Creative Table Accents For Your Wedding

When it comes to reception table decor at your wedding venue, you probably think of the centerpieces as the primary element— but there’s more to table decor than your flower arrangements! The accents you include with the centerpieces can take your decor up a few notches, from just “nice” to “amazing!” Discover some add-on options to give the tables at your reception venue that picturesque look.  

Table Runners for the Reception 

Never underestimate the power of a gorgeous pattern or a luxurious solid-colored textile. Choose material in a quirky print, a pretty pattern, or a rich solid hue and use that fabric as table runners, cloth napkins, placemats, or the surface for your centerpieces.  

You may even choose to go all out with fabric in multiple textures and coordinating colors. Just remember, if you’re having a spring or summer wedding, keep the fabric lighter in weight or in color, so you don’t end up with the “cozy” look that’s more appropriate for a cold-weather wedding.  

Try lace table runners for a romantic wedding or sequined cloth to jazz up the look. If you’re not a fabric fan, paper table runners could work instead. Opt for a bold, of-the-moment pattern— for instance, thick black and white stripes are hot right now. 

Learn more at https://www.naninasinthepark.com/2018/03/15/creative-table-accents-wedding/

Creative Spring And Summer Bouquets

After the long, cold days of winter, it’s so refreshing to see green leaves and green grass again! If you’re planning a spring or summer wedding, communicate that sense of relief, joy, and growth through the bouquets you design for your big day. Explore some ideas for creative spring and summer bouquets for your upcoming warm-weather wedding.  

Free-Form Wedding Bouquets 

Instead of neatly formed, perfectly shaped bouquets, brides in 2018 are breaking out of the box. Free-form bouquets have been trending for a couple of years, and the trend will only grow stronger this spring and summer. Bouquets with an artful disarray or careless charm are much in demand, so talk to your florist about selecting a lush bouquet with plenty of overflowing flowers and foliage.  

Learn more at https://www.naninasinthepark.com/2018/03/08/creative-spring-summer-bouquets/

How To Customize Wedding Traditions

While it’s comforting to have some traditions in place on your wedding day, the event should reflect you and your special someone— so it’s okay to shake things up a bit. It’s 2018, after all— time to freshen up those wedding traditions and make them personal! Get some inspiration and glean some ideas for customizing wedding traditions on your special day.  

Changing Your Entrance 

For the bride, the traditional entrance involves a slow walk down the aisle on the arm of her father. However, there are other ways to make a memorable entrance at your wedding! You can dance down the aisle, come into the room from an unexpected direction, or walk down with both of your parents or with another significant family member. For the royal wedding, Meghan Markle will be walking down the aisle with her mother as well as her father. To make the entrance even more personal, choose an unusual piece of music that’s special to you, rather than the traditional wedding march or Pachelbel’s Canon in D.  

Shaking Up the Seating Arrangements 

Usually, the bride’s family and guests sit on one side of the space and the groom’s family and guests sit on the other. Instead of separating the two, you could allow everyone to mingle and sit wherever they like. Instead of a center aisle, consider having multiple aisles or arranging the seats in a unique way— perhaps in a spiral or in small groups. Your wedding coordinator at Nanina’s in the Park may have some ideas about how to create a practical yet personalized layout for the ceremony space.  

Customizing the Ceremony 

Instead of reciting the traditional wedding vows, you can write your own vows to each other. It’s a more heartfelt way to express your love and commitment before your guests. You could also write up a portion of your love story and have the officiant read it during the ceremony. Keep it short and sweet, telling the tale of your first meeting, your engagement, or some other significant part of your relationship.  

Selecting a Different Kind of Officiant 

The officiant doesn’t have to be someone you hired for the occasion. You can use a minister or religious leader if you like, but you could just as easily recruit a friend or relative to do the honors. Choose someone with a close relationship to both of you— maybe the friend who introduced you, one of your parents, or someone else who was influential in your lives. 

Telling a Story in the Program 

In the program for the ceremony, include personal passages, such as a poem, a bit of your story, or the lyrics of a song that is meaningful to both of you. You could include some facts or trivia as well, such as how many days you’ve been together, how many trips you’ve taken, or the date that you first expressed your love or got engaged.  

Check website for more information: https://www.naninasinthepark.com/2018/03/01/customize-wedding-traditions/

The Groom’s Wedding Day Survival Kit

Is your bride-to-be planning or packing her wedding day bag? Watching her stuff all the emergency sewing supplies, face wipes, breath mints, and makeup items into her bag might make you wonder— do you need a similar survival kit? Yours probably won’t include nail polish or lipstick, but there are a few must-have items that can smooth over any mishaps on your wedding day. Check out our essential checklist for every groom’s wedding day survival kit.  

The Kit 

The first thing you’ll need is something to hold your survival items. It could be anything from a plastic bag to a nice leather travel kit. We vote for the leather travel kit; it’s your wedding day, so you deserve a little luxury. Buy a new one, or pull out one that you already own.  

