Legendary Bouquet and Garter Toss Ideas!

The Garter and Bouquet Toss are infamous and time-honored traditions at weddings. Unfortunately, the reaction to this tradition from guests can be an unpredictable mixed bag.

We got our experts together to cook up some fresh twists to help rejuvenate this wedding ritual, so old customs can be tailor-fit to you as a couple on your big day!

 

15 Ways to Spice Up Your Bouquet or Garter Toss!

Consolation Prizes

-Kids Prizes: Weddings with lots of children might want to encourage a separate kids-toss with fun prizes so the adult toss can be ore traditional. This way, everyone feels included, and nobody accidentally gets stepped on during the excitement!

-Cash Incentive (AKA Singles for the Singles): Placing a bit of money on the bouquet, or with garter, before the toss can add a little motivation for your guests to claim the prize! Gift cards are a fun alternative as well and could encourage future romantic dates for the lucky winner.

-Bottle of Booze: Winning a bottle of something enticing to accompany the bouquet or garter might also promote a little more interest from guests!

 

New Methods: Fresh perspective on old fun!

-Hot Potato: (Similar to musical chairs, but with fewer chances for accidental injuries.) While a song plays in the background, guests can pass the garter or bouquet around in a circle until the music stops. The one left holding the prize is the lucky winner!

-Box of Treasure: Have guests pick a key out of a mixed pile to unlock a box or birdcage with the award.

-Ribbon Pull: An old European version of this tradition. Many false ribbons are held in the Bride’s hands above her head, with one secret winner tied around the bouquet. Everyone pulls at the same time, and the right ribbon pulls the prize!

-Toss the Boutonniere: If you still want to throw something to the single men, but you don’t want the scandal of the garter toss, then toss the boutonniere – but take the pins out first!

-Football/Three Flies Up: Easier to throw and catch, especially concerning the garter; a football can be a natural alternative. This saves the integrity of the bouquet and modesty of the Bride.

 

Pranks: For couples who love to laugh together.

– Blindfolded “Quick Switch”: Groomsmen dress up as the Bride.

-Magic Trick: Pull random items from beneath the dress stashed out of sight behind the Bride.

-Breakaway Bouquet: Throw a “Breakaway Bouquet” made of separated flowers, so everyone in the crowd gets one!

-Gender-Bend: Surprise unsuspecting guests by swapping outfits, and reverse the garter retrieval! See who “wears the pants” in the relationship. *wink wink*

 

Or, toss the tradition entirely.

-Anniversary Dance: Honor the longest-married couple by giving them the bouquet.

-Cake Pull: Many variations of this technique exist, but it is popular in Southern traditions and similar to a “King Cake” from Mardi Gras celebrations. Small charms placed in a cake or cupcakes for participants indicate different types of prizes, such as good fortune in money or love. By either pulling a ribbon to extract the charm or eating the cake, guests can see what they’ve won. Be sure to warn guests before they take a bite!

-Pass The Torch: Give the Bouquet to the next Bride-to-Be with a wedding coming up. The ribbon or other decoration from that bouquet can be for “something borrowed” on her wedding day.

Have fun with the tradition and make it fit your personality however you see best!

Guests will be delighted by any efforts to keep it alive in your unique way.

 

Photos thanks to Chris Keeley Photography

Venue: Mt. Woodson Castle

Wedding Themes We Love! | Part Seven | San Diego Catering

Welcome to Part Seven of our WTWL Series!

In Part Sixwe explored the versatility of our Rustic Motif. Now, we’ll take dial it up a notch for this next theme that revels in a blended concoction of vintage elegance, exotic charm, and a spray of natural desert beauty.

 

 

Are you a carefree, festival going, gypsy soul? Then we have the Wedding Theme for you!

Bohemian-Chic

For our Clients who want that natural beauty, messy-but-cohesive look.

You want to show off your complex personality, and we see you!

