Fresh Idea Friday's (Monday Style) - Have an Alternative Toss!

Your feet are tired from dancing, your jaw is tired from smiling, and your throat is scratchy from talking...yes, it is the end of your wedding day, and although it has been the absolute BEST day of your life, you are ready to get out of there! You and your new hubby's departure may not seem like a big "to-do," however, it is the last time your guests get to see you...you certainly want to end everything on a worthy note! Traditionally, guests have tossed birdseed or rice for the couple's big exit...these days, most venues will not allow you to toss either of the two (it is even in the venue contract a lot of the time!). Bird seed often spouts unwanted flowers, and rice is hard to clean up - furthermore, I personally would not want to be finding birdseed/rice in my hair for months on end! To update this old tradition, there are several Toss Alternatives that I have come up with. Listed below are some alternative ways you can match your toss item to your wedding style to make your BIG exit truly memorable! Enjoy!


If you are MAGICAL:
Provide mini bubble bottles for your guests! Bubbles are not messy, easy to use, inexpensive, and fun for all ages. You will be surrounded by  cloud of bubbles as you run off to your get-away car - a majestic ending to your magical day! Head on over to the Oriental Trading Company for some great bubble deals.

Stacey Reeves Photography

If you are TRADITIONAL:
Have your florist provide a batch of rose petals that coordinate with your wedding's color palette. Guests can easy grab a handful of petals to toss during your departure. Not only are rose petals an easy clean up, but your pictures will be stunning as colored petals dance around you!

Kristin Vining Photography

If you are WHIMSICAL:
Create ribbon wands for your guests to twirl as you run to your limo! This is a perfect DIY project that only requires a small wooden trowel, coordinating ribbon, and some hot glue. This concept is similar to a "ribbon dancer," a toy many of us used during our childhood. There is NO cleanup with this idea, and is a big hit with the kids!

Cameron and Kelly Photography

If you are FUN:

This idea is perfect for evening weddings and for those who wish to add a BANG to the end of the night. Buy sparklers for you guests to light at the end of the evening! Sparklers are fun for all ages and easy create an exciting ambiance for your departure. Sparklers are inexpensive, so make sure to provide at least two per a guest in case one burns out! Amazon is a great place to order from!

Agnes Lopez Photography

If you are GREEN:
Use a natural, biodegradable tosser such as lavender. The lavender creates a wonderful aroma for your exit and you will be doing some good at the same time! Place a small handful of lavender seeds in a 100% natural fiber Sinamay bag from Nashville Wraps!

Brooke Keegan Photography

If you are FESTIVE:
Make your own confetti! This is perfect if you are on a tight budget and an easy project! Head over to a craft store, such as Hobby Lobby, and buy bulk colored paper that matches your wedding style. Dice up the paper into small pieces and stir in a little loose glitter for some GLAM! Guests can either grab a handful during the departure, or you can package a scoopful into a mini paper envelope with your new initials on it!

Brooke Schwab Photography

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