DIY Pastel and Burlap Beer Bar Wedding

Held on a gorgeous piece of property on the side of Panther Pond in Maine, this lakeside soiree is chock full of darling do-it-yourself details.  We are so grateful to Kim at Time Bandit Photography for sharing her stunning photos of this wonderful wedding with us.  The mother of the bride, with the help of many family members and friends, did an absolutely amazing job of curating the decorations and landscape, and the weather was just right.  Amanda and Andrew are so obviously in love you could just melt.  The wedding was fairly casual, and the atmosphere of laid back enjoyment and festivity makes us want to join the party.

An assortment of potted plants (in a super cute canoe!) is an easy but beautiful addition to the wedding decor.  A large custom wood wall featured photos of the bride and groom as well as handcrafted signs with cute sayings that held meaning for Amanda and Andrew.

Programs doubled as hand fans to keep guests cool, and featured funny details about the bridal party to keep friends and family smiling as they waited for the ceremony to begin.

And this birch and floral ceremony arbor?  Absolute perfection!

The wedding and reception decorations consisted of paper lanterns and soft touches of pastel peaches and pinks throughout bouquets and reception table centerpieces.  Round tables were covered with white tablecloths and burlap table runners, and featured custom wood planters - printed with the bride and groom's names and wedding date - filled with beautiful flowers.  Favors were presented at each place setting in burlap bags.

Beer was served from a custom built beer bar with two taps into personalized frosted plastic wedding cups with the couple's names, wedding date, and designs printed in light brown.  Guests also enjoyed lemonade, iced tea, and two different types of colorful sangria loaded with fresh fruit.

Family friends made hand-cut fries, grilled burgers, and hot dogs for dinner, making for a delicious meal that was the perfect fit for Amanda and Andrew's laid back reception. 

The outside of the tent was lined with string lights, making it look absolutely magical after dark.  There is no doubt - this is what wedding dreams are made of!

Photographer: Time Bandit Photography / Custom Printed Plastic Wedding Cups: My Wedding Reception Ideas

Personalized Cups for Your DIY Wedding Favors

It seems that lately edible wedding favors and DIY gifts are taking over traditional favors like frames and soaps?  I think guests and brides are getting tired of all the small trinkets and knick-knacks.  And really, who could blame them?  After all, chocolate is loved by everyone (unless you're allergic...) and homemade recipes add that warm and fuzzy feeling you just can't find anywhere else.

To get that homemade feel in your wedding favors, I love the idea of using family drink recipes, cookie recipes, and any other recipes your family can bring home with them to use over and over again.  For an absolutely adorable edible favor presentation, check out this place setting idea put together with personalized cups, cellophane-wrapped cookies, and the family's cookie recipe.

Refreshingly unique! This idea is so great because your friends and family get to take home a delicious recipe to eat and the custom cup that holds it.  Attach a recipe tag to your homemade cookies printed with the ingredients along with cute phrases like 'A pinch of love', 'A dash of kindness', and 'A cup of passion'.  Have your names and wedding date custom printed on the front of your personalized cups so your loved ones will think of you every time they pour themselves their favorite drink.  Set at each place setting and voila!

Happy Planning!

Allie