Cachic Design, Custom Wedding/Event Invitations » Trends

Seasonal Delights: Highlight – Chocolate Brown and Pink

Lauren Boardman — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 13:22:35 +0000

Oh, those summer nights. Danny and Sandy really knew what they were talking about! As we begin to cool down from this years’ peak of wedding season, we can take the time to reflect on the themes and palates that were in fashion for our brides and grooms. Pastels and bold colors were really the front runners, while we saw trends such as Tiffany Blue and brown starting to fade back. Now it’s that time of the season to move on to more rich and deep colors as we usher in the cooler months. But brides, do not fret. If you are planning a wedding for mid to late September you can still use some of the summer colors we know and love!

The summer to fall transition

The most popular color choices from the summer that can cross into the early fall months are our favorite companions, chocolate brown and pink! These two colors are very versatile and will allow a lot of mixing and matching with other colors to make more of a fall palate. I love to see brides add in colors like gold, green apple, and cream. Even though many would say that this particular shade of green belongs in the warmer months, I tend to disagree. When you pair apple green in with gold and brown… a very elegant and warm setting is created.

How to mix up your summer to fall colors

Choose to pair your brown and pink together by themselves or use the colors suggested above as accents. If you use green in small amounts as accents, your wedding will avoid a garden party feel, which is not what you want…even if your wedding day is really hot! To avoid the Indian summer heat, use parasols or fans as a barrier in your accent color. Print your vows and the members of the wedding party on fans and pass them out as your programs. Believe me, if you are having an outdoor event or are in a church without air conditioning, your guests will thank you!

Neapolitan ice cream in September!?

Just because your wedding is in September doesn’t mean you can’t have ice cream! How fun would sundaes be? Use your color palate as the inspiration in designing your sundaes! Set up an ice cream bar, as an alternative to the candy/dessert bars of this season. Don’t feel the pressure to serve a dinner reception full of heavy, seasonal foods. Use the late summer and fall fruits and veggies in your menu. Serve apple crisp if you want, but what about a cold squash soup or gazpacho? A neat alternative to the traditional mixed green salad. If the chilled soup is not to tour liking, keep the salad and garnish it with foods like Granny Smith apples, goat cheese, or figs!

Keep your summer fun rolling all the way into your September wedding! Use the notes sited above and make your wedding late-summer chic without looking like you have completely missed the boat! Hopefully the photos I’ve collected will help to give you the inspiration, or direction, you need. Good luck brides and grooms, and may you create some of the best memories of your lives!

Images from anstwe.com, wishspecialevents.com, weddingbee.com, brides.com, tradepar.co.uk, stylehive.com, Murakami Photography, stephaniewilliamsphotography.com, invitesbyjen, Psalm117.Etsy.com, Psalm117.Etsy.com, elizabethannedesigns.com, oncewed.com, I Do Inspiration, alwaysablogsmaid.com, geoffwhite.com, and myrecipes.com

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News Flash: Trash the Dress!

Lauren Boardman — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 12:58:19 +0000

Trash the dress, TTD, or Rock the Frock. All are names we are hearing in the world of weddings for brides to consider the day after they say “I Do”. TTD emerged roughly around 2006-2007 and has been gaining popularity ever since. It is a great consideration if you aren’t sure about what to do with your dress after the big day.

Would you wear your mother’s circa 1970′s dress?

Some girls are deciding to not take the dress to cleaners to have it preserved. Let’s face it, the dress is cleaned, treated, and put in a cardboard box… then what? Yes, most people at the time of decision-making dream of keeping their dress so if they have a daughter they can wear it on their wedding day. A nice thought, in theory, but how often does this happen? If I hadn’t gotten a hold of my mother’s dress and taken a pair of scissors to it when I was 7 to play dress-up, I still wouldn’t have worn it. Not doing any discredit to my mothers’ taste, but it was a typical 70′s fashion and not my style!

Show off your personal style

Trashing the dress is an amazing opportunity to show off personal style, either by yourself or as a couple. You need a good photographer who is creative and allows you to express yourself artistically. This is your chance to have fun! Dress your look up with fun accessories, like some flashy jewelry, hats, or shoes. TTD doesn’t necessarily have to involve frolicking in the ocean waves or jumping into a lake. Let’s face it, not all of us have these environments at our disposal. Alternative choices: the woods, a salvage yard, the county fair, a farm, or even puddle jumping after a rainy day. It’s up to you!

