Weddingbee

We ordered a case of each of these (12 bottles per case, 108 soda bottles total):

The only thing I’m not sure about is how to present these to our guests. Should we have one at each place setting beforehand or should we sit them all out on one table, arranged by flavor, for guests to fight over? Normally I’d say we could use them as place cards, but I already have place card holders and an idea for those. I want to avoid mayhem as much as possible, so does anyone have any recommendations?

I don’t mind if someone ends up with bubble gum at their plate and swaps with their neighbor for green apple. I just don’t know if we should have an initial stampede to the tables of sodas where guests can fight for their right to party with fufu berry. Or should we just randomly place them on tables beforehand, which I’d imagine would cause a lot of “What flavor do you have? Wanna switch?” whispers during the best man speech.

Photo courtesy thepalmtrees on Flickr

Photo courtesy glittergoods on Flickr

And yes, I’m storing nine cases of Jones soda in my cramped apartment because I’ve been checking up on their flavors monthly and they finally have flavors that are droolworthy (Turkey + Gravy flavored soda? Seriously?).

« Hide it

Right now, the sign is hanging above our coat rack in the back vestibule of our apartment. But really, I got it to bring to the wedding to decorate our table of bottled coca-cola. We can either set it on the table, stand it upright, or hang it if there’s anything nearby to which we can secure it. I’m also open to your suggestions if you have any.

I hope this sign isn’t overkill. Really, it’s the only Coke-related thing besides the actual Coca-Cola that we’re buying. But I showed it some friends and they were like, “Holy commercialized wedding, batman!” Eh. Whatever.

What brand-names are (intentionally or otherwise) inviting to your wedding?
« Hide it

I thought my best bet would be to visit the Mexican grocery in Pike Place Market and ask them to sell me a few crates. At worst, I figured I’d have to purchase a couple cases online.

But no, it’s easier than that! Mexican coke is sold at Costco for far cheaper than I could get it elsewhere. Glee!

I first read about mexi-coke being sold at Costco in blog posts dated this time last year. But friends and family who have visited the retail giant more recently than I have confirmed that it is indeed still for sale.

Sadly, it looks like Costco slaps nutritional information stickers on the bottles. I am imagining many evenings of soaking off stickers and wiping off residue with rubbing alcohol. Joy of joys.

Oh bottled coke, what is it about you that I love so much? Perhaps it is images like these that tickle my fancy and invoke a sense of nostalgic Americana:

Perhaps it is your cool and refreshing taste on a summer’s day. I don’t even really like regular coke but mexi-coke is somehow infinitely more palatable.

I am envisioning mexi-coke’s role in our wedding as the following:

As guests cross the sun-drenched field to get to our ceremony site in the creekside wedding-circle, they will reach a small wooden table. On it, an offering of ice-cold lemon water served in a vintage infusion jug and galvanized steel pails (perhaps weathered wooden crates lined with plastic) filled with fresh ice and glistening glass bottles of Coca-Cola. As they wait for the ceremony to begin, they sip their beverages and reminisce about the way things used to be and how good they still are.

Ahhhh.

I really don’t know why bottled coke makes me feel so completely sentimental; it hasn’t played any significant role in my life… until I saw the above photo in an inspiration board. Now I sound like a shill for the Coca-Cola Company!

And in case you’re wondering what five flats of mexi-coke looks like, here are the fruits of Saturday’s trip to Costco:

( Don’t worry, bottled coke stays fresh and fizzy for over a year! )

Well, it’s details like these that make me love wedding planning. And I have plenty more to share!

I’m curious… Is anyone else providing refreshments to their guests before the ceremony?

Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
« Hide it

To give their sweat glands somewhat of a break, we’re providing parasols. “A tent!” you say? Like, ew, the venue totally doesn’t allow that [no offense to tent wedding brides. I’ve seen amaaaaazing looking ones. But we can’t afford that, now]. We will also be doing the now-famous water/lemonade/iced tea/other iced but non-alcoholic liquid refreshment station for pre-ceremony, to keep everyone hydrated.

These are the best looking beverage dispensers [in my opinion] that I’ve found so far. Too bad the price tag is not as tasty.

You can find these overpriced babies in these two places: Wild Flower Organics and Scarlett Alley.

If you have a resale license, you can buy direct from Roost for MUCH less that advertised above, but they do have minimums.

My caterer is going to leave out nice, basic pitchers included in the per person price for the drinks. You can’t beat “free” (er, already included. It feels free, though!).  Plus they are easier to refill.  Sorry, guests, that you’ll all be baked potatoes, but I won’t.  I promise cocktail hour is in a much cooler [mostly shaded] area, with cool refreshments.
« Hide it

Mrs. Donkey’s guests flavored their sodas with lime, cherries, vanilla and peanuts. You haven’t lived until you have flavored your coke with peanuts. Note–it must be a coke in a glass bottle. Not a can. And for me, it also, must be a coke. I despise Pepsi–with a passion.

Might even throw in some Izze or Jones Soda into the mix.

Jugs of pink lemonade or POG (Pineapple Orange Guava) would also make me very happy. What can I say? I’m easy to please.

This galvanized bucket is even on sale!

« Hide it

I used a pocketbook to show you just how huge they are!

Here are some of the pictures I am using for inspiration on the refreshment table:

I think that we are going to have iced tea (Canadian iced tea ), pink lemonade and fruit punch to keep our pink and brown colour scheme going. Hopefully this will make it a bit more bearable for our guests that day and look pretty as well!
« Hide it