How To Make A Courtesy Basket

Styling a reception bathroom is perhaps one of last things on a brides mind and not the most appealing.  Luckily for you, with one quick addition it’s easy to turn a bland bathroom in a little retreat for your guests.  Cue wedding courtesy baskets.

Courtesy baskets are small baskets full of toiletries and other necessities for your guests to utilize during their trips to the restroom.  To start, you’ll need a medium-sized basket and decorative fabric or ribbon. Either a square or a circle basket will work just fine, as long as the opening at the top is wide. Use the fabric to cover the bottom of the basket or tie the ribbons on for a splash of color.

Next, put the courtesy items in the basket.  Don’t overcrowd them, because the basket will get messy as guests use the items throughout the night.

What to include in your baskets

There are many things you could include in your courtesy basket. What you choose to add will depend on your setting and budget. Here’s a list of some ideas for your own basket:

The Basics - Add the following items to baskets for both the men and women:

• Advil/Tylenol
• Cough drops
• Kleenex
• Mouthwash/gum/mints
• Toothpicks

• Safety pins/Sewing kit
• Mini first-aid kit
• Lint roller
• Hand sanitizer
• Tide-To-Go pen

For the Women you will also want to include the following necessities:

• Deodorant
• Tampons/pads
• Bobby pins/hair ties/clips
• Hair brush
• Perfume

• Lotion
• Hairspray
• Lipstick/chapstick
• Clear nail polish for pantyhose snags

Men will appreciate a few extra comfort items of their own including:

• Deodorant
• Comb

• Razors
• Cologne

Well-stocked - A well-stocked bathroom basket should also include the following items for both men and women:

• Rolaids
• Tums
• Q-tips
• Eye drops
• Floss
• Contact solution

• Tweezers
• Manicure set
• Extra band aids
• Bug spray
• Sunscreen
• Dryer sheets (to remove deodorant stains)

There are, of course, many other things you could include. It’s up to you to pick and choose to decide what your guests might need.

The finishing touches

Set your full basket on a small table or stool next to the toilets. You might like to include a note or small sign explaining the basket to your guests and requesting that they only use what they need so that everyone can utilize the basket. This note could be as simple as a piece of cardstock folded in half, or you could put a piece of paper in a picture frame to make it a little more formal. You could write a sentence or two or you could write a short poem, such as one of these:

~~~~

So happy you’re here sharing our special day
But just in case something should go astray:
Please help yourself to the contents within
Mouthwash, hand lotion or ibuprofen
Use what you need, and just leave the rest
For it may be useful to some other guest!
Repair the damage that may have been done,
Then quick!  Hurry back and join in the fun!

~~~~

If your skin feels dry, your hair out of place,
Your throat is parched, or whatever the case.
We've put this together to help you along,
Now get yourself out there before the next song!

With so much happening on your wedding day, it’s easy to miss little details like this, but your guests will be so grateful when they see that you’ve thought of their every last need.

Image Credits:  It Weddings Florida, Weddingbee

Elizabeth is an undergraduate at Ohio Northern University with a double major in professional writing and creative writing and a minor in psychology. Liz writes for My Wedding Reception Ideas as well as creates multi-modal writing projects for Re:Media, an Ohio Northern University online publication.

Movie-Themed Wedding Ideas: Be the Star on Your Big Day

Are you planning a themed wedding? There are many themes to choose from, and many are tried and true. If you’re looking for something different and new, however, you might want to try a movie-themed wedding.

It’s no secret that people love themed parties. We take our favorite things and use them as props to celebrate with. Fictional characters, historical events, holidays, and so many more things make a party fun and meaningful. Even weddings can take on a theme. Sometimes it’s based off of a color theme, other times the bride wants a beach or vintage theme. Themes give an event a united focus, making it easier to plan decorations, attire, and everything else!

What movie should you pick?

When people think of a fairytale wedding, Disney’s princesses often come to mind first. Many women want to feel like Cinderella on their wedding day, so a princess movie is an obvious choice for a wedding theme. It’s not the only option, though.

Do you and your spouse-to-be share a favorite movie? Maybe it’s the movie you first saw together or a romantic comedy you think parallels your relationship. Or maybe you like a particular production company, like Pixar or 20th Century Fox.

Pick a movie that fits your personalities, one that you think is the perfect romance movie, or even one that was filmed in the same area as your wedding. There are hundreds of possibilities for how and what to pick.

