20 Ways to Wow Guests (Without Blowing Your Budget)

As a wedding planner, I'm always brainstorming new ways to entertain wedding guests without breaking the bank. You'd be surprised by how far a few personalized touches can go! Of course everyone will remember how beautiful you looked and how amazing the food tasted, but what they will truly never forget is how you personally included each of them into the most important day of your life.

Here are some fun ideas that work for any wedding style — I can't wait to add a few of these to my own special day as well!

During the ceremony:

1. Include a line on your wedding RSVP where guests can jot down their wedded wisdom or a blessing for you. Compile some of the best responses and ask your officiant to read them as a dedication to both you and your guests.

wedding advice cards
Photo Credit: Danielle Capito

2. Involve your guests by conducting a ring blessing. Wrap the rings in a beautiful bag and pass them down from guest to guest before you recite the vows.

3. Come up with a meaningful passage, quote or song that you would like to have everyone say or sing with you during the ceremony.

4. Honor anyone who has made a special impact on your life (parents, grandparents, etc.) by having a dedicated passage or reading for them.

5. Include a thank-you note in the wedding programs. This adds such a sweet touch and will help guests get into the spirit of the day.

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50 Amazing Superhero-Themed Wedding Ideas

From Captain America to Spider-Man to X-Men, here are some of our favorite ways for you to include your most beloved comic book character in your wedding.

By: Kristen Klein

Enter Slideshow
  • Bride

    Bride's Attire

    For the true comic book enthusiast, have a pair of shoes customized with pages from your favorite issue. 

    Photo Credit: Moonlight Decorator/Etsy

  • Bouquets

    Bouquets

    A natural fit for a patriotic Fourth of July wedding, this bride turned her bouquet into a floral version of Captain America's shield. 

    Uploaded by user via Pinterest (know the original source? Email us!)

  • Food & Drinks

    Food & Drinks

    Perfect for a morning wedding or a day-after brunch, give your guests the breakfast of champions by creating a superhero-themed cereal buffet.

    Photo Credit: Jagger Photo on Landlocked Bride via Lover.ly

  • Cakes & Desserts

    Cakes & Desserts

    Their wedding cake displayed scenes from Astonishing X-Men #51, which features Northstar's wedding to his partner.

    Photo Credit: Ron Gejon Photography

  • Ceremony Ideas

    Ceremony Ideas

    Inspired by Northstar, the first openly-gay superhero in the Marvel universe, this couple tied the knot in a comic book store when Astonishing X-Men #51 was released, which tells the story of Northstar's wedding to his partner.

    Photo Credit: Ron Gejon Photography

  • Cakes & Desserts

    Cakes & Desserts

    Add a fun touch to a traditional wedding cake with a superhero peeking out from under it!

    Photo Credit: Jennifer Skog

  • Must-Have Photos

    Must-Have Photos

    Channel your superhero alter ego for a unique photo, like this Spider-Man-inspired idea.

    Photo Credit: JR Pena Photography

  • Bride

    Bride's Attire

    Wear these adorable knee-high socks under your gown.

    Photo Credit: Superherostuff.com

  • After the Wedding

    After the Wedding

    The perfect after party: Going to see the latest superhero movie in theaters!

    Photo Credit: Dianne Personett Photography

  • Bouquets

    Bouquets

    A bouquet made from comic book pages will last forever.

    Photo Credit: Dianne Personett Photography

  • Reception Décor

    Reception Décor

    Display action bubbles throughout the room.

    Photo Credit: Heather Kincaid

  • Cakes & Desserts

    Cakes & Desserts

    The wedding cake was designed to reflect Gotham City— topped with a pair of action figures and the Bat-Signal, of course.

    Photo Credit: Dianne Personett Photography

  • Bride

    Bride's Attire

    A superhero-themed garter makes for a fun surprise at the reception. 

    Photo Credit: Something Blue Wedding Photography

  • "Bridesdudes" Attire

    "Bridesdudes" Attire

    Underneath their formalwear, they donned Batman t-shirts.

    Photo Credit: Dianne Personett Photography

  • Attire for the Groom & Groomsmen

    Attire for the Groom & Groomsmen

    This groom's superhero of choice is Nightwing (the first Robin's eventual superhero identity). He and his groomsmen channeled the character's blue and black costume for their attire. 

    Photo Credit: Dianne Personett Photography

  • Bride

    Bride's Attire

    This bride is so obsessed with Batman that in high school, she wore a Bat-Signal belt buckle nearly every day, and her fellow students took to calling her Batgirl — so it was only natural for her to gear up for her wedding day as well. 

    Photo Credit: Dianne Personett Photography

  • Reception Décor

    Reception Décor

    At the reception, guests took turns standing in as their own versions of Batgirl and Nightwing.

    Photo Credit: Dianne Personett Photography

  • Must-Have Photos

    Must-Have Photos

    The bridal party struck a classic superhero pose.

