Escort Cards vs. Seating Charts

Receptions can be chaotic, nobody knows that better than the wedding planners! On the day you say "I do," the last thing you want to be is stressed out. Making sure guests are in the right place at the right time is one of those small details that will help your day go a lot smoother!

Cutting down guest confusion starts with the seats. Whether you choose to do escort cards or display a seating chart, there are certain things you want to make sure you do with both.

Escort cards can add another dimension of personalization to your wedding. Make sure they're alphabetized though, or else that could present a problem with guests trying to locate their seats. Also, escort cards are also better suited for plated dinner receptions, allowing the caterer and servers to differentiate between meal choices. Make sure that you mark them clearly though! For example, light green and dark green isn't a strong enough contrast.

Here are some cute escort cards we've seen recently...

Lemoncello Escort Card

This couple used these Lemoncello-filled bottles as double-duty escort cards and favors for their Little Italy themed wedding! Just another small detail to personalize your wedding. I bet this was a wedding favor guests actually used too!

Grassy Escort Card Field

Getting a small patch of grass to display the escort cards is a great idea! They are all upright and it adds a pop of color to an otherwise potentially boring area.


Now, on the flip side, displaying a pretty seating chart would be less expensive and environmentally greener. Unless an escort card is exceptionally pretty or useful, guests don't tend to hold onto them.

Take a look at some of our favorite seating charts we've found:

Blush Seating Chart

How pretty is this! And again, fairly easy and inexpensive to make. The list is alphabetized by the last name so guests can easily find their seat.

Window Seating Chart

This is one of our favorites. It's surprising easy to find discarded windows, and they look so nice and original! What a great idea :) Again though, arranging the names alphabetically, instead of by table, would make it easier for guests to find themselves.

Escort cards or seating charts, pick a side!

What style do you prefer?

Sweet Save the Date's

Now that you're engaged and the date's been set, the excitement's beginning to set in! Many couples elect to hire a photographer and get engagement pictures taken to use for their Save the Date's. We picked out some of our favorite professional Save the Date photos to share with you!

Rural Save the Date

Isn't that so sweet? Rustic, rural weddings are so popular right now, and we've never seen a shoot that incorporate the fence like this!

Timeline Save the Date

We love the idea of including a timeline as your Save the Date. Often times, guests aren't privy to the play by play of your relationship, so what better way to make sure everyone knows your sweet love story?!

Now, if a professional photographer isn't in your budget for engagement photos, we've also included some of our favorite DIY Save the Date options.

Tie the Knot Save the Date

We love clever and quirky wedding ideas - anything to make it your own! This play on words will certainly be memorable for guests.

Shadow Save the Date

This shadow Save the Date is so cute, easy, and CHEAP! The shadow is made using a piece of cardboard...seriously. All you need is a friend to snap the picture!

Photo Booth Save the Date

We love the idea of having photo booths at receptions (SO much fun!), but these photo booth Save the Dates are pretty adorable too! Plus you can get as creative as you like with them :)

What are your favorite Save the Date ideas?

The 'First Look' Debate

As weddings have evolved and brides have become more modern, an increasing amount of couples have opted to ditch the tradition and decide on a 'first look' of each other before the ceremony.

Now legend has it that it is bad luck to see each other beforehand, but we have to question how something as special as this could be considered bad luck...

Touching First Look

Don't get us wrong - we completely understand the desire to keep to tradition! And if you are a couple that feels seeing each other before the aisle isn't for you, we love that you're keeping with this time-honored sentiment! However, there are a lot of upsides to taking a peek at your soon-to-be before you actually tie the knot, and we're all for it if you are!

For one, this may be the only private moment you have together all day. From the moment you walk back down the aisle together you will surrounded by congratulations and photos and family and friends and TRUST US, it will be a lot. A sweet moment together will calm and center you both.

It also gives you great pictures! After the first look, you'll be able to take all the gorgeous pictures together as a couple as well as with you bridal party and even family, if you have the time. Giving you time to enjoy and be a part of your cocktail hour and reception.

Now, if you're still undecided about whether having a first look is for you, maybe you can compromise when you see this picture. No bad mojo here, and still sweet, fun pictures :)

Blindfold First Look

Isn't that the cutest?! What a wonderful idea!

And for the steadfast and traditional brides, here's a different kind of first look entirely, but just as sweet, all the same...

Dad's First Look

Aren't dads just the best?! Don't forget about this other, and first, important man in your life! 

What's your stance on the great 'first look' debate?

Shout-Out to Our Grooms!

Footstone Photography

Here at MasterPiece Weddings, I've had so many grooms lately completely involved in the wedding planning process that I had to write a post dedicated to just them!

I think it's seriously amazing that so many grooms these days aren't just sitting on the sidelines repeating the standard "yes, dear" and leaving all the details for their brides to figure out.

I've mentioned it before, but it's worth repeating, that the best and most memorable weddings are those events that really tell a story about the couple and who they are together. Grooms should be involved and giving their two-cents about what they like too! It's about both of you beginning your new life together as one - there's no better way to get started than by undertaking the planning together. Having a partner to share all those crazy detail decisions with and lean-on when navigating tricky family waters makes the whole thing much easier.

So here's to you, Grooms everywhere that are becoming their Bride's hero's by not leaving all the planning up to them - you rock and we love working with you too!

DIY Shoe Bling!

We're rounding up this week with a little DIY Bling-tastic Inspiration! We fell head-over-heels, literally, for this great do-it-yourself project and we had to share it with you.

Check out these amazing jeweled heels!

Images via Emmaline Bride

These would be stunning on any Bride and Bridal Party. We found this great tutorial on Emmaline Bride created by Honestly WTF. Click here for all the DIY Instructions!

Sounds like the perfect Bridesmaids Girls Night to us!

