Jennifer from Cookie Creatives created this incredible gourmet S’mores table for a client’s housewarming party. She made 4 different flavors of marshmallows, raspberry, lime, vanilla, and chocolate.  She also had 2 different kinds of graham crackers, 3 types of chocolate, toasted coconut and chopped toasted pecans as toppings.  Check out all the details here.

Lawn games are great fun to play and they help guests let their hair down and get to know each other better. They also keep your guests entertained during cocktail hour while you are busy getting photos taken.

To make your lawn games successful, do what this couple did: make adorable signage with instructions on how to play the games. That way your guests won’t have to be assisted and the signs are a great keepsake from your wedding.

Chalkboards as signs are a great idea.

Bocce ball is a great way to get your guests moving!

If your reception is at a park with lawn bowling, take advantage! You could even find someone that plays at the park regularly to give your guests a short lesson.

I’m completely in love with everything from the graphics to the colors of this mini golf themed reception. My favorite part is that the couple made stops along “the green” with signs and tokens from their story to tell their guests more about themselves.

Horseshoes and bean bag toss are classic games that you can do in smaller spaces if need be and I love the silhouette of the bride and groom on the bean bag toss (a game also know as Cornhole). It’s great that they used not only their faces, but their wedding colors as well on the games!

If you’ve got a game that needs further instruction or assistance, designate a friend to assist with that area to help guests retrieve their beanbags or horseshoes and to describe game rules for more complex games like bocce ball or lawn bowling. Flea markets, garage sales and ebay are great places to find the vintage games sets.

Photo One: greenweddingshoes.com; Photo Two: greenweddingshoes.com; Photo Three: theweddingac.com; Photo Four: mthreestudioblog.com; Photo Five: greenweddingshoes.com; Photo Six: stylemepretty.com; Photo Seven: stylemepretty.com

Who doesn’t love a late night snack? Who hasn’t satisfied those evening hunger pangs with something sinfully sugary or fried?

What about late night snacks for your wedding guests?

Bringing out heaping trays of sliders, fries, pizza or cookies and milk at the end of the night is one of the latest wedding reception trends. But is it a good idea or just plain over-indulgent?

If you are already serving a meal at  your wedding, there’s a good chance that a late night snack will be a waste of money – and a waste of food. It’s not likely that the majority of your guests will want to indulge in sliders and pizza a few hours after a full-course meal. But people will be dancing, drinking – and that’s sure to work up an appetite, you say.

If it was me, I’d rather put my money towards an unforgettable meal, and some homemade goodies-to-go.

That said, if you are having a cocktail reception, late night snacks are a nice added touch if you can work them into your budget.

What do think of this trend? Will you be offering late night snacks at your wedding?

Photo: Blue Lotus Photography

The best part about kraft paper is that you get to start with a neutral canvas that lends itself well to rustic or vintage inspired weddings. The color looks slightly aged and because it is neutral you can easily hand stamp or print your logo, guests’ names or designs on them.

Let’s ease into the kraft trend slowly, with invitations. Here are a few of my favorites:

One of kraft paper’s first incarnations, and still very classic and sophisticated: the tablecloth. It can even come with built in place cards!

This couple used kraft paper for their programs as well as the personalized CDs they made for their guests.

Some of the most original kraft paper applications I’ve seen is this DIY pinwheel, these paper flags, and this cute heart garland!

Kraft paper bags are a classic too, whether you use them as favor bags, or like this couple did, as holders for rose petals their guests could throw after their ceremony.

If you’re cutting things out from kraft paper, or using it as placemats, table runners, etc. the best place to buy is from home improvement stores or any other stores that have paint supplies (painters use it to help protect areas from paint). It’s sold on a roll and comes in many different widths. If you are making invites or programs and want a stiffer kraft paper or cardstock, paper supply stores are a good option. For kraft paper bags, tags, boxes and more, etsy is always a great resource!