How to incorporate movies into your wedding

Make your guests feel like movie stars and the bride feel like the leading lady with a red carpet aisle to walk down.

Set up a photo booth that would make even the best paparazzi jealous. Include a backdrop that shows a theme from your movie or a photo stand-in of your favorite characters.

If you’re not into photo booths, set up a video camera instead. Provide a few movie props such as popcorn, 3D glasses, a movie ticket, a cardboard megaphone, or clapboard. Ask the guests to grab a few props and leave the newlyweds advice using quotes from romantic movies.

Use miniature clapboard or Hollywood movie theme place card holders to reserve seats for your guests of honor.

Take the movie poster and turn it into a Save the Date or invitation to your wedding.

Take engagement photos that match photos from the movie you chose, such as this picture, mimicking “Lady and the Tramp:”

If you want to wholeheartedly embrace this theme, you can make a trailer to announce your engagement. For lots of fun, you could make an over-the-top video announcement like Jeff and Erin’s EPIC Wedding Trailer, or you can make a simple but cute animation telling the story of your relationship.

Another bonus to making a video announcement is saving money on printing and mailing paper announcements, as well as going green by not using paper!

Favor and gift ideas

Give personalized party bags filled with popcorn, favorite movie candies and other goodies as favors to your guests.

For the bridal party, what about movie theater vouchers or a home movie night kit? Include popcorn, drinks, candy, and a DVD or Redbox gift card. Add a personalized gift that goes along with the theme of the wedding. If you don’t mind spending a little extra, a nice addition would be popcorn seasoning or a small blanket. For the final touch, add a thank you note that looks like a movie ticket, or if you’re feeling ambitious, record your thank you message, move-style, of course!

Be sure to stop back next week for ideas for movie-themed engagement, bachelorette and bachelor parties, and wedding showers.

Image Credits:  Themed engagement photos, Movie photo booth props

Elizabeth Grace

Elizabeth is an undergraduate at Ohio Northern University with a double major in professional writing and creative writing and a minor in psychology. Liz writes My Wedding Reception Ideas as well as create multi-modal writing projects for Re:Media, an Ohio Northern University online publication.

Unveiling American Wedding Ceremony Traditions

The tradition of the wedding dates back to as early as prehistoric times.  Back when a groom need only carry a woman away to claim her as his bride.  Today, most of our traditions have developed as a result of changing values, beliefs, and the overall status quo.  No longer is it acceptable for a man to enter a town, throw a woman over his shoulder, and carry her away as his.

While the actual traditions of American wedding ceremonies continue to change and evolve with the times, the overall practice of certain wedding traditions has stuck with brides and grooms throughout the years.

Tradition of wedding veils - While the wedding veil has held different meanings for different cultures, one common belief is that wedding veils protected the purity of the bride from evil spirits.  Another source attests that the opaque wedding veils were used to prevent the groom from seeing the bride’s face until after the ceremony was over.  This of course is why brides had to be literally escorted down the aisle by their fathers and given away to their groom.  Wedding veils today are used more as a fashion statement that that of necessity.  From short blusher veils to long cathedral veils, the styles of veils change with each passing year and are based a lot on the personality of the bride and the style of her wedding gown.

Tradition of the aisle runner - It has been a superstition among many cultures that demons lurked underneath the ground and it was bad luck for the bride to come in contact with the ground before the ceremony.  Thus aisle runners acted as a barrier between the ground and those evil spirits.  Traditionally, a white aisle runner has symbolized a pathway of purity.  More so today, the aisle runner is not only used for decoration but as a clean surface for the bride to walk down in her wedding gown.  Bride’s today are breaking the mold on traditional aisle runners opting for personalized runners or alternatives like rose petals or burlap.

Tradition of the flower girl  -  Children have long been associated with weddings and were thought to bring luck and fertility to a wedding.  In Greek times, young girls were used to throw grain and herbs in the bride’s path as a symbol of fruitfulness.  This tradition has not changed much today evolving only through the years into a more romantic nature with traditional flower girls now throwing flower petals from flower girl baskets instead of wheat.  For modern fall brides looking for a unique twist on flower petals, they may be interested in opting for this traditional medium of wheat.

Tradition of the ring bearer - Originally it was tradition for a small boy (or page boy) to carry the bride’s wedding train for the bride. But as wedding gown styles changed, the need for a page boy dwindled and the ring bearer was born. Now typically an American tradition, a young relative of the bride or groom is given the duty of carrying the wedding rings down the aisle on a small ring pillow to present to the bride and groom.

