DIY stations with a twist!

I'm sure you have all had some delicious goodies from the candy buffet at your last wedding or event. As great as they are (there is a reason they are so popular!), it's nice to do something different. Here is a great article that was posted by Mazelmoments on fun DIY buffet ideas. We just love these ideas!

http://www.mazelmoments.com/blog/5086/buffet-station-wedding-mitzvah-party

1. Build Your Own Bruschetta Station

There are endless possibilities when it comes to adding toppings to crostinis. Tapanades, spreads, cheeses, tomatoes… let your guests create their own culinary masterpiece.

Photo: I Love SW Mag

2. Fruit & Vegetable Buffet Table

Crudités have long received a bad wrap as an unimaginative canapé. But the traditional French appetizer is not only healthy, but easy to prepare and light on the budget. Breathe new life into freshly cut vegetables by placing them in clear vases, like this display by Amy Atlas. Watermelon mint salads and other healthy fruit options add beautiful color to the presentation. Complete the look with a few tall martini glasses filled with dips.

3. Dunk, Drizzle & Dust Donut Bar

This unique interactive station from Abigail Kirsch Catering Relationships features their delicious flaky kronuts served with help-yourself toppings:

Dunks: Spiced Chocolate, Vanilla Bean, Salted Caramel, Peanut Butter and Mocha Glazes
Drizzles: White Chocolate Pistachio, Nutella, Caramel Rum, Apricot Amaretto, Raspberry Ginger and Port Balsamic
Dusts: Coconut, Cocoa Nibs, Pretzels, Cookie Crumbs, Scotch Chips, Praline, Dried Strawberries and Sprinkles

4. Adult & Kids Snow Cone Station

Simple and fun, kid-friendly and “adult spiked” snow cones from Martha Stewart are a great way to keep guests cool during summer, outdoor weddings and events.  Put out shaved ice, syrups, and your favorite cocktail mixes for a fun refreshing treat.  Check out Frozen Cocktail Push-Pops & Spiked Snow Cones

5. Ice Cream Buffet

Confectioneries may have made buffets trendy, but they’re not always to everyone’s taste. Ice cream, however, is guaranteed to appeal to the kid in everyone. Let guests scoop their own flavor and top with nuts, sprinkles and sauces, like this example from Eat Drink Chic.  Put out soda and you have yourself a Root Beer Float Station!

6. Popcorn Bar

Dessert may have filled bellies after dinner, but many hours rocking the dance floor can leave a crowd peckish. Popcorn is not only a pocket-friendly and easy-to-make snack, but it’s also a great remedy for guests who’ve had one glass too many. Children will also enjoy this post-party snack on the ride home. Let guests spice their own pre-packed boxes or fill empty bags with pre-flavoured kernels. Add color to make the display pop, like this example from Bridal Guide.

7. DIY Cupcake Topping Table

Everyone has their favorite cupcake topping.  So give them what they want with a do-it-yourself cupcake bar.

Photo: Boutwell Studio

COCKTAIL BARS

8. Mimosa Buffet / Champagne Infusion Bar

Unlike other more complex cocktails, there’s no wrong way to make a mimosa. Let guests create their own mimosas with a champagne infusion bar, like this one from Centsational Girl! Put out champagne, fruit juices (like orange and mango), liquors and flavored schnapps.  Cut up some fruit and let the fun begin!  A table with just the juices and fruit are a great kid-friendly option.

9. Bloody Mary Bar

For morning and afternoon events (or evening…why not!) a Bloody Mary bar will put a big smile on your guests’ faces.  Some like their Bloodys hot and spicy with 6 olives – let them have it! Put out regular and flavored vodka, Bloody Mary mix, olives, lemons, limes, raw and pickled vegetables, spices, and a variety of hot sauces for a fun & colorful drink station. Photo: The Symmetric Swan

10. Martini Bar

Shaken or stirred? Let your guests decide with a DIY martini station. Prepare the spirits by pouring vodka, vermouth and water into clear labeled decanters. Fill three square vases with sliced cucumber, lemon peels and stuffed olives. If providing chilled glasses is a problem for your caterer, place a bucket of ice alongside the glasses and instruct guests to cool their glasses before filling.

Deconstruct any of your favorite cocktails for a unique standalone bar!

Photo: Sunday Suppers

Event Planner- to be or not to be?

I have been to so many weddings where the bride is super stressed out and worried on her big day that everything goes well and according to plan. Let's be honest- many brides have been planning and picturing their perfect wedding since a little girl. And naturally we want the day to go off perfectly and without any hitches. You know- those you tube video's where the dog eats the cake or the kids run down your isle and trip the bride or groomsmen forget their suits... That's so NOT going to happen!

Well, the truth is- something will always go wrong, and things will never be 110% perfect, that's just the human element of mistakes. Someone will arrive late, a phone might go off in the chapel, the candles might not be lit... just something.

So now, the point of this blog.

You're big day is to be enjoyed- every moment, every step, every friend smiling at the new couple. You're only going to do this once (hopefully!). Stress takes all that away from you, you will spend more time worrying if your cousin baked your cake the way you imaged it. Or if your friend who takes good photo's will actually capture the light beautifully, if everything will be set up the way you want it. An event planner takes all that stress off you. It helps to have 1 person to contact when your not sure where your bridesmaids bouquets are, and leave the stress up to that person to find out and get them to you on time.

Events take a lot of small elements and brings them together in one magical day. Let someone else oversee the deliveries, the hiring, the set up, lighting candles, standing on ladders putting up decor. For the extra price you pay, it really is worth it.

There is also a lot of advice a planner can give you- they know what is available, what is worth keeping and what is just a waste of money.  They keep a close eye on trends and new items in the market. They know what flowers are in season on your day and where to source even the strangest requests. They are experts after all, and by nature very creative.

So if you are considering hiring a planner, just give it a try- set up a meeting, get a quote. You'll be happy you did!

The modern wedding

So it's time for another theme inspiration and I'm going to focus on the Modern Wedding. What is that, you may ask? Well... it's kind of the excuse you use to do what ever you want! The modern wedding is fun, funky and upbeat. You get to take your wild crazy ideas and make then real. So why the guidelines then, if you can do whatever you want? Because even the crazy fun stuff needs to flow nicely and all tie up together to make one complete unit.

Again, it is important when you choose your theme (whether it be industrial concrete, feathers or nintendo games), to chose your main colours and your main element that you will pull through to your invites, table settings, seating plan, thank you gifts and so on.

Say you choose the industrial concrete- look at having little cement hearts made that will then be on the invite, on the tables as a napkin ring or cement bricks as the vases instead of glass vases as the centre piece.

If a particular cartoon character or video game is your theme- have it on your invite (maybe even do the writing in the same font as the game), then perhaps a photo booth where they can put on the themed props and then naturally bring it into the cake as well.

Flow is very important in any event- making sure everything flows from one element to the next, no matter what the theme or how crazy the ideas are!