happiness.jpeg
dance.jpeg
kiss.jpeg
23_yrs.jpg

All Stories

Wedding Tips from the Pros

Planning a Wedding is quite a process, whether your event is two months away or years in the future... And every insight, every tip & trend, is like gold. Read on for a few simple ideas from a variety of wedding pros, to help your planning move along smoothly!


Choosing Your DJ / Emcee:

As most couples realize, choosing music for your reception is an easy way to add ambience to your event... set the atmosphere... and of course bring flavor and vitality to the party you want to create - whether it is a refined and elegant affair with a string quartet in the background, or an all-out midnight til dawn dance extravaganza with multiple DJs and emcees.

Music is also an easy way to spotlight your own style: choosing with care the First Dance song, adding in to the mix all the sappy love songs that are important to you and your partner. And it's also a way to include a nod to your heritage: planning ahead so that your DJ/emcee can announce references to particular selections, such as kicking off the first notes of a favorite polka by mentioning that your family's roots extend to Eastern Europe.

One of our favorite DJs from In The Mix Event Group (based in Eastern PA), when offering a helpful Planning Tip to couples attending one of our LGBTQ+ Wedding Expos, suggested that you make it a priority not only to provide your wedding DJ with a playlist of your favorite tunes, but that you also spend a good deal of time deciding what songs NOT to include in the mix for your reception... and that you make sure your DJ is well aware of that not-to-play-list. Great tip! Those 'what not to do's' can be, in some cases, the important details that make your Wedding Day that much more personalized and fully enjoyable.

Another of our favorite DJs, Jose with L.E.M. Entertainment (based in Union, NJ), offered this simple but important reminder: There are dozens and dozens of DJs in your area to choose from... and most of them are really talented and enthusiastic and capable of handling your fesitivities. But while there are lots of factors to consider when booking your DJ, such as budget, experience, references, etc... one of your top reasons for choosing a particular DJ should be that you find that you connect with them. Not just professionally, but on some kind of personal level. You want them to really 'get you' and understand the vision you have for your reception. That way, you can rest assured that the DJ you hire can effectively read the room throughout your event, adapt as necessary, and keep that rhythm going in a way that helps bring your vision to life.

In The Mix Event Group
www.ITMEventGroup.com

L.E.M. Entertainment
www.LEMEntertainment.com

 

De-Stressing... and Integrating Playfulness:

Planning a wedding, whether your guest list tops 200 or numbers in the teens, is an intense process! Take time, throughout those weeks and months leading up to Your Special Day, to find ways to de-stress... such as remembering the importance of Date Nights, going out with friends, planning time at the spa, trying a new hair style, indulging in a favorite hobby, or simply pampering yourself with a new book or re-read of a treasured old one. Make it a priority to carve out pockets of time when you can really leave all cares about the wedding aside!

Another idea to keep in mind is finding ways during the planning process to include de-stressors and playful interludes...

Getting crafty is ideal for many people, whether just one of you is interested or both of you enjoy that little indulgence together:

*Pick out elegant or festive rubber stamps and ink, and add simple accents to your paper napkins, programs, menus, keepsake borders, photo mattes, or other paper essentials you plan to include in your celebration. Consider a swooping floral pattern (ivy, a draping stem of flower blossoms) at the top corner of your napkin, program or menu. Add a monogram, emblem or themed graphic such as lovebirds, intersecting hearts or dual totems as a central image stamped in to complete your design.

*Create a Unique Customized Wedding Favor: personalized tic tac toe games... Purchase small fabric bags online in bulk: these should be of a color and style that are easy to write on with a fabric pen. If they are imprinted, be sure the message reads something like 'THANKS!' or 'LOVE is FUN' or customize as you like. Also purchase small wooden hearts: you'll need a lot of them! Once the fabric bags arrive, on the back of each one, draw a simple tic tac toe board with a fabric pen. Make it dark enough so it will last and appear at a glance. You'll need ten hearts for each bag: with an indelible marker, write your first initial on five and your partner's first initial on the other five. Or... paint each one: Choose 2 of your ceremony colors and color five in one color such as red, and five in another color such as black. -Make a bag for each of your guests as a takeaway keepsake!
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/593701163353741409/

 

Floral Must-Do's:

Many floral designers today have commented to us here at RainbowWeddingNetwork that one of their suggestions for couples is to tell them frankly.. and perhaps surprisingly... that it's not necessary for them to think about decorating their entire venue with florals. Even tabletop centerpieces for every flat surface are not needed. However, they tell us, couples are encouraged to keep in mind that a floral display of some kind, centrally placed, is definitely worth consideration. This, in the main entrance, or enhancing the couples' table, or polishing a particular interactive area, is important. It brings in the florals, which for many immediately shouts 'Wedding!' and sets the tone they're wishing for... and a central display of this kind provides a Wow! factor that brings the room together. -Usually more than a fabulous centerpiece, this might include a hanging display of some kind, such as the popular floral 'hoops,' along with nostalgic signage or inspirational message along with your wedding date. Check out a variety of photos online for ideas, and definitely discuss with your florist and wedding planner.

