Last week I e-mailed friends and coworkers and asked them to send me ideas from weddings they really enjoyed as well as ideas from weddings that weren’t so fun. I got some great ideas:

• Have the ceremony and reception at the same venue: It eliminates drive time and keeps the celebration momentum going after the ceremony.
• Take dance lessons; it’s great entertainment value for crowd
• Keep the photo shoot to a minimum, your guests are waiting!
• “My cousin just got married in Michigan a couple months ago. They had a huge dessert station inside the mansion. (It was the most fancy wedding I've seen – apparently Eminem got married there, the second time.) The whole room was filled with tables that had lots and lots of desserts. This was in addition to the wedding cake.”
• Use local flowers and produce from the farmers market, supporting local businesses.
• Try a simple 2 layer cake decorated with real flowers
• One wedding included a row boat ride after the ceremony for the couple to have private time
• Use real dishes not plastic; they’re better for the environment and look nicer.
• Instead of favors, donate money to a charity in your guests’ name.
• One wedding party included kayaking the day before for all invited guests and softball the day after for all invited guests.
• Make your guests sing to get the couple to kiss at the reception instead of clinking glasses.