1. The Other Woman
The clever bride: Amber Leaton | Photography by KES Weddings
No one can strike fear in the heart of a bride like a mother-in-law. That’s why we think this savvy bride’s idea to give hers a loving hand-embroidered handkerchief is brilliant. It’s the perfect way to cultivate a peaceful relationship with the mother-of-the-groom for years to come.
2. In Loving Memory
The clever bride: Ashley McCarty Stewart | The Photo Love
Looking for a fitting tribute to honor a departed family member? This bride found an unforgettable way. She reserved a seat in memory of the groom’s mom, placing portraits of her in the spot where she would’ve sat. Such a meaningful and memorable tribute.
“Derrick’s mother passed away when he was little, so I snuck the [wedding coordinators] a few pictures of her. They created a little ‘memorial chair’ during the ceremony. It meant a lot to him to see her face on that day.” - Ashley
3. A Different Departure
The clever bride: Jillian Moffit Pate | Jamie Fender Photography
Bubbles? Been there, done that. Petals? Always pretty, but pretty overplayed. Sparklers? Talk about getting burnt out. That’s why we absolutely L-O-V-E this bride’s unique choice to use colorful craft poms to brighten up her getaway. Bonus: They can’t catch you on fire!
4. Foreign Affair
The clever bride (globe): Ani Babinski Stoiber | Danielle Davis Art/Photography
The clever bride (map): Rachel Montanez Angulo | The Hudsons Photography
With guests arriving from across the state, country and even from around the world, why not spotlight their journeys from afar on a globe or map instead of in a guestbook. Have guests sign their name or use a personalized pushpin (like these brides did) to pinpoint their hometowns.
5. Sneak a Peek
The clever bride: Haley Bunch | Carper Creative Photography
There’s a lot of pressure when it comes to choosing a gift for the groom. Skip the stress and consider this bride’s idea of personalized locket cufflinks. Now when he’s away, he can steal a glance at her and their pup — charming!
Score some wifely bonus points: Hide boudoir photos inside instead!
6. Bring it on Home
The clever bride: Saraphina Feis Adkins | Grant Harrison Photography
The clever bride (monogram): Chelsea Brown Smith | Meredith Melody Photography
Most guest books eventually get stuffed in boxes or accumulate dust on shelves, but guestbooks-turned-wall art will never be neglected. We love how these couples reinvented this aging idea by creating a meaningful piece to display in their homes. Saraphina’s guests burnt their signatures into the wood — very cool.
7. Chill Out
The clever bride: Brooklyn Hughes | Lori Sparkman Photography
Skip the cookies and pies and opt for pops – popsicles that is. Dessert bars are grand, but why not a dessert cart (one filled with gourmet popsicles preferred)? This bride brought in Little Rock’s Le Pops to serve her guests refreshing, chilly treats during her summer wedding. Yum.
8. Insta-Gratification
The clever bride: Amy Bowers Gordy | Stacy Kinzler Photography
You won’t get your professional photos back for months and you certainly can’t take your own, so this idea encourages your guests to share the photos they snap at your wedding in one easy-to-find place — a place you can access immediately, while you anxiously await your photographer’s edits and album.
9. The Party Never Ends
The clever bride: Becca Swearingen Hazelwood | The Hudsons Photography
Don’t call it a night when the clock strikes midnight (or whatever time you’re contractually obligated to leave per your venue agreement). Instead, throw an after-party for your closest family and friends — sending them an exclusive invite to this post-wedding shindig some place where the party isn’t over until you say so!
10. Favors with Flavor
The clever bride: Sarah Stern Rogala | Christopher Nolan Photography
Serve your guests some originality with a wedding favor that’s bursting with flavor. And we don’t mean customizable M&Ms. Try Sarah’s unqiue idea of creating a personalized cookbook for your guests, filling it with prized family recipes (like Papa Rico’s pancakes) from both the bride and groom’s sides.
11. Dry Your Eyes
The clever bride: Jenny Vinning Posey | BnBauman Photography
It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when, as it relates to waterworks at your wedding. Your dad giving you away, the groom’s smile when he sees you, the vows—rest assured, the happy tears will flow. That’s why we suggest having hankies ready for your guests to grab as they arrive—like this considerate bride did beautifully. See more of her wedding here.
12. How Do You Know the Bride?
The clever bride: Courtney Claassen Schrader | Grant Harrison Photography
Each member of your wedding party is important to you. You have history, which is why you chose them to stand by you on your big day. So don’t you just love this bride’s idea to showcase where she first met her bridesmaids? We do, and think it makes for a cute pre-wedding photo-op.
