Amazing Finds

I have been pouring over Esty and yard sales for some interesting and useful pieces. Here are some of the great things I found while looking around. The first two items were from Esty and the last was from a local yard sale. It is amazing what great items you can find at yard sales that will make great vases and accents to your home or office!

Burlap :: Fabric Inspiration

As I sat in the office today wishing I was outside, I started to look at some of the great linen books that we have lying around. There are so many great colors and types of fabrics, but one that I have always loved for its great texture and color is burlap. Although not the most sophisticated of fabrics, burlap has great dimension and can be used for some many different things throughout a wedding or event. It works great if you are going for a natural, rustic feel. Burlap is also not that expensive and you can find it in most fabric stores or through most linen companies. It is a great linen for spring, summer and fall since it is such a simple, natural color!

I love burlap as a table runner, it truly adds something special and creates a great flow down a long rectangular table. You can have anything from your initials, wedding date, designs, ect. printed on burlap for a fun keepsake for your guests. You can also you the burlap in your wedding favors, escort cards, tables numbers and many other items. Make sure you check with your linen provider to see what kind of burlap the linens will be in, since some are more rough than others. I would not suggest you get a napkin out of burlap for your guests, they might not want to use the semi rough fabric... but otherwise the possibilities are endless. Here are some of my favorite's!

Pictures From:
Caterers Anantonio
BV Weddings
Wedshare
getmarried
bridalbar
Dulcet and Dapper

Oh How I LOVE Ikea!

As gas prices are rising and it seems like everything is costing more... it only makes sense that brides and corporate planners will try and use cheaper items to make their event magical. I am and will always be a fan of Ikea. I know some people may not agree, but they have some great items for decorating a space or venue for your special day or event. These items are normally super cheap can can sometimes be ordered so that you can get as many as you need. A lot of other home decor stores are really expensive or don't carry a ton of one item. Here are some of my favorite items to use during an event to same some money!


Great vases, wire baskets, lanterns, trays and more! There are so many things that Ikea has that are useful at weddings and events! They are cheap and are easily transitioned to be used in the home!

Pictures from www.ikea.com

Mason Jars :: Southern Rustic Charm

Now that summer is right around the corner and it is inevitable I will be spending more time outside, I keep thinking about mason jars. Drinking out of them, playing games with them, putting candles in them; there are so many uses for the mason jar at either a rustic spring or summer wedding. Enjoy some of the great picks and even if you are not using them at a wedding or event make a mojito, put it in a mason jar and sit outside and relax!

Pictures From:
http://www.lovelifeimages.com/
http://www.intimateweddings.com/blog
http://simplyperfectweddings.blogspot.com
www.theknot.com
http://www.athousandmasonjars.com
http://fromlorinskitchen.blogspot.com
http://summerliving11.blogspot.com
http://www.re-nest.com
http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com
http://www.weddingbee.com

Rain Rain Don't Go Away

Everyone dreads rain on their wedding day or day of pictures, but you can get some great, cute pictures and have a great time in the rain. Don't worry about a cloudy rainy day, take advantage of it! Below are some great pictures for rainy day inspiration!

Pictures From:
http://www.weddingstylebykalynjohnson.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/d9ff3e19666d179537f25e10280faf54.jpg
http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/lorilee8.jpg
http://onefineday.typepad.com/.a/6a00d835173e8b69e201157149ba58970b-500wi
http://daily.wedshare.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/engagement-session-in-rain-marisa-and-trey-15.jpg
http://www.christanp.com/images/engagement-photos/naomi-andrew-san-luis-obipo-engagement-photos_2.jpg
http://daily.wedshare.com/2010/01/26/rainy-day-wedding-fashion-rain-boots-part-1-2934.html
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4268257022_2e49278488_o.jpg

Picture Perfect: Easy, Cheap Guest Book(s)

After meeting with a cute couple for a wedding walk through, at a old urban candy factory with great exposed walls and ceilings, it got me thinking. The couple was tech savvy, yet old school and I love the combo. They wanted a cute, not cheesy way to do a guest book. I had seen photo booths before, but i love the idea of using a Polaroid camera and having guests take pictures of each other  or have one person in charge of the photos with fun props and writing their love to the couple on the back. Then finding a photo album and putting all the Polaroids in the photo album so you can see the front and back. This idea is so cute and seems so easy. The only hard part may be finding the Polaroid camera, but that can be handled easily enough.