Add to that amazing wedding album

By completing a trash session you will have another amazing album to show family and friends. This one will be more you as a couple because you will be able to incorporate items that represent you and your husband. Now when you bring out the wedding photos to share memories, you will have a collection that will knock the socks off everyone! Let me see your work!

Images from jamesrubiophotography.com, enpointephotography.com, divinecaroline.com, chelseanicoleblog.com, 1313blog.com, studio6-23.com, theloveliestday.com, weddingpaperdivas.com, redheartphoto.com, Jenna Rose Photography, and daveandcharlotte.com

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Backyard Wedding Bonanza

Lauren Boardman — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 13:20:18 +0000

Once upon a time you would have scoffed at your friends if the couple came to you and asked you to be a part of their backyard wedding. Most of us have the same picture that Steve Martin did in the remake of “Father of the Bride”; picnic tables, cheesy checkered tablecloths, and dad flipping burgers on the BBQ. Well ladies and gentleman that image has been blown away by the modern brides. Say goodbye to grill-flipping goodies and hello to the tastiest foods this side of the charcoal pit!

For you DIY girls

Choosing to have a wedding at your home might actually be a good idea, but keep in mind, just because you are having your ceremony and reception in your backyard does not mean it will automatically save you money! Granted it may be a more savvy choice, but you will be in charge of finding rental companies to accommodate your guests seating and catering. You can choose to go with collapsible furniture or bring the banquet hall to your backyard. The best part about a wedding at home is that you can do anything you want!

You can be as casual or elegant as the two of you want to be. Dress your duds up with flowing gowns and tuxes, or keep it contemporary with dress pants and button down-shirts… ties optional! Brides, use this opportunity to rock one of this seasons’ hottest looks… the tea-length dress! Pair it with a great pair of pumps and some vintage jewelry and you’ll have a look that can’t lose.

Wedding party not included

In this type of setting you don’t even have to have a wedding party. It can just be you and your fiance and the officiant. Invite your closest friends and family to sit at the head table instead of the traditional wedding party. It will make for a more intimate setting. Have all the traditional toasts or allow an open mic where those who want to speak can (just make sure someone is designated mic handler and will feel comfortable enough to cut off the long-winded and intoxicated speakers!).

Keep the menu and venue simple

Now is not the time for a served dinner. Guests will be just as happy with a nice buffet. It will allow everyone a chance to get up, stretch, and mingle. Skip the D.J. and go with a local band or string quartet. Something a little more intimate for your event. Don’t worry about a dance floor. You can rent one if you like, but you and your loved ones may have just as much fun pounding the grass! If you’re worried about your guests not wanting to go barefoot, you can pick up some inexpensive sandals and provide them for each guests. Look online, at Big lots, or even the dollar stores have great deals this time of year. Tie a little “thank you” note to them and they double as favors!

Whatever you decide to do, as long as it is what you truly want and comes from the heart, you will have a beautiful wedding day you and your families will remember forever. Good luck and a lifetime of happiness.

Images from townandcountryeventrentals.com, oncewed.com, greenweddingshoes.com, myweddingreport.com, blogjerry.com, theryanestesblog.com, elizabethannedesigns.com, paratinovia.com, and paratinovia.com

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Turquoise and Yellow Wedding

Lauren Boardman — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:03:39 +0000

Beat the heat this summer with this HOT color duo! Nobody will be able to deny the fierceness of this color marriage!

Brides can beat the hot summer sun with this outstanding color combo: turquoise and yellow. A nod to the latest Caribbean color theme, brides that choose this duo are fearless and looking to get the party started! Use the two colors equally or focus your attention on one and use the other as accents. However you choose to incorporate the pair, you will have one knock out wedding!

Images from Dooby Design, hurricanejane.co.uk, ruffledblog.com, projectwedding.com, delightfully-tacky.com, Brides Little White Book, bvweddings.com, oncewed.com, Sass and Craft, alannahrose.com.au, and mymodernmet.com

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Lovely, Lovely Lace: Lace Wedding Part Deux!

