Fresh Idea Friday: Sweet Treat!

Thought I would start off your long weekend with a closer look at a Fresh Idea that is super "sweet" - CUPCAKES! Cupcakes are a staple at any kids birthday party..however, this beloved personal sized dessert is sweeping the wedding industry by storm! Why do we love cupcakes? Well for one, the thought of having an individual sized cake piled high with perfectly decorated icing is enough to make anyone a fan! Not only are cupcakes a nostalgic love of our kid-self past, but they are practical for any wedding - why you ask?

1. Price
Wedding cake can put a crater sized hole in any budget. At a minimum of $4.75 per a slice, wedding cake quickly becomes a costly after dinner dessert. Cupcakes on the other hand, typically go for about $2.50 each -- that is almost half the price!

2. Grab and Go
Cupcakes are time savers! Your venue staff does not have to take time to cut hundreds of slices of cake and THEN pass them out to all the guests. Cupcakes are a "self-serve" type of dessert - grab and go!

3. They Are FUN!
If you have been reading this blog, you know I encourage to take fresh spins on old traditions! What better way to update a cake then do it cupcake style?
You can decorate these fun desserts multiple ways and have several flavors, which makes it easy to add pops of color for your celebration! Go the extra mile and a couture (and cute) cupcake wrapper from Bella Cupcakes Couture.

Although encourage adding a fresh touch to tradition - there are some that I think should stay put! I definitely love the tradition of the bride and groom cutting the "cake" together - which you can still do even with cupcakes! You can achieve this by either having a single tier of wedding cake made just for you and the groom or, have two special cupcakes made for you both! Check the inspiration board for example of this! Take this Fresh Idea and run with it - you will be saving dollars and creating excitement for your guests. There is nothing better than watching a grown adult stuffing their face with a giant cupcake - it brings the kid out in all of us!



Delicious Photos By: Marianne Wilson, Bella Cupcake Couture, Jen Rodriguez, Orange Girl, Picotte Photography, Jake Holt, The Nichols, and 5ive 5ifteen Photography

 Have a fabulously LONG weekend -- check back with us on Tuesday!

Picture This: Colorful Quote!

If you missed reading up on one of last week's posts, "Picture This," you did not see the start of a new weekly series! In a nutshell, I will present a single source of inspiration (i.e. a photo, an object, a quote, etc.) and create an entire wedding inspiration board from the the muse! If you are a creative mind - I encourage you to try the "Picture This!" activity yourself..it is fun to imagine a million ways to create a single wedding!




By Handz from Etsy

 

This weeks "Picture This!" inspiration comes from a printed quote I found on, none other than, Etsy! The picture really struck me for several reasons: (1.) This quote is from a song I think we all universally know! It may have even been the first song we learned sing when we were little - so cheery and simple!, and (2.) I loved the color combination the artist used to compose the print. Often, brides are afraid to use bold colors throughout their wedding and stick to the notion of being "soft and sweet;" however, being BOLD is not BAD - if anything, bright colors bring warmth and cheerfulness to any ambiance! A wedding is a celebration after all! Check out how the basic primary colors can be a perfect setting for your wedding day celebration - still keeping it classy and elegant all the way through! Look below to find a wedding fully inspired from the colorful quote through and through! Enjoy!



Stellar Photos From: Jamie Grenough, Aaron Delesie, Twin Lens, Picotte Photo, Q Weddings, Beaux Arts, Captured by Jen, Muse Photography, Matthew May, and Laurel McConnel



 



The Summer Heat - How to Keep Your Wedding Cool

Today's humid, 90 degree weather is definitely the inspiration for today's post. I don't know about anyone else, but I took one step outside today and started sweating! Sweat...not something we like to deal with on a daily basis, and most certainly not something you or your guests want to deal with at your wedding! Whether you are a guest or the bride - the thought of being all "dolled" up and "icky" at the same time does not seem appealing. To cool the mood and save you some sweat...check out these ideas that will keep both you and your guests dry, comfortable, and happy!

Fabulous Photos By: Cuppa Photography, Marianne Wilson, Carlie Statsky, Tanja Lippert, Suzi Q., Jessica Johnston, Laura Ivanova, and Docuvitae Photography!

1. Sunglasses

Give your guests some shades to save them from squinting! These are perfect for an outdoor wedding and/or reception and won't break your budget. The Oriental Trading Company is a great resource!