Are you ready to bling-out your wedding shoes too?!

Table Runners Instead of Centerpieces

Not everyone loves the look of table centerpieces at their reception. If you're one of those people, consider the lush look that floral table runners create!

Table Runner via Alexan Events

It's such a unique idea and can be accomplished with so many different types of greenery. Check out how amazing, fresh and summery this table runner mixed with fruit is!

Table Runner via Alexan Events



These ferns would be amazing at any woodsy, garden or tropical location. Just use floral accents that compliment the locale. Or, do away with flowers, and just use bunches of candles - so romantic!




Table Runner via Alexan Events

Gorgeous, right?!

Father of the Bride Gift

These cuff links were so sweet, they had us tearing up over here!

Father of the Bride Cuff Links via Bravo Bride

They would make the perfect addition to any Dad's tuxedo and make such a special keepsake for the first man in your life!

Father of the Bride Cuff Links via Bravo Bride

We love how this set commemorates the date and time as well!

You can find them at Micky Chase Jewelry on Etsy.

Do you have any special gifts that you're giving to your dad for your wedding day? Tell us about them!

Reception Trivia Signs

We came across these fun signs on Emmaline Bride and had to share them with you!

Trivia Signs via Emmaline Bride

Creating custom cards that share fun facts about you and your future hubby - completely fun idea!

They make a great conversation starter for your guests and can be incorporated at the center of each table, at place settings, or even on the bar or buffet. By tweaking the facts or type of trivia, you could even utilize them as really unique table numbers! (Think "Our 6 Favorite Restaurants" or "Our Top 3 Date Movies")

What fun trivia would surprise guests at your wedding? :)

God's Knot; Unity Candle Alternative

 "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." -  Ecclesiastes 4:12

The God's Knot is an idea based on this Bible verse and makes a great alternative to a Unity Candle that isn't seen as often as other options like pouring sand. Perfect for venues where candles are not permitted or for outdoor ceremonies where wind may be a problem!

God's Knot via The Wedding Chicks

At the point in your ceremony where you would usually light a unity candle, the groom holds a small metal ring with three attached strands. The bride then braids the strands together, symbolizing the union of God, husband and wife.  You could have someone read a passage about it's symbolism during the braiding or simply include it's meaning in your programs.

You can go here to purchase your own, or here's one site with DIY instructions.

It would make a great meaningful keepsake after the wedding as well.

What do you think of this idea?

Ceremony Program Alternative

Love the idea of a ceremony program that lets all your guests know about the important people in your Bridal Party, but don't quite have the budget to spend on getting programs printed? Check out this great idea that we saw on The Wedding Chicks:

Wedding Party Sign via The Wedding Chicks

What a great idea to create beautiful chalkboard sign! We love the song lyrics at the top and custom decor too! You could even include words of thanks to your guests or parents.

What are some other unique ceremony program alternatives you've seen?

Old Time USA

With the theme of the week being historic America, we wanted to include one of our favorite new trends... Old cars!

Nothing is more romantic that driving away in a classic car! And what a piece of American history to include in your 4th of July wedding!

Here are some of our favorites...



Photo 1

Doesn't that look just like your grandparents' wedding pictures?! The black and white adds another element to it as well.



Convertible Getaway

And this classic convertible is perfect for a beach wedding!


What kind of classic car would you pick for your wedding?

Historical Wedding Locations

For a 4th of July wedding, location is key! Having a historical, old, wedding venue adds elements of charm and beauty to your wedding, AND it ties into American history! Perfect for the 4th :)

Here are some of our favorite historical locations around Florida...



Sweetwater Branch Inn

Sweetwater Branch Inn is right here in Gainesville, Florida  where Masterpiece Weddings is based. We LOVE working with Sweetwater - they have a great staff, the grounds are beautiful, and the food is always yummy! It is actually two historic mansions from 1885 and 1895, perfect for your slice of American history on your wedding day.



Powel Crosley Estate

The Powel Crosley Estate is beautiful as well. Located on the water in Sarasota, this venue was built in 1929. It's also on the National Register of Historic Places. You could definitely get some beautiful pictures here! And can you imagine 4th of July fireworks over the water..?!



Bonnet House Museum and Gardens

Another beautiful option is the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens in Fort Lauderdale. There are so many different, interesting aspects to this venue - which would be super interesting for your guests while you and the bridal party take pictures!


What are your favorite historical landmarks in Florida?

4th of July Inspiration!

We are SO excited for the 4th of July! It's one of the best holidays of the year - family, great food, and fireworks! It got us thinking, a wedding on the 4th could be so cool! Perfect for the patriotic couple :)

In the spirit of the upcoming holiday, this week is going to be all about the holiday and tastefully tying it into your wedding. We put together a 100% red, white, and blue inspiration board to get excited!




Shoe, Red, White, & Blue Cocktail, Bouquet, Couple & Fireworks,
Table View, Place Setting, Centerpieces, Pretzel Favors

What's your favorite part of the 4th of July?!

Beau-coup Giveaway Winner!

***Giveaway Update!****

Our lucky winner of the $50 voucher for Beau-coup is: Kfloveinme!!!

We love their new tradtion too:  "We're having a destination wedding in Dominican Republic and we plan on having all of our guest release sky laterns! That is going to be one beautiful moment with fabulous pictures! I know my guest are going to love it!"

Sky Lanterns via Pinterest

Sky Lanterns via Pinterest

We love this new tradition! So pretty!!!

Beau-coup is an online retailer offering an amazing selection of high-quality favors, gifts, and party supplies perfect for weddings, bridal showers, or any celebration. If you haven't already checked our their fabulous site, head over there now and start shopping for your upcoming event!

Congratutlations Kfloveinme! Just email us with your contact information and we'll get you your $50 voucher!