The Darlington House

Details

For this theme, we picture blending elegance with the wild beauty of an outdoor venue.

You’re all about that sunshine, so why stay cooped up inside when true artistry is all around?

Jordan Elizabeth Photo. Leo Carrillo Ranch

Miss-matched decorative pillows and vintage oriental rugs are the go-to decor items, and their uses are endlessly versatile!

Kami Olavarria Photography. Leo Carrillo Ranch. Bluebell Florals.

This theme is a whole new side to the classic Romantic “idea,” skipping the wild greenery of enchanted forests and sliding into the trendy beige of a desert oasis.

Tayler Ashley Photography. Leo Carrillo Ranch. Evermore Floral Co.

Macrame creations can decorate any surface!

Jordan Elizabeth Photo. Leo Carrillo Ranch

Dreamcatchers, feathers, and whispy stalks of wheat incorporate that dreamy romance into your motif.

Brogen Jessup Photography. Bluebell Florals.

 

Tablescape

We love the contrasting textures these wicker chargers create against the dark polished wood of a Farm Table.

Jordan Elizabeth Photo. Chic Pink Petals Designs and Events.

Add some gorgeous mismatched vintage glassware that will convince your guests that you’re a Thrift Store Guru!

Linen napkins in fun new textures, like velvet or fringed linen, are always encouraged and look wistfully placed in a “Knotted” fold.

 

Peacock Chairs to formally “halo” the Bride and Groom are essential.

We see them in all fades, sizes, and shapes to fit your needs!

Jordan Elizabeth Photo. Chic Pink Petals Designs and Events. Leo Carrillo Ranch.

 

Ceremony Space

This macrame curtain is a beautiful way to frame the Bride and Groom during their vows, and helps set the tone for the rest of the event!

The Darlington House

If you’re lucky enough to find a venue with the perfect architecture, adding a few more plants to incorporate your wedding colors makes decorating a breeze!

Jordan Elizabeth Photo. Chic Pink Petals Designs and Events. Leo Carrillo Ranch.

 

Floral Inspiration

You can never have enough Cacti, Succulents, Pampus Grass, or Palm Leaves.

Jordan Elizabeth Photo. Chic Pink Petals Designs and Events. Leo Carrillo Ranch.

Table florals can range in size depending on the nature of your tablescape.

Lots of details in the flatware only need simple floral centerpieces, like these adorable wildflowers in dainty glass bottle vases.

For bouquets, we love soft blush tones accentuated by several fun textures or even dried flowers!

Bluebell Florals. Brogen Jessup Photography.

Boutonnieres with similar elements create a delicious contrast of feminine and masculine against a sharp suit!

Bluebell Florals. Brogen Jessup Photography.

Flower Crowns and Floral Hair Combs delight our hippy hearts!

Mixed with loose, romantic curls or a Fishtale Braid, and you’ll have the perfect romantic Boho Bride aesthetic.

Bluebell Florals. Brogen Jessup Photography.

Dining Options

This motif flows effortlessly with a Buffet or Moving Style Dinner!

A Seated Dinner seems a little too stuffy for young souls who crave open spaces to wander. So, go for a dining style that promotes mingling and dancing!

 

Thanks for joining us on this final part of our WTWL journey!!

We’ve loved asking our experts and brainstorming the best Theme Details for you.

Hopefully, we’ve been able to help our readers better narrow their focus for their themes and answer any questions along the way!

Need help with the planning process?

Feel free to contact our expert Event Planning Teams, who are always ready to answer any questions you might have!

 

 

Brittany + Adam Wedding Video! | Astray Photography | New Children’s Museum

In case you all didn’t get enough of Adam and Brittany’s Modern Romantic City Dream Wedding, THERE’S MORE!

 

Huge thanks to the happy couple and Astray Photography for sending us this incredible video of this magical day.

 

(We’re not going to pretend we didn’t tear up once or twice while watching it, so get ready for all the feels!)

