Our Favorite Personalized Touches of 2013 From Real Weddings

Paper lantern escort cards, illuminated by mini LED lights, led partygoers to woodland-animal-themed tables at the reception.

Of the four cocktails served, the tomato-vodka-basil–based Italian Summer— a nod to the site where the groom proposed—was the most popular (below left). The other drinks riffed on old-school rum-based recipes and were served in vintage barware the bride collected especially for the wedding.

Jackson Durham created an installation made with branches, candles, and glass orbs that hung above the head table.

Amber Moon of Pitbulls and Posies created a one-of-a-kind invitation suite and all of the day-of paperie for this couple.

At the end of this couple's evening, the planner's assistants walked through the crowd with signs and rang bells to signal the start of a fireworks show on the river.

Customized brown paper bags of Trader Joe's popcorn played multiple roles: as a holder for snacks; as programs (the service's details were printed on the back of each); and as an alternative to rice for guests to toss at the newlyweds as they strolled up the aisle.

Design Cuisine put together a prosecco cart for this couple's event, which rolled around to guests to let them customize their bubbly.

Guests were able to grab a cold one at this couple's wedding while a bluegrass duo provided a live soundtrack.

This literature-lovering couple used books from their childhood collections to display seating assignments. Alexandra made "bookmark" seating cards using Martha Stewart Home Office with Avery tags and a simple stamp kit.

Wooden chopsticks printed with the couple's names greeted guests at each place setting. Once seated, everyone dug into a meal of sushi, fried chicken, and ice cream cones.

The bridal party constructed a long daisy chain (about 200 feet!) that lined the path down to the lake, where the couple wed.

Paintbrushes dipped in pink paint and paint chips printed with each guest's name sat atop each plate.

When the local baker forgot the couple's cake order on the big day, the pastry chef at the hotel came to the last-minute rescue by whipping up a batch of red velvet cupcakes.

Tucked in each napkin was a tiny tome outlining the menu.

A subtle theme of "east coast meets west coast" was woven throughout the day: organic touches honored the bride's Pacific Northwest roots and a city sensibility nodded to the groom's New York City upbringing. Tables were named after significant Manhattan spots and captions explained the importance of each location.

Guests enjoyed a gold disco ball that hung over the dance floor at this couple's big day.

Ramekins of the sweet treat were stacked high to resemble a tiered cake, with candles placed in between them. Because the couple couldn't do the normal cake cutting, they instead made a wish and blew out some candles together before the dessert was served.