If you read our January blog, you know this is the year of the party! What better way to spice up your party than a little something unexpected and special? We’ve compiled a list of fun elements to incorporate into your big day.

Décor

Custom Monogram

Create a custom monogram for your wedding day and feature it in your décor, invitations, and programs. Shuler Studio offers various monogram packages, or you can do it yourself online.

Neon Signs

Neon signs are all the rage right now. And the truth is, they’ve been all the rage for years. This décor choice is one that you can’t go wrong with. From budget-friendly options on Amazon to customizable options, when it comes to neon and your wedding, the world is your oyster.

Living Walls

Looking for something creative to hang that neon sign on? Some bridal experts suggest a living wall. If a real living wall isn’t in your budget, consider faux greenery or plants to achieve the same look.

Themed Décor

When it comes to the year of the party, don’t be afraid of a party theme. From superheroes to birthstones, regional intricacies to favorite sports teams, themes can be a fun addition to your wedding day.

Food & Drink

Tasting Bar

Consider creating a tasting bar of beer, wine, cider, or even coffee for your reception. Let your guests be guided through the tasting experience with an expert for an even added bonus.

Mobile Bar

We love the idea of a mobile bar. Central Virginia offers no shortage of great bartenders. Tabby from Tabby’s Bartending is one of our personal favorites. And A La Cocktail is a new small business in our area offering mobile custom cocktails.

If you’re on a budget, Bridal Guide suggests filling up a trough with various drinks and letting your guests grab what they want.

Ice Cream Cart

You don’t have to just offer alcohol in a creative way, consider an ice cream cart for your wedding. Lynchburg even has a Good Humor truck.

Personalized Charcuterie Board

If you’re like my friends and me, you love a cute charcute. Consider ordering a giant custom charcuterie board for your wedding day. Your guests can graze during the cocktail hour or reception, and you’ll also be able to keep this talking piece for years and parties to come.

Entertainment

Lawn Games

From corn hole to connect four, lawn games are all the rage right now. Set some out for your wedding and entertain your guests during some downtime.

If you want to get really exciting, consider incorporating the games into other aspects of your wedding. Brides.com says one couple chose to play a game of twister instead of doing a traditional first dance.

Bounce House

They aren’t just for kid parties. A bounce house can be a fun addition to your cocktail hour or reception. You can purchase a wedding-themed bounce house or rent one from a local rental company. Either way, your guests will be jumping for joy.

Live Wedding Painter

Hire an artist to create a live painting of your ceremony or reception. “The benefit of live painting is that it not only produces a beautiful piece of memorabilia for you (while supporting a local artist) but also creates an element of entertainment for your guests to watch and enjoy. We’ve also seen some couples make copies of the painting and gift it to their guests as an everlasting wedding favor!” – Carissa of Carissa Corsi Events

If you’re in Central Virginia, the Academy Center of the Arts, Findings Art Gallery, Taubman Museum of Art, or Virginia Museum of Fine Arts may be able to put you in touch with a local artist to hire for your live wedding painting.

Custom Live Music

Consider hiring a composer or songwriter to create a custom song for your wedding. And for an even more special moment, hire a musician to play the song live on your big day.

Song Requests on RSVP Card

RSVP cards can be used for more than just checking yes or no for attendance. Ask your guests to return the card with a song request and build a custom playlist for your reception chosen by those you love most.

Karaoke

Perhaps you’d rather have your guests choose the music during the party itself. Set up a karaoke station and they can not only choose the music but perform it for you.

Photo Booth

Okay, so we’ve all likely seen a photo booth at a wedding before. But they’re popular for a reason. Valley Photo Creations has several customizable packages for your celebration.

And, if you’re on a budget, consider putting out several props and a Polaroid camera for your guests. They’ll have a ton of fun creating a DIY photo opportunity and you’ll enjoy looking at their photos.

 

Other Entertainment Ideas:

• Fire show
• Dance performance
• Balloon artist

Last but not least, we love the idea of a wedding day time capsule you and your spouse will open on a future anniversary. Let guests contribute a memory from your special day.

No matter how you celebrate your special day, let it be uniquely you. That will be the biggest “wow” of all.