If you want more than that, I thought that getting a older video camera and having it planted in an area on a tripod with a good background. Then just have all your guests record their congratulations to the couple, and anything else they may have. Just make sure you have enough recordable videos! You can now easily have videos transfered to DVD and have a great guest book you can keep forever!

If you want something a little easier to set up, you can always rent a photo booth and have your guests take photos and put it into a cute book. Then they can write on the pages of the book next to their crazy photos! Most photo booths rented come with great props like crazy hats, wigs and glasses.

Hope all your pictures are perfect! No matter if you do something crazy or traditional, make sure it is something you can keep and remember!

pictures from:
http://jasonandamy.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/polaroid-guest-book.jpg
http://www.jenniferangeloro.com/blog/photography/polaroid-camera
http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-themes/choosing-wedding-themes/articles/wedding-trends-2011.aspx?page=10

Happy Valentines Day!

Happy Valentines Day to everyone. I have never been the advocate for Valentines Day since I think it is somewhat over hyped, yet I love the idea of couples spending time together and showing each other how much they truly love one another. If you are like me you don't have a lot of money to spend on a large gift or an expensive dinner. Here are some great ideas you can do with your better half that wont break the bank.

If you can, bring our girlfriend or boyfriend a "picnic" at work. Surprise them with some of their favorite foods that they may not always have or just bring some sandwiches and cupcakes. You can go and eat at their work or go somewhere else, just spend the time together.
If you cannot get to your better half's work or have lunch with them, put a sweet card in their bag or briefcase for a surprise when they get to work.
If you are like me and not a great cook, surprise your better half with a home cooked meal, or better yet cook a meal together. Make something you don't always have and make a cake or dessert together as well. It will be nice to spend the time together and take time to do something together as well.
If you cannot do anything special on the actual day, set time apart another day or the next weekend to spend time together, go to a movie, or just spend time together.
Valentines day is all about love and it should not be commercialized.
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Picture From: http://tain-con.com/website/events/Work/happy_valentines_day.jpg

Lemons and Limes and Everything Nice

With spring so close I cannot stop thinking about all the bright and amazing colors that spring brings. I love  the great fruits and vegetables that come with spring as well. fruit is a great way to bring in great color to a wedding or event. Use fruit as a accent to your centerpieces and flowers or as the main attraction. You are not just stuck with yellow and greens, you can add in reds, pinks, oranges and blues! Below is an inspiration board for all you waiting for spring to come and fruit to be in season!

Pictures are From:
www.theknot.com
http://bios.weddingbee.com
http://www.countryliving.com/crafts/projects/thanksgiving-table-1107
http://libbyjames.wordpress.com
http://www.weddingwindow.com
http://www.wedding-flowers-and-reception-ideas.com/wedding-reception-centerpieces.html
http://www.sageberrydesigns.com

Bring the Indoors Out

I had a wedding tasting with a bride today that had the most, cute, rustic idea... to bring the indoors outside. I love the rustic theme and adore the idea of using older indoor items for an outdoor wedding. Using window panes and doors as your decor for the outdoors is such as  great idea and pretty easy to do. Looking at antique shops and old buildings that are being torn down is a great way to get some older rustic windows and doors that you wont have to do anything with. Use the windows and window paint to put up guests tables or have guests sign a large window you like as the guest book and display it in your house afterwards.
Also use other items that belong indoors such as drawers and coffee tables or anything you think of to decorate and display food or other items. The bride  found a great idea to use a drawer to serve drinks. You can also find rustic and old vases and glasses to display flowers or use to serve drinks. I also love using a dresser to serve dessert on.

pictures from:
http://jackandjillwedding.com
http://mysimpledetails.blogspot.com/
http://postcardsandpretties.blogspot.com/2010/08/friday-faves-old-doors.html
http://gordongossip.blogspot.com/
http://ruffledblog.com