*Be realistic, and honest, about your floral budget. Some couples delay making a plan about including florals... and this is not ideal. It's helpful if you can start having conversations about florals (and other decor) early on in your planning process... and when it comes to live florals, you want to be up front about your budget from the get-go. This simply helps your wedding professionals plan accordingly, and pull together successful ideas that you'll love, without having to scale back later on.


Keeping the Guests in Mind...

It's helpful to keep in mind that while Your Special Day is all about the two of you... it is also about your guests. You want to make their time with you throughout your wedding day a wonderful and enjoyable experience... and create ways for them to support the two of you during this momentous occasion.

Remember, they want to CELEBRATE the two of you. Finding opportunities to share with them highlights about your own love story is an engaging way to make your ceremony personalized and meaningful. You can spotlight details about your own love story through your decor, during interactive wedding games, through emcee announcements and music, and more. Ask your wedding designer and other vendors for suggestions! Here are a few to get you started:

*Fun, Nostalgic Reception Table Placecards: Brainstorm with your fiancee about places (cities, streets, locations) that hold fond memories for each of you, or are an important part of your story as a couple. For instance: "Pine Street Bridge - we walked across this special bridge on our trip to New England, and it was in that moment Ben was sure that Alex was "The One!"" Each Table Marker will spotlight a fond memory, serving as a conversation starter and simply a joyful little addition for all the guests who join your celebration. To make the Table Markers, search online for ideas using cardstock pre-cuts, a photo you took either mounted or framed, or simply make use of mini chalkboard signs. These can be an extremely cost-effective way to add one more personalized accent to Your Special Day!

*Unforgettable Mementos: Post a short prompt alongside your Guest Book, inviting guests not only to sign in but also to record a memory about you as a couple... or note the time and place they met each of you... or the moment in which they realized the two of you were meant for each other. It will be a keepsake you'll enjoy time and again throughout the years ahead!

*The Happy Couple's Trivia or Bingo Game: Provide your Emcee with lively questions about the Newlyweds... Add a unique way to keep track of which table comes up with the correct answers (Bingo cards / decorative tally board up on the stage / A/V screen to post ongoing results / decorative chalkboards as part of each table's centerpiece ...) There are endless variations to this idea but it's an upbeat, casual way to get all your guests involved, and to let them in on some of the lesser known details about you and your partner and your relationship: "Where did we meet for the first time?..." "What are our middle names? Astrological Signs? What will our last name be now that we're married?..." "Where did we go on our first date?..." "Who proposed?..." Games like this are often thought of for Engagement Parties, but they're a fit for many couples' Receptions as well!

*Consider varied centerpieces to spotlight your diverse interests or goals as a couple - Love Travel, Cooking and Classic Movies? Take time throughout the months leading up to your wedding to indulge in retail therapy, and make it a fun scavenger hunt! Seek out various items that match your hobbies and build unique centerpieces to make each table at your reception different and interesting. (Remember, no need to buy new: thrift stores are a fabulous option too!) Travel books, a small globe, a map, faux passports, decoratives such as the Eiffel Tower or a flag of your favorite country, a mini-basket filled with little beach balls and sunny colored "towels..." Cooking books,a canister set as vases (filled of course with florals mixed with kitchen utensils), doilies or stacked kitchen towels, a crystal bowl of sugar cubes... Film reels, a tower of DVDs, mini movie posters on easels or in a frame, an autograph book set for all guests to sign in their most flamboyant style... With each of your hobbies you can easily find fun ways to incorporate trinkets or keepsake items for your guests to take home with them, that match your decor! (Don't forget to check out dollhouse accessories for some unique options, if you need a few extras - everything from tiny kitchenware to seasonal accents)

 

Final Thoughts:

One of our favorite photographers, Danielle Richards (based in Teaneck, NJ), recently exhibited at two of our signature LGBTQ+ Wedding Expos, and wisely reminded our attending couples of the following:

Remember, the most intense part of your wedding should be the planning process... It should be the effort and research you put in to choosing which wedding pros to hire. After all that is done, try your best to relax in to the enjoyment of it all. TRUST the vendors you have taken such care to book, and allow them to work their magic without trying to micro-manage. Not every detail will go to plan on Your Special Day, but that won't matter. Seriously, it really won't! What matters is that you have found each other, and you've made it to this amazing day to celebrate your love. Let that joyful notion carry you. -CONGRATULATIONS!!


