As weddings these days are getting more elaborate and creative with their centerpieces, floral arrangements, wedding locales and dessert tables — we also found that many are getting creative with custom installations. These installations are… More
Elegant Romance at a Rustic Venue
Soft, romantic spring colors with an effortless vibe. Everything effortless and flow-y!
Photographer: 1 of 13 photography//Floral Designer:Designs by Amber Lanier//Event Venue:The Barn at Rock Creek//
#FountainOfLove: Tic-Tac-Tag Wedding Hashtag Activation at the wedding of Chris and Dana Fountain
5:00 pm and the tables are just being set. Tic-Tac-Tag (www.tictactag.com) just walked into the brand new Row 24 event venue in Chicago, IL. Just inside, we were greeted by an amazing 20′ chandelier that hung from the center of the room, on our left side a grass wall with with the quote “It was all a dream”—a great quote to end any magical evening.
Props setup
Our setup was located on the second floor which overlooked the main room—an intimate location but it was still able to hold over 50 guests. Within minutes we were setup and ready to go, printing out existing photos from their hashtag #FountainOfLove2017 on Instagram and Twitter. One of the great things about our service—minimal space—because we don’t have large booth, Row 24 just equipped us with a few high-boys and electricity and that’s all we needed.
With much time between now and when the guests arrived, we were able to walk around and take in the details of the wedding—chandelier wall sconces, centerpiece arrangements and tiny signs of our activation of each table (a great way to share how our activation works to their guests).
Table hashtag signs
6:00 pm the entourage arrives. Laughter and loud conversations started to fill the room as the entourage entered the reception. Heading straight upstairs to view the main floor from the second level, the guests were greeted by our activation and quickly took flight in posting photos from earlier in the day. The excitement filled the air as the bride and groom found the best spot for photos right in front of our setup. Activation is on.
No need to leave the table. Take a photo from anywhere, anytime.
7:00 pm the food cometh, but the photos never end. The one thing that guests and the bridal couple really love about our activation is that there is no idle time. Because our system is driven by a wedding hashtag posted to Instagram or Twitter, there really is no need to get up from the table and wait in line to get your photos. You can do it virtually anywhere and at anytime.
8:00 pm – 11:00 pm reception is ON and our activation is blowing UP. With the food done and the music bumping, there is really one thing to do—take your photos and hashtag away! At this time, the guests are on their feet, filled with liquid courage and ready to get more social. The word about our activation has spread throughout the reception by this time and now everyone was eager to get their printout. The rest of the night was a blur as happiness and joy filled the space.
So skip the long lines to the photo booth and forget about the stressful dilemma of asking your group: “Serious pose? Duckface? Silly face?” With us at your wedding, your guests will get the photo that they want, when they want.
Congratulations to you Chris and Dana Fountain, much success in your life together!
5 reasons why you should have a Wedding Hashtag
FREE DOWNLOAD: Wedding Wonders Edition ONE
Tic-Tac-Tag (TTT) has come out with their first edition of “Wedding Wonders: Local picks from Chicago’s best wedding vendors.” This brainchild was born after much interaction with different vendors from multiple events. “We saw so many unique and interesting presentations at events that we had to wonder… who did this? and how was this done?” We concluded with the idea that if we were asking these questions, that there were many others—brides and grooms particularly—who were probably asking the same questions.
So in each guide TTT put together a few categories of services that they felt are important and highlighted only one (1) vendor per category to make this easy for those who are reading it.
“Our hope is that our readers get a kick out of these quick guides and use them as a go-to resource to connect with these great vendors that we have built a relationship with.” Their second edition will be coming out this November 2017 and adding more categories as their network continues to grow.
So get your free Wedding Wonders guide here and check it out. If you find them as great as we do, share them with friends and families and spread the word about Wedding Wonders!
Tic-Tac-Tag Teams Up with PastBook.com to give couples a complete social package
Tic-Tac-Tag (www.tictactag.com), is proud to announce its partnership with PastBook.com.
“Now you can do even more with your event hashtag” says Jessica, co-founder of Tic-Tac-Tag. Building relationships with companies that compliment each other is key to growth and networking. Our main service is built around real-time event printing using the event hashtag and pushing the idea of expanding your social footprint as well as building your social story using content created by your guests.
