Southern Oak Blog

Make Your Wedding Memorable with a Private Last Dance: A Perfect Ending to Your Special Day

Your wedding day is a whirlwind of emotions, joy, and celebration. From the moment you say “I do” to the last dance of the evening, every moment is filled with love and happiness. As planners, we understand the importance of creating unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. That’s why we have been loving the idea of a private last dance—a moment that belongs only to you and your partner, an intimate conclusion to a day spent with loved ones.

Imagine this: the night is winding down, your guests are bidding you farewell, and it’s just the two of you left on the dance floor. The music plays in the background, and you share a quiet moment together, reflecting on the day. 

A private last dance is more than just a romantic gesture; it’s a symbolic end to your wedding day, a moment of intimacy and connection amidst the hustle and bustle of the festivities. It allows you to slow down and appreciate the significance of the commitment you’ve made to each other.

Here are some of our favorite private last dance songs: White Dress by Ben Rector, Beyond by Leon Bridges, Lover by Taylor Swift, In Your Love by Tyler Childers.

If you’re ready to start planning your dream wedding—and your perfect last dance—contact us today. We’ll create a celebration that reflects your love story and leaves you with memories to cherish. Because your wedding day should be nothing less than extraordinary.

BRETT SEAY PHOTOGRAPHY

Pop The Bubbly!

What better way to celebrate one of the most memorable days of your life than with a touch of elegance and fun? As couples embark on their journey of wedded bliss, they often seek to infuse their day with elements of sophistication and charm. One such classic touch that never fails to captivate guests and add a dash of glamour to any celebration is the illustrious champagne tower. We’ve been seeing them more and more lately – and we love it!

Crystal-clear flutes delicately stacked in a gravity-defying pyramid, each one brimming with effervescent champagne. As the bubbles dance their way to the surface, they reflect the joy and excitement of the moment, creating a spectacle that is as mesmerizing as it is celebratory.

Originating in the grandeur of 17th-century French aristocratic courts, champagne towers have since become synonymous with luxury and opulence. Evoking the spirit of romance and celebration, these towering displays have graced the most lavish of weddings, from intimate affairs to extravagant soirées.

But beyond their aesthetic allure, champagne towers hold a deeper significance in the realm of matrimonial festivities. Symbolizing abundance, prosperity, and the shared jubilation of newlyweds and their loved ones, each glass raised in toast becomes a testament to the bond of love that binds two hearts together.

Creating a champagne tower is an art form, requiring precision, patience, and a keen eye for detail. From selecting the correct champagne flutes (you’ll want coupe glasses!) to meticulously stacking each glass, the process is a labor of love that culminates in a breathtaking display of splendor.

Moreover, the champagne tower serves as a focal point for guests to gather, mingle, and partake in the joyous festivities. It transcends mere libation, becoming a centerpiece of shared moments and cherished memories that will be fondly remembered for years to come.

In a world where trends come and go, the allure of the champagne tower remains steadfast and unwavering. Its timeless elegance serves as a reminder that some traditions are timeless, evoking the romance and splendor of weddings past while paving the way for a future filled with love, laughter, and countless celebratory toasts. Cheers!

Beasley Rustic Photography

Buffalo Blooms

Melrose Knitting Mill

Featured in Redfin

We’re always honored when anybody takes the time to ask our opinion. Ryan Castillo with REDFIN reached out after seeing our blog post on neon signs, and was kind enough to quote Jessica in his article. Check it out at the link below. 

CHEERS TO FOREVER

As you embark on planning your dream wedding, every detail contributes to creating a memorable experience for you and your guests. One element that can add a touch of personalization and sophistication to your celebration is the inclusion of a signature cocktail. These specially crafted beverages not only reflect your unique style as a couple but also serve as a fun conversation starter.

What’s your perfect pick?
When selecting a signature cocktail for your wedding, consider your favorite flavors or liquors, the season of your nuptials, and the overall theme of your celebration. Whether you opt for a refreshing and bright or a more classic and elegant mix, the key is to choose beverages that resonate with your taste buds and tell your love story.

Naming your cocktail with a personal touch:
Infuse a personal touch into your signature cocktails by incorporating elements that are meaningful to you as a couple. Naming your cocktail is the perfect way to bring your sweet pet (that may have to sit this party out), your favorite sports team or the place where you met into the day. This personalization adds a sentimental layer to your wedding and makes the cocktails uniquely yours.

