Make sure to have plenty of games and activities around to keep your guests entertained.  These games should be fun for all ages.  Consider having water balloons, croquet, horseshoes, ladder golf, or bocce ball.  You can find inexpensive ways to create these games on your own online.

One of the most important parts of a backyard barbeque is the food!  Nobody said you have to do simple hot dogs and hamburgers, try spicing it up and being unique by making shish kabobs.  And for dessert, it will most likely be a hot summer day so ice cream is a great go-to choice.  Try making fruit tarts, or serving fruit parfaits.  And don’t forget to create a fun and brightly colored signature drink for everyone to enjoy!

What are your plans for the summer? Going to any barbeques – or having one of your own? Please share any creative and fun ideas you have for a backyard barbeque.

Photo Credits:

http://www.gentdaily.com/2010/08/how-to-build-your-own-backyard-games-.html

http://july.tipjunkie.com/patriotic-backyard-barbecue-memorial-day/

http://smittenkitchen.com/2007/09/stand-up-eats/

http://www.etsy.com/listing/77233792/sweet-backyard-barbecue-printable

http://pvedesign.blogspot.com/2008_06_01_archive.html

http://maryanne.tumblr.com/post/477680848/fresh-fruit-tart-recipe-since-its-spring-this

Before:

The night club party atmosphere was created with fabric swagging and draping as well as blue ambiant uplighitng by Gray Phoenix Design. The Upper adult table seating area was comprised of a mix of high communal tables and standard height tables covered in crushed taffeta fabrics in Gold, Plum and Navy provided by Mosaic. Allison Mcgeary Floral Design was enlisted to provide the amazing and varied table centerpieces as well as the mirrored seating assignment boards and the fabric chandaliers that were suspended over the dance floor.

Adult Seating Area:

Additional highlights included a catering by Big Catering, desserts which included a plated trio for adults, freshly made donut cart and passed chocolate chip cookies with milk shooters by BellaChristie. Entertainment was provided by Glyde Productions (DJ, MC Dancers), Pixal Paint Digital Graffiti Wall, Green Screen Photo Skins and Black Light Gaming Area by Amusement Masters.

Because this was a celebration of Jake and Ben and they had many, and I mean many, kids attending, their friends as well as all of the kids, received their very own VIP Seating Area and kids Italian Soda and Slushie Bar. Custom Glow Bar, White Dance Floor, Leather banquettes and light up day beds as well as all additional rentals were provided by All Occasions Party Rental.

Additional Hightlights Included:

Custom Bar Menus packed with delicious beverage selections which were all named after important members of their family (let’s not forget their dog MoMo), Guest Books with a beautiful description of every guest attending the party, photo gallery wall of Jake and Ben in the Adult Cocktail Lounge, cubbies for kids to check their gear and their shoes and hilarious bathroom posters custom made just for the party. Let’s not forget the Red Carpet Entrance as guests arrived with a lit marquee of Jake and Ben’s “appearance”.

As favors you can send everyone home with a teddy bear shaped jar filled with mints or candies.  On the lid, put a sticker with your expected date.  To impress your guests with a desireable drink selection, consider making smoothies or slushies, and add gummy bears on top – a fun treat for everyone!  As for activities for your guests, have them write down how many teddy bears they think are in the room – the winner gets to take home their favorite teddy bear and a gift basket.  You could also play bingo with gummy bears as bingo markers.

Dress up the room with those pretty pastel colors in your flowers, balloons, linens and other décor – throw in a teddy bear theme, and you’ll have a Kimora Lee Simmon’s inspired baby shower!

Photo Credits:

http://ahotmama.com/2009/05/07/simply-fabulous-kimora-lee-simmonss-baby-shower/

http://frostmeblog.blogspot.com/2011/06/teddy-bear-party-ideasinspiration.html

http://www.alittlefavor.com/products/73/fc6703ST/personalized-teddy-bear-jar-baby-shower-favors.html

http://bloomingtableco.blogspot.com/2011/09/baby-shower-teddy-bear-for-twins.html

http://thestyledossier.blogspot.com/2011/06/frozen-gummy-bear.html

http://www.myexpression.com/prodDetail.cfm?ProductID=15508

http://www.thesweetestoccasion.com/2011/03/goldilocks-birthday-party/

A classy setting for the party will be necessary to entertain the adults in the room. So it will be set up as a reception styled party, with pink and green flowers, as well as balloons. Pictures of Maxwell will be found everywhere. Hung in the centerpieces, draped along the walls, and she will be the center of attention, in a beautifully decorated high chair with her very own smash cake for her to dig into. Since this is a birthday celebration, we must have a delectable dessert table! With ladybug cupcakes, and cookies for guests to take home as favors!