 

 

Vendors:

Coordination: Back Patio Event Designs

Venue: The New Children’s Museum

Florals: soil and soul

Photobooth: Focus Photo Suites

Photographer/Videographer: Astray Photography

DJ: Jimmy Grizzley

 

Brittany + Adam | Astray Photography | The New Children’s Museum

 

Modern Romantic City Love

These love birds had a ball exploring beautiful Downtown San Diego for the perfect wedding photoshoot before their evening ceremony at The New Children’s Museum of San Diego.

 

 

We love Brittany’s wedding look!

The sleek lines of her stunning gown are modern yet reminiscent of vintage Hollywood glamour for a timeless classic feel.

 

 

The bridesmaids were all glowing in excitement, and the dreamy, airy dresses paired with the wild beauty of the bouquets are a beautiful way to bring in more of that ethereal feel to balance the modernity of the city architecture.

 

 

Adam looked so dashing in his dark navy suit and broody maroon pops of color.

Like Brittany, his ensemble was chic while still maintaining that timeless vintage polish.

 

 

The groomsmen looked so classically handsome in these sharp suits!

A pair of dark shades perfectly finished off the look.

 

 

With the First Look and group pictures all taken care of, it was time to get ready for the ceremony!

 

 

The ceremony was across the street from the Museum, in the public park with a peaceful secluded atmosphere and plenty of space for guests.

 

 

At the top of the aisle was a majestic wooden Huppah, draped in an incredible arrangement of florals plucked from a fairytale.

 

 

Brittany looked absolutely radiant as she came down the aisle.

 

 

This dazzling Huppah framed the happy couple perfectly for the most jaw-dropping photos.

 

 

After a small candle lighting ceremony, to symbolize the joining of their lives, they were pronounced husband and wife!

 

 

 

Any more excited, and you’d think these two just won the Superbowl!

 

 

Inside the venue, we put the finishing touches on the dining tables before guests arrived from the ceremony.

 

 

Guests arrived at the party welcomed by our appetizers, drinks, and this contemporary sign-in book!

 

 

To find their seats, guests looked on the wall for their escort cards.

These hand-made magnetized corks doubled as fridge magnet wedding favors, and cardholders on the dining tables so servers could find their names.

 

 

For the Grand Entrance, the newlyweds came up the rainbow bridge and straight onto the dance floor for their First Dance.

 

 

This moment allows a moment for the Bride and Groom to recenter as the day’s stresses begin to lift, and the real fun begins.

 

 

Their Sweetheart Table was an ethereal garden dream brought to life with all the dark wild foliage, warm golden lanterns, and twinkling lights in the sheer backdrop.

 

 

After the seated dinner, where we served guests their choice between our savory Short Ribs, Herb Crusted Chicken, or Specialty Meals all made on-site, the DJ opening the dance floor with the Anniversary Dance!

This birds-eye view of the room demonstrates The New Children’s Museum‘s versatility and amount of usable space for significant sized events such as this.

 

 

This stunning two-tiered cake from Flour Power Cakery was a statement piece with those extra-tall layers and clean frosting finish.

To flank the cake, a family member brought in a local specialty, Julian Apple Pie!

 

 

For the rest of the evening, guests danced the night away, thanks to Jimmy Grizzley.

They only paused long enough to hoist the newlyweds above their heads in the traditional Hora celebration dance!

 

 

 

We’re so glad we could be part of this special day, and we loved working with these two in collaboration with Back Patio Event Designs!

 

We wish them all the best in their bright future together, and we’re so excited to work with the rest of these talented vendors again soon.

 

Vendors:

Coordination: Back Patio Event Designs

Venue: The New Children’s Museum

Florals: soil and soul

Photobooth: Focus Photo Suites

Photographer: Astray Photography

DJ: Jimmy Grizzley

 

Jenevieve + Adam Wedding Video | Amari Productions | The New Children’s Museum

 

Watch this incredible video of Jenevieve and Adam’s magical Wedding Day!