Photo One: snippetandink.com; Photo Two: marthastewartweddings.com; Photo Three: lovelymorning.com; Photo Four: weddinginvitaions21.com; Photo Five: 100layercake.com; Photo Six: ohjoy.blogs.com; Photos Seven and Eight: ruffledblog.com; Photo Nine: stylemepretty.com; Photo Ten: etsy.com; Photo Eleven: apartmenttherapy.com; Photo Twelve: oncewed.com

If you’re like me and aren’t into all the cutesy stuff that typical cake toppers are made of, you’ve probably dug through Etsy through all of the overwhelming cuteness to come up with one or two that you kind of like. C’mon! Here you are on Intimate Weddings because you’re unique! You’re looking for an awesomely distinct and memorable celebration. You’re going to do things in a meaningful way, despite the sweet-nothing promises of huge guest lists and over-the-top weddings.

Well, I went on a hunt for you, dear readers. I hope you like the results.

1. Fabric flower cake toppers from PrettySwell on Etsy. The simplicity and versatility of color and texture in this cake topper makes it impossible for me to pass up. Plus, at only $15.00, who would want to?

2. Custom Love in the Library cake topper from Lace Rubbish on Etsy. As far as cute cake toppers go, this one’s pretty darn adorable. Hey, I can dig cutesy, don’t get me wrong. I just can’t dig Precious Moments cutesy.

3. Custom Double-Bike cake topper with two cute pets from UrAStarHouse on Etsy. UrAStarHouse proves you don’t have to have a bride dragging a groom off a cake to make an adorable, unique custom cake topper.

4. Love is Beautiful Wooden Rainbow Heart cake topper from Together Forever on Etsy. Not only do I adore the cake topper, but matched with the colorful accent and all-white cake and cake-stand, this whole cake is a beaut.

5. “Maddi” Cake Bunting from KiKiLaRu on Etsy. Simple, beautiful, charming…I believe this too-adorable-for-words miniature cake bunting would capture your guests’ attention. What do you think? And for Heaven’s sake, why does almost every cute thing have an even cuter miniature counterpart.

6. Custom designed and sculpted Couple Bust cake topper from Red Light Studio on Etsy. There’s something that melts inside me when I stare at this cake topper. I think it’s because busts are so typically used to commemorate famous historical people…and to have them on your wedding cake would just be fantastic.

7. Bride and Groom Hippos cake topper from Bunny With a Toolbelt on Etsy. They’re. Hippos! How could you not lose your cool for a moment?! Actually, Bunny With a Toolbelt’s entire shop is filled with adorable animals, robots, silhouettes and other wood-carved cake toppers just like this one.

8. Custom Whimsical cake toppers from Matylda Biedron on Etsy. Talented Matylda personally sews each hair on your likeness’ head in place and has unique and whimsical style to boot.

9. Cake Banner No. 2 No Common Phrases by ReadyGo on Etsy. 100% recycled cardstock means these sweet paper cake toppers aren’t just indie, minimal and perfect for almost any wedding theme, they’re eco-friendly to top it off (pun intended).

10. Paper Wedding cake topper from Concarta on Etsy. I have spent an unusual amount of time staring at the detail of Concarta’s work on Etsy. The amount of patience it must take to make these beauties is just unbelievable and the final product is something I can’t take my eyes off of.

There are cake toppers out there that will suit you and your partner. It might take a little digging to find something perfect…but if worst comes to worse, you can always go with the minimal-chic vibe and turn down a topper altogether.

Have you found your perfect cake topper yet?

Lizzie Smithson is a recent public relations graduate and wedding/design blogger at Love Your Way planning a $10,000 (or under) wedding with her graphic-designer fiancé, Isaiah.

The mashed potato bar is one wedding trend that I love. I’ve always had a thing for mashed potatoes (who doesn’t?) and the thought of drenching them in a medley of delicious toppings is so much fun! (Check out these other options for food stations at your wedding.)

Here’s the low-down on the mashed potato bar:

The mashed potatoes are usually served in martini glasses. Hence the name, mashtini.

Guests apply toppings themselves to create their own mashtinis.

Fixens might include:

bacon
cheese
sour cream
ham
broccoli
salsa
red peppers

The options are endless!

You can also have themed mashtinis. If you love Mexican food, have a Mexican mashed potato bar. If Mediterranean is more your thing, have plenty of feta, olives and tomatoes on hand for a Mediterranean mashed potato bar.

If you don’t have a mashed potato bar at your wedding, why not serve mashtinis at your wedding shower or rehearsal dinner?

Yum!

Photo One: Sarapweav (Flickr); PhotoTwo: Maddycakes Muse

I have a confession to make: I have never loved flowers. I like getting them on celebratory occasions, of course. But, I have to admit, I’m loving the growing trend of botanical favors and decor.