We have been looking for a company to partner with in the area of hashtag publishing for a while, but couldn’t land on an SaaS company that created books using hashtags well, until now.
With the unique service that Tic-Tac-Tag provides for wedding couples on the day of their event coupled with the service that PastBook.com brings to the table, for what can happen next—this is a marriage made in heaven all-in-itself. “The main goal was to ensure that our wedding clients got a good picture of the possibilities and appreciate the value of what they can do with their wedding hashtag” says Jessica.
Of course, PastBook.com has more functions and capabilities than printing books using hashtags. Here are some of their fun features:
Facebook Photo Book App
Your Facebook photos with captions & dates are instantly arranged in a photo book. We automagically layout your book, importing photos from Facebook based on the time range that you set. Sit back and enjoy your cherished memories.
Instagram Photo Book App
Your Instagram photos with captions & dates are instantly arranged in a photo book. We automagically layout your book, importing photos from Instagram based on the time range that you set. Sit back and enjoy your cherished memories.
My Year App
All your year’s photos with captions & dates are instantly arranged in a photo book. We automagically layout your book, importing photos from Instagram based on the year of your choice. Relive & print your year in one easy tap!
They also have a feature where their Elite designers can design the book for you.
Leveraging the capabilities that PastBook.com has opened new doors and opportunities for us as a company. Our clients want and need more fun things to do with their hashtag once an event is over. Our relationship with PastBook.com gives them that additional service.
Wedding Trends for 2018
We have searched high and low to bring you a comprehensive list of wedding trends for 2018 from sites like The Knot, Weddingwire and various other sites. Get some inspiration by going through this article. Check back from time-to-time as we continue to update this post throughout the year.
Unique Wedding #Hashtag
Implementing a hashtag at your wedding is like creating a photo album with absolutely zero effort–with just a fun little phrase, you can get people excited about your day and encourage them to share their perspective. As trendy as it might be, it’s something you’ll enjoy for months (and maybe years) to come!
Parlor Room Chic
Think of this theme as the perfect marriage between an elegant ballroom affair and a vintage fete—it feels regal yet still approachable. Pastel hues mix with more masculine elements like dark wood, leather and brass accessories for a polished look that’s pretty but not too sweet, eclectic but refined.
Make It Yours: Set up a sweetheart table with your wedding china and monogrammed napkins—fun in the moment and great for your newlywed nest. Treat guests to an intimate performance of Tin Pan Alley music, a towering cake and a vintage car send-off (complete with a traditional rice toss, of course).
Calming Colors
The official Pantone Color of the Year isn’t one, but two hues—actually, it’s a “blending” to be precise. Pantone named Rose Quartz, a blush pink, and Serenity, a periwinkle-esque blue, the colors of the year, and we have a feeling you’ll be seeing a lot of them added to the wedding mix in 2018.
Real-Time Wedding Hashtag Printer
Companies like Tic-Tac-Tag in Chicago brings something unique to weddings. By using the unique wedding #hashtag in posts when uploading to popular mobile apps like Instagram or Twitter, guests can receive a print out of their photos on a custom template within seconds. This makes a great giveaway and incentive for your guests to help document your wedding throughout your special day. This is the true “evolution” to the disposable camera.
Two-in-One Dresses
Designers have made getting the two-dress trend easier than ever with convertible dresses that combine a formal ceremony gown and fun reception frock. Now you can get two looks for the price of one—#winning!
Wow-Worthy Websites
Because many weddings are becoming weekend-long celebrations, regardless of destination, wedding websites are getting more visits than ever. Enter the web designer. These design gurus are creating completely custom sites, with a unique URL, bespoke details and personalized illustrations.
Total Personalization
The new wedding tells your story, start to finish—this party is all about you and your fiancé after all. This means complete customization of the details, not just monogrammed cocktail napkins. From the invite to the cake, elements will reflect your favorite tastes and interests. Celebrate your uniqueness by incorporating a cultural custom or religious tradition. These special touches will truly make your wedding day your best day ever.
Satellite Bars
Introducing the satellite bar—in addition to your standard mixed drinks, beer and wine setup, this second bar is designated for a special spirit. It’s a great way to personalize the party with your favorite libation, or even serve a tasting of preferred wines. And while there will always be room for craft beers and locally distilled whisky, tequila is totally having a moment.
