I can’t believe it’s already our final blog post of this week – time is just flying by these days. It’s been a great week posting here on Oh So Beautiful Paper! Thank you to all the lovely readers for stopping by and a big thanks to Nole for the great content. We’ve had a blast! – Courtney of Swiss Cottage Designs

Back to the paper! With the summer wedding season upon us, many of our conversations have been moving towards the topic of day of elements. What are those you ask? These are all the little bits and pieces that really help make your wedding day special. You can go traditional and create lovely menus, place cards and table numbers that match your wedding theme or you can get creative with unique cocktail napkins, tote bags, custom buttons or even rub-on tattoos. The possibilities are endless! I really believe that the day of items are almost just as important as your wedding suite. They help create the look and feel of your big day while leaving your guests with something to remember. Below are some fun ideas and inspiration for brides planning their big day:

Photo by Edyta Szyszlo Photography via 100 Layer Cake

Coasters and matchbooks make great little take-home pieces for guests. They’re useful around the house without being cumbersome in the least and serve as a fun reminder of the special celebration.

Photo by Hello Love Photo

Cocktail napkins make an awesome day of item. They’re the perfect blend of design and function (so long as you don’t mind them getting a little dirty!). I’ve even seen people use them as pocket squares at weddings – creative!

Photo by Kristen Marie Photography via 100 Layer Cake

A well-styled wedding is all in the details. Custom table signage may seem like a small consideration, but goes a long way to unify the style and mood of the occasion.

Photo by Joe Mikos

Welcome bags are a lovely gift and greeting to guests who have come from near and far. They also establish the tone of the festivities to come. A personalized tote, travel mug, water bottle and custom map of the area are just a few of the items you can include.

Photo by Joe Mikos

I love this idea – fly your flag high and proud on your big day! Banners are an adorable day of addition, especially for outdoor tented occasions. Plus, they can serve as a signal to guide a wayward guest back towards the party!

Photo by Max Wagner via 100 Layer Cake

People always say your wedding day will fly by and they’re right! This great idea takes the standard guest book to the next level with credit card sized photos and personal messages. Re-living your guests excitement and well wishes is a priceless gift.

Photo by Trent Bailey

Guests may not notice every detail, but you can bet they’ll be looking at the menu! Such a key part of the reception is a perfect place to provide both information and continue the aesthetic of the celebration. This menu was designed so you can place the napkin over the content but the pattern still pops out on the sides.

Photo by Hello Love Photo

Tote bags make an excellent day of item. Guests will inevitably have lots of bits and bobs to carry around during the weekend and will appreciate the extra help. I personally like making the design more neutral so guests are able to use it after the wedding weekend.

Photo by Weddings by Two

Remember how fun it was to put on temporary tattoos when you were a kid? Now you can bring that awesomeness to your big day! Tattly has tons of fun designs to choose from for weddings of all kinds. I made custom ones for my big day and they were for sure the sleeper success of my wedding.

Photo by Weddings by Two

I love when a favor is something that your guests can use again and again, it makes it worth the effort! I’m obsessed with mugs and created custom ones for my wedding favor. Perfect for coffee, tea, or water on those days when everything else is in the dishwasher. Your guests will always remember your big day when they use it.

Photo by Weddings by Two

As a teenager, pins were arguably the best way to let everyone know what we liked, from music to brands. Guests can don these little guys are the reception or take them home for later. We used them to break up “Groom” vs. “Bride” (though some guests picked Switzerland to be neutral).

Photo by Joe Mikos

 Programs are one of the most traditional day of elements. I am all about making pieces that will work for you again. I like to make the investment count! If you do an illustrated program, you’ll have this art as a way commemorate your big day for years to come.

We hope these ideas have your creative ideas flowing! Thank you again for letting us share our two cents over here on Oh So Beautiful paper, see you next time!

{images via their respective sources}