If you are not looking to host a typical evening out rehearsal dinner, and want to surprise your guests – then a Murder Mystery Dinner might be the way to go!  A great example is the Mystery Dinner Playhouse in Washington D.C. Reserve a table (works best with a smaller group) and prepare for the problem solving to begin! From the time you arrive until the mystery is solved, you should be on the look out for clues!  Your wait staff also might be involved in the murder so pay attention closely.  This is a great way to give your guests a night of fun and break away from what is expected.

If you’re hosting a large rehearsal dinner and want to keep the event closer to home don’t worry, you can still host a mystery dinner for your guests.  Each one of your friends and family members will step into a new role for the evening and one of them will be the killer!  Purchase a mystery kit that will supply you with information and instructions on how to be the host.  You will love the laughs and entertainment this type of interactive dinner will bring!

Which famous couple are you and your fiance dressing up as for Halloween? Here are a few of my favorite ideas…

Classic Mario and Princess Peach…Could there be a love connection there?

Celebrate in true German style with an Oktoberfest theme…Don’t forget your stein!

ROCK OUT with your favorite 80’s hairdo together:

What is the best ‘couples’ costume you two have created?

Source: Stylist.com

If you could choose anywhere in the world.. where would you have your destination wedding?

I had the classic hometown big celebration with 250+  of all of my family and friends, which I would not trade for the world.  But my mind always wonders where I would have gone if I had planned a destination wedding.  If I had to choose from anywhere in the world to venture to, with just my closest friends and immediate family, where would I end up?

I am sure I could have a different answer every day of the week, today my answer is overwhelmingly Cinque Terre! If you ever get the chance to visit I highly suggest it!  This is not only one of the most beautiful areas I have visited, but so peaceful and full of culture! My dream destination wedding is 6 – 10 of my closest, with the picture above as my backdrop and then jetsetting over to Greece for my Honeymoon.  Just because you have the classic hometown wedding planned .. doesn’t mean you can’t dream!  What is your dream destination?

Get creative with one of your favorite board games, Scrabble!  Have fun with words and use creative designs with the letters to create a common theme at your wedding!  Whether you are asking your girlfriend to marry you with the board as shown below or are using the letters to add some fun to your escort cards, your guests will love the blast from the past with the scrabble letters.

At a more intimate wedding, or a small rehearsal dinner set up the scrabble letters for each place setting as their name cards.

There are so many creative favor ideas, one of my favorite I found are these scrabble coaster sets.

Other games that would be fun to tie in to your big day and add a playful touch are Twister and Candy Land.  Use old classics that everyone knows and can appreciate!

Have you tied in any of your favorite games into your big day?

Sources: Rebeca Devono, Elizabeth Anne Designs, She Eats Blog

An unusual shape, but with its shape comes a very interesting addition to your wedding.  It breaks away from the traditional circle and square shapes and says “I’m unique”.

You always hear of the classic round diamond, and now the trendier teardrop shape diamond, but I would bet you will be the first of your friends to embrace a hexagon style engagement ring!  (Even more sides and angles to glisten!!)

The details of your wedding can be created in the shape of a hexagon, a subtle theme that your guests might not even notice, but that you can keep consistent across the ceremony and reception.

These invitations will grab your guests attention as they unfold with their many layers.  Use these as a pocket to hold your rsvp card and reception information.  I love the pattern that they mixed in with the invitations, it adds texture to the package.

Is this shape too out of the ordinary for you?  Have you ever used hexagons in your decor?

Source: Bride.ca, Knot.com,  Real Simple Weddings

Decor can play a huge role in the attitudes and emotions of your guests.  It helps decide whether it is a laid back, romantic or luxurious event.   One of the simplest details to play around with (but most overlooked) is shape at your wedding.  My first and favorite shape I am focusing on is the square!

The square adds a very modern flavor to your decor.  Keep the lines clean and you will highlight the squareness of everything. I bet you never imagined a wedding theme could be as simple as “square” and still be fabulous?!

It all starts with the engagement, if you are a bride who loves  your square diamond this may be the perfect decor for your wedding!

The cake is usually the centerpiece of your reception.   Let is stand tall, keep the shape clear and modern.

Keep your flowers in square vases to hold the shape for your centerpieces.  Focus on using square pillar candles and plates for your table decor.

You are sure to achieve the modern look if you serve your dinner on square plates. Fold your napkins in similar shapes and layer them on top of the plates.  I love the table set below that even includes a square favor box to the setting, it adds a lot of dimension to the table!

Invitations are most always square, but by adding different sizes and shapes, and still keeping a congruent idea you will enhance the square theme.  Stamp the back of your invitation with a square stamp with your address on it.  It will save you time and money on calligraphy and seal the deal to the wedding!

How did you tie in shapes to your wedding…

…or did you even think about the shapes of your details?

