What’s the latest craze in wedding ceremony seating? Hay! Cheap, rustic – and biodegradable! What more could one ask? Here are some photos of hay bales used as wedding seating:

Photo: Daria Bishop

Photo: Givefunla.com

Photo: Peacockfeatherevents.com

Photo: W. Scott Chester Photography via The Green Bride Guide

Photo: Celebrity Bride Guide

Photo: c is for charmed

Photo: Martha Stewart Weddings

An ice cream truck at a wedding? Brilliant! That is, if you don’t mind the little girls at your wedding getting ice cream on their fancy dresses, or the little boys getting dairy on their Dockers. Because there’s a good chance that will happen. There’s a good chance  a few mommies might have to whip out the wipes to deal with the sticky aftermath, and they might might flash you the evil eye, but in the end your wedding will always be remembered as the cool wedding with the ice cream cones.

Photo One, Two & Three: The Wiebners via Bridal Inquirer; Photo Four: Lori Barbely Photography

Pamela, 25 & Neil, 34

Puerto Morelos, Mexico

Wedding Date: August 17, 2008

Number of Guests: 20

Wedding Cost: $17K (the majority of the budget went to helping  guests pay for the trip)

Wedding Ceremony Location: Azul Beach Hotel

Wedding Reception Location: Azul Beach Hotel

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

We wanted something simple yet elegant. We wanted to be surrounded by our closest friends and family. It was really important to us to have a stress-free event that was centered around our actual union rather then what color the napkins were or what kind of flowers we had.

Continue reading Real Weddings: Pamela & Neil’s Wee Beach Wedding in Mexico

You are found in cupboards holding preserves, peaches and buttons.

You are humble and timeless and strong.

And now you are shabby chic.

Coveted by brides with shining eyes and good taste.

You are big enough to quench a summer thirst, yet small enough to fit inside the ‘c’ of a  human hand.

You are versatile.

You light the way.

You adorn.

You satisfy.

You mark.

You are ubiquitous and cheap.

Come here. I want to hold you.

Photo One: Intimate Weddings Photo Two: Pins and Needles; Photo Three: Adam and Eve Weddings; Photo Four: Elizabeth Anne Designs ; Photo Five: Casa Sugar; Photo Six: Weeping Cherries; Photo Seven: Love Life Images; Photo Eight: Brides.com

I want several of these jars (found at Adam and Eve Wedding Consultants), but I have no excuse to buy them. I have no wedding to plan. But there are summer barbecues. Hmm.  

Just look at the fabulous homemade drinks from this Montana wedding! The dispensers were used for Arnold Palmer (half iced tea/half lemonade) blackberry vodka, lime gin, and limoncello infusions. I’d say these are on par with the watermelon keg I blogged about recently. A word of caution: The bride pointed out that a couple guests got quite inebriated from some these homemade drinks – namely the blackberry vodka. Apparently, they were drinking it straight up from mason jars and didn’t realize the power of vodka.

I think these would also be great for sangria and a varity of non-alcoholic drinks.

I found them online at Victorian Trading Company for $24.95.

I’ve been noticing more and more benches popping up in photos for outdoor weddings. Some are padded, some are pillowed. Some are white and some are rustic wood. I think they are a refreshing alternative to Chiavari chairs, don’t you?

Photo One: Events by Evonne; Photo Two: Images.com; Photo Three: Events by Evonne; Photo Four: Zephyr Tents; Photo Five: Zephyr Tents; Photo Six: Amy McLauglin Lifestyles; Photo Seven: Jennie Andrews Photography

Lavender bouquet photo by Tine Hofmann.

I’ve got a thing for herbs.  Every year I plant lavender, rosemary, parsley, sage, lemon thyme, chives, dill, mint, basil and oregano. By mid-summer, I’ve got enough herbs to supply a hoppin’ gourmet restaurant.

I use some of the herbs in my cooking (I also use mint, lemon thyme and lavender in my handmade soap), but often I have lots left over.

What should I do with rest of my lovely plants?

Well, if I happened to be planning a wedding, I’d have plenty of uses for my leftover herbs! Especially if I was having a green wedding.