Think Ahead of Time

I hope everyone is having a great holiday season and enjoying eating all the yummy treats and cookies! I know I am! This winter season you may be sick of shopping and spending money, but give it a week and go shopping with all the sales! If you know you are planning on having a huge personal holiday party or a winter party in January and February or a winter wedding, took advantage of all the post-holiday sales! Some places don't have a large large selection but always look for items that you know you will want to purchase. It is also a great idea to purchase items for the next year if you know you were missing a certain piece! Stores and online also have great sales on other items as well. Going to a wedding in the next couple of months and know what the couple wants or what you want to give them... don't procrastinate and get it while it is on sale.
When the time comes that you need to purchase items for a party or gifts and you have already done so, you will be relaxed and happy (Also know you have a birthday coming up, get their gift on sale).
I know many of you might be saying... well duh! of course I want to get things on sale and early, but not everyone actually does it! Take advantage of everything and get ahead of the game! You will be happy when your event or wedding comes around and you cannot find that item you loved, but since you already bought it, no worries!

I hope everyone has a Happy Holidays!

Picture: http://styletips101.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/xmas-shopping-girl.gif

Long Time No See

Sorry it has been awhile since I have last posted, but it has been a crazy couple of weeks for me. I am back into schedule and adjusting to everything and cannot wait for Christmas. Although not a huge fan of the cold, wind, ice and snow, I am a fan a a magical winter wonderland wedding... but I love great
 holiday parties more than anything. What a great tradition some families and friends have of getting together over the holiday season, regardless of what holiday is celebrated and having a party. I love getting to see all my friends and family over the holiday season that I normally don't get to see or am too busy to hang out with. I have recently been in love with my new crock pot and love the idea of a pot luck holiday dinner! Although I must say, since I work at a catering company, it surly is nice to have food ready-made and dropped off at your house, but what is the fun in that?
Talk to all your friends and ask them to make one of their favorite dishes, don't worry about having too many sides or entrees, that is the fun in it. If you want to make sure the meal is perfect, tell all your guests to make their favorite desserts, homemade no store bought, and to bring copies of the recipe to the party. What a great way to share some time with friends and family... eating sweets and treats!
This time of year is the best to reconnect with old friends and spend time with new friends! Have a GREAT Holiday Season Everyone!

Photos From:
http://img4.sunset.com/i/2005/05/strawberry-trifle-m.jpg?300:300
http://images.marthastewart.com/images/
content/tv/ms_living_tv/2007Q1/tvs5796_xl.jpg

Chocolate Spoon Please

Recently I was searching around blogland and found this great post about chocolate spoons from Table 6 Productions. It was a post from Solutions Bridal and she had these great sweet chocolate spoons. I feel in love and started thinking about some other creative and innovative desserts that are both delicious and cheap. Here are the steps to make the chocolate spoons … “First, find some plastic spoons. Why not get spoons that coordinate with your wedding colors? Then simply melt your favorite chocolate over boiling water on the stove, and pour! While it’s cooling, decorate with edible beads, small candies, sprinkles and whatever else makes your mouth water. If you want to add chocolate candies, wait a few minutes until the chocolate in the spoon is cool.” Easy right!

I also love making homemade chocolate lollipops! These are just as easy as the spoons and you can find the sticks at any craft store. They also normally have molds fro you to use as well. Just melt the chocolate and put them into the lollipop mold. You can add candies in if you want. You can wrap them and give them as wedding favors or put them on your dessert table for guests to eat right away!

Any sort of cookie that can be baked at home makes a great addition to your dessert table. They normally are better than those bought since they were made with love and soul. Macaroons are a great dessert that can be put on a stick and wrapped or stacked easily. Follow this link for a great macaroon recipe! http://www.projectwedding.com/post/list/diy-colorful-french-macaroons

Good luck adding these to your wedding or event! P.S. chocolate lollipops are a huge hit with kids so add them to your next child’s party!

