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25 Creative Ideas for Your Wedding Bar

Let's face it — once your reception gets up and running, your watering hole (a.k.a. your bar) is the number one spot your guests will gravitate toward, so you better make sure it not only looks good but is serving refreshments that are up to par. From self-serve stations and stunning set-ups to signature drinks and personalized touches, these fun bar ideas will leave your guests thirsty for more.

By: Hillary Hoffower

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  • Glam

    Glam

    A chic bar with a little glitz and gold is just what your glam Art Deco wedding needs. Guests won’t be able to miss this beauty. 

    Photo Credit: Kristin LaVoie

  • Kegger

    Kegger

    Who says kegs are only for college kids? Place them in a canoe with beers of your choice to add some personality to a casual reception.

    Photo Credit: Jennifer Bakos Photography

  • Vintage Tub

    Vintage Tub

    A vintage clawfoot tub makes a antique chic alternative to a bar stand for an outdoor wedding so your guests can grab and go!

    Photo Credit: Matthew Morgan Photography

  • Semi Circle

    Semi Circle

    The circular shape of this richly distressed bar creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere, ideal for guests to gather 'round in celebration.

    Photo Credit: Jessica Lynne Studios

  • Dispensers

    Dispensers

    Put your fruity drinks in a glass jar dispenser for a punch of color so your guests can quench their thirst quickly and easily.

    Photo Credit: Adrien Craven Photography

  • Cupboard

    Cupboard

    A wooden cabinet makes for a charming self-serve bar, complete with canisters of drinks, wine glasses, and playful dish towels. Your guests will feel right at home.

    Photo Credit: Richard Bell Photography

  • Cocktail Napkins

    Cocktail Napkins

    Personalize your cocktail napkins with a cute quip or your wedding date for a little flair and personalization.

    Photo Credit: Shoreshotz Photography

  • Champagne Bar

    Champagne Bar

    Elegant and glamorous with gold accents, this champagne bar also exudes a touch of whimsy with a scripted sign and glasses full of bubble wands for the double entendre.

    Photo Credit: Justine Ungaro

  • Canoe Shelves

    Canoe Shelves

    A barnwood bar complete with canoes transformed into liquor shelves gives a solid nod to lake life.

    Photo Credit: Laura Ivanova Photography

  • Beer Tap

    Beer Tap

    Nothing says "chill"  like free-flowing beer from a rustic tap — your guests will love these easy pints.

    Photo Credit: The Melideos

  • Bar Menu

    Bar Menu

    The food isn’t the only thing that calls for a menu. Display a listing of the night’s drink choices front and center so guests can pick their poison by the time they reach the bar. The line will move that much faster! 

    Photo Credit: Emily Wren Photography

  • Sangria Station

    Sangria Station

    Show off the fruits of sangria in sleek and elegant dispensers for a refreshing and inviting look perfect for a backyard affair. 

    Photo Credit: Alixann Loosle

  • Punch Bowl

    Punch Bowl

    A punch bowl is an easy and friendly way for guests to self-serve the night’s libations. This antique bowl, serving up a vibrant maple bourbon cocktail set atop a mahogany table, instantly classes up this punch.

    Photo Credit: Ruth Eileen Photography

  • Mobile Bar

    Mobile Bar

    This vintage camper pays homage to the era of free love, providing a whimsical yet refined option for a bohemian-themed wedding. 

    Photo Credit: Addison Jones Photography

  • Bar Cart

    Bar Cart

    We love this mod bar cart reminiscent of Mad Men, perfect for a glam 1960s-inspired intimate affair.

    Photo Credit: Tuan B & Co.

  • Minimalist Design

    Minimalist Design

    A marble top bar set on geometric legs under a steel canopy has a minimalist feel made complete by an overhang of cascading greenery.

    Photo Credit: Anna Kim Photography

  • Lemons and Limes

    Lemons and Limes

    There’s no such thing as going overboard on the garnishes! Use them for function and aesthetics to bring a pop of color to your bar.

    Photo Credit: Jen Rodriguez

  • Ladder

    Ladder

    Place planks across two adjacent ladders and adorn them with bottles and glasses for a rustic, yet sophisticated, look.

    Photo Credit: Studio 1208

  • Jugs

    Jugs

    A glass jug adds a bit of magic that no other dispenser or bottle can, especially when added to a fall-themed wedding. Let the color of your drink complement the surrounding tablescape and mood.