Danielle Richards Photography
www.DanielleRichards.com

 

What's New for 2022?? Wedding TRENDS and Planning INSPIRATION!

 
Wedding Trends and The Planning Process are what we make of them... There are no absolutes when it comes to putting together the details of your own unique Special Day. But here are some ideas for what many wedding pros think that 2022 has in store, as far as trends and fresh inspiration!

 

COLORS---

Grey & Organic Green, often accompanied with a hint of Silver or Copper

Romantic Color Palette - soft, subdued (though not necessarily pastel), often with a recurring jeweled accent

Bold & Vibrant - think beach theme... but bringing these hues to any wedding, anywhere! So many couples (and guests!) are eager to let loose and PARTY, that bold colors are definitely trending for 2022!

Pantone Color Of The Year? "The new Pantone color of the year for 2022 is Very Peri (aka Pantone #17-3938). This is a unique blend of red and blue which displays “a carefree confidence and a daring curiosity that animates our creative spirit”." It can be paired easily with crisp white or the shine of sheer black... varied hues of purple... natural greens and organic browns (earth tones)... peach / soft rose are lovely accent color but as a single pairing with Very Peri results in a downplay of the boldness of this Pantone pick.

Personalized - The LGBTQ+ community has always stayed true to authenticity, when it comes to wedding plans... but with so many celebrations having been postponed this past two years... many couples are more committed than ever to personalizing just about everything about their Big Day. From picking just the right date (maybe an anniversary of the first meeting... or a blending of birthdates...) to going beyond diamonds in the wedding jewelry and opting for birthstones or anniversary-based gems... to selecting a themed wedding... and certainly to Wedding Colors. If your partner adores purple and you adore brown - find hues such as lavender and mocha, and make it work! After all, this day is all about the two of you - Enjoy!

 

GOING EASY ON THE FLORALS---

Many couples are getting creative with their decor, and not including as many florals. Sure, bouquets and boutoinneres are still very popular, but for centerpieces and accent decor, many are opting to look beyond the beauty of flowers. Why? Well, there is indeed a shortage of florals anticipated for 2022, and of course supply issues in many areas continue to be a challenge. Also, more and more couples are thinking "green" and choosing to use FABRIC DESIGNS, ARTISTIC LIGHTING, and other display items that are considered to be more environmentally friendly, since they can be rented and easily re-used. That being said, couples who do opt to indulge in floral decor often find ways to donate the pieces after their reception is over - either to family and friends, or to local retirement homes, hospitals, etc.

Other Decor Trends?

*Discretion and Beauty with Florals - finding ways to add polish and finesse to your celebration by using florals, but not over-using. Consider pressed, edible flowers as decoratives on your gorgeous wedding cake or mini-cupcakes... Garnish a signature drink... Wear a floral crown. Giving a visual of flowers throughout your celebration brings them in, without going over the top.

*Water Features - these can be tabletop, electric displays or larger waterfall-like features that adorn pathways or corner areas... Or get creative with vases and other glass accessories filled with colored water, beads and decoratives that suit your theme, bubbles, waterproof lights, floating candles, etc.

*Simplicity & Elegance - this can be easily done! Imagine a bottle of wine or champagne, set as a centerpiece on each of your reception tables, along with all the wine glasses for each guest. Accent with a fabric piece or center linen, and a small strand of beads or battery operated lights. Drape colored tulle or satin over and around to bring it all together... Beautiful, as well as interactive! Other ideas include table centerpieces using goodies for your guests - such as a rustic basket filled with bags of springtime flower seeds, accented of course with your custom wedding label and memorable quote such as "Love is Always in Bloom!" Personalized koozies, coasters, and other small gifts are also options that can be set lovingly in to a bowl or basket as a centerpiece at your reception tables or serving stations. Sparklers or vibrant ribbon wands (for use at the end of the evening) in decorative vases are another simple way to bring a functional, yet appealing polish to your reception decor.