Photos From:

http://kitchensamurai.blogspot.com

http://www.facebook.com/#!/notes/table-6-productions/guest-blogger-solutions-bridal/10150322329500657

http://mintsdesign.com/

Donut is the New Cupcake

Recently I saw a post about having donuts at your wedding for dessert. I absolutely love this idea since it is cheaper and more fun than the trend of cupcakes. Don’t get me wrong I love cupcakes and could eat them everyday if given the chance, but donuts are way more fun! You can either talk to your caterer about having the company make he donuts or just pay a ton the morning of your event from Krispy Kreme or another donut store. You can have different toppings for your donuts laid out, such as different sauces and some candies and nuts. Guests can have a customizable desert and have fun eating it as well. You can make donuts as classy or as down to earth as you want… making them a great versatile food item! If at all possible to get warm donuts that would be best! You can also get a variety of donuts with toppings on it already for guests to just choose from! If you caterer can make donuts have small appetizer size donuts with a variety of toppings and flavors for guests to choose from! I also started thinking about having donuts as the dessert at your rehearsal dinner if you want to have a traditional cake on the day of your wedding. You will save money and all your guests will enjoy the treat.

This idea is great if you are having an office meeting or a corporate event. How great to have warm donuts and different toppings before a long office meeting, not just a plain box of donuts. Or if you are having a small reception during the day, have donuts. Everyone loves something sweet during the day, and your guests will be surprised by something new and different.

Donuts don’t have to just be sitting in a box! You can get great plates or serving trays to have your donuts on! Or take the donut box to new heights by using a box in your event or wedding colors to display the donuts. Be creative with it and have fun as well. There are also some great companies in areas that make outlandish donuts with crazy toppings! These might be a little expensive to order, but look at their sites to get topping ideas!

Photos From:

http://my-wedding-concierge.com/bridal-fascinations/files/2010/09/The-Board-575x575.jpg

http://www.primadonnabride.co.za/

http://daily.wedshare.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/goumet_designer_wedding_donuts.jpg

http://www.dognbird.com/

http://bios.weddingbee.com/pics/27589/donuts.jpg

Trick or Treat Smell My Feet

Halloween is a day to get dressed up and be someone else! From kids to adults, Halloween is always a fun time and allows you to decorate using scary and wild things. Here is an inspiration board for Halloween parties! I love how excited kids get about being able to walk around and show off their costumes and get candy! But seriously, who does not love candy? Weather you are throwing a party for your neighborhood, your work or a wedding, here are some great ideas! I love using the colors orange (obviously), black, purple and green. There is a way to make this Halloween colors less harsh, yet still get the same vibe! This holiday, especially if having a wedding or large event, allows you to be really creative and use things that are not traditional. Think about bring in some Halloween traditions such as carving pumpkins, trick or treating, spiders/spider webs, ghosts and black cats. You can even make the event more “fall” themed than Halloween themed. Bring in natural fall colors, as well as some Halloween colors and mix the two themes. I love the use of pumpkins, apples, treat bags and leaves. I hope you can incorporate some ideas into either your wedding or event! Happy Halloween!

www.potterybarn.com

http://www.polyvore.com/

http://projectbride.com/2009/10/31/halloween-isnt-for-a-wedding/ http://projectbride.comwww.projectbride.com

http://hubpages.com/hub/Halloween-Weddinghubpages.com/hub/Halloween-Wedding

mustloveweddings.blogspot.com

http://www.brendasweddingblog.com/

http://www.mygrafico.com/images/uploads/_iha107_/TShalloween2.jpg

ninareneedesigns.blogspot.com

http://www.thesweetestoccasion.com/

DIY Flower Hair Pieces

Hello... So like mentioned in my previous post here is how to make the flower hair pieces I had made for the PA wedding! I unfortunately did not take pictures while I was making the hair pieces... but it is pretty self explanatory! I am going to make a ton of hair pieces now since they are so easy and you can make them out of anything you find! Let me know how they go!

1. Get bobby pins, clips or any metal/plastic hairpiece you want to use.

2. Go to the local craft store and look at all their fake flower selection. I chose smaller flowers, but you can do this with any size flower that you want.

3. Take the flower and cut the stem off as close as possible to the flower without breaking the flower.

4. Take a hot glue gun and glue the flower to the clip. I found that it was easier to use bobby pins for smaller flowers and a larger clip for larger flowers.

5. Wait for them to dry and use them in all your hairstyles!

Super easy and super cute! What a great idea if you want all bridesmaids to have flowers in their hair and don’t want to spend a fortune. If you find or make a fabric flower you can still easily hot glue it to a clip. Look at thrift stores for clothes that may have flowers or appliqués on them… cut them off and make them into a hair piece. You can do this with feathers, buttons, or anything you think would be cute as a hair accessory!

