Wedding Reception

While your wedding photos are a great reminder of your special day, a guest book can also be a fun way to save your cherished memories. Here are just a few of our favorite wedding guest book ideas to create a truly unique keepsake for years to come.

Maps + Postcards

For couples who love adventure, we recommend a fun travel-themed wedding guest book. Collect a few vintage postcards, world maps or even a globe for guests to sign and leave their well wishes. You can also ask your guests to leave suggestions on where you and your partner should travel next, or for your honeymoon!

Vintage Typewriter

Go old-school with your guest book and have a vintage typewriter available for guests to use to type their messages. If you’re unable to find a working machine online, you can still place an inoperable one alongside the table for a rustic theme. 

Puzzle Pieces

Piece together all of your guests’ messages with a crafty puzzle full of sweet notes. Encourage your guests to each pick one puzzle piece to sign their name or leave a short message for you to read later. Don’t forget to choose a large enough puzzle for each guest to have a piece to sign.  

Jenga Blocks

Keep the fun and games going with a classic Jenga set! Have guests each sign a block and you’ll be able to look back on the memories each time you play in the future. This affordable wedding guest book idea can also be used during your reception for some quick games once everyone has signed.

Tree Ornaments

If you’ll be having a Christmas-themed wedding, ornaments make the perfect guest book alternative. Have some markers on hand for guests to sign their own ornament so you can hang them on your own Christmas tree at home! We recommend having a cushioned box to place the ornaments once they’re done to help keep them from breaking.

Polaroid Photo Wall

One of our favorite wedding guest book ideas is a polaroid photo wall. Not only will you get great photos from throughout your wedding, you can also allow guests to take a few home as a souvenir. Leave a camera (or two) out for guests to snap photos throughout the reception – and be sure to have plenty of film available! 

Still searching for the perfect venue? Read through our roundup of outdoor wedding venues in Indianapolis with lakefront views and beautiful gardens!

While an expensive gift may seem like the ideal option for some, a handmade project is often much more special. From custom cufflinks to a personalized cocktail tray, here are some of our favorite DIY wedding gifts for the couple on their special day. 

Handwritten Coffee Mug

Some of our favorite DIY wedding gifts are the ones that are handwritten with love. These personalized mugs are quick and easy, and let you be as creative as you’d like. Simply use a permanent marker to draw your design on the mug, stick it in the oven and you’re all set! 

Photo Collage

You can never go wrong with a great photo collage. Not only is it a great way for the couple to look back on their memories, you can also choose some of your favorite moments with them as well. Display the photos however you’d like, whether it’s in a wooden frame, arranged in the shape of a heart or attached to string so they can easily hang it in their own home. 

Custom Cufflinks

Not sure what to give the groom on his big day? Custom cufflinks are an easy DIY wedding gift and can be given to the groom, his groomsmen or even the father of the bride. You can fill the cufflinks with whatever design you’d like such as his initials, a short phrase or an image of a ring. 

Personalized Cutting Board

For the couples who love to cook, a cutting board is the perfect DIY wedding gift. Make it extra special by personalizing it with their initials, names or wedding date as well. You will need a wood burning tool for this at-home project, but they can be found in most craft stores for under $20. 

Cocktail Tray

Serve up a fun gift that the couple will use over and over! A DIY cocktail tray is the perfect addition to their bar cart, kitchen or living room. Once you’ve found a plain tray, simply decorate it with paint, tape or other fun designs. We recommend covering the finished product with a protectant spray as well. 

Ring Dish

Now that the couple has some new bling on their ring fingers, a ring dish makes the ideal DIY wedding gift! All you’ll need is some adhesive vinyl and a pair of small bowls for this project. Make one for both the bride and groom with customized initials on each dish in their favorite color, or even add some glitter for extra flair. 

For brides still looking for their dream wedding dress, book an appointment with us today and don’t forget to check out some of these winter wedding dress must-have’s! 

Rustic weddings have grown tremendously popular in recent years, with many couples opting for a more relaxed, natural setting for their wedding. Whether you’re saying “I do” in a rustic barn, up in the mountains or even your own backyard, here are six of our favorite rustic wedding cake ideas your guests are sure to love.

Chocolate Cake

You can never go wrong with chocolate. This simple design is a crowd favorite and can be easily adorned with your choice of cake toppers. You can also get creative with the cake stand such as a tree trunk or wooden tray for a more rustic wedding cake. 

Go Naked

Skip the normal cake frosting and opt for a naked wedding cake! Not only does it have a more natural look, you can also decorate it with fresh flowers, powdered sugar or buttercream between layers for some extra sweetness. 

Gold Foil

A rustic wedding cake doesn’t have to be plain or boring. No matter which flavor or frosting you choose, adding a few details of gold foil accents can make any cake shine! You can also opt for silver foil in place of gold depending on your wedding colors and overall theme. 