Why a groom’s side and a bride’s side?  In years past, fathers were known to offer their daughters up as a peace offering to resolve a war between tribes.  To eliminate any conflict during the ceremony, the two families would sit on opposite sides of the room.  Today you will still see the bride’s family and groom’s family sitting on opposite sides with the bride’s family typically sitting on the left side of the altar where the bride stands during the ceremony.  Just as noteworthy, brides began to stand to the left of the groom back in Ancient times so that the groom’s fighting hand would be free to ward off anyone who wished his bride harm.

Whichever traditions you decide to incorporate into your wedding day is up to you. Your wedding will show your personality and your hopes and dreams for the future. There really is no right or wrong with today’s weddings.  What do you think of today’s traditions compared to some of these ones of the past? Will you be holding true to superstition and tradition for your own wedding?

Sources:

“A History of the American Wedding.” Random History. May 8, 2007. Web.  Jan 17, 2013.

Hudson, Sandie. “A History of the Wedding Ceremony.” Writing Historical Romance. Sandie Hudson. Oct 23, 2010. Web. Jan 17, 2013.

Stewart, Arlene Hamilton. A Bride’s Book of Wedding Traditions. New York: Hearst Books, 1995. Print.

“Wedding Traditions: The Aisle Runner.” Majestic Gardens. 2013. Web. Jan 18, 2013.

Gifts for the Bride and Groom

Finding gifts for the bride and groom doesn't have to be complicated.  Whether you're buying for the wedding day or just to say congrats, there are 3 simple ways to a sure fire gift that the newlyweds will love.

While selecting off the couple's registry is always a good choice, it can sometimes be a bit impersonal.  Everyone wants to give the happy couple a gift that is going to be special and meaningful.  Not just a gift off their registry but a personal gift.  A custom gift.  One that says 'Hey, I was really thinking of you.  I didn't want to just give you cash.  I wanted to give you something you would remember.'  To find that perfect gift, choose from one of three options.   For the home, For a photo, or For the hobbyists.  It's really that simple.

#1) For the home

You can never go wrong with a good housewarming gift.  This is possibly the easiest gift giving idea and will guarantee a heartfelt thank you every time.  Nearly every newlywed will have a new homestead to furnish after the big day.  With a custom housewarming gift, you can't go wrong.  And luckily there are hundreds of great gift ideas to choose from.  Monogrammed table linens, like the one shown left, will leave sense of luxury with the happy couple and are a memento they can pull out on special occasions to dress up the dinner table.  Other linens like monogrammed bath towels, sheet sets, and pillowcases are also great housewarming gifts.  Don't forget the kitchen.  Engraved glassware and wine gifts are traditional gifts for the bride and groom that have not lost their appeal.  Personalized wine glasses are great for the wine loves while monogrammed mason jars are a unique gift idea that will be unexpected but cherished.

#2) For a photo 

Capture the bride and groom's special day with gifts that will showcase their wedding photos.  Think engraved picture frames, collage frames, personalized photo albums, and photo coasters. For a unique twist on traditional picture frames, give the happy couple and nice bottle of wine tied with an engraved Christmas tree ornament they can use during their first Christmas together as man and wife.

#3) For the hobbyists

If your newlyweds are a couple that share a love for certain hobbies and activities, then play up on their interests.  Give them a gift that will mean the most to them by basing your gift idea on their shared hobby.  Do they love the outdoors?  Choose a gift like hiking gear, camping gear, skiing gear, or water sporting items.  Do the newlyweds love the travel?  Then they will love custom gifts like personalized luggage tags and leather passport holders.  For an extra special gift idea, monogrammed leather luggage sets are a gift idea that the bride and groom are unlikely to splurge on themselves and will be a gift they will cherish for years and years.

What are you getting the happy couple?  We realize that this is by no means a complete list of every gift idea there is.  We would love to hear from you.  Leave a comment and let us know what you're getting the bride and groom?  Is it one of these ideas or something completely different?

How to Make Personalized Ribbon Wands

Ribbon wand send offs are our favorite new way to celebrate the bride and groom at the end of their ceremony. Not only can the wands be kept as a memento after your big day, they also don't leave behind a mess that can harm the environment like rice or confetti can. We love this idea so much, we created a tutorial on how to make them yourself using our personalized ribbon!