Here is simply what I did as well for my hair... so easy and looks so good and formal.

1. Put your hair half up and secure with bobby pins...as if you were doing a normal half up half down hairstyle.

2. Take small sections of your hair and wrap them around your finger.

3. Bobby pin the wrapped hair to your head.

4. Repeat 2 and 3 until you have done all of your hair and bobby pinned it up. It can be kinda messy and you might have to add extra bobby pins here and there!

5. Hair spray your hair

6. Add the flowers you made to the style. I did 5 around the top of the curls, but a larger flower to one side would look great as well!

DIY Wedding Favors

Happy Friday to everyone... and happy 3 day weekend to everyone that has it!
Recently I have been finding great blogs with DIY things such as shirts, furniture, and a million other things. I love being able to do something myself and see the result afterwards. This made me start thinking of a great DIY wedding favor. I have a couple ideas so I hope you all find something you like as well. These ideas are helpful if you are on a budget or just want to be able to say you made something yourself.

Martha Stewart

1. Homemade cookies/sweets: If you are any sort of a baker at all or have a fiance or mother that is, this is a great idea. Don't make break apart cookies, but make them from scratch (easier than you think)! Think 2 or 3 cookies per guest and figure out how many cookies you will need. Also figure in some for the bakers and others. This should be done only 2 days before the wedding since you do not want the cookies going stale. But if you make up all the dough and give it to bridesmaids and others to bake to make the time go faster. Go to the craft store and find cellophane bags or use cute paper bags to put the cookies in. Stuff the bags and close them off. You can go a little more above and beyond and get stickers that represent your wedding or have your names on them for the bags. You can find other cute ways to give your cookies such as a cute box or a cute small cookie jar! Although this may be time consuming what a great wedding favor that your guests will truly appreciate! They will know you took the time and energy to make something for them!

2. Already mentioned in another post is a candy bar. This is something so simple and easy that guests really love and a great DIY gift. It is easy to find candy that you all love and will go good to be scooped and put into a bag. Then you can make cute signs with the candy name and directions all from home just get nice paper and use some ribbon.

3. For a fall wedding cute cute smaller pumpkins that can double as escort cards for each quest to take home

4. Another very popular favor has been seed packets or flowers/herbs. Go to your local Lowe's or home depot and look at their potted plants. You can buy a ton on small flowers already in soil at the store. Then get small Terra Cotta pots and put ribbon around them or paint them. Put the flowers in the pots and what a great gift... this can also double as an escort card. You can also skip the pots and get burlap to wrap around the soil part. This works better with a little bit larger plant or a tree buddling to give as a gift. Add a cute poem and how the guest should plant the plant to represent the start of your life together and watch it grow. Martha Stewart has some great ideas and instructions: http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/photogallery/floral-favors#slide_3

Martha Stewart

5. Another great thing to do is go to Esty.com and look through what people have posted! You may be able to find a great little gift at a cheaper price not made by you! This will save you time and the site is so amazingly cute! You might just find a ton of things on there for your wedding!

6. Great for a fall or winter wedding but can be turned into anything you want. Create a mixture of spices use for making hard apple cider. Mix the spice packet and but into a bag that can be steeped in the liquid. Attach directions on how to make it and you are set! This can also double as an escort card by adding a name tag!


If you cannot tell Martha has some great ideas and is, as always, inspirational. DIY favors are so easy to do and you can turn almost anything into a favor. Think about your wedding season and theme and figure out a gift that compliments your wedding! Good luck on making your favors and for anymore inspiration send me an email or comment! www.marthastewartweddings.com

Gone Missing {Creative Table Numbers}

So even if people know what table they are supposed to be at, that does not mean they can find the table. Table numbers are a great way to add some individuality and creativity into your wedding in an inexpensive way. Sure you can go with the basic paper number and metal holder, which is not bad, but why not incorporate your theme or something you and your fiance love into the numbering. This goes for events as well, make the table numbers stand out and a conversation piece, not something bland and boring.
Choosing what you want to do for your table numbers can be a little daunting, but take it slowly and start thinking of any and every idea possible. Write them all down then go through your list and figure out what fits into your theme, what fits into your budget, if it can be made yourself or not. If you are between a few, try them out and see which on looks the best!
Here are some great ideas to start with:

1. For a rustic down-to-earth wedding/event: Use an old piece of wood, or a new piece you beat up, and paint the number on the wood. Easy and cheap, yet still fits into the theme.
2. A winery wedding: use wine bottles and stick the number where the label is
3. Don't number the tables at all, but call each table something different based on your theme. For example, a wedding based around music had the tables labeled by different artists names and used their album covers.
4. Use Mason Jars filled with sand, seashells, other items related to your wedding/event and either have the number on the jar or sticking out of the jar.
5. Use a nice designed paper for the numbers and have them framed on the table to add a little more glam and elegance on a budget.
6. Use old newspaper or photos and paint the number on. Either back it with cardboard or put it in a frame.
7. Use Pictures of you as a couple holding up the number of the table and put it in frames.
8. Use  book and have the number on the front of the book.
9. Get some large rocks and either use paint pen or hot glue on the table number
10. Use Letters instead of numbers or words and use either wood letters that you can find at a craft store or metal letters...may take a little digging around
11. Use a mirror or glass and paint the number onto it
12. Use a small cake with the number on it... this is great as well because every table as their own personal cake to eat!
13. Find cheap cute plates and put the number on them... then just stand them up using a plate holder
14. Put the number on the flower vase
15. Use a chalk board

This is just me rambling on with ideas! So do the same thing! Think about items in your home or in the world that you could use! Be creative and have fun doing it

Pictures from:
blog.indevents.com
http://www.oncewed.com/
gatorbride.com
TheKnot.com
http://inappropriatehappiness.blogspot.com/
http://www.jessicaclaire.net/
http://noteworthydesigns.blogspot.com/2009/03/unique-table-numbers.html http://www.katbramanphotography.com/
http://www.forgetmeknotweddingsblog.com/2010/04/rustic-diy-table-decor.html

Help I'm Lost! {Creative Escort Cards}

looking at http://frostyweddings.blogspot.com/2010/08/katie-luke-married.html i came across an amazing idea for showing off guests name cards. There is always the great folded card on a table, but why not make it something cute and fun for the guests. If you have a theme running in your wedding use it or take it to the extreme to show off the name cards. What an amazing idea to use old shutters! I saw on the Rachel Ray show once someone use the old shutters to make a mail holder by placing a piece of wood behind the slates so that you could stick mail in and it wont fall out! Maybe a great way to re-use the shutters after the wedding.

Here are some other great ideas I have found across the web... Enjoy!

• Use pine cones are the name holder for a fall themed wedding. Enhance the name card table by adding some great fall foliage and fall flowers to the table. DIY instructions: http://www.songbird-creative.com/blog/diy-pine-cone-place-cards.html
• If you  have a good tree/twig theme running throughout your florals, try using a small tree/twigs to place all the name cards on. This may take a little more work to find the appropriate tree, but super cute once it is all done.
• Use smooth rocks, can be purchased at the craft store, and write with paint pen the guests name. This is an easy DIY project and super cute with an outdoor relaxed country wedding.
• Combine the wedding favor with the place card by putting the place card in a cute, engraved picture frame.
• For a beach wedding take sand dollars, starfish and bigger seashells and tie a ribbon in our wedding color around the item and have the name on a tag on the ribbon. (Hope this makes sense)
• Love cupcakes, use them as the name cards with peoples names on the cupcake or on paper sticking out of the cupcake. Guests will love eating these masterpieces.
• Find a cute board or mirror to place the cards on. I love the idea of a cork board with the cards study on with cute tacks.
• Having a cozy at home or country wedding? use cute ribbon tied from tree to tree to hand the place cards. find cute clothes pins to stick them on.
• Having an eco friendly wedding... get small pots with a plant or seeds in it and place the guests name in the soil. So cute and can double up as the favor since they can take the plant home and enjoy.
• Having your wedding at a winery? Use corks cut in the middle halfway down. place the guests name card into the cork. Need to find corks? Go to a wine festival or winery and ask for their corks... they normally just through them away.
• Use pears, apples, small pumpkins, or anything other sturdy fruit or veggie that is semi themed to your wedding. Lightly paint them gold, silver, bronze and tie a ribbon around the stem with the guests name attached.
• Use small boquets of flowers like lavender or daisys, or other smaller flowers that fit your wedding. use twine or ribbon to tie the flowers together and have the guests name attached to the twine/ribbon. Super cute for an outdoor wedding.

