Ceremony

• For your ceremony structure, consider spiral seating! Seat your guests in a circle around the altar. You'll be totally surrounded by the people you love, and it will be a fun and memorable switch from the typical two sections on either side of the aisle. Just be mindful that guest views aren't blocked by your arbor or officiant - make those directions into aisles!
• Ask your officiant to tell a story about how you and your significant other met. Make sure he or she captures both of your personalities! Whether it's funny, sweet, or downright crazy, this storytime will be unforgettable.
• Get creative with your unity ceremony. Do a sand ceremony, plant a tree, or pot a plant. If you or your partner have children, consider involving them.
• Keep your guests entertained before and after the ceremony with lawn games or giant board games. Giant Jenga, cornhole, checkers and horseshoes are all wonderful options!
• If your ceremony and reception are at two different venues, consider a fun way to transport everyone to the reception site after the ceremony. A party bus would be a great way to get a fun night started!

Reception

• Be creative with your table "numbers" by not making them numbers at all. Instead, name your guest tables after important places to you, whether they're local spots or destinations abroad. Consider using something specific to you as a couple. If you love books, use different novels as your table names. If you're board game fiends, use those instead. It's a fun way to switch up the standard "Table 1" placard!
• Personalize your place cards! Wooden laser cut name tags, calligraphed seashells, or calligraphed leaves give a natural and elegant feel to your tables. Fun artwork or unique non-card "cards" like building blocks or baseballs can give an extra personal touch to something that's usually done by the books.
• Add an interactive dessert station or late night snack station. Consider a donut wall, ice cream bar, taco bar, or nacho bar. Once guests have had drinks and been dancing, they'll love a high-calorie treat.
• Make your sweetheart or head tables stand out by dressing them up! Use elevated linens, farm tables, or large decorative arrangements to indicate your head table.
• Create a "Signature Drink" at the bar where guests can enjoy your favorite cocktail. Plus, get creative with the name! To make things even more interesting, have two signature cocktails: one for you and one for your significant other. For friendly competition, at the end of the night find out from the bartender whose drink was more popular.