Source: Confetti,  Creative Invitations

Non-fat, venti vanilla latte – no whip

That was my drink of choice that got me through my year of wedding planning.  Most brides have their coffee addiction that they go to on an early morning or stressful day!

In order to honor the drink that got you through so many late nights, why not host a coffee themed wedding for your big day?  You will be surprised at all of the fun details you can tie in that your guests will love!

Begin with a coffee brown color and accent the brown with your favorite shade, possibly pink, blue or gold.  Pick one of these cappuccino colored dresses from Ann Taylor.

Drool over this deliciously put together cake from Sue’s Bake Shop and Coffee Bar.

Send out these modern chocolate and shades of blue invitations from Karta House.

By filling vases with coffee beans, the centerpieces will not only add to your theme but will make your reception smell fantastic

Host a cappuccino bar for your guests to have an after-dinner refreshment!

End the evening with either this “Perfect Blend” coffee for your guests or these cute coffee mugs that are actually candles!

If you and your fiance love your morning coffee or 2 p.m. pick up, why not share your love with your guests!

What is your drink of choice to get you through the wedding planning process?

Source: Sweet Sue’s Bakery and Coffee Shop, Karta House, I Do Planning, Your Moments Created, Sweet Reflections

Hosting a St. Patty’s Day wedding is a fun way to involve your Irish heritage and an easy way to tie in all of the fabulous shades of green!!

Check out the inspirational photos below that will convince you to go green!!

What details did you add into your Irish wedding to make it unique?!
Sources: Pink Cake Box, Etsy, CK Flowers, Jennifer Bowen Photography, Angela Liguori, Petite Papier

Everyone’s idea of a “vintage” wedding is different, and none better than the other.  I remember when I went ring shopping with my now-husband I told every jeweler that I wanted a vintage/antique style ring. I couldn’t really explain it much further than that…but I knew I would know it when I saw it!!  ’Vintage’ is delicate and beautiful. It is sophisticated and unique. It appears to have history and is beautifully thought provoking.

If vintage is your style then I am sure your fiance is aware and will pick out your ring to match your liking.  Most Tacori rings have the pave diamonds and delicate designs that always represent this antique style.

Maybe you want a non-traditional engagement ring, sporting a colored gem as the centerpiece with the same intricate vintage detail.

Your vintage wedding will start with the perfect invitation that will let your guests know what they can look forward to.  These are a few from Etsy that I adore!  The fonts and designs used on the invites will set a theme for your big day.

Atmosphere is key at your wedding! I picture lots of candles and soft colors. Below is some inspiration I found at Project Wedding. What would your vintage wedding inspiration board look like?

Once your friends and family walk into your reception, their eyes will set on the centerpiece of the night- the cake. These cakes by Maki’s Cakes are perfect for the occasion!

To complete your vintage wedding search, you need to find your perfect gown. The Vintage Wedding Dress Company is a great avenue to help you find vintage pieces.  In the private Central London showroom, you will find a diverse selection from the Victorian era to the early 1970’s.  All of the dresses are cleaned and restored and can be tailored for you to a couture finish.

This 1920’s full lace, Harlow dress with a cowl back.

1940’s floral silk devore gown with silk sash.

1950’s full-length organza with a removable silk flower.

Every detail will contribute to your one-of-a-kind vintage wedding!

Source: The Vintage Wedding Dress Company, Maki’s Cakes, Etsy Vintage Invitations, Project Wedding, Etsy Jewelery

After taking a week to celebrate love around Valentine’s day, I am excited to get back to the Weddings A-to-Z Series!  I have been looking forward to this post for the simple fact that I get to write about Polka Dots!  Adding polka dots to your wedding creates a playful atmosphere and makes a fun statement to your guests.

I believe you can create a theme around polka dots for your wedding, just be careful not to overdue it!  I think you will have the best results by first choosing a main color scheme, and then adding in polka dot patterns in details where it isn’t expected!  Examples of this is finding shoes that sport the pattern or have your fiancee wear a tie as shown below.

I love when florists use polka dot ribbon to wrap the bouquet, another simple but eye catching addition to your wedding!

If you want to make a more dramatic statement with your polka dot theme you can have the bridesmaid dresses, cake and invitations covered with cheerful dots! I adore this pink J. Crew polka dot dress I saw at DC Nearlyweds!

As I mentioned earlier, this theme is playful and exciting for your guests.  Plan out the details that you want to add polka dots to and have fun with it!

I can not finish a blog on polka dots without mentioning Australia’s Polka Dot Bride!  Her blog is not only inspirational but it will give you so many ideas for stylish additions to your wedding!

Sources: Apple Cellar Bakery, Amy Carroll Photography, Katie and Ryan’s Wedding, Bizarre Wedding Flowers, Huckleberry Karen Blog, Favor Studio, DC Nearlyweds