Collaboration with your venue or bar service:
Ensuring that you’re on the same page with your venue or bar service is important. Check with your bar provider to see what their rules are regarding signature drinks – some may have more flexibility for ordering and making the drinks.

Make it stand out!:
Elevate the experience by paying attention to the presentation of your signature cocktails. Consider renting unique glassware, getting custom drink stirrers or drink toppers that complement your wedding. The visual appeal of your drinks contributes to the overall ambiance and creates Instagram-worthy moments for your guests.

Encourage exploration:
Choose a cocktail that encourages guests to step out of their comfort zones and try something new!

Crafting signature cocktails for your wedding is an exciting opportunity to showcase your personality as a couple and enhance the overall guest experience. By infusing personal touches, collaborating with your venue, and paying attention to presentation, you can create a delightful and memorable drink menu that raises a toast to your love story. Cheers to a lifetime of happiness and to the perfect signature cocktails that will forever be remembered as an integral part of your special day!

Photo Credits (top to bottom):Tiffany Johnson Photography, Megan Travis Photography, Jordan Maunder Photography

ILLUMINATING YOUR WEDDING WITH NEON SIGNS

Couples are constantly seeking unique ways to add a personalized touch to their day. One trend that has been gaining traction is the use of neon signs. These vibrant, customizable signs can inject a sense of style, fun, and modernity into your wedding decor. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the captivating world of neon signs and explore how they can elevate the ambiance of your wedding.

The Radiance of Neon Signs

Neon signs are more than just pieces of illuminated art; they’re a statement that can set the tone for your entire wedding. Here’s why they are becoming increasingly popular:

Personalization: Neon signs can be customized to display your names, wedding date, initials, or even a special phrase that resonates with you as a couple. This level of personalization adds a sentimental touch to your wedding decor.

Visual Impact: The mesmerizing glow of neon signs is hard to ignore. They effortlessly draw attention and can serve as focal points for various areas of your venue, from the entrance to the dance floor.

Versatility: Neon signs can be incorporated into any wedding theme, whether it’s vintage, rustic, modern, or even bohemian. They can be designed to match your color scheme and complement other decor elements.

Photo Opportunities: Neon signs make for fantastic photo backdrops. The soft, colorful lighting they emit can enhance the aesthetic of your wedding photos, creating Instagram-worthy moments for both you and your guests.

Atmosphere Enhancement: The warm, glowing light of neon signs can set a romantic, enchanting atmosphere as the sun sets and the evening festivities begin.

Sentimental: It’s special to bring something home from your wedding day that you can incorporate into your home. Try hanging the neon sign from your wedding over your bar cart, in a game room or a guest room.

Incorporating Neon Signs

There are numerous creative ways to incorporate neon signs into your wedding decor:

Welcome Sign: Greet your guests with a personalized neon welcome sign at the entrance of your venue. It’s a great way to make a memorable first impression.

Sweetheart Table: Add a touch of glamour to your sweetheart table by placing a custom neon sign as a backdrop. It will make your table stand out and create a unique space for you and your partner.

Photo Booth: Elevate your photo booth experience with a neon sign that matches your wedding’s theme or hashtag. It’s an opportunity for your guests to have fun while capturing memories.

Dance Floor: Transform your dance floor into a lively, energetic space with a neon sign that encourages guests to hit the dance floor and let loose.

While neon signs can undoubtedly enhance your wedding decor, it’s important to use them strategically and not overwhelm the overall aesthetic. Less can often be more, so choose key areas where the signs will have the most impact without overshadowing other decor elements.

Neon signs can be customized on Etsy in many shapes, colors and sizes. Are you interested in a neon sign, but don’t want to commit to one financially? If so, Glas is a local company (they’ve done movies like Bull Durham and more!) that allows you to rent their neon signage. They have fun phrases like “Celebrate”, “Just Married” and more!

Neon signs offer a captivating way to infuse personality, style, and elegance into your wedding decor. From their personalization options to their visual impact, these luminous elements can transform your venue into a magical space that reflects your love story. By incorporating neon signs thoughtfully, you can create a wedding ambiance that is unique and vibrant.

Photo Credits (top to bottom):Ashley Olson Photography, The Axtells, Lacey Gabrielle Photo

lucky in love

Your wedding day is a celebration of love, a day filled with laughter, joy, and the promise of a bright future together. As you plan every detail to ensure your guests have an unforgettable experience, consider adding an element of excitement and surprise with a unique twist on wedding favors: lottery tickets. These little slips of hope and chance can add an extra layer of fun and anticipation to your special day. Lottery tickets as wedding favors are a playful and memorable choice that your guests will cherish.