Lately, I’ve discovered so many beautiful ways that herbs can be incorporated into a wedding – from the bouquets to the boutonnieres. Here are some ideas that I love:

You can use potted herbs as green wedding favors. Use terra cotta pots which are eco-friendly. Photo by Miki Duisterhof.

Lavender makes lovely halos and wedding bouquets. Photo from Sunshine Lavender Farm.

What about an herb wreath to hang on the door of the church? Photo California Wreath Co.

A hanging herb bouquet for your outdoor reception. Photo alice q. style.

Mint boutonnieres from In Style Weddings via A Sunshine Wedding.

Lavender boutonnieres from Snippet and Ink via A Sunshine Wedding.

Herb and wildflower centerpieces from Snippet and Ink via A Sunshine Wedding.

Sage handmade soap makes for perfect green wedding favors. Photo Good Earth Soap.

For more ideas on how to use herbs in centerpieces watch this short video from Sunset.com

Amanda, 24 & Ben, 26

Wedding Date: August 31, 2008

Number of Guests: 52

Wedding Ceremony Location: Family cottage, Lakeside Fairholm Island, Lake Muskoka, Ontario, Canada.

Wedding Reception Location: Family cottage, also on Fairholm Island, Lake Muskoka, Ontario, Canada.

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

Before the wedding, I thought it was because of the budget and the size limitation of the venue. Looking back, though, the connection with our guests should have been the biggest reason. Even if money and space hadn’t been an issue, I wouldn’t have done it any other way.

What are some the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?

Most of the challenges were related to the fact that we were using a non-traditional venue. The cottage {it’s been in the bride’s mother’s family for more than 100 years!} just wasn’t set up for a large party. Also, it’s on an island, so everything (food, chairs, tables, dishes, staff, guests, decorations, and a rather large grill) had to be brought in by boat, which was no small task.

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?

Yes and no. Yes, because of course there are people we would have liked to invite and couldn’t. But also no, because we were having a destination wedding (we live in Pennsylvania), so there were people who just would not have been able to make it.

Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them?

Actually, we didn’t have many problems at all. We explained to our relatives early on in the planning process what guidelines we had set out – close friends and family only. Nobody really seemed to have a problem with our approach.

What were the highlights of the ceremony?

Ben’s vows. We had decided to write our own, and he absolutely blew me away. That, and the reaction of my youngest sister, who was one of my bridesmaids. She was apparently so overcome with emotion that she cried through the whole ceremony. Happy tears, though! Towards the end of the ceremony my father had to throw her a pack of tissues. Our videographer caught that moment on tape and it cracks me up.

What were the highlights of the reception?

A few things come to mind. Ben was intent on picking our first dance song and keeping it a secret. He surprised me with a compilation of ‘Over the Rainbow’ by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole and ‘Grow Old With You’ by Adam Sandler, from the movie ‘The Wedding Singer.’ It was sweet, silly, and perfect.

We used an mp3 player for the reception, and unfortunately had some technical difficulties when it came time for the father daughter dance. I was heartbroken that ‘Little Miss Magic’ by Jimmy Buffet refused to play. My twin sister came to the rescue as impromptu DJ and selected – of all things – ‘Sweet Emotion’ by Aerosmith. We ended up ad libbing and doing the mashed potato and the sprinkler instead of something more traditional. It was a great spontaneous and funny moment.

My favorite part of the reception, though, was the speeches. In addition to the usual best man and maid of honor speech, the microphone was passed around the room to many of our guests, who had touching stories and advice to share.

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?

Being able to spend quality time with our closest friends and family, without running around and missing the chance to savor the occasion. It was amazing to have so many important people in our lives together in one place. We had everyone over the night before the wedding for a rehearsal dinner barbeque, where my grandfather gave a moving speech welcoming everyone to the island. Everyone got to meet and spend some time together before the wedding. Between the rehearsal dinner and the reception, I tried to spend as much time as possible with everyone, and I still could have used more time. I have no idea how people get to see anyone at large weddings!

What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?

You might get some flack for not inviting everyone you’ve ever met (and maybe some you haven’t met), but you won’t regret it. I know I don’t. That’s not to say that large celebrations are bad — if you want to have a huge wedding, go for it! Only you will know what kind of wedding you really want to have. Don’t let yourself get talked into inviting half the world if that’s not what you want.