2. Parasols

Give the guests some individual shade to keep them cool. These paper parasols come in a variety of colors and can be found from several resources around the web! Insider Tip: parasols make for super cute pictures - a group shot of you and your bridesmaids with parasols in hand is a fun addition to any wedding album.

Photo: Robert Sukrachland

3. Refreshments

Offer guests a specialty drink to refresh the mood. If you haven't already done so, take a look back at our Specialty Drink post for a closer look at this idea. Guests will love a ice cold glass of lemonade or ice tea - a frozen Margarita would certainly do the job, too!

4. Program Fans

Turn your programs into fans by adding a simply painter's stick to the end of each one. Guests will love this multifunctional program...especially because of the cool breeze! This is a great DIY project - look for a future post on how to turn your program into a cooling unit.

5. Flip Flops

Make your dance floor a true hit my providing guests with flip flops! Not only will everyone be more apt boggy with your band, but their feet will be cool and comfy!

6. Ice Cream Bar

Oh my lord...now this idea has my heart (and my appetite!) What better way to cool off guests than with a cool and sweet treat! Sundae bars at weddings are definitely trendy right now and most catering companies have the means to set it up! Or better yet, rent an ice cream truck for your wedding (check out the bottom photo - yes, that is from a REAL wedding!). Your guest will been in awe of the nostalgic truck and take them back to childhood summers!

I am feeling cooler already!..and with any summer wedding in the deep south, the term "cool" is in constant demand. To prevent wedding day misery (and frizzy hair galore!), use one of the ideas above, or two, to keep it cool, comfy, and FUN! Enjoy!

What's Under That Dress?

No, the title of this post is NOT referring to the lingerie you received at your bachelorette party...I am talking about something WAY better in my opinion. You've already got the diamond in hand, so what is girl's next best friend? - Shoes! Like most females, I have a thing for shoes... my theory is that you just simply cannot have too many pairs, styles, colors, etc. (my husband would definitely disagree with that statement!). And if you ever have a more opportune time to splurge on your shoe fantasies, it is on your wedding day!!!

Now ladies, as I keep mentioning, the modern bride is at more liberty to do what she wants compared to the past...so please, do not hesitate to get out of the plain-white-satin-close toed-ultra traditional-conservative heel FUNK! Be fun, be bold, and buy those sexy heels you have always wanted. I'm thinking Carrie Bradshaw would give you similar advice :) If you are worried about being to LOUD with your shoes, no worries...no one will know what you got under that dress during the ceremony..it is not till the reception. Whether it is when your dress is swooshing during a group dance or when you hike up that dress for the garter toss, guests will love seeing glimpses of your "too cool" shoes!

Bottomline: Your wedding day is all about having a magical and fun time from head to TOE! Slip your feet into those fabulous shoes and WORK IT! Great shoe shopping resources include Nordstrom, DSW, Off-Broadway, Bloomingdales, Saks, PiperLime, and Zappos. Check out some eye-candy shoes from around the weddingsphere below.

Stellar Photo Credits: Nate Henderson, Paco + Betty, Desi Baytan, Docuvitae, Captured by Kate, Christain Oth, Michael Turner, Kate McPherson, and Sedona Bride Photography

Fresh Idea Friday: Bridesmaid Mix Up!

I don't know about you, but boy am glad that it is FRIDAY! It has just been one of those l-o-n-g weeks...and to help get out of this d-r-a-g, I am excited to post a Fresh Idea and mix things up a little. 

Alright girls...I hate to say it, but sometimes we know how to work up the drama! Ha! And not to give us girls a bad rap (because I do think we all fabulous and it is our wedding after all!), but typically two of the biggest drama makers on a wedding day are either the Bride-zilla or an angry gang of bridesmaids. I'll address the infamous "bride-zilla" at a later date, but today's post is all about how to you can add a fresh spin to your wedding and alleviate some bridesmaid drama along the way - the idea: Bridesmaid Fashion Mix-and-Match.