Lauren Boardman — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 12:32:36 +0000

It seems another installment on lace themes for your 2010 wedding is due! We got so many great responses from our first lace blog, that a second one was in order. Thanks to everyone who give us a “thumbs up”… and here’s what you’ve been waiting for!

Dress up your wedding

The word on the street for the 2010 bride is still lovely in lace. Lace is one of the best ways to dress up your wedding motif. It is elegant and simple, but creates an amazing feel. It can be used all year round and never goes out of style. Pair it with soft flowing pastel florals for an overall vintage motif, or combine it with this years hottest shades for an upbeat contemporary feel! My favorite, of course, is elegant vintage.

Don’t confine your love of lace to just your bridal fashion… use it everywhere.

Use lace in your table décor all the way down to favors for your guests. Break tradition and have your girls carry vintage lace umbrellas down the isle instead of flowers. Use lace fans as reception favors. If you are having an outdoor affair they will be greatly appreciated on a hot day! Pick a cute vintage cake topper, or if this isn’t your thing go for a lace design on your cake. Cake artistry had come a long way and a lot can be done with fondant!

How ever you choose to incorporate lace into your wedding day, it will look divine. This theme is clean, elegant, and refreshing. There’s a reason why the Belgians’ keep it haute couture!

Images from thesmallobject.com, paratinovia.com, zoeclarkcakes.com, weddingchicks.com, wedding-pictures.onewed.com, sweetcherrymeadow.co.uk, fashionbride, australiaentertains.com.au, kaboodle.com, manufacturer.com, marthastewartweddings.com, sweetfashiondesign.com, womensweddingdresses.com, zinkedesign,edwardsgoldeneyes.com, and hostessblog.com

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Rustic Wedding: Not Just Any Outdoor Event

Lauren Boardman — Wed, 26 May 2010 12:03:05 +0000

OMG… what could be better than an outdoor wedding on a beautiful day? The sunshine, the crisp feeling of an end of summer breeze, the organic smells nature creates as it begins to transform into hibernation. All paint a magical background for your nuptials. I know most outdoor weddings follow a “garden party” theme, but do not worry. There is a new trend moving into town. A trend that mixes a little touch of country with the elegance of a garden theme… we call it Rustic!

I L-O-V-E Autumn weddings. The fall is a beautiful time of year. It starts to get cooler and the foliage change in most parts of the U.S. creates amazing backdrops for weddings. I am absolutely enthralled that this rustic theme is taking hold. It emerged last season, but was overpowered by vintage. This year, make no mistake it is here to stay. This theme has been made popular to mainstream viewers by resources like Martha Stewart and Town and Country. Think Better Homes and Gardens meets the Hamptons.

Using elements from nature

To achieve this look you are going to need to pull from nostalgic looks, like a vintage, retro, and urban. All these elements mix to make a sophisticated and elegant feel, while still creating a relaxed and classic atmosphere for your guests. Pull elements from nature to achieve your overall theme. You can use bark, leaves, pine cones, and wildflowers to decorate your tables. Line your tables with natural colored linens like taupe, beige, and cream. Use warm colors to contrast. My suggestion would be light pinks and yellows (for spring) and oranges and reds (for the fall), and lots of candlelight!

I’ve seen some designers set their tables up using bails of hay instead of chairs. It looks great in photos, but may cause problems for seasonal allergy sufferers. The bails of hay can serve double duty and be used for your ceremony, then can be moved to your reception. See if you can find an old barn to rent. You will more than likely have to search outside city limits, but you may get lucky. The barn can be used for both your ceremony and reception site. It will provide a good dance floor for you and your guests to dance the night away! Hire a square dance caller to organize your dancing. Most can recommend a band or DJ to help with the music. I know it sounds a little silly, but it will be loads of fun for both you and your guests.

Keep the look simple and let nature speak for itself

Have your maids dressed in a soft flowy fabric. Use the same inspiration for your ensemble. I like the simple slip dresses with a floral headdress and veil. Put the boys in suites or dress pants with a shirt and tie. Have your wedding party mix it up by wearing cowboy hats or boots. Your pictures will be amazing! I think a cocktail hour with finger foods works well and a sit down dinner served family style to follow. It’s an alternative not typically seen, but serving family style is a little more formal than buffet. Serving comfort foods like gourmet burgers and mac and cheese with sweet corn is a fun choice to the standard meat or chicken. If you still want traditional choices, why not offer BBQ chicken or brisket? Do a simple buttercream frosted cake. I most definitely suggest using a dessert table with multiple small layered cakes. It fits well with the theme and will be beautiful in pictures!