Berry Pie

Want to surprise your guests? Go with a non-traditional wedding pie instead! We recommend a berry pie for a more rustic design – and a more delicious treat. Be sure to research which berries will be in season for your wedding as well so you’ll have the ripest, sweetest choices!  

Add Greenery 

One of our favorite rustic wedding cake ideas is topping off your cake with some greenery. You can choose from simple ferns, rosemary sprigs, eucalyptus, lavender – or even mix and match! Succulents also make a great addition as unexpected cake toppers. 

Red Velvet 

What could be more romantic than a red wedding cake? Red velvet has a bold, rich flavor that also adds a pop of color when you slice into the cake. You can top it with any frosting of your choosing – and add a few extra details like fresh berries or flowers. 

Still on the lookout for the perfect venue for your own rustic wedding? Check out some of these gorgeous small wedding venues in Indiana that are perfect for your special day!

While planning your dream wedding, the theme you choose can impact nearly all details of the planning process. From your venue to your catering menu, a great theme can help you draw inspiration and create a truly special day. Here are a few unique wedding themes we’re loving right now for your own wedding day.

Carnival

Add some nostalgia to your wedding day with a carnival theme! Not only is it fun for both children and adults, you can really get creative with this unique wedding theme. If you’ll be hosting an outdoor wedding, you can incorporate a replica of big top carnival tent along with some carnival games such as a ring toss. You can even add some tasty food items like cotton candy, churros and funnel cakes for desert.

Movie + TV Show

Do you and your partner have a favorite movie or TV show that you love to watch together? Draw inspiration from your favorite characters and create a wedding theme centered around the setting and location, plot, decor and more! This can all help influence different details of your wedding such as your bridesmaids dresses, wedding cake and venue as well.

Safari

Transport your guests to a jungle far, far away with an exotic safari! We recommend an outdoor venue to truly recreate the feeling of being on safari, with large trees and a lot of greenery. You can also setup camp-inspired seating and decor with neutral colors and linens. Animal print is a fun addition as well, and can be included on your invitations, table settings and even your wedding cake! Small animal figurines of giraffes, lions and elephants also make great centerpieces – and guests can take them home as souvenirs after the wedding.

Fairytale

Every bride wants to feel like a beautiful princess on her wedding day. It’s also one of the most popular themes we see for weddings, and with good reason! Add some of your favorite details from your favorite fairytales such as a horse-drawn carriage, a cascading flower arch, romantic lighting and a venue with a grand ballroom. You can also shop the full Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Collection at our store to find the dress of your dreams!

Travel

Since travel has been put on hold this year, treat your guests to a travel-inspired getaway on your wedding day! Pay homage to some of your favorite destinations with globe decor and travel-themed wedding invitations. Some of our favorite travel decor ideas include luggage tags for place cards, a catering menu featuring foods from around the world and passport-themed save the date cards.

Which of these unique wedding themes is your favorite? In need of the perfect dress to pair with your theme? Book an appointment with us today to get started!

After you’ve said your “I do’s”, it’s time to gather with family and friends for a tasty meal and beautiful reception. Whether you’re looking for delicious Southern cooking or elegant plated meals, here are a few of the most delectable Indianapolis caterers to consider for your wedding day.

Indy Fresh Catering

With more than 100,000 successful catered events under their belt, Indy Fresh Catering is meeting the growing demand for affordable, high-quality, full-service catering in Indianapolis. Their menu has a variety of options including italian, deli style, BBQ and grill, along with sides and delicious desserts. There are also catering packages available so you can choose whichever fits your reception best, as well as add-ons such as bar service and cake cutting. 

Khan’s Catering

Not only does Khan’s Catering have a reputation as one of the best Indianapolis caterers, they also believe in using only the “freshest and finest ingredients”. They’re available to cater your wedding ceremony and reception, as well as your rehearsal dinner or vow renewal celebration. You’ll also have the option of a plated meal, food stations or buffet style – along with menus for lunch, dinner, hors d’oeurves, beverages and more.

MBP Distinctive Catering

With more than 32 years of experience in the industry, MBP Distinctive Catering is “comfortable taking any budget perimeter to create an innovative and infinite selection of cuisines.” They offer a variety of services including tastings, cocktail reception, cake cutting, servers and delivery. MBP has both a lunch and dinner buffet menu, as well as hors d’oeurves and a served dinner menu available.

Joella’s Hot Chicken

If you want to add a little extra spice to your wedding day menu, Joella’s Hot Chicken has two locations in Indianapolis and food options that are full of Southern flair. You can choose from buffet or family-style meals with delicious made-from-scratch items such as chicken, mac and cheese, potatoes, green beans and salad. They’re also accommodating to guests with dietary restrictions including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free and nut-free!

Still searching for the perfect dress for your wedding day? Book an appointment with us today! Select your appointment type and date + time right on our website to save your spot.