We all know that we girls come in all shapes and sizes. Some tall, some short - some tan, some pale - some blonde, some brunette..yeah you get what I am saying. Being so, choosing one dress for your bridesmaids tends to be a difficult task! To avoid eye rolling, diva attitudes, and put-out girlfriends, allow your bridesmaids to CHOOSE what they want to wear. Now I am not telling you give them 100% free reign over there outfit (who knows what would be standing alongside you at the altar!), but I am saying, GIVE THEM OPTIONS! Your can do this three ways:

1. Same Dress, Different Style
Choose a dress that comes in several different styles such as halter, strapless, off-the-shoulder, or sleeveless, and let each girl choose which style fits her best. This option enables each girl to pick what they are most comfortable in, but also allows you to choose the exact color everyone is wearing. I would go with this option if you want to mix it up a little but still desire a traditional look at the altar.

2. Same Color Group and Length
Give your girls a color and length, such as "yellow" and "cocktail length" - then let each girl find a dress that meets your standards. The goal here is to allow each girl find the perfect dress for themselves, but still look like they coordinate with your wedding theme. This option is certainly a more modern trend, but it definitely is a great one - not only is each girl going to look her best, but the slightly different colors/styles really add a cool element to your wedding line up!

3. Different Colors
If there are several color combinations integrated through out your wedding, give each girl a different color dress. For example, if your color scheme consists of pastel purples, greens, and fuchsia - have each girl wear one of the colors. This option really sets the mood of your BIG DAY!

I am a serious fan of all three options, and when pulled off right, not only will you have a fresh spin for your wedding...but you will have a much more pleasant (and comfortable) gang of bridesmaids by your side. Tip: these options work best with 3-6 bridesmaids. It definitely can be done with larger parties...just make sure everyone has a "binding" element in their fashion! Some of my favorite bridesmaid fashions are from Ann Taylor and J.Crew - both places have mix-and-match options.

Check out some examples of Bridesmaid Fashion Mix-and-Match below! Remember, have fun with your style, and don't be afraid to steer from the "norm." Have a fabulous weekend, enjoy!

Photo Credits: JOS Photographers, Brooke Keegan, Abby Ross, Shanni Weilerst, Perez Photography, Mike Larson Inc., Christain Oth Studio, and Jessica Johnston.

Vendor Spotlight: Chocolate Butterbean

The company's name sounds delicious all on its own...and no this is not a bakery, but I assure you, the product is just as artistically yummy! Joni, creator and mastermind behind all the goodness, skillfully designs custom signs that are a perfect touch to any event. Each sign is hand painted (painstakingly so, I would think!) and can be produced on wood or canvas. There is a list full of uses for signs at any event. Honestly, something simple as a directional sign can help the day go a lot smoother for your guests -- typically the more informed guests are, the less questions that have to be asked, and the less chaos on your BIG DAY!

Joni's work is filled with exquisite detail that can be matched by no other, which makes Chocolate Butterbean's signs more that just a single functional product. The best part of her signs, in my opinion, is that they are an awesome addition to your empty walls after the BIG DAY! Her work can be a lasting souvenir from your wedding and a great decor piece to warm up a room.

Chocolate Butterbean's design process ensures a truly unique and personal outcome every time. Included with the purchase of a sign comes three custom designs created from your wedding inspiration and two revisions of your favorite. Furthermore, the final product comes in a range of sizes to fit your needs. Check out Chocolate Butterbean's website for more information and examples! I should also mention that Joni is an AMAZING graphic designer (I am a bit jealous of her talents!) and has lengthy portfolio of custom wedding invitations as well!

Bottom line: Chocolate Butterbean's signs, or art I should say, truly bring a heartfelt touch and purpose to your magical day! See some of CB's work below!

* Chocolate Butterbean has their own blog with daily updates of new works! It is one of my daily reads for sure!

Trend Alert: This is for the Dog Lovers!

I will be the first to admit that I am a dog lover, and biding time till I have room to own one of my own. So what makes dogs so special? Well, they do not call dogs "a man's best friend" for nothing, and the list of lovable attributes could go on forever! Maybe it is a dog's lasting loyalness...or the uncanny comfort a dog provides without even using words. It could be the playfullness and joy that dogs naturally exude, or  maybe it is just the simple fact of finding an unyeilding friendship in something that expects nothing back in return. No matter what the reasons may or may not be, a dog's presence in one's life is remarkably meaningful.

A new trend out there: Doggie Ringbearers. Yes you read it right, and yes, it is totally "okay" for your lovable pet to be a part of hte BIG DAY! As I have mentioned before, modern brides are able to steer from tradition without turning heads. You would not dare have a dog as a part of you wedding assembly ten years ago. Fortunately, modern ways are not all about being "prim" and "proper," and today's bride has the luxury of including all things she sees fit and meaningful! So if your pooch is a big part of your life, make it a big part of your special day! Check out all the cute photos I picked up 'round the weddingsphere -- these pups are seriously adorable..and making me want to go find me one right now! Be sure to comment on whethere you would have your dog at your BIG DAY or not! Enjoy!