*Connection to Nature - many 2022 wedding designs are inclusive of natural elements. Yes, 'rustic' is still trending, but you don't have to choose that look in order to include Mother Nature in your wedding decor. Unique plants, that accent your theme, and leaf or succulent bouquets.. and options such as tree limbs or tree-inspired decoratives continue to be very popular. Hanging seating cards or small keepsakes from the bough of a tree or naturally created archway are not new for 2022, but remain eye-catching and beautiful. Your floral designer may have exciting options to suggest, such as bark or other leaf decoratives, or dried florals such as pampas grass... that you may find are the perfect fit for your accents. Combining COLORS & TEXTURES... wooden signage... hand crafted woven baskets... pottery / wooden / crafted serving ware... uniquely created gifts for wedding attendants that are made by local artists... these are all popular for this year's celebrations!

 

OR...  NOT GOING EASY ON THE FLORALS---

On the other hand, some couples this year are eager to boldly bring Nature in to their wedding theme. So much so, that turning their event into a garden scene (whether an indoor or outdoor ceremony/reception) is their unwavering vision. Florals often are a big part of that! Hanging florals that make the ceiling seem like a living canopy... multiple floral and naturally created archways... a recurring blend of texture and diverse natural elements... Invite elegance, whimsy and creativity in to your Special Day with a breathtaking design based on florals!

Other Artistic and Theatrical Designs are indeed on the rise for 2022. Ask your wedding designer, your venue's onsite wedding planner, floral artist or other vendors for inspiration and ideas about how your decor can go over the moon! Remember, your vendors truly want to make your day one-of-a-kind, and most of them welcome your inquiries and love to help with suggestions and referrals!

 

THEMED WEDDINGS---

Guests Dressing to Impress - So many of us have felt isolated this past couple of years due to the ongoing challenges of the pandemic... And if there's one thing most of us can agree on, it's that we're all soooo past ready to gather together and PARTY!! Play on this enthusiasm, and openly invite your guests to either dress to join in on your wedding theme... or DRESS UP in classically formal attire, or theatrically inspired attire, or go all out with whatever style they may choose. We definitely suggest going all out, and inviting others to do the same!

 

LARGER, MORE INTERACTIVE CELEBRATIONS---

While many LGBTQ+ couples throughout the years have held large wedding celebrations with budgets topping hundreds of thousands of dollars... most couples we have chatted with since the launch of RainbowWeddingNetwork.com (back in March, 2000) have opted for more conservatively priced events. Many visionaries in the wedding industry are telling us that 2022 will bring escalating numbers of larger weddings; however, we're not sure we agree - at least not within our community. What we do agree with, however, is that most LGBTQ+ couples will want to CELEBRATE on a large scale, and definitely include elements that will facilitate authentic interactions and bonding between everyone attending the wedding. We are also seeing extended timeframes for receptions, to make the enjoyment last even longer!

Ideas to promote more Interactivity and Fun??
                 *DANCING, of course! Let there be dancing!!

                 *DANCING with a FACILITATOR, INSTRUCTOR or EMCEE
                                (...prompt everyone to get involved!)

                 *MUSICAL INTROS - Remember to include your heritage and/or interests through music!  Plan ahead with your DJ so that s/he can intro songs or musical pieces, provide backstories, history, etc to accompany what is played.  This simple addition will be a memorable way to invite your guests (even those who don't dance!) to take part with the vibe and entertainment.

                 *CARICATURISTS or WEDDING SKETCH ARTISTS

                 *STROLLING VIOLINIST or GUITARIST (a strolling magician can also add a certain flair, especially if you're having a themed event or if you will have a high number of kids attending your reception!)

                 *ARTISTIC KEEPSAKE STATION/s - such as a serving plate for the Happy Couple, which each guest autographs... or a digital guest book in which everyone not only signs in, but also shares inspriational quotes or images... or a station where guests create their own sand art with rainbow colored sand, as a take-home keepsake for themselves...

                 *WEDDING PINATAS - if you have a lot of children attending your reception, the traditional way to open your Wedding Pinata may suit just fine. Other options however include pulling dual ribbons (as a couple); it makes for aa casual and preliminary intro to the fun of your cake cutting ceremony that will take place later. Remember, kid-oriented candy is not the only thing that can fill a pinata! Consider small keepsakes, rainbow colored lollipops, small sized plastic bottles of liquor. Your Pinata can be custom made, to match your wedding colors and theme!