Image Source: Southern Weddings







Ribbon Wand Tutorial

Materials
• 8 inch Cookie Sticks (We used Wilton)
• Eyelet Screws (19 mm)
• Pliers (optional)
• Personalized Ribbon
• Unprinted Satin Ribbon of Varied Colors and Widths
• Fabric Glue (clear drying)

Step 1:  Cut Your Ribbon

To get started, cut your ribbon to the desired length. The white ribbon shown above was printed continuously with the same message, while we had our blue ribbon printed favor style. This means that the bride and grooms names were printed at one end of a specified length and their wedding date was printed on the other end. This pattern is repeated along your spool of ribbon so you simply cut the ribbon between the lengths. When ordering favor style ribbon, you must specify the length for printing. We chose to have our ribbon printed in 30 inch lengths, but you can definitely make yours longer or shorter to suit you. We recommend following all of the steps to make one wand before cutting all of your ribbon, this way you can be sure you like the completed look.

TIP!  Create more finished edges for your ribbon by using very sharp scissors as well as treating each cut end of your ribbon with clear drying fabric glue to keep the ribbon from fraying.

Step 2: Attach Screw Eyes to Cookie Sticks

Each cookie stick will have 1 eyelet screw secured to the tip. The cookie sticks already have a small pin hole at the top, which is perfect for inserting your screw. Simply twist the screw with one hand, holding the stick steady with the other.  You may need to use pliers for this, depending on your finger strength.  Repeat this step to create the number of ribbon wands needed. If you have invited a lot of guests you may want to invite some friends over to help! Make sure everyone has super clean hands to keep the white paper sticks looking spotless!

Step 3: Tie Ribbon Around Eye of the Attached Screw

Thread your ribbon through the eye of the screw attached at the end of one cookie stick. Bring each end of the ribbon together and match them up to find the center. Tie a strong knot here, securing it to the screw eye. Repeat this step as many times as you want. We chose to tie three lengths of ribbon onto each of our wands, which creates 6 ribbon ends streaming from the wand tip.

TIP! We love the clean white look of the paper cookie sticks, but there are ways to dress it up. One way is to wrap washi tape (patterned tape) around the stick. You can also use a glue gun or two-sided tape and wrap the stick with ribbon. Get creative!

And now, you have beautiful personalized ribbon wands to hand out at your wedding. We took them out side and played with them in  the sun. The ribbons look so beautiful when the wind catches them. They will be a stunning addition to your send off. Ribbon wands are also great as children’s birthday party favors, for tucking into Easter Baskets, or a flame free substitute for sparklers on the Fourth of July! You can see the finished creation below!

Happy Crafting!

How to Honor Lost Loved Ones at Your Wedding

There are few things in your life that are as important to you as your wedding day.  Not having a loved one there to share it with can be a difficult experience. But just because they are no longer with us does not mean that they don’t need to be included in your special day. After all they will always be alive in your heart.  Here are a few ways to honor the special people in your life that have passed on and cannot be a part of your wedding celebration.

Using a memorial candle during the wedding ceremony is one of the most popular ways for the wedding couple to honor the loved ones that they have lost. Most memorial candles or candle holders can be personalized to add a name of several names. During the ceremony you can have the minister or officiant add a moment when you recognize those that cannot be present with the lighting of the candle. Another way to use the candle would be during the reception. Have the candle placed on a special memorial table where you can include a photo or several photos of the lost loved ones you are honoring.

One of my personal favorites is to make a donation in honor of your lost loved ones in lieu of favors. For my daughter’s wedding we made a donation to the American Cancer Society due to the family members we had lost to cancer. We had cards placed on each table to explain this memorial to each of our guests. This is a wonderful way to honor people you have lost and to also help a charity that is close to your heart.

Another popular way to honor your loved ones is to include an ‘In Memory’ section in your wedding programs. This idea also allows you to give a little more detail to your guests, such as adding 'mother of the bride' and so on. You may also want to add a prayer or moment of silence to the wedding ceremony and include this in the wedding program so that your family and friends will be included in your special wedding memorial.

Take your loved ones with you on your wedding day with a memento or photo. Add a photo of someone to your wedding bouquet using a bouquet photo buckle memory charm.  Many brides choose to carry a lost loved ones handkerchief or wear a piece of their jewelry to keep them close to them for the entire day. This can work for the groom as well if he has a special memento that he can carry in his pocket.