Photo Credits: Jose Villa, Sprout, Tamara Kuzminski, Abby Jiu, Anna Page, Phillippe Diedrich, Andrew Browser, John + Joseph, Lisa Lefkowitz, and Andrew Browser

Picture This: Whimsical Inspiration Board

I was watching Project Runway over the weekend, and one of the episodes prompted today's post. The Project Runway competitor's had an awesome challenge: Use a photograph captured in New York City for their single source of inspiration! What a fantastic idea! Creators in any form (fashion designers, artists, authors, florists, etc.) find inspiration from endless sources, and creating your BIG DAY is no different. To facilitate endless inspiration, I will be starting a weekly series "Picture This" where I take a single object, photo, or even quote, and make a wedding inspiration board from it! I absolutely love and enjoy going through the inspiration process - I encourage everyone, bride or not, to try it out! If your new at it, Style Me Pretty, one of my go-to wedding sites, has a wonderful app for creating inspiration boards! Enjoy!



Photo by HoneyTree



While this photo did not come from New York City, it did come from one of my favorite places...Etsy! I encourage everyone to explore the endless world of Etsy - you seriously can find amazing stuff there! Anyways - back to the photo...I came across this whimsical photograph the other day and was instantly inspired. The uplifting mood and cheery color composition presented in the photograph make a perfect medium for wedding day inspiration! Check out how my photo muse can direct everything from cake, to flowers, to favors! Can you see the inspiration through out?





Photo Credits: Millie Holloman, Lane Dittoe, Shannon Montez, Jose Villa, Lisa Lefkowitz, Chelsea Elizabeth, and Brooke Keegan



Fresh Idea Friday: Guestbook Revamp

First I must send out me apologies and vent out my frustration. This post was written and ready to go on last Friday; however, the hosting company of the blog had a technical failure across all the blogs...and well, all our recent posts were lost (sad face!). Because I love the thought of bringing new ideas to an event, I decided to re-write my original post for today and we will pretend it is supposed to be "Fresh Idea Monday" instead of "Friday!" Enjoy!

Guestbooks are a staple at any Wedding and are a great "suvonier" from the BIG DAY. I personally love going back through our guestbook to see all the fun notes and wishes from our fabulous guests - it never gets old! These days, guestbooks are becoming more than your typical "sign your name on the line" type of deal; rather, modern guestbook creations truly allow the bride & groom to capture the support of their loved ones forever.

With a little creativity, a guestbook can be created out of pretty much anything! All you need is a medium for your guests to convey their love and wishes towards you - whether that be by book, note, object, or even painting...the choice is yours! Check out some of the wonderfully unique and sentimental "modern guestbooks" below!

1. Wish Bowl:

Have your guests write a note, good wishes, fun memories, or expert advise on a slip of paper and provide a container for them to drop it in. The collection of "wishes" are super fun to go through after your BIG DAY! To make the "wishes" last a lifetime, glue the paper wishes into a scrapbook afterwards.

2. Wish Tree:

A wish tree is similar to the "wish bowl" guestbook; however, your wishes get to be part of the event decor! Use manzanita branches to create a small tree-like arrangement. Provide guests with custom tags and ask them to write you a wish, or even a "wedding prayer," and hang it from the tree afterwards. The "wish tree" is a truly sentimental element that is great for any wedding - and it is fun for guests to share their love!

3. Thumbprint Tree:

This idea has just started recently - and I am loving it! You can buy this custom blank tree print on Etsy. At your wedding, provide guests with an ink pad and some nice felt writing pens. Each guest adds their "leaf" thumbprint to your tree and signs their name below it. Your once blank tree will be flourishing with leaves by the end of the night! A thumbprint tree not only is a very sentimental, but once framed, it is a great piece of artwork for your new home!

4. Sign an Object:

If you have a favorite"object" or a decorative piece that is signable, use it as your guestbook! Provide several permanent markers for your guests, and encourage them to write wishes and notes on your selected object. Big sports fan? Have your guests sign a small statue of your teams mascot. Love sitting on your back porch? Have guests sign all over your new rocking chairs! The ideas on this guestbook are endless (and fun!)

