Choosing a color theme for your wedding can be a lot of fun.  Whether you want to work around one main color or a combination of two or more colors, you should keep several things in mind. 

 The first thing you’ll want to consider is the popularity of your color or colors.  Teal and rose look beautiful together, but it’s not as popular today as it was about 10 years ago.  You want to be able to find bridesmaid dresses, as well as other accessories in the colors you pick.  Check out the available colors for items such as napkins, flowers, candles, wedding favors, cake toppers, and invitations to name a few. 

You’ll want to take into consideration how colors will look on your bridesmaids.  You will, no doubt, be dressed in either white or ivory, however, the bridesmaids will want to look their best that day as well.  Colors like yellow or orange can tend to wash out lighter complexions, whereas blue or green may compliment certain color eyes. 

If you want two or more colors for your wedding, consider varying shades of the same color.  Brown can be a very elegant look for a wedding, especially when it is combined with a coffee bean or lighter mocha.  Totally different colors can work too, however stay away from opposite ends of the color wheel such as purple and yellow. green and red, and blue and orange.  Instead, choose color shades that are next to each other on the color wheel.

So you met the love of your love across the room at a small coffee shop and now you want to recreate that special atmosphere for your reception.  Everyone loves the smell of coffee and your guests will know that they’re in for a special treat as soon as they enter the reception hall and take in that wonderful aroma.

Coffee theme receptions leave a lot of room for creativity, but best of all, the cost is quite reasonable.  Since coffee will be the focal point of the reception, a full sit-down or buffet-style meal is not necessary.  Instead, focus on different flavors of coffee and styles of coffee drinks.  Serve small pastries, breads and chocolate-dipped fruit to compliment the theme.  Coffee theme wedding favors will be sure to complete the look on each reception table.

Talk to your caterer about renting cappuccino machines and people who are trained to use them.  Discuss the types of coffee drinks they are able to provide.  Be sure to make decaffeinated coffees available for those guests who need to avoid the caffeine.  If children are invited to the reception, consider including white & chocolate milk and fruit juices to your beverage selections.

Many brides like the look and quality of pre-made favors that they can purchase online, but feel the cost can be prohibitive.  Actually, once you truly count the cost of materials, gas and time spent purchasing those materials, and the time it takes to assemble your wedding favors, purchasing them online is extremely practical and inexpensive.  However, for the ‘DIY’ bride, it means a lot to be able to give something that they’ve made by hand ~ a gift from the heart.  In this case, favor boxes really fill the bill.  The favor boxes give that professional look and style to any wedding reception and are very reasonably priced.  What goes inside is limited only by your imagination.

If you’re looking for something other than the traditional Jordan almonds, M&M’s®, and potpourri to fill your fall and winter favor boxes with, try this delicious drink mix or create one of your own.  A favorite drink mix recipe at our house is simple and inexpensive.  For each serving you mix:

1 1/2 tsp. cocoa
2 T. dry plain coffee creamer
3 pkts. of Splenda®

Mix together with a 12 ounce cup of coffee and you’ve got a delicious drink to warm you on the chilliest morning.  Since all three of these ingredients can be purchased in large quantities, it’s easy to make the recipe in bulk, spoon out single servings into clear plastic wrap and tie it all up with a ribbon.   You can include instant coffee and then it will just need to be added to hot water.  For a twist, you can also add 1/2 tsp. of dry, flavored gelatin mix, such a raspberry, to each serving for a scrumptious chocolate raspberry flavor.  Or omit the cocoa and add spices like cinnamon, ginger and cloves for a delicious chai tea blend.  It can be added to hot tea or you can include instant tea in the mixture.  Be sure to type out the directions on small cards and include them in the favor boxes.   You can even make several different mixes and hand out a variety of unique ‘favor flavors’.

This idea works well with any cooler weather wedding, but is absolutely perfect for those coffee and tea theme weddings or bridal showers.  This is one favor idea that will truly warm the heart of your guests and leave them with a delightful memory of your special day.