In love with the Wild West, the beach or a special season of the year? These clever ideas will inspire you to personalize your party with flair.
By: Kristen FinelloLucky in Love
Décor: Glitz and glamour are the name of the game when you plan a Sin City-themed affair. "When I think of Vegas, I think of over-the-top abundance when it comes to décor," says Tutera. In addition to lots and lots of candles, choose high centerpieces bursting with a bounty of blooms, and top each table with mounds of Swarovski crystals. Tutera prefers a combination of clear, yellow and amber crystals. To add dazzle, use beaded tablecloths and jeweled napkin rings.
Special touches: Now have some fun with your tables: Name them after famous Las Vegas hotels or signature acts like Siegfried & Roy, Celine Dion, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and other members of the Rat Pack.
Menu: Since Vegas is famous for its buffets, treat your guests to a sumptuous spread of your favorite foods.
Dessert: Go for broke with a towering five-tiered confection in red, burgundy or purple fondant with an ornate design in gold piping or ribbons.
Favor: Personalized poker chips with your names and wedding date, lottery tickets or chocolate dice all do the trick. You might also burn a CD with top tunes from famous Vegas crooners.
Send-off: Make a big-time impression with fireworks or a display of sparklers as you and your groom leave the reception.
Get Hitched, Western Style
Location: Choose a "cowboy-friendly" spot—a ranch or a special Old West location, perhaps (check out Pioneertown, a former movie set in California).
Invitations: Incorporate a simple horseshoe motif into traditional invitations, escort cards and programs, or you might want to go with an old-fashioned "Wanted" poster sporting your photos.
Dress up! Have a grand ol' time by wearing lace-up white boots with your dress and having your groom sport a vest, a sheriff's badge and a Western bolo. Encourage guests to wear cowboy hats and boots!
Décor: Think colorful wildflowers loosely arranged in mason jars and wrought-iron candelabras for centerpieces.
The chow: Barbecued steak, ribs and chicken with hickory or mesquite flavors, and stick-to-the-ribs side dishes. To announce that it's time to eat? Ring a cowbell or tap a dinner triangle. Come and get it!
Entertainment: Hire a caller to lead square dancing or country line dances. Place bales of hay around the area for guests who want to sit out a song.
Send-off: End the evening by departing with your brand-new "pardner" in an authentic horse-drawn carriage.