5. Photobooth:

Photobooths are definitely a hot trend, and now there are thousands of photobooth rental companies in any area. The rental company will set up a small photobooth in your event venue. Guests get to pile in the booth to take a number of silly pictures. Pictures print out instantly and can placed in a book along with the guests' wishes! This idea is so fun for guests, and will provide years of laughter for the bride and groom!

6. Photobook:

Take a collection of your engagement picture, or photos from your past, and make a custom photobook on Shutterfly. The book will be similar to a "yearbook!" Guests get to look through your photos as they write their notes and wishes! Provide several metallic markers to "snazz-up" your special book!

7. Typewriter:

If you are a nostalgic or vintage inspired bride, the typewrite guestbook should be under definite consideration! Find an old typewriter at an antique store or thrift shop...and load it up with some fresh ink and linen paper. Have guests type a short, but sweet, memo to you both as they enter the reception venue. Guests will have so much fun typing on something OTHER than a computer!

*** Remember, the more creative elements at your event, the more "special" everything feels. Guests truly enjoy getting to participate in clever ideas that take a spin on tradition - so don't hold back!

Update It!: Chiavari Chairs

If you are looking for any easy way to update your event atmosphere, definitely consider Chiavari Chairs for your ceremony and/or reception seating. Chiavari Chairs' detailed shape is both sophisticated and elegant, and unlike standard folding chairs, Chiavari Chairs are accompanied by a seat cushion for comfort. These chairs are offered in a range of colors: Antique Gold, Silver, White, Black, Blue, Mahogany, Walnut, Fruitwood, and Natural - a perfect fit no matter what your atmosphere is. Although these chairs are more expensive then your basic folding chair, the addition of Chiavari Chairs to your events won't break your budget (a Chiavari Chair typically costs $3-4/per chair more than what you'll pay for a folding chair). The structural refinement and chic lines on Chiavari Chairs easily enhances the overal event ambiance. Chivari Chairs are used for award show seating at the Grammy's and Oscars - your guests will feel like some major A-listers on your BIG DAY!

Photo Credit: Lauren Brooks, Crane Song, Lisa Lefkowitz, Meg Smith, Harrison Hurwitz, Yvette Roman, and Dugan Photography



Budget Beautiful: Alternative Centerpieces

Everyone knows that florals have served as wedding centerpieces for years upon years - and rightfully so! There are a million types of floral arrangements, and combinations of florals can easily create a specific ambiance for any event..from fresh and airy to bold and lively. On the flip side, flowers are EXPENSIVE! A bouquet of fresh roses at a gas station can even cost you a dollar a flower! While most would love florals cascading throughout their reception venue, not everyone's budget can allow for such a dream. So the question remains, how to create the ambiance you desire without breaking the bank on florals?

Fortunately, non-floral centerpieces are extremely accessible and reasonable for the modern bride. Lets take a closer look at the options out there! The KEY with no non-floral centerpieces is to MIX and MATCH. Don't do away with ALL your florals, rather alternate the centerpieces from table to table. Even those these do not involve flowers, your florist or event coordinator/designer will definitely be able to create the alternatives for you!

1. Candles
Candles are the most popular option for floral-alternatives. Candles are typically inexpensive and the "ambiance" of natural light enhances any event! Furthermore, there are so many great things you can do with candles design wise. For example, fill tall glass cylinders with water and place a floating candle on top! The water reflects the candle light extremely well and can brighten any table scape. Want to up it a notch? Add bed rock, crystals, or a long flower to the water to create an eye pleasing design element
Design  Credit: Gloria Wong Designs

2. Lanterns

Lanterns come in all shapes, sizes, and colors! There a rustic lanterns, clean-cut nautical lanterns, shabby-chic lanterns, and so much more! Two things I really like about this centerpiece-alternative option, (1.) a lantern can hold its own as a single centerpiece OR you can use them as accent pieces to any arrangement, and (2.) lanterns, like individual candles, reflect light onto your tablescape. The versatility of lanterns make them viable for any event theme!

