PINTEREST... THE GOOD, THE EXPENSIVE & THE DYSFUNCTIONAL
If you're in the process of planning an event, chances are you've come across Pinterest (maybe stumbled upon it and suddenly found yourself scrolling until 3am). The wonderful website provides millions of options for DIY Crafts, décor, games & endless event ideas. From teeny tiny mason jar escort displays to multi-story dessert tables, Pinterest makes you feel like ANYTHING is possible. But what those articles fail to share with you is the price, logistics, location or overall functionality of those amazing ideas. Some of them have huge design impacts and are totally worth the money... some, not so much. Deciding what you want + what isn't necessary is totally up to you and varies from couple to couple. Well we got you! Below we provide a few really Pinterst-y examples of upgrades couple's often make along with examples in each category for Good, Expensive & Dysfunctional ideas.
Dessert Bars
The Good: Custom Dessert Displays
This is THE BEST spot to get creative with food. Tons of dessert options fall within a good price point & adding height, depth, texture etc. is totally easy on dessert tables. This is the spot to add a donut wall or something fun.
The Expensive: Elaborate Tiered Cakes
This is not news to many people. Wedding cake, no matter the size, is expensive. The bigger the cake, the higher the price tag. Looking for a cost saving spot in your wedding? Steer clear of tiered cakes and opt for a fun dessert bar, donuts or event Ice Cream!
The Dysfunctional: Minimalist Displays/ Color Themes...
Any time you see those dessert bars with the perfectly arranged lemon bars, set up with 8 pieces per platter... yeah those are #fake and #dysfunctional. Stack the platters high for less turnover & a smoother event flow all around. Color themes can add to the overall look of the table, but be careful when sticking too strictly to a theme, it can impact the overall flow & guest experience.
Escort Displays
The Good: Seating Charts
Seating charts continue to be the most popular choice for events event with all the new options couple's have. The Reason? Namely, seating charts are totally customizable- go as big or as simple as you want. With unlimited designs and price points, you really can't go wrong with a seating chart.
The Expensive: Welcome Drink w. Escort Card (Champagne Wall)
Offering alcohol at the start of the event with the escort card/seating chart is a great way to get the party started with your guests. However, the additional cost of glassware and beverage can be a deterrent for the budget friendly couple. If you DO want to serve a champagne tagged w. escort cards, make sure to alphabetize those bad boys to keep the party flowing freely (Bonus points if you have Letter Labels Separating the Glasses).
The Dysfunctional: Escort Displays Without an Alphabetized List
Escort displays have gotten REALLY cool, and we dig it. But, before putting together a perfectly curated vision with each table listed out on antique vases, remember that your guests have to find their name on a list of sometimes hundreds of other names. If you don't want a massive traffic jam at your escort display, include an alphabetized list with people's seating assignments.
Bar Decor
The Good: Decorated Bar Front/Custom Signage
The bar is by far the most frequented location at your wedding. If you plan on decorating something, we HIGHLY recommend focusing on the bar. Adding floral arrangements, faux grass, custom napkins or name signs are simple and more cost effective ways to taking your event to the next level.
The Expensive: Custom Built Bar
While we are all in favor of custom bar decorations, building out a custom bar front isn't necessary. It can be pricy, time consuming & then you're stuck with a bar after the event.
The Dysfunctional: Bar Back Shelves
Bar back shelves are by far the most common thing we see on Pinterest that rarely makes the cut in the budget. Simply put, they are visually appealing but lose that almost immediately in open bars. Because people will be queueing up all night at the bar, we HIGHLY recommend going for more functional bar back tables w. linens for your event bar.