Reception

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If you’re like many brides-to-be, you may be slightly apprehensive about the toast(s) at your wedding. Typically, the maid of honor and best man deliver them, and they are notorious opportunities for embarrassing stories, unpleasant insights, drunken slurring, and all manner of unwelcome revelation. For some reason, people tend to think of the toast as an opportunity to vent annoyance, unrequited feelings, or secret dislikes. Even when the toast is appropriate and gentle, the speaker may fail to mention the best moments, the times you’re hoping to hear about. If you have a best friend that you trust, you can probably stop reading now. But if your best friend can be something of a loose cannon, here are some ideas for quashing the inappropriateness before it starts, and for gently guiding your toastmaster towards the...

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The New England Aquarium is one of my favorite places in the whole world. It’s a conservation aquarium, meaning it’s focused on preserving, protecting, and reintroducing endangered or threatened species of marine wildlife back into the oceans At the same time, it works to educate the public about the wonders of the ocean—from the tiniest krill to the largest animal that has ever lived (and is alive today), the blue whale. For an eco-minded couple, getting married at the aquarium is the ultimate environmental statement. Imagine this: surrounded by animals, in the flickering cerulean blue light, you and your guests are serenaded by the squeaks of the penguins and the clicks of a dolphin. You spin in your partner’s arms as the long sleek silhouette of a shark’s body  swims behind you. Talk about incredible wedding...

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Your bridesmaids and groomsmen are in charge of making your wedding day as perfect as it can be. They throw your bachelor/bachelorette parties, calm your jitters, help you get ready, toast your happiness, and rock out by your side all night long. But bridesmaids and groomsmen also have to work together. As a cohesive team, they’re a powerful force, but if they’re uncomfortable with each other, they might not be quite so well oiled. In many cases, the bridesmaids and groomsmen are friends from separate circles. Instead of having them all meet for the first time at your rehearsal dinner or on your wedding day, plan some events to break the ice beforehand. Consider inviting all of them to the engagement party and set aside plenty of time to focus on building up your wedding team. Here are some fun getting-to-know-you...

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Nothing is more comforting than a hot beverage on a chilly autumn night. I love sitting on my porch, clutching a steaming mug of cocoa or cider and watching the wind blow the bright leaves from the trees. If your wedding is outdoors, it might be easiest to set up a hot drink station in an indoor space adjacent to your festivities! Even hot boilers tend to cool when they’re exposed to the wind. On the other hand, if you have a tent set up and the weather is mild, an outdoor hot drink station will work just fine. Choose drinks that complement your foods. Consider reflecting your theme with your drinks. For example, if you’re using a lot of pumpkin in your dinner or dessert, consider hot pumpkin spiced-rum or pumpkin-flavored hot white chocolate. Save the hot coffee drinks for...

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Wine enthusiasts and DIY brides alike can find many creative uses for wine corks. While some uses for corks may not translate so well to wedding planning, we have good news for wine enthusiasts! Don’t throw away those corks just yet - we found a place for them in your green wedding.

Wine Corks as...