Just click the link below!

 

Adam & Jenevieve

 

We LOVED working with these two, and all the other spectacular vendors that day, at the always beautiful New Children’s Museum.

 

We wish them all the best in their future together!

Videographer: Amari Productions

Venue: The New Children’s Museum
Planner: Sweet Blossom Weddings
Photographer: Jessica Van, Copper Collective

Floral Design: Organic Elements
Bar: San Diego Wine & Culinary
Beauty: Refined Beauty
Entertainment: Sleeping Giant Music
Cake: Tara Heather Cake Design

 

 

The BRICK’s Winter Open House | Andrea David Photography

 

We can’t help but reminisce on the hypnotic romanticism of The BRICK’s Winter Open House.

It was a night for all of us vendors to seduce the senses as we put forth our best to impress the crowd. The room glowed with a warm light as sight, touch, taste, and smell were all amplified.

So much heart went into this event, and our guests LOVED it!

 

 

We had TWO food stations for our guests!

At our Barbacoa Taco Station, we expertly layered our fresh tortillas–grilled on-site– with savory Barbacoa beef and offered a rainbow of authentic toppings to customize each plate.

 

 

Roasted Bell Peppers, Cotija Cheese, Pickled Red Onions, Limes, and a Roasted Corn Salsa were the perfect accompaniments to complement our beef.

 

 

We’re salivating just looking at it all put together!

 

For Dessert, we offered our Deconstructed Strawberry Margaritas!

These “Shots Through the Heart” were a fun twist on an old favorite, and perfect for those in the crowd who might have a darker sense of humor towards Valentine’s Day.

 

 

Our second station served our Cedar Plank Salmon and Basil Pesto Risotto, one of our favorite crowd-pleasers!

 

 

We could rave about this dish forever if you give us a chance!

Our commitment to keeping the cedar plank beneath the salmon for as long as possible gives this a plate that extra personal touch we’re known for.

When it’s ready to be served, the salmon has absorbed the flavors of the cedar and masterfully paired with our decadent Basil Pesto Rissotto for the perfect balance of creamy, smokey, and salty.

 

 

We love working with BRICK, and we’re so thankful for Andrea David Photography’s gorgeous pictures!

 

This event was such a treat. We’re looking forward to working with all these vendors at events in the future!

 

 

Lounge Furniture | Upgrade Your Event! | San Diego Event Planning

 

Long gone are the days of having to stand, fatigued for hours at an event.

Let your guests get Comfortable at your cocktail hour!

Check out these customizable Lounge Areas, perfect for guests to sit and mingle among luxurious furniture from the latest fashions!

 

 

These stunning white Equipale Barrel Chairs would make a statement at your Boho-Chic gathering.

True Photography

 

This Mid Century Sofa, renewed with a few choice throw pillows, offers a cozy respite paired with these relaxed lounge chairs.

True Photography

Add some character to an empty floor space with these unique Persian and Textured Rugs!

True Photography

 

For even more space to loll about, incorporate some whicker Love Seats for couples to get close.

True Photography

 

We’re obsessed with this gorgeous Bar Backdrop and the matching Modern Matte Black Bar Front.

They’re perfect for incorporating an eye-catching splash of color at a space your guests are sure to frequent!

Andrea David Photography

 

 

Just ask our talented Coordination Team what these upgrade options can do for your event, and how to set up your perfect reception!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wedding Themes We Love! | Part Six | San Diego Catering

Welcome back for Part Six of our WTWL Series!

In Part Five, we talked about our lazy, “Sunday Kind of Love” wedding themes. If we were to categorize this next theme, we’d have to say it was for our “Hometown Honeys.

 

One of the most popular and versatile themes last season was a love for the Rustic!

Rustic Romantic, Rustic Bohemian, Rustic Vintage, even Rustic Alternative couples have loved throwing a little of this flair into almost every wedding motif.