    Photo Credit: Dianne Personett Photography

  • Cakes & Desserts

    Cakes & Desserts

    The cake set and toasting glasses were personalized with Batman comic book covers.

    Photo Credit: Dianne Personett Photography

  • "Bridesdudes" Attire

    "Bridesdudes" Attire

    These “bridesdudes” worked in the Bat-Signal on their boutonnières, which perfectly accentuated their black and yellow attire. 

    Photo Credit: Dianne Personett Photography

  • Reception Entrance

    Reception Entrance

    This Batman-loving couple made a grand entrance by breaking through Gotham City.

    Photo Credit: Dianne Personett Photography

  • Attire for the Groom & Groomsmen

    Attire for the Groom & Groomsmen

    This groom chose to include Batman in a more subtle way — on the face of his watch. 

    Photo Credit: Dianne Personett Photography

  • Reception Décor

    Reception Décor

    “Super bride” and “super groom” displayed messages to each other on their chairs.

    Photo Credit: Cat Norman Photography

  • Bridesmaids

    Bridesmaids' Attire

    The bride and bridesmaids wore capes and masks for the celebration.

    Photo Credit: Cat Norman Photography

  • Bridesmaids

    Bridesmaids' Attire

    Let your maid of honor stand out with a different-colored cape.

    Photo Credit: Cat Norman Photography

  • Must-Have Photos

    Must-Have Photos

    Photo Credit: Cat Norman Photography

  • Must-Have Photos

    Must-Have Photos

    A jumping picture is a must!

    Photo Credit: Cat Norman Photography

  • Reception Entrance

    Reception Entrance

    The superhero bridesmaids and groomsmen soared into the reception.

    Photo Credit: Cat Norman Photography

  • Wedding Stationery

    Wedding Stationery

    For your guest book, have friends and family members channel their inner Lois Lane or Clark Kent by penning letters. 

    Photo Credit: Cat Norman Photography

  • Reception Entrance

    Reception Entrance

    The bride and groom followed suit!

    Photo Credit: Cat Norman Photography

  • Reception Décor

    Reception Décor

    This bride and groom had comic versions of themselves designed for their wedding-day stationery.

    Photo Credit: Cat Norman Photography

  • Food & Drinks

    Food & Drinks

    For dessert, this couple had an ice cream truck stashed with superhero-themed treats pull up. The bride's choice? A Bubbles popsicle from The Powerpuff Girls series. 

    Photo Credit: Cat Norman Photography

  • Must-Have Photos

    Must-Have Photos

    This group took flight after the ceremony.

    Photo Credit: Farrah's Photography

  • Place Cards & Escort Cards

    Place Cards & Escort Cards

    Superhero Pez dispensers make for fun escort cards.

    Photo Credit: Heather Kincaid

  • Reception Décor

    Reception Décor

    Name your tables after common comic book action phrases.

    Photo Credit: Heather Kincaid

  • Reception Décor

    Reception Décor

    Include cartoon versions of yourselves in your décor.

    Photo Credit: Heather Kincaid

  • Cakes & Desserts

    Cakes & Desserts

    Top your cake with a descriptive bubble.

    Photo Credit: Heather Kincaid

  • Cakes & Desserts

    Cakes & Desserts

    Place action bursts on cupcakes for a sweet surprise.

    Photo Credit: Heather Kincaid

  • Must-Have Photos

    Must-Have Photos

    The groom and groomsmen revealed their secret identities.

    Photo Credit: Hoffer Photography

  • Cakes & Desserts

    Cakes & Desserts

    A Captain America shield stands out even more on a naked chocolate cake. Add action figures around the delicious dessert for good measure.

    Photo Credit: Soli Photography on Southern Weddings via Lover.ly

  • Food & Drinks

    Food & Drinks

    Place baskets full of Batman-wrapped chocolates throughout your venue for a sweet treat. 

    Photo Credit: Ashley Gerrity Photography on DIY Bride via Lover.ly

  • Flower Girls & Ring Bearers

    Flower Girls & Ring Bearers

    Including your pet in the wedding? Dress him up in a cute themed costume.

    Photo Credit: Bridal Musings via Lover.ly

  • Wedding Stationery

    Wedding Stationery

    Batman vs. Superman: The Wedding! This save-the-date certainly sets the tone for the big day.

    Photo Credit: Rachel W. Miller on Lover.ly via Lover.ly

  • Place Cards & Escort Cards

    Place Cards & Escort Cards

    Have each guest solve a puzzle in order to find his or her seat (just be sure to put the answer on the back in case anyone gets stuck!).

    Photo Credit: Jagger Photo on Bridal Musings via Lover.ly

  • Food & Drinks

    Food & Drinks

    Create signature drinks named after your favorite superheroes.

    Photo Credit: Jagger Photo on Bridal Musings via Lover.ly

  • Attire for the Groom & Groomsmen

    Attire for the Groom & Groomsmen

    Wear superhero cufflinks as a subtle nod to your favorite character. 

