Let’s face it: Your guests don’t need another Koozie. Give them what they really want at your reception—a fun experience to keep them engaged once dinner is over and their dancing feet have grown tired. Though activations are not a new concept—live painters, cigar rollers, and photo booths have been popular wedding choices throughout the years—the options have expanded exponentially, allowing couples to find experiences that suit their personalities and send loved ones home with a meaningful memento. Here are five of our favorites.
1. Better in Leather
Dallas-based Leatherology is known for designing high quality leather handbags, wallets, luggage, and the like, made all the more luxe with their variety of monogramming options. But did you know they can arrange a live personalization station at your reception or other wedding-weekend event? With help from an on-site professional, guests can add their debossed, trapunto, or hand-painted initials to the items of your choosing—we especially love the luggage tags, key chains, and valet trays—to create a favor they’ll treasure for years to come. leatherology.com2.
2. Linked for Life
Give guests an unforgettable reminder of your gratitude with a piece of permanent jewelry from Love Weld. “As a bride, you’re constantly seeking creative ways to show your loved ones how much they mean to you,” says founder Sarah Sides. “We can help you gift them with a lasting memento they will treasure for a lifetime.” loveweld.com
3. A Stitch in Time
Let guests say it with chain-stitching courtesy of W Durable Goods’ Daniel Wright, who personalizes bandanas live at events. “I’ve gotten so many photos of people using them on their tables as table napkins, wrapped around a purse, or even wrapped in their hair,” says bride Claire Bizub, whose reception (below) featured Wright’s talents. wdurablegoods.com
4. Flower Power
The Sand & Soil flower truck is the perfect way to add a fresh flourish to your festivities. Guests simply visit the truck outside your reception venue, choose their favorite blooms, and let one of the brand’s “floristas” arrange a bouquet for them to take home. If you prefer to keep the experience indoors, opt instead for Sand & Soil’s flower cart, which has a smaller footprint but offers the same experience. sandandsoilflowers.com
5. Hat’s Off
Lake Highlands–based outfitter Neighborhood Supply Co. is taking their popular hat bar on the road, making it possible to personalize caps with custom embroidery or patches on the spot. Owner Kasey Bower can incorporate your existing wedding logo into your design (or create one for you), or you can select a variety of phrases and graphics for guests to choose from. neighborhoodsupplyco.com