Specifically, when we’re picturing this homey concept, we imagine romantic string lights, mason jars, lots of lace, twine, dark or unfinished wood, barns, trees, mountains, ranches, and the rural outdoors.

 

Best of all…Every dining style fits this motif!

Buffets tend to be the most popular option for couples choosing to go along with the less formal feel of this theme, but Seated Dinners and Moving Style/Small Plate receptions work flawlessly too.

 

Check out some of our favorite venues below for a little inspiration.

 

The Historic Leo Carrillo Ranch, Carlsbad California

This gorgeous 1939 ranch is rich in history and tucked into the canyons of Carlsbad. With is classic Spanish influence, wild roaming peacocks, and great outdoor space, it’s perfect for couples who are looking for that unique rustic charm.

 

We can’t blame couples for falling in love with the pastel color pallet that comes naturally here.

We’re always fans of the crisp white, sage green, warm terracotta, and the signature Leo Carrillo blue.

 

Photographer: Brogen Jessup Photography

 

Natural beauty is everywhere with succulent gardens, massive–nearly a century old–cacti, soft stone, and abundant fresh eucalyptus.

Many couples are relieved not to need extra decorations to achieve the look they want. Spend that extra cash on something fun for you and your guests!

 

Photographer: Studio 7 Photography

 

There are separate Private Bridal Rooms that are available to get ready in!

The Bride’s Room, in the historic Hacienda, is Leo Carrillo’s repurposed bedroom, and its dripping with vintage elegance.

 

Photographer: Studio 7 Photography

 

The Groom’s Room is outdoors in the historic Carriage House, and we love the masculine feel of all the exposed brick and textured beams.

 

Photographer: Studio 7 Photography

 

Farm Tables look so natural at this location and add a higher authentic quality feel with the dark finished wood.

 

Photographer: Studio 7 Photography

 

How many wedding venues have wild peacocks that freely roam around during events?

These friendly foul made Leo Carrillo Ranch their home long ago, and relish the opportunity for extra attention from guests.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mt. Woodson Castle, Ramona California

Another even older historic venue, constructed in 1921 and tucked into the mountains between Poway and Julian, is alive with rustic charm.

The Castle was decorated with hand-painted artwork on many of the ceilings, giving each room personality and unique spirit.

 

Photographer: True Photography

 

The entire Castle is built from natural stone from a local quarry meticulously pieced together created a work of art that is perfect for the Rustic look.

 

Photographer: True Photography

 

The Windmill, originally used to draw water from a well, no longer functions as anything other than a fantastic background for magical photos.

 

Photographer: True Photography

 

The Castle has multiple ceremony locations, but by far, the most Rustic would be the Oak Tree Ceremony Location.

Beneath the shade of these majestic boughs, couples can declare their love while guests feel transported to a forest glen.

 

Photographer: Fleeting Fox Photography

 

A Country Wedding with cowboy boots goes with the rustic theme like love and marriage.

We love this idea of white boots and a lace gown, exploring the flower fields behind The Castle!

 

 

The lace and boots combination isn’t only for the Bride!

Adorable, shorter, lace Bridesmaids gowns pair flawlessly with this motif.

 

 

For your tables, keep the decor simple!

Wildflowers, wood, and a few candles are all you’d need when the beauty of the mountain is all around.

 

 

Even the ceremony decor can be fresh from the farm.

Who knew that a few wood crates, candles, and some white pumpkins for a Rustic Autumn Wedding could complete your look?

 

Photographer: Fleeting Fox Photography

 

These romantic misty mountain views are unchallenged is their unique beauty.

 

Photographer: Fleeting Fox Photography

 

 

More Inspiration

 

DIY Seating Charts

These well-loved windows are the perfect place for your guests’ names and table assignments.

 

 

Rustic Sweetheart Table Decor is easy to find and affordable.

We’ve even seen couples use a vintage door and two wine barrels as their table!

 

 

As we always say: Keep your wedding theme True To You!

