Trendy Wednesday: Illuminate the Night

Trendy Wednesday: Jenna Paniccia

There is something magical about a room full of flickering candles. Candles add warmth, comfort, and love to a wedding ceremony and reception.

Votive candles are a wonderful touch to any space. These money savers can adorn big glass windows, can be placed as accent pieces amongst pictures and flowers, and can even illuminate bigger focal pieces such as guest favors, photo books, and of course the wedding cake! By using votives amongst all the other design details of your big day you’re allowing the venue to become warm and inviting for guests. Votive candles are also wonderful for outdoor lawn space. An evening wedding can have a backdrop of glistening candles… how spectacular!

From more of a design aspect you can illuminate your venue with different types of candles adorning the reception tables. Using floating candles, intricate candlesticks, and candelabras can bring your reception area to another level. I love the idea of a long table with floral arrangements and candles running down the center. This creates an inviting space that is exceptionally appealing to the eye.

Keep in mind that all the candles and candle holders can be unique. Adding variety helps when everything else in the design is very uniform.

Also, remember money-saving tips. If your ceremony is outside bring the candles in for your reception. There’s no need to buy bulk of something that is very reusable. In the end those extra dollars add up!

Photo Credit: weddinggirl.ca, unitedwithlove.com, rrlumin.com, weddingsromantique.com, bedgetbridesguide.com, weddbook.com, theknot.com

Light up Your Wedding Reception

Manic Mondays by Jessica Ozrek

Every bride in planning should remember lighting and know the part it plays in setting the mood for the reception.  From a high-energy party with strobe lights to an intimate affair with paper lanterns, choosing the right lighting will create the ambiance for a spectacular celebration.

Candles are the easiest way to set a romantic setting and integrate lighting into your reception.  Whether tea candles, votives, or placing candles into mason jars – candles bring romance to an upscale, classy atmosphere or a laid back, informal gathering.

For a more whimsical reception, string lights or hang paper lanterns.  Luminaries are another option.  Choosing from a large variety of shapes, luminaries are small, non-flammable boxes with pre-cut holes.  Placing candles inside luminaries lights them up shining silhouettes on walls and ceilings.

Some brides may opt for professional lighting.  Simple pinspots can be used to highlight important areas in the room, such as centerpieces, the cake, columns for architectural accents, or even the sweetheart table.

For a large impact and dramatic setting, choose colored washes, which look great against a white tent in outdoor weddings.  Light up the dance floor with professional fixtures projected to move around the dance floor.

There are numerous ways to play with lighting to transform a room, backyard or tent into a fun affair.  You can be over the top or keep things simple; whatever your style.  An easy way to set a party tone in banquet halls is to dim the lights.

Whatever atmosphere you imagine, Private Receptions is available to suggest vendors to light up your wedding reception.