As far as activities go for the little one’s invited to the party, we will have a station set up for them to make their own party hats. With all the materials needed, these kids can get creative and show it off all day! Many couples are using ‘I Spy’ cards to keep kids entertained at their weddings, this works for parties as well. We will leave a disposable camera with a card for the kids to capture things such as ‘a little birthday girl’, ‘a ladybug’, ‘sticky birthday girl fingers’, ‘birthday candles’ and more!

What do you think – will this girly ladybug party be fun and beautiful for baby Maxwell and all her guests?

Photo Credits:

http://www.ontobaby.com/2012/04/ardens-fuchsia-first-birthday-party/

http://www.korean1stbirthdayblog.com/2010/11/rileys-1st-birthday-by-shoots-giggles.html

http://pisforparty.blogspot.com/2010/04/real-parties-pink-green-first-birthday.html

http://flickrhivemind.net/Tags/astronaut,boy/Timeline

http://www.korean1stbirthdayblog.com/2010/11/rileys-1st-birthday-by-shoots-giggles.html

http://www.weddingchicks.com/2012/03/14/i-spy-wedding-game-card/

Topics that were covered included: Tackling how to get started with the planning, Puting your vision together, Working on your attendee guest list, Budgeting for your mitzvah, Event insurance, Puting the details together, Organizing your materials and more.

It was a fun morning for all who participated. All guests received Perfectly Planned by Shari favor bags and there was a guest raffle for a Pittsburgh theme basket of goodies.

We would like to thank the following vendors who helped to contribute greatly to our event:
- Fairmont Pittsburgh for providing their lovely venue for the event as well as beverages and delicious and beautiful plated pastries.
- BellaChristies for a fabulous dessert and pastry display for guests to enjoy and take home for later.
- Pittsburgh Candy Buffet for a bright and colorful candy display which guests took home in takeout containers as favors.
- Allison McGeary Floral Design for the gorgeous yellow rose arrangments which were displayed throughout the room on all of the tables.

If you, or anyone you know, would be interested in attending this program in the future. Please let us know!

Some locations may come with requirements and permissions when holding an event outside.  Be sure to check with the local police department or town halls regarding firework permits,  parking, alcohol consumption, food and beverage preparations, exemptions from noise ordinances and curfews and anything else they oblige you to have.

When planning outdoor weddings, Mother Nature is a guest that can make or break your day.  Always have a backup plan in case of sudden and unexpected rainfall and thunderstorms.  If you are having a ceremony outside and an indoor reception, use your reception venue as a backup plan! Tent rentals are always an option, and some rental companies even let you put them on ‘stand-by’ until the week of your wedding.  This way, you can keep an eye on the upcoming weather and let them know the week-of if you will need their services or not.

Add some extra details for your guests to be more comfortable outside. If it is a hot, sunny day and your guests will be sitting for a while during the ceremony, provide baskets of parasols to shield from the sun and have a table set up with bottles or glasses of ice water.

Not only does Mother Nature affect your wedding in bad ways, but you can use nature to your advantage!  Save décor costs by using the natural décor of your outdoor venue.  Plan a special moment of your wedding around the sunset to make for an extra-special moment.

When would you plan for your sunset – saying ‘I Do’, the first dance, dinner?

Photo Credits:

http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/is-it-necessary-1

http://weheartit.com/entry/14500453

If you live in Missouri you can have your wedding at the Titanic museum – which is a replica ship that features some of the greatest details from the Titanic.  Of course, we are not all that lucky.  Try finding a venue that has old-fashioned architecture – and don’t forget a grand staircase!  You could always have your reception on a boat for a beautiful setting.