Vendors:

Photographer: Photography by Stacey

Videographer: Starshine Videography

Catering: Dempsey Fine Catering

Muskoka Party Rentals

All Seasons Weddings

Photos: Photography by Stacey

Read more about this fantastic wedding over at dellastella.

Thinking of a vineyard wedding? You’re in good company. Vineyard weddings are becoming increasingly popular with couples who want an outdoor wedding.

It’s no wonder that winery weddings have become so popular. Wineries offer an idyllic setting to say “I do.” If you are considering a vineyard wedding, here are some tips to consider:

• If you are having a weekend vineyard wedding, arrange for a wine tasting for your wedding guests a day before the wedding.
• If guests are coming in from out of town and staying at a hotel, consider having a bus chartered to escort guests to and from the winery. That way drinking and driving won’t be an issue.
• If the wedding is outdoors, find out if there is a sheltered area in case of inclement weather.
• Find out if the winery supplies linens, tables, chairs, tableware and glassware.
• If you want entertainment, find out if the vineyard allows music or live entertainment. Is there a dance floor?
• Make sure there is ample parking for your guests.
• Consider a wine-themed wedding, but don’t feel compelled to have a theme.
• Consider a wine pairing feast.
• Offer mini-bottles of wine from the vineyard as favors.

Photo: Callaway Vineyard & Winery, Temecula, California

Are you considering a garden wedding ceremony? You are in good company.

Garden weddings are becoming increasingly popular, and more and more garden wedding venues are popping up to meet the demands.

Many conservation areas now offer garden weddings, as well as public parks, historical settings, botanical gardens and private estates. Your home, or the home of a friend or relative can also serve as the perfect venue for your garden wedding.

Like all outdoor weddings, garden weddings are at the mercy of the elements. If Mother Nature decides to go a little wild, then your garden wedding could turn into a garden nightmare. That’s why there are tents and back-up plans.

When you are looking for an outdoor venue for your garden wedding ceremony, find out if tents are permitted, or if there is a building nearby that can accommodate your wedding in case of inclement weather.

Many garden venues will only permit ceremonies, and some do not supply chairs for guests. If you are looking for a simple garden ceremony this won’t be a problem.

Here are some things to consider when looking for a venue for your garden wedding ceremony:

1. Visit the venue beforehand. Is it big enough? Maybe it’s too big for your intimate wedding? Are there washroom facilities? What about parking? Ideally, visit the site at the same time of day you plan to have your ceremony. That way, you can figure out how to configure your site so that you and your guests are not blasted by the sun.

2. Find out if any other events are being held at the location on your wedding date. You don’t want the Addams Family Reunion a stones throw away from your ceremony site.

3. Find out if chairs are provided. If not, find out if chair rental is permitted. If they are, choose wooden chairs. Metal chairs get scorching hot in the sun.

4. If you are planning to get married in the summer, find out if there is shade where the ceremony is being held. You might be able to stand up to the 90 degree heat, but what about your grandmother? Also, provide bottled water for your guests to keep them hydrated. You could also offer lemonade or sparkling water before the reception. Parasols for elderly guests are also a nice idea. Or you could make your programs in the shape of fans so guests can fan themselves.

5. If the venue is in a secluded area, make sure you give your guests good directions and allow for extra travel time for guests to find the venue. If your guests have to take back country roads to find the site, they might need some extra time to get there.

6. Keep decorations simple. Gardens need little adornment.

7. When choosing a wedding gown, make sure you keep in mind that you will be having a ceremony outdoors. A gown that will bustle or has no train is your best bet.

8. Don’t choose flowers that can’t stand the heat. If you are working with a florist, s/he should be able to guide you in the right direction. Also, keep several buckets of water onsite in a shady spot to store wedding bouquets so that they spend less time in the sun.

9. Go with the flow. Garden weddings are less predictable than weddings indoors. Be prepared for inclement weather. Even if the weather is perfect, unexpected things like bird droppings, sirens and bee stings are always possibilities.

Photo: San Benito House, Half Moon Bay, California