So this bride did a few things that were so fantastic, I wanted to share them with you.
Good things I might steal/copy: First - she had both her mom and her dad walk her down the aisle. She did something timing-wise that I thought was really smart. MOB was escorted in by her son, MOG was escorted in by one of her non-groom sons, they lit the unity candles, then MOB exited. That way, she still got to do her traditional entrance as mom, light the candle, but then was able to be with her daughter before she went down the aisle and help her walk down the aisle. I tried to explain this to my mom, but she didn't completely understand, but I thought you guys might, haha.
Second - instead of B&G standing in the middle of the sanctuary facing up towards the minister, with their backs to the audience, they flip-flipped everything - and it was amazing. All of my pictures are of their faces. The whole bridal party, when standing up with them, tilted so that they fronts were to the audience as well, instead of vice-versa.
Third - each of the bridesmaids wore some small accessory that was unique to them. Matron of honor had a gorgeous statement necklace, sister of the groom had some cute blingy hair pins, maid of honor had a flower in her hair. Somehow, the bride managed to pick out pieces that all coordinated, but were different (they were all brownish with rhinestones). I don't think I have time (or the $$) to do something like this, but it was adorable.
Fourth - Each bridal party couple had their own song and choreography to enter the reception to. It was cute and funny and different while not taking too long (each couple had maybe 30 seconds).
The wedding was seriously stunning and fun and amazing. There were only a few things that I would have improved on.
Things not to do: the food. It tasted OK, and the salad was delicious, but their menu choices were not ideal. I thought they were having a buffet because they kept telling me about how everyone would get two entrees....but it wasn't, it was a plated meal, and every single person got a tiny piece of steak (like 3 bites) plus undercooked and un-seasoned salmon. Lots of people were like hmm...I don't eat red meat, and this salmon sucks, and then went hungry. Then, they put bacon in the mashed potatoes (which was the only side that we were served other than a few carrots), so lots of people didn't eat the potatoes. I am sure they had a vegetarian option somewhere, but I never saw it and didn't see it served to anyone. It just would have been a lot better to serve everyone the meal they wanted rather than paying extra to serve everyone two choices, when most people don't actually like both of the choices. It's great to offer options like these on a buffet on a buffet - it was just a waste to give these options to people who didnt' want it. At my table of 10, I think only 3 of us ate all three types of meat (salmon, steak, and bacon). The other 7 picked at various parts of the plate, but a LOT of food went to waste.
Second, they waited too long to start activities after dinner. There was a VERY long break in between eating and speeches/cake cutting/dances. This was really the only thing that didn't go smoothly all night - our table realized we were yawning and just waiting around. Also, the speeches were FAR too long (there were two MOHs and two best men). So make sure your timelines are exact and quick - us party animals don't wanna sit around forever with nothing happening!
Third - the reason the sitting around seemed pointless was, the B&G didn't make rounds together. I hung out with the bride for awhile, but the groom never came to our table, and I don't think either of them made full rounds. Make sure this happens, ladies!!
I think that's all. Here's a few pics since we all love wedding porn:
me and the bride - she was sooooooooo gorgeous
me and fiance before we drank too much
pretty bridesmaids
the kiss