No matter how you decide to honor your lost loved ones during your wedding ceremony, the most important thing to remember is that there is no wrong way to honor someone you love. Create a special memorial in the way you feel will honor your loved ones that have passed the best. Good Luck!

How to Use Cake Toppers to Create Stunning Centerpieces for Your Wedding

Wedding centerpieces do not have to be large flower filled vases that break the bank or floating candles that are used most commonly. If you are looking for a way to create something that is truly unique and different then you should consider cake toppers. Yes, cake toppers. Wedding cake toppers come in so many beautiful styles and designs that you can create something that is completely original.

Cake topper picks are a new and trendy item we see on wedding cakes, but don't forget that these picks can also be stuck into your flower center pieces to add drama and interest. If you love DIY like we do, then consider creating your own unique centerpieces with this idea. Stick the picks in vases filled with sand, rocks or floral foam. You can use your initials, monogram and even spell out different small words, like LOVE, JOY, KISS or U&ME according to how large your vases are. This look will definitely create a buzz at your wedding reception.

Bride and groom figurine cake toppers have certainly come a long way since your mother got married. You can find figurines that are funny, serious, and romantic, with blonde hair, red or blonde. Place different bride and grooms on each table to show off you and your fiancés hobbies, sense of humor or romantic style. The figurines can sit on the tables with votive candles and flower peddles surrounding their unique pose. This idea is not only fun by your friends and family will love it.

Personalized cake toppers would add a special touch to each table centerpiece. You could place the cake topper on a mirror with decorative table confetti and votive candles to create a stunning look that your guests are sure to love. This also gives you a way to show off your personality. Personalized cake toppers come with many design options, color themes and letter style. You could even have something different printed on each cake topper to give your guest something to admire and talk about during your reception.

Ornamental cake toppers are another perfect way to show off your personal style. Choose a cake topper with a modern design or something that matches your heritage such as an Irish claddagh design. You can also take these gorgeous love birds and place them in a nest and lay one on each table as the photo shown. This is a beautiful and very special way to show your wedding guest, friends and family your taste, personality and style.

When it comes to making a centerpiece there is no wrong answer. I hope these ideas inspire you to create a masterpiece of your own. The most important tips are: keep it simple, keep it out of your guests view line and make it unique to your wedding. Good Luck.

How to Make Photo Centerpieces with Candles

Inspired from the DIY master Martha Stewart, we had to try these super cute do it yourself photo centerpieces for ourselves (with our own wedding twist of course).  Read on to learn how to make these glowing photo masterpieces.  So simple and inexpensive, one centerpiece cost us just around $4.  View Martha's original tutorial here.

We think these lantern centerpieces are particularly great because they are easy to make and are great conversation starters.  They work for any type of setting from wedding receptions and rehearsal dinners to anniversary parties and birthdays.

With just a home printer and a few household items, you can create this stunning focal point for your wedding and truly let your own personality shine through. (pun intended.  heehee)

What you'll need:

3-4 same size picture frames (makes one centerpiece)

Translucent vellum paper in white or ecru (or 24lb paper stock substitute)

A few of your favorite photos

Home printer

Glass enclosed votive candles (or LED substitute)

Cloth Tape

Scissors
Windex

Step 1 - Get all your supplies ready for assembly.  We recommend grabbing a few friends to help and create a bit of an assembly line.  Begin to disassemble your frames, removing and discarding the backing completely.  Keep the front of your frames and the glass inserts.  Paint or stain the fronts of your frames if desired letting them dry completely.

Step 2 - With photo editing software like Photoshop or PhotoFiltre, convert your photos to black and white or sepia.   Resize your photos to fit the frames you've purchased.  Print your photos onto the vellum paper you purchased.

Step 3 - Cut out all your photos trimming and discarding the excess vellum paper.  Set aside your cut-out photos to be inserted into your frames.

Step 4 - After cleaning your glass inserts with Windex, place the glass back into your frames.  Once dry, insert your photos into your frames face down.  Keeping the glass fronts in your frames will help protect your photos and make your centerpieces a bit sturdier.  Fold your picture frame tabs in place to hold your picture.  If your frame does not have tabs, simply add some tape to the edges of your photo to hold it in place.