    Photo Credit: Sarah & Ben Photography

  • Ice Cubes

    Ice Cubes

    DIY your ice cubes — freeze them with mint leaves (or any garnish of your choice) inside for an extra dose of fun! It’s an easy and budget-friendly way to add a cute detail to your bar experience.

    Photo Credit: 17Apart

  • His and Her Cocktails

    His and Her Cocktails

    Create signature drinks inspired by both of your fave beverages. His-and-her cocktails are a fun way to personalize your wedding.

    Photo Credit: Dana Cubbage Weddings

  • Witty Signs

    Witty Signs

    Infuse a bit of humor into your bar area with funny sayings or cheeky one-liners.

    Photo Credit: Rachel Solomon

  • Wine Bar

    Wine Bar

    Lush vines, a variety of wines, and sparkling goblets set atop a wooden table makes an ideal drink station for an alfresco Tuscan-inspired reception.

    Photo Credit: Julie Paisley Photography

  • Wagon

    Wagon

    With an old-fashioned wagon transformed into a bar cart and an antique desk organizer playing home to some ale, this bar set-up is rich in southern sweetness.

    Photo Credit: Michelle March

  • The Dog Tail

    The Dog Tail

    Want Fido in the mix? Throw in a signature cocktail for him, too.

    Photo Credit: Erin Kate Photography

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25 Creative Ideas for Your Wedding Bar

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50 Photos to Take With Your Groomsmen

Boys, get your best GQ impression ready! The bride and her bridesmaids may take the lion's share of photos on the big day, but that doesn't mean you and your buddies don't deserve your own moment in the spotlight, too. From traditional must-haves to creative wild cards, check out 50 snapshot ideas dedicated to your favorite guys.

By: Stefania Sainato

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50 Photos to Take With Your Groomsmen

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August 19th

Photo by: Shannon Leahy

Tip of the Day: Add a meaningful touch to your ceremony by infusing your love story into the service or incorporating a ritual that has special significance to you. One that we love: handfasting. In this ancient Celtic tradition, the hands of the bride and groom are literally tied together to symbolize the joining of husband and wife. It's the origin of the phrase "tying the knot."

Visit sharonnaylor.net for more great wedding tips and advice.

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25 Ways to Get Nautical at Your Wedding

If there’s one wedding trend that’s making waves, it’s the nautical wedding style — think lakeside loveliness and Cape Cod summers. It’s easy to get carried away with sailor’s delight and go overboard with such a fun and niche theme, but nailing the nautical vibe can be done right by incorporating subtle touches that pay homage to the salt and the sea and its navigational life. With sailor stripes, rope accents, and maritime motifs, tying the knot will take on a whole new meaning. 

By: Hillary Hoffower

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  • Cocktail Tables

    Cocktail Tables

    A vase wrapped in thick twine and a classic navy striped tablecloth makes cocktail tables coastal chic.

    Photo Credit: Brian Tropiano

  • Cake Display

    Cake Display

    A classic three-tiered silky white cake rimmed with pearls and adorned with a navy anchor is displayed in a weather-worn miniature boat for a rustic twist on the nautical look.

    Photo Credit: Rodeo & Co. Photography

  • Chair Backs

    Chair Backs

    Blue and white striped fabric brings an understated elegance to ceremony chairs.

    Photo Credit: Heather Kincaid

  • Centerpiece

    Centerpiece

    Netting, driftwood, and candles gracefully come together to create a natural centerpiece that evokes a sense of the sail and the sea.

    Photo Credit: Carina Skrobecki

  • Guest Book

    Guest Book

    Instead of a guest book, have your guests write their well wishes on a pair of buoys for a touch that’s reminiscent of the summer, sand, and sea.

    Photo Credit: Julia Wade Photography

  • Altar

    Altar

    A stately captain’s wheel hangs from a driftwood structure adorned with blush blooms, bringing romance to the sea. 

    Photo Credit: Ashley Keleman Photography

  • Hashtag

    Hashtag

    Sail off into the sunset with a nautically creative wedding hashtag.

    Photo Credit: ShoreShotz Weddings

  • Sweetheart Chairs

    Sweetheart Chairs

    Life preservers adorn sweetheart chairs for a bit of nautical whimsy.

    Photo Credit: Genevieve McKeiver Photography

  • Seating Arrangements

    Seating Arrangements

    Colorful life preservers playfully let guests know where they’ll be dining. Suspend them from a shimmering fabric for a stand-out display.

