Did you know that choclolate can make you happy?  In fact, chocolate creates a number of feelings such as  feelings of excitement, alertness, stress relief, and feelings of love.  So this is one food group you should include at your wedding.  

Chocolate can affect the brain by causing the release of certain neurotransmitters which are molecules that transmit signals between neurons.   Neurotransmitters such as endorphins and opiates can help to reduce stress and give way to feelings of euphoria.  In fact, as your guests eat the chocolate, it will increase the levels of endorphins released into their brains bringing forth feelings of comfort and stress relief.

Another neurotransmitter affected by chocolate is serotonin, which is a known as an anti-depressant.  Tryptophan found in chocolate causes the release of serotonin in the body.  Another neurotransmitters released by chocolate is phenylethylamine, which causes changes in blood pressure and blood-sugar levels leading to feelings of excitement.  Phenylethylamine causes your pulse rate to quicken, giving way to feelings that are similar to feeling in love.

Lipid anandamide found in chocolate has a unique resemblance to tetrahydrocannabinol, a chemical found in marijuana.   Both chocolate and marijuana activate the same receptor which causes a trigger to the production of dopamine, which lead to feelings associated with a high. Although, it would take twenty-five pounds of chocolate to achieve a similar high to that of marijuana, you get the point, that chocolate does effect a persons mood in a positive way.

Chocolate can lead to gaining weight, which is a negative, but it has been known for its wide health benefits.   Chocolate seems to possess substantial amount of antioxidants that reduce the formation of free radicals.  Some research found that chocolate, eaten in moderation, can lower blood pressure, and dark chocolate could also  positively affect the circulatory system, and brain stimulation.

Ferrero Rocher Hazelnut Chocolates is one of the most fabulous candies out there, perfectly wrapped.  Buy 144 pieces for just $40 dollars!!  They come in a beautiful clear container which can be used again for a gift giveaway of some sort.  Original Pecan Chocolate Caramel Turtlesare still one of the most favored chocolates.  Have you ever tried Baci Perugina Italian Chocolate?  On my trip to Italy, I first tasted this chocolate, and haven't since, but I have such fond memorizes of how wonderful they are.

Apothecary glass jars are the perfect containers to display your chocolate.  Wrapped chocolate can be displayed on a silver platter, and the apothecary  jars can be perfect for chocolate bars which are broken up.  As you leave the wedding ceremony, the jars can be then transported to the reception.  The best thing about this decor idea is it isn't a decoration that needs to be donated, or thrown out after the wedding.  We have an extra tall apothecary jar that holds spaghetti on our kitchen counter, and they can be used for cookies, or even decorative soap in the bathroom.  We even have a couple of matching containers beside our desk for munchies through out the day.  They are absolutely beautiful to look at, and make your food absolutely irresistible.

Truffle Chocolates From Cherry Patter New York

First pick out the chocolates you want to feature, and buy the coordinating jars.  My suggestion is to really pick candy that is good, than buying the cheap kinds.  Often times our local Safeway, or QFC grocery stores have 50% sales of chocolates or candies through the year.  When the sale happens, stock up on the chocolate you think is absolutely great to eat.  Eating junky candy is always a turn off, so buy a kind you know tastes fabulous, because it then becomes an extra ordinary luxury for your guests.

How to Display your Apothecary Candy Jars

Display the same over sized jars side by side such as the  60 Oz Apothecary Acrylic Large Jar for $16 Dollars, and coordinate them with a unique place card in front which describes the candy they are about to eat.  The overall look is uniform, and extremely elegant than featuring a variety of jars in different shapes and scale.

Large 3D DIAMOND Wedding Candy Mold Chocolate

Beverage Dispenser Jug with Spout

Chantilly 2 Gallon Dispenser with Pouring Valve

Trudeau Cheese Markers

Apothecary Acrylic Large Jar - 60 Oz

19.25 Inch Glass Footed Apothecary Jar

Wedding Apothecary Jar Wedding Set up

OR- Try grouping your apothecary jars in groups of threes, than having them spread out on the table.  Buy the same shapes, so they all look like a set, than a couple which do not match.  Buying them identical, or as a set will allow your tables to be more focused and positioned the best.

 DO NOT mix several colors of candy together, as it is not as appealing.  If there is several colors of candy, group the colors together which will give a more uniform appearance, and try to dress up the area with descriptions of the candy.  You see this often in gourmet shops.

Make your own display cards with a handy decorative punch in a fancy square, or circle.  Emboss your cards, or simply stamp them with blue, green, or brown ink.

Making Memories I Do Mini Clear Stamps - Invitations
Interchangeable Round Stamp
Certifiable Stamps Interchangeable Round

Tim Holtz Rubber Stamp Ornates
Ornate Journal - Rubber Stamps
Half Sheet Clear Stamp-Journal Stamps
Wedding Frame Wood Stamp

#1) Have a rehearsal picnic outdoors.

#2) If your family is a little more informal, a rehearsal "barbecue" can be very memorable.

#3) If you want to try something really different, a Hawaiian luau instead of a rehearsal dinner is something your guests will not soon forget.

#4) Holding a "rehearsal buffet" in someone's home can be an inexpensive option and a more intimate alternative all at the same time.

#5) A "pot luck" where all of the guests bring a dish can save money and can be a lot of fun.

#6) A very creative idea if you live near the beach is to have an old-fashioned clam bake.

#7) A dinner based on your heritage is a particularly meaningful idea if your families put a lot of emphasis on those things.  It can be a subtle way to communicate to your families that you are not forgetting the past as you look forward to the future.