A Snack 

Brides and grooms are often too excited or too busy to eat a full meal on the wedding day. Add a power bar or some other quick snack to your kit to give you energy for the day’s activities.  

Breath Freshener and Floss 

Your bride is probably packing gum, mints, or a tiny toothbrush; it’s only right for you to offer her the same courtesy. Your first kiss should be minty-fresh, not stale or smelly; plus, your guests don’t want to smell what you ate for breakfast when you greet them. Tuck your favorite mints or other breath freshener in your kit; and while you’re at it, toss in some plain chapstick to moisten your lips. Throw a couple of toothpicks or some floss into your survival kit too, just in case your pre-wedding snack decides to hang around between your teeth. 

Stain Remover 

Spills can happen when you’re clinking glasses or bottles with a groomsman a little too enthusiastically, or when you’re chowing down on a quick snack to give you energy for the ceremony. Stains can occur within seconds, so make space in your kit for a stain removal stick. Check with your suit tailor to make sure you choose a stain remover that is safe for the fabric.  

Tissues 

Weddings often elicit a lot of happy tears, and not just from the guests. When you see her walking down that aisle towards you— let’s just say fortune favors the prepared. Tuck a tissue or two in your kit, and put one in the pocket of your tux as well, or go fancy with a fine handkerchief.  

Deodorant and Cologne 

Although it may seem simpler to pack just one, we suggest you include both cologne and deodorant in your kit. You may think you can cover up unwanted body odor with cologne, but it’s not the best route to go on your wedding day. Reapply deodorant directly as needed, then lightly spritz a bit of cologne. Don’t overdo it; some of your guests may be sensitive to fragrances.  

Hair Control  

Toss a small bottle of hair gel or spray into your kit, along with tweezers or a small hair trimmer. Include a comb as well. That way, you’ll have everything you need to control stray hairs. It’s especially important to have hair gel or spray if you’re getting married in a garden venue or outdoor space, where the weather can be unpredictable.  

Remember, your survival kit is all about being prepared for those small wedding-day emergencies. You can add as many or as few items as you like, including thread that matches your suit or a lint roller. Just keep in mind that your groomsmen may need you to bail them out with a toothpick or a breath mint as well.  

What Should Go In Your Wedding Day Bag

As a woman, you probably have a regular list of must-have items that you keep in your purse at all times— along with a few odds and ends that have found their way mysteriously into your bag. Your wedding day isn’t just any ordinary day, though; and to make sure that everything goes smoothly, your wedding day bag needs to have some extra “just-in-case” supplies. Find out which items you and your maid of honor should tuck into your tote bag before you head over to your beautiful wedding venue.  

For Your Nails 

You’ve probably already had your manicure done, but those pesky chips or scratches can happen at any moment. Bring clear polish or whatever color matches the one on your fingertips. A nail file is a good idea as well.  

For Your Face 

Bring your favorite shade of lipstick so you can touch up your look after that ceremonial first kiss, before you go into the reception space. You’ll need to bring along items to keep your skin fresh as well— things like blotting papers, powder, and face mist. Don’t forget concealer, mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, and other makeup supplies, as well as makeup remover in case a mistake occurs and you need to start fresh. 

For Your Body 

A travel-size lotion keeps rough skin silky-smooth, while perfume or body spray helps you smell delightful. You should also bring along baby wipes, a change of underwear, and deodorant, since the wedding day nerves might make you sweat a little more than usual. Tuck some tampons and liners into the bag as well; chances are, either you or one of your bridesmaids will need one at some point. Grab a razor and a travel-sized shaving lotion as well, just in case one of the girls missed a spot or forgot to shave altogether.  

For Your Health 

Some people get headaches or stomach trouble on a big day; so think ahead and prevent those issues by packing pain relievers and antacid medication. To keep headaches and indigestion at bay, take care of yourself and make sure that you stay hydrated and fed, even if you feel too excited to eat or drink. Without proper nutrition and hydration, you can turn into a bridezilla. Bring some straws so you can drink without messing up your lipstick. Toothpicks, breath mints, and floss are also handy for keeping those pearly whites fresh and clean after snacks. In case of mishaps, the wedding venue will have a first aid kit available, but you can also bring your own if you like.    

For Your Outfit 

You’ll need an emergency sewing kit, super-glue, stain remover, white chalk (for hiding wedding dress stains if any occur), white duct tape, safety pins, and a lint roller. With these supplies, you can fix almost any outfit emergency. 

For Your Peace of Mind 

If you’re nervous that you might not have everything you need, consult with the event coordinator at your wedding venue to find out what supplies they may already have available at the venue. The staff at Nanina’s in the Park have helped hundreds of weddings go smoothly; and they are happy to be there for you, too.  

5 Tips For Selecting The Right Wedding Band

Selecting your wedding band is a special decision, one that will stay with you for all the years you share with your spouse-to-be. You can wait on this shopping trip until after you’ve secured your wedding venue, chosen your colors, and made other decisions about the wedding. Consider it a fun, restful break from all the other choices you have to make, and turn the experience into a romantic date. After all, who doesn’t love picking out a new piece of jewelry? Follow these tips to ensure that your choice is practical as well as beautiful.  

