I’ve already shared a number of untraditional guest book ideas with you. But why not try something completely different? Get your guests more involved than a signature in a book to share in your big day. Have your guests write marriage fortunes for the happy couple – you’ll have better luck getting good fortunes than from a standard cookie.

love notes in a bottle

Or have your guests write messages, roll them up, and seal them in a bottle. Open your message in a bottle guest book on your one year anniversary.  Or use it as decor in your home!

design mad lib cards to match your wedding stationary

For a really fun activity, create a wedding Mad Libs for your guests to fill out! Write a paragraph and leave blanks for details such as name, how long they’ve known the couple, a word to describe the couple style and other customizable details. The cards would look great on your reception tables and are a unique memory from your wedding day.

Decorating on a budget? Nothing comes cheaper than paper and string. It’s what you do with those materials that can transform a room into a wedding venue any bride would be jealous of, regardless of her budget.

looks much fancier than wax paper to me

Grab a couple of extra rolls of wax paper at the grocery store for this project. Wax paper ironed together (3 layers on a dry heat setting) looks very similar to shells, like in this lamp. Stick with the original DIY decorations for hanging chandelier-style decorations, just skip the light bulbs. Or string the wax disks together with plenty of spacing and hang layers from the ceiling for curtain decorations.

streamers add an element of fun

Make a quick trip to the local party store for streamers to extend the paper and string theme to your wedding stationary. Fanfold the streamers and stitch them together then cut into pieces a few inches long. Glue these pieces onto cardstock to decorate table numbers, buffet food labels or escort cards.

bright vellum mobiles

Or splurge on some fancy paper and string and pick up colored sheets of vellum. Cut them into strips and use a sewing machine to run a line down the middle for an easy garland that will brighten up any table.

Wedding proposals are well thought out. Men (and women) spend a lot of time figuring out the perfect moment, the perfect thing to say or the perfect thing to do. It’s likely one of the most romantic moments in your life and I think that should be shared at your wedding day. Whether in a toast at the wedding or a picture or anecdote at the rehearsal dinner, don’t forget to share how that special moment happened on your wedding day. After all, you wouldn’t have a wedding day without it!

Here are a few irresistible proposals, how could you say no?:

“In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.” –Pride and Prejudice

“The first time I got married we’d been together since college. Marriage… just seemed like the next step. It was just something that happened. But I think for two people to really love each other to really commit to each other it has to be an act of will. Or a decision. And I think two people have to live that decision every day. Even when things are hard and you feel like giving up you have to hang on to that decision, that choice to love each other. Even if it’s only by a thread. I let that thread break once. This time, it won’t. Will you marry me?” –Stepmom

What’s your engagement story?

Wedding photos are absolutely essential, but they can be kind of tricky to plan. In theory, you and your husband-to-be are not supposed to see each other before the ceremony on your big day. If you stick with that plan then when do you take wedding photos? After the reception seems too late, plus you and your wedding party will likely be slightly drunk and sweaty and who wants that moment captured. That leaves between the ceremony and the reception – but what do you do with all your guests?

the knot.com has some great suggestions to get started

A cocktail hour hosted in your reception location is the perfect solution. Since you won’t be there to entertain your guests personally, setting up an event that encourages mingling amongst your guests will keep them busy (and happy). Just be sure to plan this in an adjoining venue or room to your reception – you don’t want your guests to be drinking then driving.

of course martha has great cocktail suggestions

And what is more appropriate at a wedding cocktail hour than signature drinks? Have a taste test of these suggested signature drink recipes and choose your favorite. Or meet with the venue bar tender and create your own recipe from scratch based on a few of your favorite ingredients. And don’t forget – your signature cocktail will need an equally customized name even if you choose a premade recipe. Examples include David & Marytini or Smith on the Rocks. Or just stick with the romantic names like Sealed with a Kiss or Blushing Bride.