Weddings now days are becoming so much more creative... Having a Vintage Soda Shop is a great and unique way to entertain your guests in a memorable way! Take your guests back in time to the good ol' days when soda pop was served in glass bottles and savored ;) I recommend sticking with your color scheme and making that color pop (with soda pop). Here are some items you will need: Glass Bottled Soda Pop (Coca Cola, Pepsi, IZZE, etc), Beverage Tubs (filled with ice to chill your bottles), Bottle Openers, Colored Straws (stick with one color or multi-colored stripped straws), and a beautiful table display (some fun ways are to have a colored or patterend table cloth, or even using a cute cart to make a soda station). Check out the inspiring images and let the Fun Pop!

IZZE Soda Shop

One of my favorite recipe websites "Delish", recently posted a great article with expert wedding advice from Monique Lhuillier and I thought i'd share...

"Decide on a color 'story' and carry it through to the china, napkins, flowers, menu," suggests Lhuillier. She also suggests, "A printed menu on a napkin is a more modern look than a napkin ring — and shows you took the time to plan a wonderful meal." And flowers? Says Lhuillier, "Oh, I love an abundance! And lots and lots and lots of candles."

From the Monique Lhuillier Collection for Royal Doulton: Femme Fatale dinnerware and Atelier stemware and flatware; available at Bloomingdale's. Photo by Julie Toy

"A table should feel luxurious, which is not to say that everything has to be expensive — a mix of high and low can be scrumptious. But always use your best china. Life is short!" says Lhuillier.

Peacock, Deyrolle, Paris; all flowers by Krislyn Design. Photo by Julie Toy

Yes, that's a log! Lhuillier put flowers in carved-out birch: "I like integrating textures — more organic, more interesting." For a miniature version, try the 18" Sleeping Beauty, $250. Krislyn Design: 323-692-7862; krislyndesign.com."

I recently spoke with an Orange County, CA Bride (the oh so sweet Beth Dunkerly) who asked me for advice...

QUESTION: "How can I hang decorations if my venue has restrictions on using tape or any type of nails or adhesive to their walls or ceiling? I want to create a unique and warm feeling for our Reception, what should I do?"

ADVICE:
If your ceremony or reception has these type of restrictions, it is actually a good thing. They do this to keep their venue looking as best as possible so that future Brides like you don't have to deal with covering ugly marks on the wall or ceiling. In order to create the look you want while following the venues rules, there are many ways you can still create the the same look!

• Ceremony Ideas: If your ceremony location has these restrictions, you can bring in hanging decorations that are not attached to any of the venues structures. For example, you can bring in rentals such as an arbor, archway, gazebo, that you can hang florals and crystals from (by using clear fishing line). If the venue has an altar that is rod iron - you can also attach fishing line to hang things from and then completely remove them from the structure after your event. This type of tool does not leave any mark to the venues structure after your event! Also bringing in floral decor such as Manzanita Trees and hanging crystals from them look pretty amazing and can also be relocated to your recetion and used to decorate in 2 different venue locations.
• Reception Ideas: Using lighting is another great option that can be reflected on the interior/exterior walls or ceiling and can be either your wedding monogram or also a custom design (such as a floral pattern, damask, or even wording like your wedding date). You can also bring in items like the same wedding arch you used in your ceremony - with hung crystals, and re-use it in your reception design (it looks amazing when over/behind the sweetheart table or when used over/behind your round cake table). Also, if your venue has existing beams, you can hang lanterns, crystals, or florals from these beams to feature decor above all the tables by using clear fishing line, yet again (pretty much one of the best resources)!

Presentation
Color scheme: Your color sceme should deflinitely match the over all color palette you are using in your wedding. Wedding colors aren’t just for the flowers and bridesmaids dresses! Take advantage of the colors of your chosen palette: Enhance your candy table’s presence by tying together to your ceremony to your reception.

Simple, easy tips to help you set a pretty table!
Great advice from HWM

"Entertaining, like dressing, is a form of personal expression. We’ve all mastered the art of dressing ourselves, of making a unique personal statement through the clothes we choose to wear. The next arena in which we can express our sense of style is the table. Whenever I go about devising table arrangements and decorations, I try to think both visually and graphically. My notion is to bring a fashion sensibility to the dining room, to “dress up the table” just as a fashion designer dresses models for a runway show."
- Colin Cowie

For more great entertaining advice from Colin Cowie, visit his awesome website!!