Signature Beverages

Food and beverages are a very important part of any celebration, and that seems almost double for weddings!  A classic and continuing trend is to have a signature drink at your wedding.  A signature beverage can come from many inspirations: preferences, themes, time periods, locations, desired atmosphere, accent color, etc.  One important thing to consider if choosing a signature drink is to make sure you and your fiance both enjoy the beverage or if your tastes are very different, there is nothing wrong with doing multiple signatures.  Also, you don't have to select an alcoholic beverage, it can be anything from candy-store milkshakes to fresh-squeezed lemonade to lavender-infused vodka martinis (lavender is currently in abundance here in the NW, if you haven't yet made plans you can go to farms all around the Portland area to buy lavender by the bushels!).  

from islanddelightsoh.food.officelive.com

from ggconcessions.com

from creative-culinary.com

When one of my brothers got married several years ago, they went with a themed signature drink - Hurricanes!  My brother proposed in New Orleans, which was always and still is a special place for him and my now sister-in-law.  They decided to add touches of Mardi Gras and New Orleans to their reception, and in continuation of their theme they served the typical Bourbon Street beverage of hurricanes.

from food2.com

In March 2010 a dear friend of mine got married in San Antonio, a beautifully romantic city with lots of color and really good Tex-Mex!  They offered a traditional Mexican beverage that is loved by all - the margarita - as their signature beverage.

from examiner.com

Yet another wedding last year, this time in the fall, had a vintage affair with top hats, lace, and jazz; the bride and groom didn't leave the vintage aspect out of their signature beverage either - a Blue Moon Cocktail!

from ladyviolette.com

Even Rachael, co-owner for V&L, offered a signature beverage during the cocktail hour at her wedding this summer - the Mojito - her personal favorite cocktail.

from drinkswap.com

A couple of fun ideas I have recently seen include:

Strawberry Margarita Popsicles (perfect for summer weddings!):                   

                 

 

from bakersroyale.com

Godiva Chocolate Martini (a perfect desert beverage!):

from delish.com

Brides and grooms also have the option to make their own signature beverages.  I would recommend using a professional bartender for this service unless you are very familiar with mixology. 

For more fun ideas on signature beverages contact Vintage&Lace at info@vintageandlace.com.

Have a great week! Heather
www.vintageandlace.com

Nontraditional Men's Footwear

I would like to take a moment to recognize those brides that give their fiancés the freedom to add some personality to their attire.  Usually, the bride and bridesmaids have all the fun when it comes to footwear; however, the men can make a few statements of their own.  Often the vision or inspiration for your wedding can limit the apparel options for your groom-to-be but when given the freedom, they can really come up with some unique and playful ideas that add a personal touch to their attire. 


For example, I was at a wedding several years ago where the groom and groomsmen all wore bowling shoes, much to the surprise of the bride (don't worry, she took it in stride and they are still happily married today!).

from snippetandink.com

Another men's wedding footwear fashion trend is to have the groom and groomsmen wear Converse shoes. Why not, they're comfortable, right?  If you want to add a casual or quirky flair to your wedding affair, add some casual shoes to a formal suit or shirt/slacks combination.

from theknot.com

In addition to creative shoe options, some grooms are opting for statement socks as well. One example is the argyle, or socks matching the accent color(s) of the wedding party. 

from allegrophotography.com

from beckyjensenphotography.com

from rebekah westover photography

I would recommend adding tasteful personality, something that may add fun to some photos, but not take away from the beauty of group shots that you'll probably hang on your living room wall for the next ten years.  Also, stay within the atmosphere you want to set for your guests, non-traditional footwear isn't for every wedding and may not work as well for a very traditional venue.  


Have fun and enjoy your day!

For more ideas on tasteful options, please contact us at info@vintageandlace.com!

The Real Reason for a Celebration

The real reason to celebrate at a wedding... Love!  Sometimes the bride and groom as well as the many guests can fall victim to paying too much attention to the little things.  I love the little touches that make a wedding unique and special, but I want to say how important a detail it is when everyone in the room can feel the love shared between the bride and groom.  In fact, one of my favorite things to do at a wedding, whether coordinating, attending, or part of the wedding party is to watch the bride enter, then turn to look at the groom's face as he sees his bride for the first time on the wedding day.  It is truly a beautiful moment when they see each other and everyone in the room feels the love that is shared. 

from solarphotographers.com

I was lucky enough to experience true love a little over a week ago.  I was at a wedding that the love between the bride and groom was evident to everyone attending.  My hope is that all the brides and grooms that are planning their weddings have found the love that these two have.  Love is something a wedding planner/designer/coordinator can't manage or fabricate, but we can build a beautiful ceremony and reception that can honor it.