By gifting your guests with these tickets, you’re sharing the sentiment that love, like luck, can take unexpected and wonderful turns. It’s a lighthearted way to express your gratitude for their presence and well wishes as you embark on this new chapter. The element of surprise and suspense can create an interactive experience that encourages mingling and conversation among your friends and family. These shared moments of anticipation can become cherished memories for both you and your guests.

Incorporating lottery tickets as favors is a low-stress and budget-friendly option. You can choose the number of tickets based on your guest count and allocate a portion of your budget to this unique and entertaining favor idea. Incorporating lottery tickets as favors adds a touch of playfulness and modernity to your celebration. It’s a way to break away from the conventional and showcase your unique personalities as a couple.

Personalization and Presentation: Just like any other wedding favor, the presentation matters. Get creative with how you package the lottery tickets. Consider personalized envelopes or small decorative boxes that match your wedding theme and colors. You can also include a heartfelt note expressing your gratitude and well wishes for your guests as they “gamble” on love. And don’t forget to include a penny, to scratch!

As you plan the details of your wedding, consider the charm of lottery tickets as wedding favors. These little tokens of chance and hope can infuse your celebration with a dose of excitement and interaction, creating memories that will be cherished by you and your guests for years to come. How many of your guests will get LUCKY in love at your wedding?

(If you want to see more photos by Megan Travis Photography, click on the image below to be taken to the website.)

Late Night Snacks

After hours of dancing, laughter, and joy, guests can work up quite an appetite. That’s where late-night snacks come to the rescue! A well-thought-out late-night snack selection can delight your guests and keep the party going strong. In this blog post, we’ll explore some creative and delectable late-night snack ideas that will leave your guests with unforgettable memories of your special day.

(If you want to see more photos by some amazing photographers, click on the images to be taken directly to their websites.)

2. Tasty Taco Bar:

Spice things up with a late-night taco bar! Set up a station with soft tortillas, an assortment of flavorful fillings like shredded chicken or seasoned beefand an array of toppings like salsa, guacamole, cheese, and sour cream. The interactive nature of the taco bar will add an extra element of fun to the festivities.

4. Sweet Treats:

Satisfy the guests’ sweet cravings with a delightful selection of late-night sweets. Mini donuts, gourmet cookies, and bite-sized pastries are always a hit.

6. Pizza:

Appeal to everyone’s taste preferences by offering a diverse selection of pizzas. Include traditional favorites like classic Margherita, pepperoni, and four-cheese pizzas. For guests with adventurous palates, offer unique combinations to mix things up!

Late-night snacks are the perfect way to treat your wedding guests to a delightful surprise and keep the party atmosphere alive well into the night. Whether you choose to serve gourmet mini sliders, set up a taco bar, or offer a food truck experience, the key is to select snacks that reflect your personality and preferences as a couple. These late-night treats will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on your guests and make your wedding celebration an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. So, go ahead and plan your late-night snack extravaganza – your guests will thank you for it!

C is for cookie

I think most would agree that a big highlight of a wedding day is dessert! From beautiful cakes, to pies, to donuts and ice cream, we’ve seen it all. But, one very fun tradition that always makes us smile is the Pittsburgh Cookie Table!

I came across this years ago at a wedding (hey, Wade and Jen!) and I was in awe. We had an abundance of cookies baked by friends and family members and we were told to display EVERYTHING! There were dozens and dozens of cookies, all made with love for the bride and groom’s special day. I was told this was a staple at any Pittsburgh wedding. In the years since my first cookie table experience, I’ve seen them on a few occasions and the sheer number of cookies on hand – and how many get consumed – is always amazing!

If you’re interested in learning more about the tradition, click HERE. Check out some beautiful photos of the cookie table at Abby and Brian’s wedding at Melrose Knitting Mill.

Photos by Reg and Kala Photography:

PERSONAL TOUCHES

What’s a great way to add a personal touch and extra detail to your wedding day? Here are some fun tips to incorporate into your wedding day. 

Take the party a step further! Have fun favors for your guests to dance with (we’re talking light up glow sticks, inflatable instruments and more!) really makes a mark!

Want to capture a shot with a ton of your favorite people at once for a fun and personal photo op? Grab a flag from your alma mater, state or favorite sports team and ask all the guests who are affiliated with that “thing” to jump in for a great group shot!

Personalized details are one of our favorite things to help couples create. This will be just part 1 of this blog topic! Make sure to check back for more fun ideas!

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