                  *CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY IDEAS
(such as a few polaroid cameras circulating midst the guests: the spontaneity of a polaroid never goes out of style! ...A large screen that is synced with your wedding keywords, so that guests can upload their chats and photos and broadcast throughout your reception for all to see... Chat with your wedding photographer or photobooth vendor in advance, about fun ways to create photos inclusive of all of your guests, or groups of guests. This can include props, furniture, custom-made signs or other elements, or the natural scenery of your reception decor - get seriously creative!)

 

SIGNATURE DESSERTS & BEVERAGE STATIONS---

Along the lines of promoting interactivity and FUN... varying dessert options and offering beverage stations is not a new idea, but it's certainly trending for 2022. Enjoying the tradition of a wedding cake is still a must-do for most couples; however, multiple desserts is certainly not out of the question!! Fruit pies are a nostalgic treat... offering a Pie Station, or serving small slices after dinner is a lovely way to indulge your guests, and you may be surprised just how many conversations this simple sweet treat can inspire. Cookie tables (a Pittsburgh favorite!!) are also a very special way to allow everyone to nibble throughout your reception, and also share recipes and promote fresh dialogue. Cookies brought in by various guests are an amazingly touching way of blending families! Macaroon Towers are also quite popular, and offer a more sophisticated style to your accent dessert. Signature drinks from your bartender will also be a hit - multi-colored martinis are an easy way to bring in the rainbow theme.... Fruit Stations are a great way to provide kids at the party with some favorite options, so that they have a variety of yummy, healthy choices. Beverage Stations beyond the bar too, are a simple yet lively way to allow guests to pick and choose what they'd like. And varied beverages can fit in so well with different THEMES and SEASONAL WEDDINGS - a hot coffee and cocoa station for a nighttime, outdoor reception... an iced tea and infused water station for a daytime, summer reception... Snow cones? Rainbow frozen treats (sometimes infused with liquor)? An ice cream bar, because "Love is Sweet??" Consider all your options!!

 

GREEN ELEMENTS---

So many in the LGBTQ+ community have been environmentally conscious for years, even decades. That translates, of course, to thinking similarly when planning a wedding... and there are some easy ways to incorporate a sense of "GREEN" into any celebration!

Consider organics, as well as go local whenever possible. Organic farmers, restaurants and chefs, whether for your catering... or for your florals... Just that choice alone can seriously lessen the impact on the environment overall: think how much trucking, gasoline, shipping etc is involved in sending food, florals and other perishables across the country or across the world. And don't be shy to inquire with your decor specialists, wedding planner and other vendors about their own commitment to going local. The more, the better!

Re-use and Recycle. Many brides and grooms of course want their own wedding apparel to be unique and custom made... but sometimes certain apparel for your wedding can be gently used. Consider lightly used apparel for your attendants... (online searches can sometimes yield amazing results!)... or even consider asking your attendants to pick out their own attire - and encourage them to choose something they might wear again to another function or celebration someday. You can certainly specify style and/or color, but let them choose the rest, and it may end up an outfit they'll wear out on the town someday. If you are planning on having children as part of the ceremony, for instance as a ring bearer or flower attendant, gently used formal wear for kids is relatively easy to find online! Oftentimes others have to purchase new for their little one to participate in a wedding, and it is never worn again... so they turn to eBay or another similar platform to try and pass it on. -An easy way for you to not only find ways to save a little cash, but also lessen your celebration's environmental impact.

Fabric or wooden florals? Many of them truly are incredible!! Take a look at some of your options, and remember what great keepsakes these make!

 

DESTINATION EVENTS & LONG WEDDING WEEKENDS---

Thinking of a destination event in an exotic location... where EVERY DETAIL is taken care of for you?? You're not alone! The intimacy, the adventure... PLUS the perk of getting away for a trip even before the wedding ceremony begins! Destination Weddings today often have larger guest counts than in the past, but of course if you're planning to go big then it's suggested to give ample advance notice so that your guests can make appropriate travel arrangements. Smaller events can still be more spur of the moment; however, destination wedding planners today are offering quite an expanded array of amazing opportunities, so be sure to look into this option ahead of time so that you can decide what is right for you and your fiancee, your budget, and the expectations you have for Your Special Day.

Locations? Be sure to do your research, or consult with your travel agent or wedding planner to be sure the location you choose is LGBTQ+ welcoming. And not just for the wedding itself, but for your honeymoon plans after. You want to be sure you can display your affection comfortably as you indulge in outings, meals and all your honeymoon adventures.

