Let’s pause to praise the country club wedding. Grass that literally glows (even if you’re marrying in Arizona!). Top-notch facilities. White-glove service. What could possibly make this event better? A few whimsical touches that reveal your personalities as a couple. Your passions. The pastime that brought you together. Need we say it? Golf! Here’s how to add some clever grace notes straight from the green to your ultra-elegant wedding.
It’s Par-Tee Time!
This wedding offers all kinds of ways to bond friends and family over a prolonged game of links. Organize a guy’s golf scramble for the morning-of. Or, choose a large enough country club-slash-hotel or spa so your out-of-town guests can stay and play all weekend.
Make sure, too, that your photographer has time to snap you and your intended on the turf before or after the ceremony. The shots are classic!
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Loitering at the Water Trap
Whether duffer or diva, everyone knows how to relax at the 19th hole. Make this all-important stop on the course the theme for your pre-reception cocktail hour. Keep guests’ spirits soaring with a handful of signature martinis (appletinis and chocolate, say).
Offer up a gourmet olive bar. Or splurge on a professionally-led wine tasting, or even a cigar bar where obliging artisans roll up fresh smokes for the guys.
Another fun touch: serve a pre-dinner mashed potato bar served in martini glasses, with favorite toppings like salsa, bacon crumbles, cheddar cheese, chives.
Inspired By ThisCountry Club Chic
The country club wedding so often embodies everything we think of as traditional, romantic, elegant. So you’ve got your monogrammed cake and table runners, your organza swags, your candelabras and crystal.
The color scheme’s predominantly preppy … or pink. A harpist might serenade the room during dinner, and ivy trails romantically from vases dripping with sweetheart roses. The flower girl’s resplendent in a mini princess gown, and a fleur-de-lis ice sculpture lights up a corner of the room. Tartan prints add a touch of sporty chic in the form of napkin ties holding down a single red rose, the bride & groom’s chair sashes, or favor box ribbon.
Gorgeous? For sure. But all this formal beauty’s even better when the couple infuses it with their own touch of whimsy.
More: Find Nautical Themed Favors | What Men Really Want (in Wedding Favors)
PinterestAll Fore Love
Links lovers can pick and choose from a few favorite ways to play up their passion. Popular choices include a groom’s cake that brings to life a mini-golfing green, golf-themed cake toppers and sporty favors, like personalized tees.
More options: wow guests with a cupcake tree stacked with golfball-style cupcakes in lieu of a cake. Direct best men to wield an “arch of clubs” as you exit the ceremonial site. Customize a signature frame with an 8×10 of you two snuggling in a golf cart or sinking a putt. Site a putting matt indoors for the reception, and have guests “putt for a kiss” instead of clinking glasses.
Need a few more ideas? Set your placecards on an artificial turf mat. Or do the same with a whimsical candy buffet, tucking some of the candy vases in metal golf buckets. Decorate the green with standing pennants and white chocolate golf balls.
One more: direct guests to tables with signs named for your favorite courses (Pinehurst, Pebble Beach), tournaments (Wachovia, Masters), or simply tuck numbered pennants into the centerpieces.
More: Find Nautical Themed Favors | What Men Really Want (in Wedding Favors)
Favors and Gifts
Find Nautical Themed Favors make great favors and wedding party gifts alike. Chocolate golf balls are adorable treasures in two-piece favor boxes. So are personalized shot glasses (fill with water and a rosebud to double as decor.)
Display a tray of golf ball bottle stoppers in a chic wooden tray filled with wheat grass. Think plaid hip flasks or stylish martini shakers for your faithful ‘maids and groomsmen.
Talk Back
Stumbled on pure inspiration for a clever, sporty spin to your event? Or stuck in a planning bunker? Chime in below!