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A Tradition of Long Lives Together
A unique idea is to make a collage of other happily-marrieds in your and your finance's family. Display photographs, elegantly framed, on a table near the entrance of the wedding hall. Place them in chronological order (this is wonderful if you have some very old pictures; for example, of a great-grandparent or great-aunt and uncle). Or make two displays, one for your family and one for your spouse's family. Arrange each side in the shape of a half-heart, making one complete heart of your newly blended family.
Remembering Loved Ones
Many brides or grooms are saddened that certain family members are no longer there to see them off on their big day. Honor those who have gone before you with beautifully-framed pictures, or even commission a painting of an old photograph of beloved family members.
Your First Portrait
Another wedding reception decoration picture that will double as a keepsake is a painting of the two of you. This can be pricey, so shop around. Insist on seeing recent painted portraits so you can view the artist's style.
You can also have a photograph portrait taken of you and your spouse-to-be. Make it a "glamor shot"--dress up and have your hair and makeup done (and have the groom get a nice haircut and even a manicure beforehand).
Made With Love
If you're inviting children to your wedding, place a blank canvas (heavy paper or white cardboard is fine) on a table up front. During the reception, ask each child to go up and sign the canvas, along with a hand-drawn decoration.
You can also have a "hand print portrait" done: Set up the canvas, and ask all guests, young and old alike, to dip one hand in a washable paint, then press the palm to the paper. Have water available next to the table so the guests won't get their party clothes messy. After the guest has dried off his or her hand, he or she then signs underneath the print and writes a brief sentiment.
Display Your Talent
If you have a talent with a paintbrush, colored pencils or the camera, create your own wedding reception pictures. These can be of people, but they don't have to be; you can display lovely landscapes or images that are meaningful to you and your new spouse.
Through the Years
One idea that's bound to have Mom reaching for the handkerchief is a collage of you growing up. Make a similar one of your spouse. Family members will love watching you ?grow up? before their very eyes with this marvelous and sentimental decoration, and younger invitees will get a giggle out of seeing you in full grunge regalia and your upstanding husband in a 16-year-old's mohawk!
Add as many pictures as you'd like; a wedding is a time for remembering the past and looking to the future. Photos and paintings capture that idea perfectly. Be creative with your choices and enlist family members' help to scrounge up oldie-but-goodie images. The result will be one wedding reception decoration that's bound to captivate.