Photo Credit: Diana Marie Photography


3. Apothecary Jars
Apothecary jars are plain out fabulous! Not only are they usually big (so even one looks like an adequate centerpiece), but you can fill them with just about anything! The clear glass makes the table feel more spacious to the guests and is not obtrusive to anyone's view. It is easy to add a "pop" of your wedding theme to the jars, too. Place a few flower buds, photographs, a bundle of moss, sand, or small silk flowers in the jars to keep your ambiance flowing.
Design Credit: Beth Helmstetter Events


4. Candelabras
Candelabras are a classy alternative to florals. They too come in a variety of designs including: sterling silver, glass, gold, and cast iron. Candelabras are excellent if you wish to mix small floral arrangements alongside of it, and like so many of the alternatives listed, give a great "glow" to the tablescape. One of the best features?! More often then not your venue, event planner, or florist will let you rent these from them (for little moo-lah!)...and sometimes, they are even FREE! And we LOVE free stuff!
Photo Credit: Eric Cuys 


5. Vintage Boxes
This alternative is a more recent trend, and because I am all about "all things vintage"...I love it! A vintage box easily creates a unique and elegant centerpiece. If you don't want to spend the money to fill it with flowers, add greenery + moss instead. To add a little "shine," place a single pillar candle in the middle of the arrangement. Take a day to go antique shopping...you will surely come across some of these beauties!
Photo Credit: Max Wagner

6. Branches

Branches come in a variety of colors, textures, and lengths. Branches are great for adding height to any centerpiece and alleviates any "heaviness" that other arrangements may have. Want to transform twigs into design? Here are some ideas:

• Spray paint the branches a champagne metallic or white for a shappy-chic feel. 
• Hang candles on the branches to add some light.
• Dangle long crystals from a few branches to add some bling!
• Tie some flower buds along the branches to make them look like it is in bloom!

Design Credit: Vintage Design Co. 


7. Fruit
Mmmm....now this is the way to create a truly fresh centerpiece. Fruits bring a world of color to your event and make a centerpiece particularly delectable! Place fruits (lemons, limes, peaches, and apples are the most commonly used) in a glass container or cylinder, then, add touches of florals or greenery for surrounding textures!
Photo Credit: Jay Nichols Photography


8. Moss Balls
The soft texture and earthiness of moss is a great addition to an event atmosphere. Moss has the ability to be bright and lively OR natural and subdue - great features for a centerpiece. Any florist or event planner can create these for you - or a perfect DIY project (I will post the project instructions in the future!) Place the moss balls on top of glass cylinders, or hang them from the ceiling for a more dramatic approach!
Design Credit: Event Decorator

Insider Tip: Not Letting Your Guest List get the Best of You!

Stationary Credit: Paper Moss

Oh the inevitable guest list - it is the single factor in influencing almost every facet of your BIG Day! Just think, by adding only 5 more people to the list could cost you an extra $250 extra for food + $125 for drinks + $25 extra for cake + $50 for extra seating + $20 for extra favors...and so on (you get the picture). The average wedding ends up costing $100 dollars a guest when all said and done, so even a tiny addition to your guest list could be catastrophic to your budget! But where do your draw the line?

Deciding which people to invite is often a sticky subject and can be the main cause of stress in any event planning process. Often the situation arises where if you add this ONE person, then you feel obligated to add a certain "group" of people that the original invitee is associated with. I like to call it the "church syndrome." For example, lets say the mother of the bride feels she needs to invite Mr. & Mrs. John Doe, who are close friends from her sunday school class...which seems all fine and dandy till 'mom' then feels obligated to invite the WHOLE sunday school class so no one is offended! As you can see...the "church syndrome" (which applies in many settings) can be detrimental to your guest list! Personally I remember palnning my wedding and our list was at 180..then litterally, in 2 minutes time, it was up to 280 people! Crazy right?! And on top of all this, creating the list is not half as bad as DOWNSIZING a list if it gets to long - I felt like an Simon Cowell on American Idol kicking people off!

To prevent A LOT of stress on yourself, my number one tip is to set up guest list guidelines before you start writing names down. If you set up guidelines for the guest list, you will create a much more manageable list, and you feel as though you "fairly" judged each person(s). Below is a list of similar guidelines I typically recommend for my clients - feel free to customize your guidelines to YOUR event and budget!