Tip 1: Match the Metals 

If you’re engagement ring is white gold or silver, you’ll need to select a wedding band that’s white gold or silver as well. The same goes for titanium, platinum, steel, yellow gold, and other metals. If you really want a change, consider selecting a wedding band that incorporates a two-toned look with two different metals— one matching, and the other contrasting.  

Tip 2: Think About the Future 

As determined as you may be to remain your current size for the rest of your life, allow the possibility that you may gain weight— or lose weight. Pregnancy, illness, hormonal changes, and more can affect the size of your fingers. When you’re shopping for a wedding band, ask the jeweler about how easy or difficult it might be to resize certain designs. For example, a ring with gems all around its circumference may be gorgeous, but it will be expensive and tricky to resize it.  

Tip 3: Consider Durability 

Your wedding band will be on your hand every day. You may take it off occasionally for certain grimy or abrasive tasks, but for the most part, your ring will have to endure a lot of wear and tear. While 22ct gold may sound glamorous and rich, it’s really too soft for everyday wear. Instead, choose a ring with 14ct or 18ct gold, which includes tougher metals to enhance durability.  

Other metals known for their durability and beauty include platinum, palladium, titanium, tungsten carbide, and zirconium. Titanium is one of the best choices for men’s wedding bands, since the metal is extremely hard and stratch-resistant. 

Tip 4: Stay Within the Wedding Budget 

As a responsible couple, you have a wedding budget that accounts for all wedding needs, including the use of an elegant wedding venue, the flowers, the food, the decor, photography, DJ, and more. Make sure that your wedding bands are also a part of the budget. If you find rings that you absolutely love that are priced higher than the allotted amount, you’ll need to trim some money from another category of the wedding budget to make up the difference.  

Tip 5: Think Practically for Your Wedding Band 

You want to have a ring that reflects your taste and indulges your sense of luxury a little bit; but you also need one that’s practical for your lifestyle and your everyday look. The combination of your wedding band and engagement ring shouldn’t be too huge or heavy for your fingers, especially if you type frequently or work with your hands in other ways. Watch out for rings with chunky or pointed edges that might catch on things, and be aware that engravings or carvings, lovely as they look, can trap dirt and grime.  

Are you ready to choose the ring that you’ll wear for the rest of your married life? Enjoy the shopping experience, and keep these tips in mind so you can select the perfect wedding bands for you and your partner. 

How To Choose Your Wedding Theme

Wedding themes— there are thousands of possibilities! How will you ever pick just one? Here are some helpful questions and activities to help you decide on the perfect wedding theme that reflects the two of you as a couple. 

Explore Pinterest for Wedding Themes 

Are you a Pinterest fan? Pinterest can be a great source of inspiration for you and your soon-to-be spouse. Search for weddings, wedding colors, wedding theme ideas, or unique wedding decor, and pin every image that appeals to you to a special wedding planning board within the app. Both of you can do this exercise, together or separately! Once you have a board full of images, go through them together and figure out which pictures you both love. It’s a great way to get the imagination going and figure out a shared vision for the day. 

Go Back to Shared Interests 

What do you and your special someone like to do together? Do you enjoy hiking, biking, or hot air balloon rides? Perhaps you love nothing better than trying new foods or cooking together. Maybe you love golf, horseback riding, traveling, or browsing art galleries. Choose an interest that you share, something that you’re both passionate about, and draw inspiration from that activity for the theme of your wedding. 

Tell Your Love Story 

Maybe you met at an amusement park, or on the beach. Perhaps he proposed during a weekend getaway in the mountains, or maybe you popped the question while you shared popcorn and a movie. Whatever your story is, there’s a way to turn it into your wedding theme. 

Snap Some Photos of Possible Wedding Colors 

When you are walking through the mall, visiting your favorite shop, browsing an art gallery, or strolling the downtown scene, keep your eyes open for colors and contrasts. When you see hues that mesh well together or images that evoke a romantic feeling, take a photo! Soon you’ll be able to see which colors and objects inspire the sense of romance, fun, uniqueness, or elegance that you want for your wedding. 

Choose a Holiday Theme for Your Wedding 

If you enjoy the unique sense of togetherness and celebration that a holiday can bring, you can pick a particular holiday as the theme of your wedding. A wedding near Valentine’s Day can be all about hearts and romance; a wedding on Memorial Day weekend could infuse military traditions and celebrate America. The winter holidays lend themselves well to weddings, with their traditions of festive lights, evergreen garlands, and rich colors. 

Let Your Wedding Venue Inspire You

Your venue can be a wonderful source of inspiration. A venue like Nanina’s in the Park lends itself to a whole range of different themes; but it is particularly suited to weddings that include elements of romance, intimacy, and classic elegance. 

Remember, a wedding theme can be as subtle or overstated as you like. It’s your day, and if you and your spouse are having fun, everyone else will, too!

Visit our website at https://www.naninasinthepark.com