One of the most popular wedding trends is for the couple to serve a signature cocktail at the reception. For many couples, this can be just as big a deal as the cake. It allows them to have fun and tell their story. When selecting a special mixed drink for your nuptials, you have lots of things to consider:

• A favorite drink that you both enjoy.
• A drink you enjoyed on your first date.
• Something that matches the theme or colors of your ceremony.

Some couples choose to serve two cocktails as a “his and hers” tradition. Each drink represents one of the newly-married, and guests can choose between them or try them both! Here are some ideas for concoctions that could be great fits for your wedding.

Something sweet
For a sweeter drink, try marshmallows! You read that right. Brenda’s Wedding Blog has a great selection of cocktails made with marshmallows, like blackberry cream soda and ginger peaches and cream.

Sangria’s a wonderful choice for a wedding cocktail.

Something colorful
Sangria is a versatile, colorful concoction made from red, white or rosé wine. Not only is sangria a delicious and refreshing drink, but it also comes in a variety of bright colors depending on the type of wine and other ingredients you use. Food & Wine Magazine has a variety of sangria recipes.

Something bubbly
Champagne is a mainstay of wedding toasts, so why not make a cocktail out of it? Bon Appetit has the recipe for a classic Champagne Cocktail. All you need is Champagne, a sugar cube and Angostura bitters for a beautiful bubbly mixed drink that’s more complex than just Champagne, while still pretty simple.

For more party and wedding planning tips and guides from Sign Art Etc, click here.

The Olympic trials are well underway, and that means the thirty-first Olympiad will soon begin. The Summer Olympics only come around every four years, so you’ve got to live it up and enjoy the spectacle when it’s time.

With these tips, you can host your own Olympics-themed party to get in the mood for Rio 2016. Whether you’re hosting a viewing party for the opening ceremonies or for your favorite events, you can throw a fantastic gathering.

Decorations
You have lots of color schemes to choose from. You could decorate with gold, silver or bronze. You can also incorporate the Olympic rings into your decorations, and use the blue, yellow, black, red and greens from the rings. And of course, the torch is another classic symbol of the events. You can find Olympics-themed decorations at Oriental Trading.

Games
Every Olympics party should have feats of greatness. Pick games that suit your guests, whether they’re adults or kids, athletic or not so athletic. Bean bag toss, hula hoop and ring toss are just a few examples of simple games that can help you and your audience celebrate the spirit of athletic achievement.

To add to the fun, purchase mini flags like these ones available on Amazon, so everyone can represent different countries. Obviously, the winners get gold, silver and bronze medal props as trophies.

Pictures
A custom photo backdrop is the perfect addition for your Olympics party, because you and your guests can have fun posing with props. With custom backdrops, you can create your own Olympic-themed banner or select from our many pre-made themes.

Enjoy the Rio Olympics and go Team USA!

There’s a lot to remember when you’re planning your wedding, and it can be overwhelming. First, take deep breaths. It’ll be okay! Next, read this list of some of the big mistakes other couples have made when preparing for the big day. Just remember these and you’ll be in good shape.

Assuming it won’t rain
If your wedding is going to be outdoors, always have a backup plan in case Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate. That could include a tent or an alternate part of your venue.

Underestimating the turnout
According to Martha Stewart Weddings, couples commonly assume ten percent of the people on their guest lists won’t attend their nuptials. However, you can have unexpected surprises and end up getting more “yes” RSVP responses than “no”, especially if a lot of your guests are local. Keep this in mind when you’re choosing your venue. If you have 150 people on your invite list, don’t pick a venue that can only hold 120, in case most of your invitees actually attend.

If your reception is outdoors, make sure to plan a backup if it rains.

Neglecting your budget
Lots of couples start to plan everything without considering expenses, and they often get carried away. Make a budget first and stick to it. You’ll thank yourselves later.

Not leaving enough time for pictures
One thing is for sure: No matter how well your big day is planned, somewhere along the line you will fall a little behind schedule. This happens because couples often overlook how much time they need for pictures. Taking quality photographs will provide lasting memories of your wedding day, so make sure to schedule enough time so you don’t have to rush through it. Consult with your wedding photographer, who will have a better idea of how much time you’re going to need to get to your location and get great pictures.

Another part of your big day that you should not overlook is getting a special backdrop for taking pictures. Customizing the backdrop will provide a fun opportunity for you and your spouse-to-be to pose with one another, your bridal party and your families. You can also place one in a photo booth to give your guests a chance to take fun pictures with one another. Check out Sign Art Etc for great options.

Preparing for your wedding day can be a huge feat. There are so many moving parts when it comes to the guest lists, the registry, the venue, the dress and so on. Every bride could use a few cheats, or wedding planning hacks. Give these a try if you need to save some time, money or sanity.

RSVP numbering
If you have doctors or lawyers in your family, you may have a hard time understanding the handwriting on the RSVPs. Or maybe some guests will just forget to add their names. That’s why it’s a good idea to number each RSVP. You can just write a tiny number on the back of each card, and note which guests received which number. That way, if you receive any back with missing or illegible names, you’ll know who sent it.

Separate email address
You’re going to get a lot of emails from vendors, venues, guests and stores on your registry. Creating a new, wedding-only email address will help you manage the clutter. This will also save your main email address from the inevitable barrage of spam you’ll be getting well after the wedding day has come and gone.

Table arrangements
When planning the seating plan, you’re probably going to need to switch things around a few dozen times, so use sticky notes. Another hack is to use different colored notes for bride’s side, groom’s side, friends or family.

Build a wedding day emergency kit
You never know what could go wrong on the wedding day, so be prepared. Your disaster kit should include a stain removal stick, mints, bobby pins, safety pins and a needle with thread.

Set up a photo booth with a custom banner
Creating a photo booth atmosphere is an easy way to make sure your guests will have fun posing for professional-quality pictures. Taking these pictures is easier with this setup and the repeating logo can be customized to include your names and the date, or any other image you’d like. This simple wedding hack lets you create beautiful memories.

Summer weddings are wonderful because you have more of an opportunity for outdoor ceremonies and bright, vibrant colors. Depending on the time of year, different color schemes will fare better. For summer weddings, don’t be afraid to use the great outdoors for inspiration.

It’s not just one color
Many weddings are incorporating accent colors in addition to the main color. That means you have more opportunities to pair two shades with one another. These colors can not only be incorporated into wedding party outfits, but also table settings, the cake, the invitations, the website, custom backdrops for photos and other wedding elements.

Bright, vibrant color schemes can set the tone for a summer wedding.

Pick a combo, any combo
The Knot has provided some great ideas for color combos you’ve probably never seen before. Here are some of the highlights:

• Tangerine, orange and yellow for a modern summer wedding.
• Navy, yellow and blue for a rustic summer wedding.
• Gold, peach and green for an outdoor summer wedding.

Hot shades for summer 2016
Magnet Street has a handy collection of some of the trendiest marital color schemes for this summer. Here are some of the collections they feature:

• Fresh: Mint, teaberry, champagne and custom blue. Together, these pastels look refreshing and sophisticated.
• Showy: Ocean, custom green, silver and teaberry. Are you throwing a beach or nautical-themed wedding this summer? Use this combination that brings you back to the beach or the lake.
• Flashy: For something a little different, chartreuse, azalea, carrot and classic grey combine for a bold, fun look.

Make your wedding pop
For the ultimate colorful photo backdrop, Sign Art Etc has got you covered! Whatever brilliant colors or patterns you’re using in your wedding, you can incorporate it into the banner, either as part of a template or in your own unique design.