1. Invited guest must.....

• Be immediate or extended family or...
• Have a close, personal relationship to the bride/groom OR the mother & father of the bride/groom, or...
• Have been in contact with the bride/groom within the last year or have physically been in one another's home

2.  Do not invite a guest's date unless they are in a long-term relationship or engaged

3. Do not invite children unless they are family, or if you have a close relationship with them and they are above the age of eight

Stationary Credit: Atelier Isabey

Although the guidelines above are extremely SIMPLE, you would be amazed on how many people may not fit into the categories - especially when it comes to people the mother/father of the bride/groom are 'feeling' obligated to invite, eventhough you yourself do not know them well! Remember, definitely add or subtract guidelines to the list above so that it fits to your event and budget! If you stick to the guidelines you set for yourself, your guest list process may be a much HAPPIER one ;)

Important Insider Note: Typically 20-30% of the guests you invite will be unable to attend (and that calculation is usually right on the spot!). So do not worry if your venue only holds 200 people but you have invited 260 - it will most likely work out in the end!

Trend Report: Add Some Citrus to Your Spring!

I am always on the look out for wedding inspiration and trends..and I love what I am seeing around the "Wedding-sphere!" Spring weddings often feature a pastel themed palette which helps to add a fresh and airy feeling to any event; however, these pastels are often seen too "girly" to the groom (not that they get a say in the matter..right brides?!). If you find yourself in this dilemma, try adding CITRUS colors to you inspiration palette instead! Yes, I am talking ORANGES, PINKS, YELLOWS, and CORALS. The color combination still gives you the "fresh" look but adds a nice BOLD punch! Tip: If you want to tame it down a bit, pick only two or three of the CITRUS colors + WHITE as an accent color.

Here is an inspiration board full of citrus colors...making me crave lemonade for sure! Remember, be fun, be bold, and add some splash to your lovely spring/summer wedding!

1. Marianne Wilson Photography

2. Jose Villa Photography

3. Orange Girl Photography

4. Jenne Hohn Events

5. Ifong Chen Photography

6. Erin Hearts Court

7. Cooper Carras Photography

8. Yvette Roman Photography

Fresh Idea Fridays: Signature Drink

Beer & wine is the most traditional and popular route for wedding beverage packages. Often this is because to have a "full-bar add-on" packs the bucks to any wedding budget; however, if you are looking to add a little something special to your beverage offering, go with the newest trend - A Signature Drink! This is definitely one of the better trends out there right now, especially because it allows the Bride & Groom to add a personal touch without breaking the BANK (which we all know is the first priority in any event!). 

Photo via Nashville Event Space

I first experienced adding a Signiture Drink to the menu when working with Nashville Event Space. Lauren, our "cute as a button" bride, was looking to make a special drink just for her guests that exemplified the theme and atmosphere of her wedding. Lauren's wedding was a combination of fresh + floral with notes of pastel blues, purples, and pinks. With that in mind, I went to work looking for a drink that was "fun and fresh." After some searching, I came across the Pink Lemonade Cocktail - which I knew was going to be perfect for the Big Day! We served the signature drink in tall boy glasses with sugared rims. To add another personal touch, the we placed flagged straws that read, "All You Need is LOVE" (see photo). The drinks were a serious hit! Delicious and unique for the guests.

Pink Lemonade Cocktail Recipe

1.5 oz cranberry cocktail juice 

1.5 oz Citron vodka

Dash sweet & sour mix 

 Dash Sprite

So if you are looking to add a personal touch to any beverage package without killing your budget, definitely consider doing a signature drink. You can even offer a "His" and "Hers" signature drink to show off both the Bride and Groom's tastes. Take a look at some signature drink inspiration below...which one would you go with? 

1. Spiked Mint Sweet Tea

2. Orange Pineapple Cocktail

3. Champagne Punch

4. Classic Mint Julep

5. Pineapple Mojito

6. Sparkling Cranberry Rose

Enjoy checking out all of these refreshing drinks! Have a wonderful weekend..so beautiful outside...a great weekend for Georgia Weddings!

Treasure Finds: Something Blue

Yesterday's post was all about how to take a spin on tradition - in particular, Something Blue! I went on a scavenger hunt for new ways to put some BLUE into your BIG day - and these are some of my favorite finds!

1. Feather Bridal Fascinator by YJDesigns

2. Ivana by RSVP

3. Rosette Garter by SweetlyFallenBridal

4. Little Blue Gems by RyeleighRose

5. Vita by RSVP

6. Blue Feather Hair Clip by TheHeadBandShoppe

7. Blue Crystal Shoe Stickers by YourHappilyEverAfter

8. The Devi Fascinator by Satanica

I have to say, my favorite is all this PEACOCK trend! Peacock's have such a vibrant yet sophisticated aura about them and I think adding a hint of it to any wedding would be a plus!