    Photo Credit: Photography by Brea via Lover.ly

     

  • Place Cards & Escort Cards

    Place Cards & Escort Cards

    Get your guests in on the fun by giving each a superhero identity for the day.

    Photo Credit: Jagger Photo on Bridal Musings via Lover.ly

  • Attire for the Groom & Groomsmen

    Attire for the Groom & Groomsmen

    Wear a T-shirt of your favorite superhero underneath your wedding-day attire; reveal your true identity whenever you see fit.

    Photo Credit: Photography by Brea via Lover.ly

     

  • Boutonnières

    Boutonnières

    Attach mini action figures to your boutonnières.

    Photo Credit: Sweet Little Photographs

  • Flower Girls & Ring Bearers

    Flower Girls & Ring Bearers

    Your smallest bridal party members will love these personalized capes.

    Photo Credit: Etsy Shops via Lover.ly

50 Amazing Superhero-Themed Wedding Ideas

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March 20th

Photo by: Blueberry Creative on Equally Wed via Lover.ly

Tip of the Day: There are so many unique instrumentals that you can feature at your cocktail hour! For a bluesy feel, a harmonica player would be perfect. A mandolin is also quite different and a cello is a fresh alternative to a harpist. You could also have them step in for a performance during the reception by playing a crowd-pleasing dual rendition of a classic or unexpected song with your DJ.

If you're having a band, ask if any of the members play multiple instruments. Your extra performance might wind up being part of your already-booked plan.

Plus, check out Songs to Play During Cocktail Hour and our Complete Guide to Wedding Music. Visit sharonnaylor.net for more great wedding tips and advice.

5 Surprising Benefits of Losing Weight

I’ve been thinking a lot about my weight-loss journey and progress so far, and I realized a few things I haven’t really thought about along the way. I’ve been so focused on “getting skinny” for the wedding that I forgot all of the other benefits this journey has given me.

1. I’m happier. Being thinner and healthier has also made me a happier person. Not that I was ever miserable, but working out and eating right has helped me smile more, feel more confident, and look at life differently.

2. I love working out. I can’t believe I went so many years without exercising. Now, if I miss one day, I miss it and can’t wait for the next day. If you aren’t working out, I highly recommend it — for so many reasons. It makes me feel good and keeps me healthy and fit; it also gives me more energy, something to focus on, and an outlet for any anger or negative feelings. 

3. I’m confident. Even at my heaviest, I always thought of myself as a confident person. Turns out, I was wrong. Now that I’ve lost some weight, I finally don’t have trouble getting ready in the morning. I don’t worry about the way my body looks to other people, I don’t wear baggy clothes to try and hide my fat, and I feel comfortable in clothes like I never did before. I even enjoy wearing lingerie now so much more!

4. I’m healthier. I got a physical about two months ago, and my doctor was happily surprised by my results. Aside from losing weight, my cholesterol is down, and all of my blood work came back good and normal. I’m not tired all of the time because of eating crappy food, and I have enough energy to get through my crazy days. I drink more water, which has also had a great effect on my skin! There is really nothing better than feeling 100% healthy.

Gerard Butler Crashes a Bachelorette Party

Bride-to-be Maja Nogic certainly had a bachelorette party to remember! While celebrating with her bridesmaids in Sydney, Australia, the group planned to spend the day boating around the Sydney Harbour. When they arrived, the manager of the boat hire company told them he had a little surprise for them on board.

"We thought it was a stripper, because it was a hen’s party. But then we saw [Gerard] standing on the boat. We all just started screaming," the bride's close friend, Dragana Ogorelica, told the Daily Mail.

gerard butler crashes a bachelorette party
Photo courtesy of Dragana Ogorelica via Twitter

The star is currently filming his latest movie, Gods of Egypt, in Sydney. When the group approached, he called down to the girls, "Is this a hen's party? Can I join? We're going to dance a little bit, drink a little bit."

The group was enamored with the Scottish star, remarking that he was "so nice and relaxed. We all love him... His accent, oh my goodness, it was so beautiful. You couldn’t understand him half the time, but you didn’t care because it was just gorgeous."

He reportedly told his management that he wanted to stay and party for a bit, and he snapped some fun photos with the group.

Inside Mandy Moore & Ryan Adams' 5th Anniversary Party

This past weekend, singer/actress Mandy Moore and indie rocker Ryan Adams celebrated five years of marital bliss with a formal '50s theme party with their closest friends, including actress Minka Kelly and Cupcakes & Cashmere blogger Emily Schuman. 

"Everyone was told to wear their best '50s prom outfits," a source told Us Weekly. " People were toasting Ryan and Mandy. They were lovely together. Slim Jim Phantom performed all night and was playing hillbilly rock tunes." 

mandy moore ryan adams anniversary party
Photo courtesy Emily and Merritt via Instagram

mandy moore ryan adams anniversary party
Photo courtesy of Mandy Moore via Instagram

mandy moore ryan adams anniversary party
Photo courtesy Emily and Merritt via Instagram

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