Keep the party going!

For further entertainment add a vintage photo booth where your guests can take pictures of themselves. You can also set up some games like horse shoe toss or have a fortuneteller. Have a small refreshment stand set up with bottles of pop, wine coolers, and beer in ice buckets. It eliminates bar service, but it would be a good idea to designate someone from the wait staff to be in charge of replenishing drinks. Should you wish to have wine; you can choose to leave a bottle of red and white selections on your tables, or opt for a poured service with dinner. A poured service will save you money in the long run by eliminating corking fees and you will only be charged for the number of bottles used, not the number opened. Skip the champagne toast… it’s a country inspired theme after all!! Your guests can toast with what they are drinking.

Fun transportation for your guests

Finally, if your destination includes a walk from where your guests are parking try to provide a shuttle service. I’m not talking about renting vehicles for a walk 100ft away. I’m talking about something fun like a horse-drawn wagon… kind of like a hay ride! The last thing you want are your guests trudging through tall grass and mud in their good clothes. See if you can work some deal with the site owner you are renting from. They may be able to suggest a local farmer or horse ranch that can accommodate your needs. Overall, I want you to be inspired to have fun and create a beautiful and unique wedding day you want to share with your friends and loved ones. A day both you and your family will talk about for years to come!

Images from imgfave.com, oncewed.com, grosgrainfabulous, elizabethannedesigns.com, intimateweddings.com, hellolucky.com, dailyweddingplanningtip.com, weddingchicks.com, A Delightful Day, My Ten Thousand Wedding, mdresort.com, and nashan.com

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Birdcage Veils: No Flying Friends Required!

Lauren Boardman — Mon, 10 May 2010 11:02:29 +0000

With the vintage theme at its’ peak this season, the 2010 bride has a new option to complete her wedding day ensemble…the birdcage veil. Formerly named a “fascinator” in the 1920s-30′s, this trend debuted last season and remains a hot choice for this year’s brides.

Look back to the past to be inspired

If you have read previous blogs, like Fabulous Fascinators or A Modern-Day Vintage Wedding, you know how much I love vintage fashion inspired weddings! I must say, I absolutely LOVE this trend. It is so much fun and the pictures these veils create are breathtaking!

I started noticing this trend last season when the vintage wedding theme really hit the bridal scene. I think designers are looking back to the past to be inspired for their designs. Not that contemporary wedding fashion has changed that much over the years, but vintage fashion is a little more simple… effortless elegance. Contemporary bridal gowns have strayed into a what I like to call the “ballerina” category. Most designers over the last decade have moved from the simple A-line dress and have added multiple tiers of organza and tulle. Not that these dresses aren’t exquisite, but they sometimes take the focus away from the actual bride herself!

Traditional or contemporary blush?

I could talk about wedding gowns all day but that is not the subject. Now, back to the veils. If you are looking to recreate vintage fashion on your wedding day I do recommend you checking out these veils. There are plenty of options to choose from. The traditional form is really just a piece of lace or netting which encircles your head, stopping just above the lip line. Other versions include a short “blusher”, which covers your eyes, and a “angle” veil, which does not encircle your head, and is worn on the side, covering the crown of your head over to the opposite side. It looks to be the more contemporary choice worn by this seasons’ brides.

Trying to keep with your theme

Most are adorned with feathers, jewels, or silk flowers. The angle veils and blusher, typically are fashioned on a comb used to anchor the veil either from the back or one side of the head. I have seen many recently that are affixed to hats, usually in a “sparrow” hat form or smaller “teardrop” version. I do love the hats, but just the simple lace or netting alone is gorgeous. I stumbled across an amazing designer, Dorene Vandermeer at unveiledbridaldesigns.com, who creates these beautiful one of a kind veils. Her online shop has a wonderful selection and you may even create your own veil. Prices range from $135.00-$600.00 depending on design. For custom design pricing you will have to enquire through the designer.

