| Have you ever stayed at a 5 star hotel? Or sailed | | | | allow you to make your own ice sculpture with |
| aboard a cruise ship? If you have, then you've | | | | pre-designed molds. These molds are typically for |
| experienced luxury pampering at its finest. Well, | | | | smaller ice sculptures, no larger than 24" tall, and only |
| believe it or not, you can create the same luxurious | | | | cost around $25 each. Try one and see what you |
| atmosphere on your wedding day, without the luxury | | | | think. |
| price tag. | | | | 4. Give guests notes on origami creations. This |
| High-end hotels and cruise ships use simple techniques | | | | ancient paper art makes quiet a statement and can |
| to make you feel like royalty. So what's their secret | | | | be used as place cards or as a special thank you |
| weapon? It's the element of surprise and the | | | | note to guests. Your designs do not have to be |
| unexpected. Here are some examples of inexpensive | | | | complicated; just make sure to use paper in your |
| techniques you can incorporate into your wedding | | | | wedding colors. For the cost of the paper and maybe |
| day festivities. | | | | a book for help, you'll give guest a unique treat and |
| 1. Create a detailed menu for your dinner guests. | | | | add wonderful color to your reception. |
| Using a stationary kit and your home printer, you can | | | | 5. Give guests chocolate covered stirring spoons or |
| create inexpensive dinner menus. Even if you are | | | | rock candy sugar sticks to sweeten their tea or |
| having a plated meal, guests won't remember what | | | | coffee. These delectable treats are very inexpensive, |
| they selected 4 weeks ago. To cut costs even | | | | around $0.50 to a $1.00 a piece, and provide an |
| more, simply make up 1 or 2 per table and place in | | | | upscale feel to dessert. Arranging them in colored |
| inexpensive frames. | | | | containers can add flair to your sweet station and/or |
| 2. Ring the dinner bell. Now, I know what your | | | | coffee station. If you are not having these stations |
| thinking, and no this is not the triangle bell from down | | | | at your reception, have them pre-arranged for the |
| on the ranch. This dinner bell sounds like a chime, with | | | | wait staff to present when offering coffee or tea to |
| no more than 3 notes. Have your DJ or Master of | | | | guests. |
| Ceremonies chime the bell at the conclusion of | | | | 6. Create an after dinner mint serving station. Ask a |
| cocktail hour. This will notify guests that dinner will be | | | | member of the bridal party or another participant to |
| served shortly and to be seated. Total cost? The | | | | serve a selection of mints. Have them placed on |
| sound of the chime. | | | | colorful or personalized napkins for guest to take at |
| 3. Create fruit and ice sculptures to be placed on the | | | | the end of the night. This idea makes a great |
| buffet, coffee station or sweet table. Have your | | | | wedding favor, with a twist, and will only cost you |
| caterer, reception hall chef or a talented family | | | | the couple of bags of mints. |
| member make flowers from fruits and vegetables. A | | | | Giving your guest the feel of luxury is easy and can |
| few "bouquets" go along a way and make unusual | | | | be extremely affordable. For more ideas, scan the |
| favors for guest to take at the end of the night. Ice | | | | web for dinning experiences, check out luxury hotels |
| sculptures can be expensive, but may be more cost | | | | and view pictures and information from cruise lines. |
| effective than other reception decor, while making a | | | | Ask your family and friends for ways they feel |
| more stunning display. Make sure back light the | | | | pampered. A little creativity can go a long way to |
| sculpture for a more dramatic effect. Believe it or | | | | give your guests the royal treatment. |
| not, there are new products on the market that | | | | |