 

 

Need help with the planning process?

Feel free to contact our expert Event Planning Teams, who are always ready to answer any questions you might have!

 

Keep an eye out for Part 7, “Bohemian-Chic”, coming soon to our WTWL Series!

 

Martina + Ty | Lisa Marie Photographie | La Jolla Woman’s Club

Vintage Elegance with a Beachy Twist!

 

 

The First Look is always such a suspenseful moment!

After a few last-minute touches to wardrobe, Ty was placed out in the garden patio and told not to peek while he waited for Martina.

 

 

With their Bridal Party eagerly watching from the windows, the love birds reunited with a light tap on the shoulder.

 

 

La Jolla Woman’s Club always allows for the best pictures!

If you’re looking for someplace with effortless class and vintage charm, this venue is perfect.

 

 

Can’t have a wedding without a ringbearer!

We love when couples involve every member of their family in their wedding plans.

 

 

These girls are ready to party!

A little bit of romance, a little 20’s vintage sparkle, and a lot of fun, these bridesmaids dresses were a fantastic choice.

 

 

Navy blue suits are timeless.

Sharp yet friendly, good for all seasons, and our favorite for versatility, this color makes everyone look great!

 

 

La Jolla Woman’s Club has three main outdoor locations with incredible backdrops for their ceremonies!

This fountain focal point also includes the gorgeous church tower and palm trees.

 

 

With Flourish decorated the floral arch for the ceremony, and we love the pops of peach in this wild romantic arrangement.

 

 

After the ceremony, guests were encouraged to share their congratulations on a piece of the happy couple’s sign-in puzzle.

Opting out of a book that will rarely get seen, we love ideas like this that can become art!

 

 

To find their seats, everyone looked for their escort cards beneath a shot of lemonade in the signature Shot Glass Wedding Favors!

 

 

The tables inside looked exquisitely set, with a mix of welcoming beachy airs and high-end vintage class.

The refined crystal cut goblets counterbalance the bo-ho chic nature of the wooden chargers and pom-fringed napkins.

 

 

TBD (To Be Designed San Diego) provided the overall look and worked closely with Ty and Martina to find that perfect combination.

 

 

With Flourish decorated the tables with simple centerpieces that complimented the elaborate tablescape, so as not to over-clutter the tabletops.

 

 

Our appetizers are always a hit with guests, and we appreciate couples who want to customize our menu to fit their specific needs!

 

 

Simple, with barley seed decoration, this delicious wedding cake was the perfect size for the love birds and their immediate family to enjoy.

 

 

 

Dessert stations with a little bit of everything are perfect for guests with different dietary restrictions.

The happy couple brought Macaroons, cake pops, and home-made Rice Krispy Treats!

 

 

Thanks to Lisa Marie Photographie for these incredible pictures, and to the newlyweds for sharing their special day with us!

We’re so happy we could help your dream day come to life.

 

 

 

Vendors:

Location- La Jolla Woman’s Club

Coordinator– Kayla Teague “Simply Gorgeous Events

RentalsTBD (To Be Designed, San Diego)

Lisa Marie Photographie

Florals- With Flourish

DJGood Mood Events

Spring Open House! | Thursday Club

Wedding Showcase

A perfect occasion for a little direction in the wild world of Wedding Planning.

 

 

Visit one of San Diego’s most popular wedding locations!

Admire the sweeping views of famous San Diego beaches, and witness spectacular sunsets from this gorgeous one-of-a-kind event venue.

 

 

Enjoy the evening with specially crafted food, drinks, and desserts!

We’ll be there, along with other vendors from The Thursday Club’s exclusive preferred list, serving one of our favorite dishes and answering any questions you might have.

 

 

Open House means Open Invite!

 

The event is free, but reserving your spot is required.

 

So, RSVP HERE to put your name on the list!

 

 

We’re excited to see you there!

Wednesday, April 8th, 2020

6 pm-8 pm

 

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