Put your men in sleek black tuxes, and find a beautiful A-line dress for the bride.  To make for Titanic scenery, use lush colors such as navy, deep reds or purples, and gold.  Create a formal setting by using chandeliers and candelabrums for lighting.  And of course, use roses in your floral arrangements in honor of Rose.

As for entertainment, go with a string quartet to play during your ceremony.  As the guests move to cocktail hour and the reception you can provide other entertainers for them, such as dancers or set up some card tables for your guests to play.

A formal dinner should be served with multiple courses.  Records of the last dinner in the First Class dining saloon show that dinner was served in 10 courses. While you may not want to keep your guests seating quite that long, you may want to add wine with each course and end with fruit and cheeses followed by port. Cigars were smoked following the meal. Servers dressed as cigar and cigarette girls passing desserts would be a nod to that era.

Turn this historical event into your big-day event!   Do you have a favorite part or details from the movie that you would incorporate into your wedding?

Photo Credits:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Staircase_of_the_RMS_Titanic

http://papermoss.com/blog/?p=4608

http://www.designtoscano.com/product/basil+street/classical+gallery/ch%26acirc-teau+chambord+clock+and+candelabra+ensemble+-+ky95026.do

http://blog.ourweddingday.com/Boat-Wedding-Reception-Guidance-Ideas-13122722

http://www.squidoo.com/the_RMS_Titanic?utm_source=google&utm_medium=imgres&utm_campaign=framebuster

Couples use layers with table runners or a sheer overlay to start.  Many brides are looking for fabrics with shimmer and iridescents that catch light and can add some dimension to the fabric.  Utilizing texturess with pintuck fabrics, damasks, or crushed fabric for extra flair!  Some brides are even using burlap in their linens to give their wedding a rustic charm.

Don’t be afraid to be bold with patterns!  Brides are really taking to this trend, adding some fun patterns to spice up their tables.  A pattern can transform and enhance the overall look of your table, providing a dramatic background to your table décor.  However, if you do choose to use a pattern on your table linens make sure to go with simple place settings.  Like the idea of using a pattern but don’t want to change the entire appearance of your table?  Put your great pattern to use on your napkins or a table runner!

Would you consider using patterned linen? What unique fabrics are you using to embellish your tables?

Photo Credits:

http://www.brides.com/wedding-ideas/wedding-flowers/gallery/flowers/editors-pick/detail/2000000001453104

http://lacedinweddings.tumblr.com/page/5

http://simplybytamaranicole.blogspot.com/2011/09/textured-elegance.html

With what brides are looking for in their floral arrangements, creativity from florists is in high demand.  Rather than having one arrangement for a center piece at each table, brides are asking for several arrangements ranging in height and shades of color.  Not only are they looking for centerpieces designed with roses, peonies, and lilies, but they are also integrating tree branches and fruits.

Brides aren’t just altering the basic appearance of centerpieces and table arrangements, but they are looking to add more dramatic touches of design with other floral décor.  One popular new trend is the hanging flowers.  Whether they are solitary flowers being strung from the ceiling, or a mass of flowers adorning over the table, hanging décor is a beautiful touch to your big occasion.

What flowers do you plan on using in your arrangements?  Any plans to use unique floral décor like these trends?

Photo Credits:

http://venuesafari.com/blog-sighting-transforming-a-wedding-ballroom-with-hanging-wedding-decor/

http://haleybragg.com/2010/11/17/inspiring-weddings/

http://bloomsbymarthaandrews.typepad.com/photos/bridal_flowers/sacramento-wedding-photographer-monte-verde-inn-sydney-ben144.html

Mix in this color throughout your wedding!  Brides love the mismatched trend.  By putting their bridesmaid in different colored shoes, different shades in bouquets, or even dresses they are making a more varied color palette that looks great!

Photo Credits:

http://www.mywedding.com/blog/real-couples/real-weddings/gorgeous-vineyard-wedding-from-bend-the-light-photography/

http://valleyandcolifestyle.com/2012/02/make-it-l-orange-cocktail/

http://www.bridalbuds.com/2009/12/color-crisis/

http://bzevents.com/blog/splurge-on-shoes/