Fashion-Forward Florals
Flowers and weddings are synonymous, but this trend has nothing to do with your bouquet or centerpieces. Floral-printed dresses, details and accessories flooded bridal runways in a bold way.
Contemporary Choirs
Keeping your guests entertained—and guessing—all night long with special musical performances isn’t new, but we love the latest twist: choirs! Think 20-person ensembles with amazing a cappella abilities. And if you’re hosting an after-party, one word: karaoke.
Metallic Palettes
It’s all about shimmer and shine this year. Don’t be afraid to mix silver and rose gold or gunmetal and gold—metallics play well together. This addition of luster elevates any look, giving your wedding style an extra-special feel.
Food-Inspired Floral Elements
Blooms are getting a style boost thanks to untraditional floral elements, like fruit and vegetables—extra points for centerpieces that include elements of the dinner menu (think: kale or artichokes).
Stylish Grooms
You’ve heard of the second dress—well now guys want a unique reception look too. Custom suits with embroidered monograms, velvet loafers and personalized cuff links give guys more style options than ever before. Well-groomed guys will even start their wedding prep early with treatments like teeth whitening, “handshake maintenance” and regular beard trims in the months leading up to the celebration.
Locally Sourced Food
The new wedding menu will mimic the offerings at your local farm-to-table restaurant. Forget standard chicken or beef and say hello to “free-range Happy Days Farm hen.” Good food, both in taste and provenance, is playing a greater role in dinner fare. Healthy “it” ingredients like kale and sprouted grains will be on the menu regardless of the season.
Wedding Concierge Pros
Sweet Endings
The wedding cake is here to stay, but it’s no longer the only dessert on the menu. Cakes are getting a design update with graphic prints and textile-like motifs, while plain tiers are acting as a canvas for video displays—the perfect marriage of dessert and technology. Passed treats, especially of the frozen variety, are trending along with installations like doughnut walls.
Make It Yours: Refresh your dancing crowd with a frozen treat like shaved ice (think: retro snow cones) or fruit-infused popsicles with your names on the stick.
GIF Booths
Of course, we all love photo booths at weddings—it’s a fun activity for guests and provides a personalized favor. GIF Booths are an extension of that—creating short moving clips for guests to share on social media.
Flowers and Greenery Hanging from Ceilings and Covering Walls
Floral creations aren’t just for reception tables anymore! We’re seeing floral arrangements in unique places—including hanging from venue ceilings and covering walls to create a memorable photo backdrop (remember the famous photo from Kim and Kanye’s wedding?).
High Ballerina Buns
While many brides are still loving the loose, romantic look, we’re also seeing more and more brides wearing their hair in more structured ballerina-inspired updos. We love how this style keeps the hair out of the face all night long!
Doughnuts
Of course, we love any sweet treat, but we think doughnuts will be the dessert of the moment in 2016.
Expanding Social Media Presence
2015 was the year of the wedding hashtag, with couples asking their guests to use a special hashtag when sharing wedding photos on social media. In 2016, we predict social media expanding even further with couples and guests using Snapchat and Periscope to document the day.
Retro-Inspired Groom’s Looks
This year, we saw the rise of the cobalt blue tuxedo. We think that in 2016, grooms will think outside the box even more by wearing attire in shades like burgundy or plum.
Textured Buttercream Frosting
We’ll be seeing a lot of white wedding cakes in 2016—but what makes these cakes unique are how bakers are creating interesting patterns and textures with buttercream.
Copper (yes, again)
We know, we know—we said the same thing last year! But we are still seeing so many weddings with gold or copper palettes that we don’t think this metallic will fade away in the New Year. Expect to see some of Pantone’s Colors of the Year—Rose Quartz and Serenity—mixed in, but we still think copper is king.
Drone Photography and Videography
More and more photographers and videographers are using drones to capture aerial footage of weddings. Look for this to grow even more in the New Year.
Foil-Stamped Invitations
This metallic look stems from the gold/copper trend. It’s a festive and fun style for stationery.
Indie First Dance Songs
“All of Me” by John Legend and “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran were tops in 2015, but we think couples will eschew Top 40 hits for more indie tunes this year. Check out what DJs from around the country chose as their top picks here»
Eucalyptus
Wedding bouquets are still going heavy on the greenery—specifically beautiful seeded eucalyptus.