Extended Wedding Weekends are also on the rise for 2022. Again, so many of our couples (and guests!) have anticipated gathering together after a long two years... planning an ongoing wedding event over several days might be the perfect way to enjoy your celebration to the fullest! These events can include amazing experiential excursions for you and your attendants and/or many of your guests, whether adventurous (white water rafting, custom jewelry making), fun & upbeat (party bus / citywide tour on a private transport or private bicycle bar, back-to-back reception parties), relaxing (spa day, family picnic), nostalgic (trip to some of the places you and your fiancee frequented while dating: a favorite park, museum, sports stadium, coffeeshop or restaurant...) And keep in mind that relaxed time is important too, to allow everyone the opportunity simply to gather, chat and enjoy celebrating the circle of loved ones you've brought together.

And... remember to look into creating a custom Wedding Map for your extended weekend, to guide and inform guests about all the activities you have planned! These can be adorable keepsakes!

 

GIVING BACK---

Thinking of inviting your guests to contribute to a favorite charity or organization, in lieu of gifts? Many couples are choosing LGBTQ+ resources, and other couples are focusing in on organizations of all kinds, particularly local ones. While non-profits that offer services for people with diverse needs, or animals, or the environment, are all well worth your investments... many are considering local for-profit businesses as well; specifically those hit hard by the pandemic. Small businesses of all kinds, including bookshops, independently owned restaurants, decor/houseware/craft shops, even service oriented small businesses such as spas and salons have all been impacted by ongoing challenges these past two years. With customers in quarantine, or reluctant to go out... and so many consumers turning to online purchases instead of in-store, countless business owners have struggled to keep doors open. So if you are thinking about sharing the love of your celebration by GIVING BACK, consider a broad scope of options when referring family and friends to donate!


________________


Remember, the journey of the PLANNING PROCESS itself, and YOUR FABULOUS WEDDING DAY, are as unique as you are! There are no rules, nor limits. Gather resources wherever you can find them: from family & friends, inquiring about expanded ideas from your wedding vendors, researching online, browsing planning books, spiritual books, works of literature and other treasures at the bookstore or library... Take time to set aside date nights with your sweetie and simply brainstorm! The planning process itself can be stressful, certainly, but it can also be lively, engaging and fun. You may learn new and wonderful things about each other, as you make plans to celebrate your love. Planning is a special chapter in your lives too, and culminates in that amazing manifestation of the vision of your wedding day becoming a reality. ENJOY!!

 

DIY Tip: Chalkboard Signs & Labels

Planning to polish your wedding festivities with a little DIY flair?  Mini chalkboards and chalkboard labels are an easy way to add a fresh, trendy look in a variety of ways!  Plus they are easy to use, easy to update... and easy to make use of with a bit of color and creativity.
 
Directional Signs - Help guests know where to go with small decorative accent signs.  These maybe are not necessary, but they're cute!  You can spotlight particular areas with your own creative or funky language ("Grazing Spot!" / "Scoops!" / "Pop a Cap!")... or you can help everyone know which path to take through the venue facilities --- to find the lounge areas... or the coat racks... or the restrooms... or the kids' area.  Consider using pots of flowers as the stands to zip in a little extra color and beauty.
 
Favors & Keepsakes - Fill jars with custom candy, as favors and/or playful centerpieces at your reception tables.  Glass vases with hand-picked wildflowers are another nostalgic option!  Label one for each family to take away with them as a keepsake, or label with fun sayings that resonate with your wedding theme.
 
Seating Tags - There are endless ways to create an artistic seating chart, for your reception or for any party.  Peel and stick, eraseable labels can be a simple way to make things easy on yourself - always a great idea!
 
Engagement Party?  Labels can be used for all sorts of party games and favors.  Or, if there are friends from both sides of the family who are not yet acquainted, invite everyone to create their own name label to ease the introductions.
 
Gift Giving - Hand-write or draw on all kinds of gift items:  Home made jams or color-coordinated candies can be a sweet gift for wedding guests, or for your attendants or vendors.  With custom crafted beer or soda, the chalkboard labels are a trendy way to accent that you've made the brew yourself!  Labels can also be added as a bold accent to wrapped gifts too. 
 
Remember to check out a few how-to videos online to make the most of outlining and quick decorative swirls and design work - any chalkboard sign or label can be dressed up as little or as much as you care to!  Be sure to experiment with different color chalk markers, and practice ahead of time with fun fonts -- this easily dresses up your labels and adds even more pizzazz and color!