, or tiny images of white reindeer can give a nod to the holiday without going overboard. If you’re doing a theme with plenty of silver and gold, ask your cake maker to play up those metallic elements in the cake design. Edible pearls and crystals also boost the glam factor while keeping your cake tasty. 

At Nanina’s in the Park, our venue already features elegant decor and beautiful details, making it much easier for you to achieve the glamorous look you want. Contact us anytime for a tour of the venue, or to ask for advice about vendors, decor options, lighting, and menu options. With help from the event specialists at Nanina’s in the Park, you can infuse holiday glam into your wedding decor and have the holiday wedding of your dreams!

Grooms’ Accessories To Showcase Personality

While your wedding day probably isn’t the best time to break out your favorite college hoodie or well-worn leather jacket, you can still show off aspects of your personality in the way you assemble your outfit for the wedding. Check out some grooms’ accessories to showcase personality while still maintaining a crisp, classy look.  

The Tie 

Are you a bow-tie guy or a classic necktie dude? Wide or narrow? Textured or smooth? Patterned or solid? There are a hundred different ways to show something about your personality through the tie you select. You can also investigate various ways to tie your tie, like the half-Windsor knot versus the traditional Windsor. Keep in mind that for bigger guys, a proportionally wider tie and a broader knot tend to look more attractive, while a narrower tie and a half-Windsor works well for men with a slim frame.  

The Cufflinks 

Have you ever worn cufflinks? If not, your wedding day is the perfect opportunity. Cufflinks can be anything, from tiny bicycle wheels to Superman symbols. Whatever your thing is, you can represent with a pair of awesome cufflinks. Let your groomsmen know what you’re planning to wear so they can coordinate theirs to your set.  

Other Jewelry 

If you have pierced ears, you’ll want to choose the right earrings to set off your groom’s ensemble. It’s usually best to go with a simple, classy hoop or stud. However, studs can come in broad range of shapes and designs, so this is another chance to show a little personality. Just be sure to check your choice with a style-savvy friend or with your spouse-to-be.  

You can add a bracelet or chain to the look as well, depending on your style preferences. Something engraved with a word, saying, phrase, or date that is special to you as a couple could be incredibly meaningful as part of your outfit.  

The Shoes 

Do you love your comfort, or are you more about style? From boat shoes to cowboy boots, there are all kinds of footwear options to show off the kind of person you are. Check out a selection of brogues, lace-ups, boots, derby shoes, and espadrilles to figure out which kind best works for you as a person. 

More Accessories 

Fashionable hats, tie pins, medals, vests, belts, and watches all make a statement about who you are. Choose high-quality pieces that make you feel comfortable and well-dressed. Ideally, you’ll be able to use those items again in the future.  

To have the perfect wedding that showcases your personality, you need the perfect setting. Schedule a tour of Nanina’s in the Park today to see if our gorgeous venue could be right for you and your soon-to-be spouse. Plus, the event specialists at Nanina’s in the Park are happy to help with ideas, advice, and planning— whatever you need for the big day.