Again, it is all how YOU want to but a spin on tradition - some things are meant to be carried the same throughout history, while other traditions could use a creative interpretation - you be the judge :)

Mixing Old with New: Where's Your Blue?

"Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue!"

 As an event planner, I love being awed by a creative interpretation of traditionally customs from today's modern bride. We all know the saying posted above...and have heard it since we were dreaming of our princess wedding at age 5. Our mother's and mother's mother and mother's mother's mother have all followed these guidelines to ensure superstitious good luck on the marriage. Now, after years of brides stuffing old, new, borrowed, and blue items upon themselves..where does the modern bride find ways to shake it up a little?

While planning my own wedding back in September of 2010, I took a lot time considering the question of "how to honor tradition but put my own spin on it?" One of my main focuses was the "Something Blue." For me personally, I wanted to the BLUE to be bright and loud (which did not go along with my neutral color scheme). Since I have a slight obsession with shoes, I figured that was the best route for me to go. I found these AMAZING eclectic blue platform heels at Off-Broadway Shoes - I may be biased, but they were so perfect!!! Not only did I love the shoes themselves, but even more so, my guests had no idea what I was hiding under my dress. It was not until the reception, when I was bogeying to the band, that glimpses of my blue heels peeped through and then EVERYONE wanted to check them out! It was one of those fun little surprises! (That's a picture of my BLUE shoes above.)

Shoes are certainly not the only modern route to interpreting "Something Blue." These days, the possibilities are truly endless and with sites like Etsy, well lets just say it opens up a lot of doors. Do some looking around...post your favorite finds! Look back tomorrow to see the "something blue's" I have added to my treasure chest.

DIY: Moss Outlined Initial

This photo by Jeremie Barlow Photography and is featured on Junebug Weddings Blog. (Side Note: if you have never checked out Junebug's blog, it is a daily read MUST! Truly amazing stuff is featured over there, especially the jaw dropping photography!)

I am all about "Do It Yourself" (1) because it is usually less expensive, and (2) because I LOVE projects! I believe this moss outlined initial is a perfect touch to any wedding and an easy project for any bride. I see DIY moss initials all over the blogsphere...however, adding the gold letter certainly changes things up. The materials you need are:

1. Lettered Initial (I see these all the time at Hobby Lobby and TJ Max)
2. Sheet Moss (Hobby Lobby or Michael's)
3. Ribbon
4. Fishing Line or Twine (depends how rustic you want it to look)
5. Hot Glue Gun
6. Spray Paint (optional)

Step 1: Find a letter of your choice. If you do not prefer the color, that is where the 'optional' spray paint comes in. Just give the letter a quick coat of spray paint to customize it to your event colors.

Step 2: Tare the sheet moss into smaller sections. Use the glue gun to adhere the moss on the outer parts of the letter. The amount of moss coverage is up to you - experiment! :)

Step 3: Tie your ribbon around a section of your mossed letter. I would think a sheer ribbon like used above would look nice so that the moss can peek through.

** note: don't always go for the typical 'symetrical' look - I myself am trying to get better at this! Try tying the ribbon around a section that you would not typically go for (such as the right leg of the letter). Changing it up might just make it look that much more unique!

Step 4: Attached the fishing line or twine to the back of the letter. Hanging screws may be useful here if hot glue is not doing the job.

Tahh-Dahh! A perfect accent to any reception or door where guests frequently enter. Better yet, you may have just saved your self a $100 on a fresh flowered wreath!

A New Chapter

Whatever you can do, or dream you can, Begin it.
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it, Begin it now.

- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

I have always been an extremely self motivated person; however, admittedly I have been not putting a 100% into this endeavor. My lacking equates half to being a crazy busy newlywed and the other half has to do with my own reservations about starting my own business. Starting something on your own can make you feel to vulnerable...but hey, I started bungee jumping at 6 years old...so you can say I am a THRILL seeker :) Nevertheless, I am officially putting 110% into this passion of mine and hoping to share my planning, coordinating, and design skills with others out there - especially in the Atlanta area.

This blog is a source of design inspiration, industry insight, all this wedding, and featured events! Please excuse any slow progress in the construction of this blog and the new website. I appreciate all the support!