******* DON"T FORGET TO ADD THE TABLE NUMBER TO THE PLACE CARD******

Pictures from:

http://www.khollystudios.com/blog/

http://www.tucsonweddingsite.com/

http://www.newjerseybride.com/

http://www.gigaweb.com/

http://idobelizeweddings.com/blog/

www.rexandregine.com/blog

Free (Or Fairly Cheap) Parking

Although winter is right around the corner and outdoor weddings are not the best choice... it is a good idea to set dates for 2011 spring, summer and fall weddings (or 2012). There are so many national and city parks in every state! These parks are gorgeous for ceremonies and even can have a reception space. In DC there are some great places where you can see the sites and still have a beautiful park view! Depending on you location the park may be free or very cheap to rent out for the ceremony and/or reception. Although there are some parks that may not be suitable for a wedding, some parks are perfect.

Of course everyone knows about central park in NYC, but it is truly beautiful and has many great places for a wedding ceremony! Central park does run some fees for using it, but if you live in NY or Jersey this may be the perfect choice for your wedding. In Washington, DC you have the National Mall, Constitution Gardens, George Washington Memorial, and other memorial parks (http://www.nps.gov/nacc). This places are also amazing for engagement photos! Also... a wedding on the tidal basin near the Jefferson memorial in late March or early April would be amazing with the cherry blossoms! When you think of parks you may not think of the beach, but there are some great beaches that are covered by the National Parks or may just be a public beach. Like I have said a million times it is always important to look into all your venue options, you may just be surprised at what you find!

There are so many options around your area so look at different parks and memorial parks. There are also some great national houses and places that are frequently used for weddings! I love the idea of having more than one engagement picture shoot. In DC why not go to the memorials, a park, and a local location you love? With a good planner and vision you can make any place a beautiful wedding location.

Photos Courtesy of:  

www.hollandphotoarts.wordpress.com

www.Dayofdreams.com

www.paulrutherford.net

 www.elizabethsolaka.com

www.valdorama.com

www.wengphotography.com

www.walkinnewyork.blogspot.com

Robgreer Photography

www.visitingdc.com

www.ultimatebeachweddings.com

Candy is Dandy

As promised I am letting you all know about another favorite reception food idea at weddings and any event. This one I have loved for a long time and even seen it done at some weddings, but TheKnot.com article reiterated my love...for CANDY! Can't think of a great guest favor? A Candy Bar is a great, easy, cheap and cute way to keep every guest satisfied. Just provide your guests with cute bag or boxes that have your wedding date or something about the wedding on them and have the guests fill them up with their favorite candy. You can have as many or as little variety due to your budget and want. Most caterers will supply you with jars and/or scoops for the candy. You can also find great jars and use ribbon in your wedding colors to tie around the jars. Make cute signs with each candy name and a sign telling your guests what to do. I also love this idea for a child's birthday party or even a corporate event... everyone goes giddy over candy!

Make the experience as if your guests are walking into a candy store where they can pick whatever they want! Find some great penny candy like pop rocks, candy rocks, button candy, Swedish fish, candy necklaces, etc. You can add in some of your favorite candy as well... like I love raisinets, sour patch kids and hot tamales. Plus, always have some of the classic candy choices: M&M's, skittles, starbursts. It is also a great way to incorporate some cultural candy if you or your fiance are from another country.

A lot of this candy can be bought in bulk and at wholesale prices. Plus, having some candy left over is NEVER a bad thing. You can always give the candy to other families in the neighborhood or donate it to a local troop or teacher. Or eat it all yourself : )

** Look at craft stores and online for bags. This is a great opportunity to save some money and just purchase personalized stickers and cheap candy bags and do yourself. Candy bags can be paper or plastic, but choose what you like and is easiest to fit your budget!

Pictures from: GetMarried.com (Ashley’s Bride Guide, Brideandgroom.com, Amy Atlas Old Fashion Candy Bar, Hannah Elaine Photography)