Photo Credits: The Puff Lounge, The Sigaro Bar, megphoto.com, Beekman Bar and Books

One of my absolute favorite new trends in wedding receptions is the Cigar Bar. This is such a great way to add a unique touch to your reception, and to have something for the men! There are several different ways you can create a cigar bar to suite your budget and your space.

DIY Bar – The cheapest and least space consuming method is to go to your local cigar shop and buy a variety of cigars by the box to set out on a table. Add some old books and a bowl of matches from some of your favorite places. You could also create some custom match books with your names and wedding date. For an extra touch add a bottle or two of brandy or scotch with some glasses.

Cigar Bar Service – There are also cigar bar companies, such as The Puff Lounge that will come out with humidors, cigars, etc and set up a cigar bar for you. This takes some of the work away from you, and gives you a more cohesive look.

Hand Rolled Cigars – I would love to be able to incorporate a cigar roller into my reception! Although this may be one of the pricier options, this is sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests! CF Dominicana Cigar Catering is a company which has trained cigar rollers available for your wedding. They offer their services in a variety of cities nationwide, and thier prices are reasonable.

The Mens Lounge – If space and budget permit, why not create a men’s lounge? In order to prevent separating the men and women for too long, only have it open during a portion of your event, keep the area small as to only accomodate a small number of men at a time, and keep it easily accessed from the main reception area.

Are you thinking of including a cigar bar at your wedding?

-Lauryn

Photo from etsy.com

With our contest, Philly’s Best Engagement Story, coming to an end and with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I thought we could help the guys out and offer a few proposal ideas! Here are a few of our favorites:

1. Gather a bunch of your friends and family for a party. Have everyone in attendance put on a T-shirt bearing one of the letters in the phrase “Will You Marry Me?” When you walk in the room with your girlfriend, suggest a group picture and let the shirts speak for themselves!

2. If you have a friend who is a police officer, ask for his help in your plan.  As you and your girlfriend are driving, the officer will pull you over for an unknown offense, asking you both to step out of the vehicle.  The plan continues as the officer begins to arrest you after finding $1500 in unpaid tickets!  As he begins to cuff you, he asks you to get down on your knee and face your girlfriend…surprise!

3. Send her on a scavenger hunt of all the important places you two have shared around town. The last clue should lead to you on one knee!

4. Plan a vacation to someplace exotic, like Costa Rica, with the intention of simply taking a break from work and life, in general. Take her for a romantic walk on the beach at sunset, express your love and ask her to be your wife!

Good luck guys!

Photo by Regeti's Photography

Do you ever get your heel caught in the cracks in the sidewalks or stuck in grass (or is that just me)? It can be so frustrating and very hard on your shoes! Well, the ladies at SoleMates have the answer. The SoleMates High Heeler can be placed over the heel of your shoe to protect it from damage.

For any of you brides who are planning a garden ceremony, this is perfect for you and your bridesmaids so you don’t sink into the grass! They come in black or clear so you can match them to most any shoe. Genius!

Have any of you used these before?

Maria at {ritzy bee} showcased Couture Maps in her blog and I thought they were so cute. I love the idea of adding these personalized maps in your welcome baskets. What a fun way to show your guests around the city!

A cute idea from Polka Dot Bride

Don’t get out your shovels… Create a beautiful time capsule to keep at home and open on an anniversary from Whiteport.

Include favors, invitations, or any other momentoes from your special day. Here are some suggestions from Polka Dot bride:

• A letter to each other for the future
• Wedding invitation
• Wedding accessories such as napkins, wedding favours and programs
• A menu listing your reception meal
• Newspaper/magazine from your wedding day
• Your wedding guest list
• Cork from your champagne toast
• Honeymoon brochures
• Ticket stubs
• Predications and well wishes from wedding guests.

Click Here to see full article from Polka Dot Bride.

I love this idea from Martha Stewart Weddings!  What a perfect way to sweeten up your coffee bar – add a mini doughnut!  A fun variation on the typical reception pick-me-up, enjoy a cappuccino and a sweet treat to cap off the party.  I figure this is just one more idea to complicate your decision process!  (You’ll thank me later)

I’ve attended a few weddings recently with unique dessert ideas.  It’s always nice to see something new!  Do you have any fun ideas for a dessert/coffee bar?

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Here’s a little something different that I would love your thoughts on: Beer Cocktails.  I’ve been to a few weddings now where a specialty drink has been served during cocktail hour, like mojitos, or a martini bar setup.  But would you consider beer cocktails as a speciality drink during your cocktail reception?

I found this idea on the Hostess with the Mostess blog. Here are the links with receipes for each:

1. 1. Beer Margarita or, as I like to call them “beer-garitas”) {via Rachael Ray}
2. 2. Strawberry Panache – strawberries, lemon-lime soda, & beer {via cocktailtimes.com}
3. 3. Chambeer – 1 part Chambord, 3 parts beer {via hostessblog.com}
4. 4. Basil Shandy – lemonade & lager, garnished with basil {via cocktailtimes.com}

So what are your thoughts?