Whether you want to send a ‘green’ message to your guests or you don’t want to pay big bucks for a florist, there are many unique ways to showcase plants within your wedding style.

Add Water Decor

Succulents in simple, DIY planters would make a beautiful statement in a loft or gallery wedding. You can personalize the base planters to fit within your color scheme or go neutral (as shown) to keep it simple.

These bubble vases would definitely make a statement at a museum or gallery wedding. I love how they show off simple buds! Keep it elegant and modern with a simple style or go quirky with the leg variations pictured below.

For a pair of bookworms, these creative planters would be an excellent centerpiece for an outdoor wedding (not quite sure how all that dirt is kept neatly in there)! You can also use some colorful magazines to add some extra punch.

Using a small tree as a table number would be an excellent idea for an eclectic or natural indoor wedding or a fun and laid-back outdoor wedding. I love the idea of clothes-pinning a table number to the top and you can easily tie-in this idea elsewhere by using the trees as decor for the dessert and gift tables.

Mixing up succulents with your cake platters on the dessert table instantly adds a modern, yet home-grown, touch to your decor.

Sweet minis would make a cute addition to a long, rectangular-style table reception…I feel if I was sitting in front of these beauties, I’d be enthralled by their simplicity. Who says you need a giant or loud centerpiece anyway?

Give’Em Something to Grow Favors

Succulents are everywhere. These square tins and lovely labels take a small, beautiful gift in a new direction. You can dress up your succulents within any theme with unique, small details.

I love the idea of dried flowers and a small candy in a tiny metal pot. You can personalize this idea with moss and a flower pick label, potpourri instead of flowers or a small plant in soil.

It seems that I fall a bit more in love with terrariums each time I see them. These terrarium light bulbs with a simple tag are fresh and inspiring. You can take the idea in an ornament direction or double the favors as place cards.

Photo One: Ruffled Photo Two: TrendLand Photo Three: See Hear Say Photo Four: Today and Tomorrow Photo Five: Chic und Schlau Photo Six: Terri Planty Photo Seven: sweetfineday Photo Eight: San Diego Wedding Insider Photo Nine: Verbalized in Retrospect Photo Ten: The City Cradle

Lizzie Smithson is a recent public relations graduate, native Chicagoan living in Texas and wedding blogger planning a $10,000 (or under) wedding with her graphic-designer fiancé.

By Laura Keller

There’s a new trend among sweet-toothed brides: dessert-only receptions. Rather than doling out money for a huge meal and attempting to satisfy all your guests’ taste preferences, consider serving only an assortment of delicious after-dinner sweets.

By skipping straight to the best part of the meal, you actually expand your options. Since guests won’t be stuffed from a three-course dinner, they’ll have more room to satisfy their sweet tooth and try a variety of desserts. And since you won’t be paying the high cost of feeding your guests an entire meal, you have more of a budget to splurge on sweets.

Most dessert-only receptions provide guests with an array of artfully displayed, bite-sized confections. To ensure variety and creativity, consider flavor, texture, and size of your desserts. Including chocolate, fruit, nut, and vanilla options will cover all your flavor bases, while mixing up the textures to include crunchy, chewy, and creamy will surely give everyone something to enjoy. And in this case, smaller is better. You can easily serve bite-size portions, rather than large slices, of your favorite cakes, brownies, cookies and cheesecakes. Pie fillings can simply be baked in turnover form for easy eating. By creatively thinking about how to prepare your favorite sweets, you can bring nearly anything to the wedding dessert table.

Truffles, cookies, cannolis, macaroons, tarts, brownies, fudge, caramels, cheesecakes, turnovers, puddings, candies, doughnuts, shortbreads – nothing is off limits, as long as it’s sweet and delicious!

Choosing desserts in your color scheme adds even more fun to this sweet idea!

Use serving platters of different styles and materials for a vintage, eclectic look.

For inspiration on how to design and arrange the main course of your dessert-only reception, take a look at some of the beautiful dessert bars event planner Amy Atlas has put together.

