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Gaming your way to wedding bliss might sound unconventional, but as Adam Walton of Walton's Games reveals, arcade machines are becoming the surprise hit of modern wedding celebrations across Cincinnati. This refreshingly different entertainment option solves multiple reception challenges while creating unforgettable experiences for guests of all ages.

The gaming revolution starts early in the wedding day with "grooms' get-ready rooms" featuring classics like Big Buck Hunter and Golden Tee Golf. These setups acknowledge the reality that grooms typically need less preparation time than brides, providing entertainment during those pre-ceremony hours when nerves might otherwise take over. One practical bride even attached a note: "The wedding starts at six. This game shuts off at 5:50. You will not be late to marry me because you're playing Golden Tee Golf."

Cocktail hours transform from awkward mingling into dynamic social experiences when arcade tables featuring 80s and 90s classics like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong are strategically placed throughout the venue. These games serve as natural conversation starters for guests who might not know each other well. One wedding spontaneously organized a Pac-Man tournament that continued throughout the reception, with guests competing for a dance with the bride. For favors that guests actually want, custom-filled claw machines offer branded teddy bears commemorating the special day.

With packages starting around $595 per game (comparable to photo booth rentals), this entertainment approach provides excellent value while setting your celebration apart from cookie-cutter receptions. The universal appeal crosses generational lines – Adam notes that even children who've never seen pinball machines become instantly enchanted by their sensory richness compared to mobile games. The company handles all delivery and setup, works with every venue in town, and can accommodate special requests for specific games.

Ready to level up your wedding entertainment? Contact Walton's Games through social media, email at sales@waltonsgames.com, or visit their showroom in Blue Ash to see these games in action and discover how they might create those magical, memorable moments your guests will talk about for years to come.

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Rhinegeist Brewery, located in downtown Cincinnati, offers a unique wedding venue with flexible spaces for both intimate and large celebrations, featuring their signature open catering policy that allows couples to bring in any food vendor of their choice.

• Hosting the annual "I Do's and Brews" wedding show on Sunday, May 18th, 12-3pm featuring 75 vendors
• $15 tickets include a complimentary beer and goodie bag with vendor information
• Unique vendors including a tattoo artist creating wedding-themed flash tattoos
• Venue accommodates weddings from 80 to 250 guests across different event spaces
• Partners with Tri-State Valet for convenient parking solutions starting at $1,000 flat fee
• Located near Cincinnati Streetcar route with nearby hotels and accommodations
• Provides venue access from noon on wedding day until 11:30pm
• Offers day-of coordination services to help manage venue specifics
• Celebrating 10 years of hosting events in Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine district
• Available for both weddings and related events like rehearsal dinners and welcome parties

Find information about tours and the I Do's and Brews event at rheingiest.com or by emailing events@rhinegeist.com.

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The golden rule of etiquette isn't what you learned in school. As Dina Schmid of Queen City Etiquette explains to Kathy Piech-Lukas of Your Dream Day, true etiquette means finding out how others want to be treated—and then doing exactly that. This principle becomes especially crucial when planning a wedding, where guests ranging from toddlers to grandparents bring different expectations and needs.

Throughout our conversation, we unravel the often-confused concepts of tradition versus etiquette. While traditions are simply repeated practices (like smearing cake in your partner's face), etiquette focuses on creating comfort. That distinction helps navigate thorny issues like adult-only receptions, where Dina offers a masterclass in handling awkward situations with grace. Her advice for dealing with guests who RSVP with uninvited children? A direct phone call offering solutions demonstrates both boundary-setting and consideration.

Communication emerges as the cornerstone of wedding etiquette. Whether it's clearly stating that a reception has a cash bar, providing hotel block options at different price points, or sending timely thank you notes that specifically mention each gift received, thoughtful communication prevents the uncomfortable surprises that can dampen celebrations. We also explore the evolution of wedding traditions, from RSVP cards (once considered insulting!) to modern QR codes, and how etiquette adapts alongside these changes.

Dina shares fascinating insights into dress codes, from the ultra-formal white tie (think gloves and tuxedos with tails) to casual themes, while cautioning against the trending practice of dictating guest color schemes. Her parting wisdom captures the essence of wedding planning perfectly: "It's okay to break tradition, but it's not okay to break etiquette." By focusing on what makes your guests comfortable while staying true to your vision, you'll create a celebration that honors both tradition and consideration—setting the perfect tone for your marriage.

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