One fun idea is to create program pockets for your ceremony programs. They are very simple to make. I would recommend finding a fun double-sided paper that coordinates with your wedding theme and colors, in the scrapbooking paper section of your local craft store such as JoAnn Fabrics & Crafts and Michaels. Create a master pattern for the pocket, making the pocket just slightly larger than your program so that it slips in and out somewhat easily. As in the photo, you can hang them from the chair with ribbon, by punching a hole at the top and securing the hole with a grommet. Another idea would be to display the program on each seat, or have your ushers distribute them at the door. You can also use this pocket idea to display menus at the reception.

Monogram letters of your initials is a personal way to decorate the entrance to your ceremony, and is rather inexpensive to include in your design plans. Many craft stores have a section with unfinished wood items – including letters and numbers. I would recommend using 1 to 1-1/2 inch satin ribbon to hang the letters, without wire in it. Satin ribbon is smooth, and easy to manipulate and tie a simple bow.

Entirely covering your center aisle with rose petals is a beautiful, romantic and whimsical visual effect. I especially love the large clear hurricane vases filled with water and rose petals, with lit floating candles. This would especially be wonderful for an outdoor garden wedding. The vases could be re-used later as decorations on your reception tables, lining the edge of an outdoor patio, or on your buffet and guest book tables. If you transfer the vases with candles, make sure to have an extra set of candles available for each vase, as floating candles will not re-light once they have water mixed in with the wax.

Red Letter Events recommends renting a large quantity of vases instead of purchasing, unless you plan to re-sell them to another bride at A Grand Wedding. We support brides who would like to ‘Go Green’ with their wedding, and we are glad to re-use some of the decorations from your Ceremony at the Reception.

One of my favorite new ideas this season is from Martha Stewart – glittered pumpkins! This would be relatively easy to make on your own with real pumpkins and squash, or you can buy them pre-made from Martha’s website. If you make your own, I would recommend using tacky glue or spray glue and clear or iridescent glitter. Even better is spray paint or spray glitter!

Placing a few leaf votive candle holders on each guest table around your centerpiece will shimmer, reflecting shadows on the table cloths when the lights are dim. Utilize seasonal flowers, berries and branches as a centerpiece to each guest table. Not every centerpiece needs to look the same either! You can make each one unique by using a different vase, varying height of the arrangements, having clusters of small arrangements at some tables but a single large arrangement at others, and utilizing different varieties of flowers, leaves and berries for each arrangement.

Top off your autumn themed wedding by serving hot spiced cider served with a slice of Carrot or Spice wedding cake smothered in Butter cream frosting. As a wedding favor for your guests, create small packets of mulling spices and provide instructions for making their own spiced cider at home.

Colin Cowie is a fantastic event designer – I sincerely admire and appreciate his beautiful and detailed work! I’m sure many of you have seen Colin’s show, “Get Married with Colin Cowie” on Lifetime.

I found an elegant and inspiring photo of a reception on Colin’s website today to share with you. This French style reception is located outdoors in a beautiful tent that has been set up with sheer tulle walls and a drop ceiling to cover all of the poles and electrical wires. The tulle walls allow a more intimate feeling within the tent, while also allowing shadows of the landscaping to filter through.

The chandeliers add such a beautiful ambiance to the tent, providing a small amount of light and sparkle, while drawing your eyes upward – and creating a sense of balance of dark and light colors. Also the dark metal on the chandeliers coordinates well with the dark wooden chairs, and is a great contrast with the white and ivory flowers and table cloths. The hanging crystals soften the look of the metal, and make the chandeliers appear more feminine in style.

An interesting effect that Colin created is an under glow coming from the table cloths, by putting lighting under the tables. This has added a significant amount of lighting to the space, where it would have been quite dark without it. This adds an entirely new element to a dimly lit tent reception.

Ivory pillar candles adorn the table, sitting on top of dark bronze metal pillar holders. Each long table includes two large pedestal flower arrangements, and three small clustered flower arrangements all in neutral colors of soft antique peach/pink, white and ivory.

Overall, the beautiful décor and unique lighting elements have made this French style wedding reception one worthy of sharing with you.