First Photo: Vegan Bride, Second and Third Photo: Happiness in a Bite, Fourth Photo: Lily Jane, Fifth Photo: New England Fine Living, Sixth Photo: Bridal Inquirer, Seventh Photo: Amy Atlas

Laura Keller is a 20-something living in Baltimore, MD. Some of her favorite things include crafts, cooking, and culture, which she shares on her blog Radiator Tunes.

By Laura Keller

Favors are one of those relatively small wedding details that oftentimes take on epic proportions. It can be a nightmare to decide on a wedding favor that is meaningful, budget-friendly, and useful to your guests. One option that has universal appeal and can be quite affordable, however, is food.

For a delicious and personal way to send off your wedding guests, select a delicacy local to an area of significance to you, your husband-to-be, or your families. Give your guests jars of authentic maple syrup if your fiance grew up in Canada, or if the two of you met down South, use small bottles of Carolina-style barbecue sauce as wedding favors.

Couples with strong ties to their family heritage can draw on traditions that extend even further back in time. If you or your soon-to-be-husband descends from an Italian family, provide guests with jars of homemade pasta sauce, while cute packages of Irish soda bread are a great option for the newlyweds of Irish descent.

Even the most difficult of guests can be appeased with an edible favor and selecting something representative of your background adds a personal touch but requires only minimal effort.  Consider the sorts of foods you grew up on or the ones you and your fiance have grown to love and you’re sure to find an abundance of flavorful favor options.

Old Bay is a flavorful seasoning primarily used on crab and shrimp dishes in the Chesapeake Bay region and is conveniently sold in cartons perfectly sized for favor-giving.

Different varieties of barbecue and hot sauces are great favor ideas for Southern weddings.

Irish soda bread muffins are a cute and delicious way to acknowledge your Irish roots.

For the Italian bride, canning a few batches of your family’s secret pasta sauce makes for great favors, while bottled olive oil is a delicious Italian favor option that requires no cooking whatsoever.

If you hail from wine country and really want to splurge on your guests, consider bottles of wine. Provide an assortment so guests can choose whatever they fancy, or supply one particular bottle that is a favorite of you and your fiance.

First Photo: Country Living, Second Photo: Leo DJ Photography, Third Photo: Wedding Paper Divas, Fourth Photo: Kitchen Parade, Fifth Photo: Bluebirdbaby, Sixth Photo: Recycled Bride, Seventh Photo: Elizabeth Anne Designs

Laura Keller is a 20-something living in Baltimore, MD. Some of her favorite things include crafts, cooking, and culture, which she shares on her blog Radiator Tunes.

By Jennifer Cox

Should we host a simple cocktail party or an inevitably more complicated sit-down dinner?

I battled with this decision when planning my own wedding.  They each have their pros and cons, and I love the feeling that each type of event creates. A cocktail party is more relaxed, the food is less costly (which means more wiggle room to splurge on certain items), and the laid-back atmosphere really reflects who we are as a couple. And yet a sit-down dinner is more formal and traditional, something we also considered ourselves to be.

So, which is best?

Cocktail party receptions are much easier to coordinate – there’s less food, meaning less logistical nightmares such as rentals (dinnerware, flatware, serving dishes); there’s often more menu choices (so there’s something for everyone to eat, including vegetarians and guests with allergies); and they’re very intimate. These types of parties are more appropriate for smaller weddings.

A sit-down dinner may take more time to plan, however there’s something to be said about the formality and elegance of hosting a three-, five-, or seven-course meal for your closest family and friends. It’s definitely the more traditional route and creates a classic setting for a reception. But don’t forget: a more formal meal calls for things like seating charts, escort cards, table numbers, complete place settings, and in general a lot more organizing.

It’s really about what works best for your party. We had a lot of out-of-towners that we were hoping would come into Montreal to be at the wedding, so in the end we decided we wanted to have a full meal for them. But I definitely think the next time I get married (to the same man, of course, maybe for our vow renewal down the road) I would love an elegant, intimate cocktail party. I even have my centerpieces picked out (but don’t tell my husband – he’ll have visions of the bridezilla I’d become last year!)

First Photo: Lilian Haidar Photography; Second Photo: Inspirador; Third Photo: The Plantation House; Fourth Photo: Project Wedding; Fifth Photo: My Dream Wedding Venue; Sixth Photo: Bridal Guide

Jennifer Cox is a Montreal based freelance journalist who loves everything from weddings to foodie news, photography & candy!