    Photo Credit: Taryn Kent

  • Reception Tables

    Reception Tables

    The classic details of sailor stripes are more than versatile. Paired with geometric vases, a centerpiece of blooms and buoys, and netting draped over chairs, this reception table has a modern take on the nautical.

    Photo Credit: Henry Photography

  • Aisle Markers

    Aisle Markers

    Rope, navy ribbon, and a lantern — you’ve got yourself a nautically beautiful aisle marker.

    Photo Credit: Abby Jiu

  • Nautical Signs

    Nautical Signs

    A seafaring symbol, such as an anchor, helps tie in a nautical theme throughout the wedding, especially when it’s paired with another style, seen in this glamorous sequin tablecloth.

    Photo Credit: Natalie Franke Photography

  • Napkins

    Napkins

    These linen napkins are shipwreck fancy, complete with an intricate drawing that brings the sea to life at the table.

    Photo Credit: Sarah Der Photography

  • Lawn Games

    Lawn Games

    Stamp your bean bag toss with a sailor’s approval to bring the fun to the yard.

    Photo Credit: Abby Jiu

  • Invitations

    Invitations

    Set the nautical theme for your wedding with the invitations. Pastel blue watercolors mimic the movements of the sea, while anchor and compass symbols nod to the sailor life.

    Photo Credit: B. Jones Photography

  • Gift Box

    Gift Box

    A lobster trap doubles as an inventive box for guests to drop in their cards.

    Photo Credit: Love and Light Photographs

  • Escort Cards

    Escort Cards

    Elegant calligraphy on simple planks of driftwood makes for simple but sophisticated escort cards.

    Photo Credit: Brooke Boling

  • Floor Décor

    Floor Décor

    This dance floor rocks an oversized maritime compass decal to navigate guests as they tear it up on the floor. 

    Photo Credit: KT Merry

  • Favors

    Favors

    Miniature bottles of champagne decked in preppy stripes and a dash of pink make for the perfect wedding favors your guests will actually want to take home.

    Photo Credit: Liz and Ryan

  • Dinner Menu

    Dinner Menu

    Display the night’s fare on a pair of oars to create a bit of waterfront charm.

    Photo Credit: Chelsey Boatwright Photography

  • Cookies

    Cookies

    Sugary confections are made that much sweeter with delicate frosting designs. An anchor, compass, and captain’s wheel give an ode to the sea.

    Photo Credit: B. Jones Photography

  • Bar Signs

    Bar Signs

    We love punny signs like this one! A vintage frame complements the old history associated with shipwrecks.

    Photo Credit: Arielle Doneson Photography

  • Table Setting

    Table Setting

    Crisp and classy, this fresh tablescape of blue hues and patterns creates an elegant but carefree feel similar to that of the ocean.

    Photo Credit: Pahountis Photography

  • Table Numbers

    Table Numbers

    A sailor’s knot adds a nautical touch for showing off table numbers.

    Photo Credit: Myrtle & Marjoram

  • Rope Accents

    Rope Accents

    Get creative with the line to add a mariner’s touch to your décor. Coil it up in jars or wrap it around glasses for an edgy and stylish look.

    Photo Credit: The Hursts & Co.

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25 Ways to Get Nautical at Your Wedding

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August 18th

Photo by: Michelle DuPont Photography on Bridal Musings via Lover.ly

Tip of the Day: Give your gown consultant great feedback and your dress-shopping experience will remain exciting, rather than becoming exhausting or stressful after the first five or six dresses. Don’t make the mistake of keeping your thoughts to yourself.

That stylist wants to hear that you dislike fit-and-flare, or that you like the bodice but not the skirt. They need feedback from you to go out there and choose more dresses that are on-target for you, and it’s frustrating for them not to get useful info from you. Polite, yes. Silent, no. 

Plus, check out 10 Things No One Tells You About Gown Shopping. Visit sharonnaylor.net for more great wedding tips and advice.

August 17th

Photo Credit: Dominique Bader on Snippet and Ink via Lover.ly

Tip of the Day: An outdated practice to tell your maître d’ and entertainer NOT to do: releasing guests table by table to approach the buffet. Instead, arrange for multiple stations around the room so that guests don’t get anxious about standing in one long food line and potentially missing out on their fave foods.

Plus, check out Wedding Food Ideas That Won't Bore Your Guests. Visit sharonnaylor.net for more great wedding tips and advice.

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