There are so many things that you can do to create a beautiful and upscale wedding without spending a ton of money.  I totally believe in making things interesting and pretty – and be unique at the same time.

Let’s take the old standard – tea.  Now, I’m not a tea drinker, but many people are.   Many couples serve iced tea, lemonade and water at a wedding.  It’s fine.  It’s a good money saver, and people are generally happy in the summer with something cold to drink.  However, it makes me cringe when it’s presented in an uninteresting ways.  I hate it when those metal containers are placed on the bar, or big vats of it are placed in the middle of a room.  It’s sort of just thrown out there.

Why not make it pretty and inviting for your guests to savor and enjoy?  I think a pretty presentation makes everything taste better – kwim?  Ice tea in a vat tastes a lot different than iced tea in a frozen glass, topped off with a pretty lemon wedge.  It makes the whole room come alive.  Just that one detail will set your wedding apart.  Plus, just because you do not have the money for a bar, doesn’t mean you have to make a statement about it – telling everyone – I don’t have money for a bar.  Are you following what I’m saying?

Put a pretty linen on the table.  Maybe something with an overlay to soften the look.  Place spices and fruits  on the table (cinnamon sticks, lemons)  – not only for the look, but for people to enjoy in their tea.  Put the tea in pretty glasses, that have been frozen.  Or place fruit garnishes on the glasses.  Don’t just put a bunch of tea bags out – ask your caterer to steep the tea.

You could even have a steep your own tea station  – and have a variety of tea leaves to try.  What a wonderful idea for a brunch wedding.

Yeah, it’s going to cost a bit more – and more thought is needed.   Yes, I agree it’s easier to throw a bunch of commercial tea bags in a bowl and call it a day – but why?  It’s one day that you will remember for the rest of your life.

Even though I am not a tea drinker, you can’t make everyone happy.  However I would appreciate a well thought out detail .  I would, however, partake in a nice fresh squeezed lemonade – or Voss sparkling water – or maybe a hot chocolate with fresh whipped cream which could elegantly and nicely accompany a fresh iced tea or hot tea station.

A tea bar!

If you don’t like tea, do something else.  More important is the point I’m making.  Whatever you do, let it be inspired!

Happy planning!