Step 5 - Line up each of your frames side by side making sure they fit snugly together.  Place a line of cloth tape down the seam where your frames meet and press firmly on the tape to secure.  Continue repeating this until you come to the last frame.  Place a strip of tape so that half of the tape hangs of the edge of your frame.  Stand your frame upright and connect your exposed sides together to finish off your centerpiece.  Place your photo centerpieces around a glass enclosed votive candle to ensure your lantern does not catch fire.  You can also substitute your candle for an LED votive for added fire safety.

We created cube shaped centerpieces by using four 5 x 7 frames.  You can also opt for triangle shaped centerpieces by using three frames instead of four.  For added visual interest, choose frames that are different heights.  Make one centerpiece using 5 x 7 inch frames and another using 4 x 6 inch frames.  Set each completed centerpiece next to each other and surround with additional votive candles and flowers for a show stopping wedding table setting.

DIY Fabric Rosette Accessories

We have fallen in love with the fabric rosette! These sweet and simple fabric flowers are easy to make with the most rudimentary of sewing (or hot glue gun) skills. You have probably seen these little beauties on headbands and hair clips, but they can be used to dress up everything from flower girl dresses to bridal sashes. You can even create matching bouquets and boutonnieres featuring these lovely little faux blossoms. In honor of this trendy look, we've put together an inspiration board with our favorite ways to incorporate fabric rosettes into your wedding. Be sure to check out the link to the tutorial below and learn how to make your own fabric rosettes. Once you get the basic concept, the possibilities are endless!

The above images and products were all found on Etsy, in the following shops: Boutonieres from Bella Sorella Couture, Bridal Belt from Percy Handmade, Garters from Seventh Studio, Hair Pieces from Bella Sorella Couture, Bouquets from Ljubezen Brew.

Want to learn how to make your own fabric rosettes? Check out these tutorials!

This tutorial from Craftaholics Anonymous offers step by step instructions with photo examples.

If you prefer a video tutorial, there are several on internet but this one was the one we found to be the most helpful. It shows you how to upcycle fabric you already have to create your rosettes.

Decorating Your Wedding Dance Floor Made Easy

Your wedding reception dance floor is where the magic happens. It is the place where you will appear in front of your guest, family and friends for the first dance, the garter toss, the father and daughter dance and so on. You are going to want to make your dance floor stand out to your guests just as much as every other aspect of your wedding. We have listed some tips and photos below to give you inspiration and the edge on decorating ideas.

Simple strands of twinkle lights can make your dance floor unforgettable. Just remember when it comes to lights, more is more. The more lights you can tack up on the ceiling like the photo above the better and the more sparkle you dance floor will appear to have. The best thing about this idea is the price.

Be creative when it comes to lighting. Almost anything can be made in to a light with just a little ingenuity and time. If you love anything DIY then consider the photo to the right. The bird cage lights are so beautiful and whimsical, they become the perfect touch to an outdoor wedding reception dance floor. 

Another fun and creative idea is to use parasols for your wedding lighting. Parasols can be purchased for a good price and normally come in a large range of colors and styles. I love the photo to the left and how they used several different colors and styles to create a dance floor that is truly unique.

A new trend for decorating your wedding dance floor is special lighting created for you especially. In the photo to the right you will see the bride and grooms names illuminated across the dance floor. This is extremely beautiful and personal. Most larger DJ companies have the equipment and the pricing to do this kind of lightning for your reception dance floor.

Another trendy dance floor decoration is the dance floor decal. The dance floor decals can be personalized with your names, monogram, wedding date, last name etc. The decals also come in a large variety of colors and styles to suit most brides. This is another very affordable alternative for decorating and the clings can be used again at a later anniversary party.

One of our favorite dance floor decorations are the paper lanterns. Paper lanterns can be found in several different colors and shapes to create a look that is all your own. Go all out with fuchsia, lime and orange lanterns or create a simple and subtle atmosphere with a lovely mix of ivory and soft yellows as the photo to the right.

Of course when it comes to decorating your wedding reception dance floor you are going to find that anything that you can possible do yourself will be the cheapest route if you are on a tight budget. Whatever you decide, make it fun and personal to you and your dance floor will be one of a kind. Good Luck!

Photo Credits: Twinkle Light Ceiling by Craig Mitchelldyer Photography, Bird Cage Lights by somethinggreenevents.blogspot.com, Parasol Ceiling by 100 Layer Cake,  Personalized Lighting by artthedj.com and Paper Lanterns by intimateweddings.com.