100 Ideas: Receptions & Parties

Photo by Kristian Olson	70 A Sweet Thank You Give your guests a sweet thank you as they head out the door. Have hand-printed bags on a candy buffet table that they can fill with an assortment of goodies for the ride home. One Minnesota bride even had jars of Grandma’s cookies waiting on the table.
Photo by Ellis Photography	71 Nautical Nuptials Boats are an exciting place to host a wedding. Hold the ceremony on the upper deck while it is quietly dockside; then cruise during the reception.

72 A Day in the Park
Host your perfect outdoor wedding at one of the many picturesque parks in the Twin Cities. The spring, summer, and fall seasons can provide pristine Minnesota backdrops. Contact your city’s parks department to start planning.

73 Clearly Brilliant
If you’re considering an outdoor wedding, the trend is toward clear-span tenting. The tent doesn’t use a center pole, which gives the interior the feeling of a building. Après Party and Tent Rental, 7625 Cahill Rd., Edina, 952-942-3399

74 Candy is Dandy
Order custom-colored chocolate candies and serve them up as sweet little party favors.

75 Caught in the Moment
An old-time photo booth is the perfect way for guests to have fun, take home a treat, or create a timeless memory for you to keep. Photobooth Memories in St. Paul rents out more than fifty vintage photo booths that create classic black-and-white photo strips. 2274 University Ave. W., St. Paul, 651-645-9077

The Traveling Photo Booth offers a modern take on the classic. These booths produce digital, color and black-and-white photo strips in sets of two: one for guests to take and one for you to keep. 7600 W. 27th St., Ste. 210, St. Louis Park, 612-605-9203

Photo by Studio 306

76 Creative Venue Museums are great ceremony and reception sites, as they often come with built-in décor, creative design, and breathtaking views. Check out these Minnesota venues: Chanhassen Dinner Theatres Mill City Museum Minnesota Children’s Museum Ritz Theater Science Museum of Minnesota The Southern Theater Varsity Theater Walker Art Center Weisman Art Museum

77 Polka Dot Parade
Guests are sure to gush over these flirtatious favor boxes, which make the entire table terrific.

{ Hot Trend } 78 Cool Platinum The addition of subtle silver accents adds a chic sophistication to any reception. Here are a few ideas to get you started: Punch up your table centerpieces with Artemisia Silver King and/or Dusty Miller. Both plants are known for their platinum-toned leaves—a perfect complement to pink or white roses. Overlay white table linens with sheer silver coverings. The two-tone look is softer than bright white but still subtle. For extreme elegance, invest in (or borrow) lots of silver candlesticks in different sizes and styles. For added wow-factor, top some of the candlesticks with fruit or flowers.

{ Extended Celebration }

79 The Morning After
The festivities don’t have to end with the wedding. Many couples now gather family and close friends together for a day-after-wedding brunch. It’s a great way to see out-of-town guests one more time and can double as a gift opening.

For a fun and funky atmosphere, head to Chambers, dubbed the nation’s “first luxury art hotel.” You can enjoy Saturday or Sunday brunch at Chambers Kitchen or in a private event space filled with contemporary art. Famous French chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten is the mastermind behind the menu, with dishes ranging from eggs Benedict to French toast with sautéed apples. Plus, the location is great for guests staying in downtown Minneapolis. 901 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. 
612-767-6900

Other Good Brunch Bets:

• For stunning views, try Windows on Minnesota. 710 Marquette Ave., Mpls. 
612-333-4545

• For riverside romance, try Nicollet Island Inn. 95 Merriam St., Mpls. 
612-331-1800

• For old-school ambiance, try Jax Café. 1928 University Ave. N.E., Mpls. 
612-789-7297

• For historic elegance, try W.A. Frost and Company. 374 Selby Ave., St. Paul 
651-224-5715

• For casual atmosphere, try The Local. 931 Nicollet Mall, Mpls. 
612-904-1000