When it’s time to think about the design of your wedding menu, go beyond fancy calligraphy and think of creative ways to make your menu to stand out. By creating an impressive menu you can keep your guests intrigued (and occupied) until their food arrives. There’s an abundance of innovative options to choose from and a small detail like this will have a big impact on your overall look.

A multipurpose menu is a great way to go; it saves room on the table and checks two boxes. You can have your menu printed on a brown paper bag or muslin bag and place bread or cutlery inside. Having your menu on the wine bottles will also serve as a nice keepsake too. Likewise, a printed menu around your napkins is a contemporary and effective idea.

Love chocolate? Love DIY? Then today’s post is for you! We’ve rounded up some of our favorite DIY favor ideas just for all you chocolate lovers out there, but be warned, serious chocolate cravings and stomach rumbling may ensue.

For chocolate purists, the obvious favor choice is, well, chocolate, of course. So why not make your own chocolate bars to share with your guests?  Just melt some chocolate, add your favorite flavorings (nuts, fruits, spices etc.), and let set in the refrigerator – what could be simpler than that?

As a wedding photographer, Miranda loves big, glam, detailed-filled weddings. For her own wedding, however, she knew in her heart that a large extravagant wedding just wasn’t the right fit. Instead, she and Zach celebrated their love (with their impossibly adorable son by their side) with an intimate ceremony full of handmade details (including the gorgeous garland backdrop!), followed by an impromptu confetti fight, and finished off with a cozy restaurant reception – making for, as the bride describes it, a wonderful day with family and friends where there just so happened to be a wedding.

A huge thanks to Stephanie Rose Photography for sending over the photos for us to enjoy today!

Miranda, 30 & Zach, 31 (and Marshall, 1½)

Gainesville, TX

Wedding Date: February 23, 2013

Number of Guests: 40

Wedding Ceremony Location: Cahoots Handbags

Wedding Reception Location: Sarah’s on the Square

When thinking of the timeless symbols that are associated with love and romance, hearts and flowers always come to mind. You can find them doodled in teenager’s journals or in every store around Valentine’s Day. If you’re looking to up the romance factor at your wedding in a unique way then hearts and flowers are the way to go. Incorporating these into your ceremony backdrops and arches will add a personal and fun touch to your nuptials.

Oversized paper flowers and love hearts are dramatic and otherworldly and would look ideal in a woodland setting. These giant features give you the chance to let your imagination run wild and create details that are unique to you as a couple.

What the groom decides to wear around his neck will usually become the focal point of his outfit. There is room for individuality in the suit, shoes and accessories but neck-wear can definitely revamp the groom’s attire. Luckily, there are nearly as many options and diverse combinations to play around with in this department as there are wedding dresses!

Ties, bow-ties and cravats in a variety of prints, fabrics and colors will work with any theme; whether you’re going for a more traditional feel or willing to experiment and have some fun.