Long after the last guest has left, a wedding will be remembered for its details, such as an unusual centerpiece or beautifully designed favor. The following are sure to leave an impression.
Typewriter guest book: Set out an old-fashioned typewriter fitted with long sheets of paper: Guests writing good wishes will be inspired by the large space. Look for inexpensive machines online or at thrift stores and flea markets; they come in many colors. After the wedding, tie the paper into a scroll with ribbon.
Cheese starter: As guests find their seats at the tables, welcome them with a starter of cheese and crackers in wooden baskets that double as place cards.
Cheese starter how-to: Select two or three delicious cheeses. Aged cheddar and manchego, a Spanish cheese, are great choices; your caterer or a specialty cheese shop can make suggestions. Also select an assortment of crackers and suitable baskets.
Print card stock with guests’ names; cut into tags and adhere them to baskets with adhesive dots or double-sided tape.
Since cheese is best at room temperature, the baskets can be assembled an hour or two before the reception begins.
Easy handmade stationery: Stationery needn’t be costly. Personalize invitations, programs and thank-you notes with an embosser to stamp prepackaged cards and envelopes with the bride and groom’s initials; stamp card stock and use it to cover matchbooks or make napkin rings.
Embossers are found at office-supply or specialty shops. Also order two plates imprinted with your design, one with the design turned 180 degrees; you’ll need one to stamp paper from the top, the other to stamp from the bottom. A third plate with a larger monogram may also be useful.
Pomegranate seating cards: Create a simple, natural display that’s rich in color by propping seating cards atop beautiful pomegranates. A symbol of eternity to ancient Greeks, the ruby-
hued fruit is fitting for weddings.
Pomegranate seating cards how-to: Cut a slit in the blossom end of each pomegranate to hold the card (to avoid staining the cards, make slits the night before you place the cards in them to let the juice dry).
To make the cards, print or calligraph names and table numbers onto card stock and cut them into tags; bend the tags into graceful S-shapes with your fingers; place the tags in the slits.
Where to find it
Typewriter guest book: Vintage machine from Gramercy Typewriter Co., 212-674-7700. Canson paper in green (#480), $1.35 a sheet, from New York Central Art Supply, 800-950-6111.
Cheese starter: Poplar basket with silicone liner (B0AG-12), $12.85 for 12, by Tom Pouce, from Technobake, 609-937-0097 or technobake.com.
