24 Genius Ideas to Steal From the 2015 Martha Stewart Weddings Bridal Market Party

By Lyndsey Matthews
October 14, 2015
Christian Oth of Christian Oth Studio

See our favorite wedding ideas that we used at our own celebration.

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Christian Oth of Christian Oth Studio
See Who Was There!

Ever since Martha Stewart Weddings launched 21 years ago, we've celebrated the end of Bridal Market (aka "fashion week" for wedding dresses) with a blowout party. This year was no different, with a very sparkly affair thrown at our Manhattan headquarters. This year's theme was "Come Shine With Us" and we did just that thanks to all of the wonderful vendors who collaborated with us, including Taylor Creative (who provided the sleek and modern furniture seen here), Matthew David Celebrations, Peter Callahan, Levy Lighting, Christian Oth, and Elan Artists—just to name a few. Take a peek at the photos from the party, where you'll definitely find an idea or two to steal for your own wedding.

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Have a Show-Stopping Chandelier

Christian Oth of Christian Oth Studio
See More Wedding Chandelier Ideas

Instead of decorating your space with several small things, use one major item to be the focal point of your party. Matthew David Hopkins of Matthew David Celebrations created this shimmering chandelier that hung over the bar in the center of the room using Martha Stewart Crafts gold metallic pom poms from Michael's. 

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Create a Flower Wall

Christian Oth of Christian Oth Studio
See More Flower Wall Ideas

Matthew David Celebrations created this mega-glam flower wall by hanging a panel of Lucite and tucking roses embellished with gold leaf into it. 

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Dress Up Your Flowers

Christian Oth of Christian Oth Studio

Guests at our party had a chance to create their own gold leaf rose to take home—which would be a fun activity for a bridal shower!

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Set the Scene

Jack Jeffries/ChristianOthStudio.com

You can transform a venue with plain white walls into a party-worthy space with just lighting—just like Levy Lighting did for our minimalist office space.

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Set Up a Makeup Touch-Up Station

Jack Jeffries/ChristianOthStudio.com

CoverGirl provided a makeup and manicure touch-up station during the party. This would be a great idea for your wedding too—set up a variety of beauty products in the ladies' room so guests can brighten up their looks throughout the night.

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Get Braided

Christian Oth of Christian Oth Studio

We also had a braid bar for guests to get their hair done by Warrne-Tricomi + Kerastase before they hit the photo booths. We love this bohemian look for brides and bridesmaids alike.

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Customize a Photo Backdrop

Clint Spaulding / PatrickMcMullan.com

Once guests got their hair and makeup done, they headed to our three (yes, three!) photo booths. Fathead provided a customized mural with our invite design printed on it. Not only are these murals a great photo backdrop, but they are also a fun, colorful way to add a personal touch to any venue. With a peel-and-stick backing, it didn't damage the wall behind it when we took it down the next day. Here, Martha Stewart Weddings Editorial Director Darcy Miller poses with Martha Stewart and Martha Stewart Weddings Vice President and Publisher Patti Follo. 

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Create a SmileBooth

Jack Jeffries/ChristianOthStudio.com

Here, three models smile and laugh in front of the SmileBooth we had at our party, which printed out IRL photos for guests to take home as a souvenir of the evening. It doubles an awesome wedding favor.

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DIY a Photo Booth Backdrop

Christian Oth of Christian Oth Studio
See More Photo Booth Backdrops

Matthew David Celebrations created the backdrop for the Smilebooth from Martha Stewart Crafts white flower and metallic gold pom pom kits that you can easily make for your own celebration.

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Make Yourself Into a Flipbook

Jack Jeffries/ChristianOthStudio.com

Go Flip Yourself captured guests in a short video recording (wearing fun props seen here) and turned it into a printed flipbook, leaving guests with a lively, moving memory of the evening. 

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Dress Up Your Ice Cubes

Christian Oth of Christian Oth Studio

Instead of creating a traditional ice sculpture, Okamoto Studio served cool, heart-shaped ice cubes with cocktails.

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Serve a Signature Cocktail

Jack Jeffries/ChristianOthStudio.com
Signature Cocktail Ideas

Tito's Handmade Vodka mixed it up with grapefruit screwdrivers at our party. For a custom touch on your big day, serve guests you and your new spouse's favorite drinks that complement each of your personalities.

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Serve Wine with Cheeky Labels

Christian Oth of Christian Oth Studio

Guests sipped on a variety of Malbec wines provided by Speak Wines. We love the idea of setting a few of these bottles with their fun and creative labels out on the dinner table at your wedding as a conversation starter.

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Don't Forget the White Wine

Christian Oth of Christian Oth Studio

Even if you prefer red wine, be sure to offer a white option for other guests. Charles Smith Wines served their 2014 Riesling that paired well with a variety of appetizers served at our party.

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Personalize Coca Cola Bottles

Christian Oth of Christian Oth Studio

The custom "Martha" and "Weddings" Coca Cola mini bottles delighted guests at our party. Get your own names on bottles for your wedding to serve during cocktail hour or to take home as a favor.

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Get Creative with Appetizers

Peter Callahan served these mini soft pretzels along with bite-size spaghetti and meatballs and vegetable spring rolls. Mini versions of popular comfort foods are great to serve at a wedding, because they are easy to eat and they will be a huge hit with guests.

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Enjoy Savory Snacks

Christian Oth of Christian Oth Studio

Adam Lathan and Clay Boulware of The Gumbo Bros served their chicken and sausage, shrimp, and vegan gumbos, which had a mix of spicy Creole and Cajun flavors. This home-style stew could be a fun alternative appetizer or a main dish at a casual wedding.

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Think Beyond the Classic Cupcake

Christian Oth of Christian Oth Studio

Guests had no trouble finding these sweets decorated with glow-in-the-dark frosting by Crème Delicious. 

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Serve Bite-Size Treats

Christian Oth of Christian Oth Studio
More Dessert Table Ideas

Guests flocked to the Milk Bar table in search of these delectable cake truffles. These would make a great addition to any wedding dessert table, and would also be a delicious wedding favor.

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Keep Guests Awake with Coffee

Christian Oth of Christian Oth Studio

Illy's coffee booth delivered a burst of caffeine to our guests. After dinner coffee is not only a great end to a delicious meal, but will also keep the party going.

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Give Custom Stationery Sets

Christian Oth of Christian Oth Studio

Wedding Paper Divas let guests create custom stationery sets at our party—picking from the black-and-white designs seen here, to metallic gold thank-you note sets. A set like this would make an adorable bridesmaid gift to give your friends as a thank you for their help on your big day.

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Give Perfume Favors

Christian Oth of Christian Oth Studio

Nova Scent Bar helped guests chose between a variety of scents—jasmine, rose, and bergamot—to take home as a favor. Brides can work with Nova to create a custom scent for their own wedding.

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Go for a Live Band

Jack Jeffries/ChristianOthStudio.com
See More Wedding Bands

If you're still looking for your wedding band, pay attention: Our guests danced the night away to Elan Artists' amazing live music. Starting off slow with some soft-rock classics like Toto's "Africa," they kicked it up a notch with crowd favorites like "Uptown Funk" later in the evening when people were in the mood to dance. Rosebrand set the scene with a shimmering silver backdrop and a stage large enough for the huge band.

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By Lyndsey Matthews