Cocktail-Appetizer Pairings
Tacos and tequila, hot dogs and beer—providing sips and bites together create a unique culinary experience for cocktail hour.
Dresses with Removable Skirts
A look inspired by Sofia Vergara’s Zuhair Murad wedding gown, which paired a grand overskirt with a more form-fitting silhouette underneath.
Illusion Bodices
Sheer bodices adorned with lace or beading were all over the Bridal Market runways and we expect to see these on brides in 2016. Check out more wedding dress trends here »
Bridesmaids in Separates
We’ve been seeing more and more bridal parties clad in tops and skirts rather than dresses. It’s a modern look that allows for even more creativity and versatility.
The Word “LOVE”
Sure, it’s pretty literal—but couples love to creatively feature their word “love” at their weddings. From signage to marquee lights and more, we have to admit, we love “love” too!
Honeymoons in Hawaii, Thailand and South America
We asked wedding travel experts to share their picks for the top honeymoon destinations for the New Year—and they all sound pretty dreamy.
We found a great resource to help you create a unique sign for your wedding hashtag.
How to Create a Wedding Hashtag No One Else Will Have
There are some brides who ask guests to unplug at their wedding, and some who ask guests to go all out with the photo snapping and sharing. If you’re the second type of bride, you’re probably already brainstorming your wedding hashtag — you know, the one phrase that guests will use on Instagram and Twitter to round up pictures of your big day. Instead of the more standard conventions you’ve probably seen all over the place (something like, say, KardashianWestWedding or KimandKanye2014), we bring you 21 unique, creative ideas you haven’t thought of. Of course, replace them with your own names, initials, wedding locations, and such to make them special to your big day.
What’s the best one you’ve seen? Let us know!
1. #HappilyEverHarrison
2. #RuizPartyof2
3. #ThatOneMalibuWedding
4. #Newlywedsontheblock
5. #SeanandCassGetHitched
6. #TomKat, #Bennifer, or any other celebrified combo
7. #MrandMrBaker
8. #TimandAnneinWonderland
9. #WeSaidIDoOnJune2
10. #KristenLovesJustin
11. #SmithNoMore*
12. #LauBeachBash
13. #ThisisOurWeddingHashtag
14. #StokedtobeaHorowitz*
15. #TwasaGoodKnight
16. #WeCameWeSawWeWed
17. #SamandNicoleKissandTell
18. #JessandTimTietheKnot
19. #KylieWedsCara
20. #AdventuresofJuanandCelina
21. #TandGForBestWeddingEver
*Maybe better for a bachelor/bachelorette party than a wedding?
Image Source: Brooke Images
via: Popsugar
We heard and read about the debate between “wearing” vertical lines vs horizontal lines and which one makes people look thinner or wider, but which chevron background pattern makes people look thinner or wider? Give your answer on Twitter.
Quick Macaron Decor
For those of you that are avid readers, then you know I have a few (lazy) hosting tricks up my sleeve. From making “professional” cakes in your home to creating the perfect sangria station, I’ve perfected the art of expert hosting deception. But hey, I’m a busy working mom, so I take pride in my party hacks. Well, today I’ve got another shortcut to make your next dessert table scream of slaved-over perfection (without the actual slaving-over!). These gorgeously artful macarons from The Sugar Shack are fabulously wonderful if you can get your hands on them. But if not, then here’s how to create your own little macaron museum pieces. So buy a set of pre-made macarons at your local bakery and get painting…
To recreate the lace decor on the macarons, all you need is a piece of pretty lace and mist food coloring. That’s right, mist food coloring actually exists!
Place the lace tightly over the top of the macaron, quickly spray it with the mist food coloring, and voila! You’ve got yourself a gorgeously decorated cookie, my friend.
To add a 3-D effect, get some packaged piping gel or frosting and pipe on simple designs for a little extra pizzazz. It’s that simple!
And lastly, if you’re looking to add a bit of bling to the cookie, then there’s nothing easier than gold dust. Mix it in with a few drops of high-proof alcohol and paint it on with a brush.
Super easy hosting hacks that are sure to make your life a bit easier. And if you happen to be in Sioux City, Iowa then save yourself some time and just order up some of The Sugar Shack’s gorgeous sweets.
Photographer: Impressions Photography//Cake Designer: Sugar Shack Bakery
The Bride Guide 