Wedding Blog

Before I was ever engaged (or even met Mr. Deviled Egg), I’d been keeping a mental note of things I’ve loved at weddings and things that I didn’t like. I’m sure all of you have done the same thing. Whether it’s food choices, special dances, timing of the day’s activities, decor or colors, our weddings will be based on things we’ve seen work well and not so well from weddings we’ve attended in the past.

Here are some things that I loved:

- At the last weddings we’ve attended, I loved that there was no bouquet or garter toss. Both Deviled FSIL and Mr. DE’s friend and groomsman omitted this tradition from their receptions. And of course, being a single girl, I couldn’t have been happier. I am not a fan of participating in the bouquet toss. I usually hide in the back of the room or try to sneak to the restroom when I sense the time is coming. Of course, the DJ always gives the microphone to the bride, who in turn calls out the hiding single ladies by name and guilts you into standing in the group of girls. There’s always one or two ladies (usually the engaged ones) who are willing to try to make the catch, but I’m always standing in the back of the crowd, praying that it doesn’t smack me in the head. That said, it’s unlikely there will be a bouquet toss at the Deviled Egg wedding.

- In May of 2006, one of my friends had her reception at the gorgeous Tara Inn. While the whole thing was wonderful, but one of my favorite things was how the food was served family style. The servers brought dishes and platters of food to our table with enough servings for each person. We then passed the food around until everyone got their share. I’m pretty sure our venue doesn’t offer this type of serving, but it’s not going to stop me from asking at an upcoming meeting with our catering manager! If your venue does give you this option, you should definitely consider it. Nothing breaks the ice at a table more than passing food around. It really did create an intimate, family-style dining experience.

The dishes of food after we’ve all helped ourselves. The food was yummy!

- At a coworker’s wedding in September of 2006, it was my first introduction into the popular cocktail hour. It also featured a fun and creative way to get the newlyweds to kiss at the reception. The plan was to have your entire table stand up and sing a song with the word “love” in the lyrics. At first, I thought this would be disruptive during dinner, but it worked out really well and only a couple tables didn’t participate. I’m not a fan of the bell ringing or glass clinking, but her singing idea is helping me to think outside the box for the kissing couple scenario.

- At a cousin’s wedding in May of 2005, the bridesmaids carried candle-lit lanterns decorated with a few flowers and greenery. It looked awesome and I’m sure the lanterns made such a better keepsake for the girls than a wilting bouquet. I’ve been trying to think of some bouquet alternatives for my bridesmaids, but if I don’t, it’s cool. I’ll always like the traditional look of a hand tied bouquet of flowers.

- And, at my friend and bridesmaid Erin’s wedding in August 2005, I was introduced to the anniversary dance. We will definitely be doing one of these at our wedding as it’s a great way to recognize all of the married couples in attendance and get people out on the dance floor. Plus, it’s super romantic and sweet to see who the last couple will be after they are dismissed, one-by-one, based on years they’ve been married.

What elements from weddings you’ve attended are you hoping to incorporate into your own?