Last on topic, I have seen a few brides mix their cage veils with the traditional bridal veil. If done correctly it is a very sophisticated and elegant look. With most traditional veils we suggest a blusher to worn, which clips in about the crown of your head and extends over your face and typical length extends to your bust line. Most styles are full, like your veil, but using a cage veil as your blusher will eliminate excess material around your face (which is why many contemporary brides are opting out of wearing a veils).

I wore a veil on my wedding day and was content with my decision. My dress was very traditional, so a cage veil wasn’t really the appropriate choice. I do think a veil completes your wedding ensemble so please give it a thorough thought before passing on tradition. There was something special about me, in my veil, and walking down the aisle arm in arm with my father. It was a great experience to have my father lift my veil and having my husband-to-be seeing me for the first time as his bride and not his fiance. An amazing experience I will never forget! Whatever decision you make will reflect what is best for you and I’m sure you will look absolutely breathtaking on your wedding day. Good luck and a lifetime of happiness!

Images from ehow.com, wedding-all-about.blogspot.com, unveiledbridaldesigns.com, rockstarphotographyblog.com, utahbrideblog.com, overthetopfascinators.com, and julietelizabethblog.com

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Comfort Food Weddings: Mom’s Cooking With A Twist!

Lauren Boardman — Tue, 04 May 2010 14:01:52 +0000

Oh Mom, how we love thee… there are just too many ways! We all call on mom when the times get tough. Mom is there to give unconditional love and support and always seems to have the right answer (even though we don’t always let her know it!). Mom has the pearls of wisdom we seek on more than a few occasions in life. As a women, she provides us the added companionship and support through the awkward years and is a reflection on how we begin to nurture our families. So now its’ your wedding day and you call on her expertise to guide you over the next few months of appointments and decisions for your big day. Even though the wedding planning process is arduous, mom will be there with a big plate of chocolate chip cookies when the times get rough!

Bring on the homemade chocolate chip cookies

Speaking of moms’ homemade chocolate chip cookies provided the inspiration for this blog piece. The word on the street this wedding season is the incorporation of “comfort foods”. You know, the foods we eat for Sunday dinner, the foods we crave in the cooler months or when we need to feel better… mine is mom’s meatloaf! I know, some of you are probably gasping at this comment, but really her meatloaf will always be the best! This year chefs and brides are using these home-spun treats as inspiration for their wedding menus, and I must say they are very intriguing.

An alternative to the traditional h’orderves?

I am seeing a lot of brides and grooms choosing to use these “comfort foods” in a variety of ways; some are serving these foods as an alternative to traditional h’orderves while others are providing a dinner plate, or “Blue plate” specials for sit-down service. Chef’s are taking the traditional comfort foods and adding a “sophisticated” twist! For dinner, they are suggesting gourmet mac-n-cheese with a lobster crumble topping and bacon brown sugar brussels sprouts, individual wild mushroom and pancetta pizzas, and meatloaf with wild mushroom and truffle gravy served with a side of garlic chive mashed potatoes. Anyone hungry yet? All resemble foods we grew up on and love, but are dresses up for a formal dinner!

You don’t have to be throwing an outdoor or less formal wedding to have these foods on your menus, in fact you can use them for any event and for almost all times of day! The worst is when you are at a wedding and you don’t want to eat the food. You don’t have to empty your pocketbook with these alternatives either. Some will be more expensive than others, but you can still choose foods you love without as big a cost. You want beef tenderloin? Fine, have beef tenderloin served on small rolls or on toasted flatbreads. Serve sushi…very chic right now, healthy, and delicious! Plus, it will allow for a wide range of selection; choose from tempura, traditional seafood rolls, or a variety of vegetarian options.

Let your hungry guests munch

If on a budget, choose to have a finger food appetizer reception. Some couples are choosing to have an extended “cocktail hour” allowing guests to mix and mingle instead of the traditional assigned seating. It is a little less formal, but you can keep guests’ appetites at bay with a revolving spread of food and bussed services. Let them munch on mini sliders and fries, soft baked pretzels with dipping sauces, and tempura dipped chicken tenders! Satisfy their sweet tooth by providing a dessert table filled with lemon bars, sugar doughnuts, and apple pie shooters. My husband and I attended a late afternoon wedding with such a reception and it was very chic. The couple still had all traditional events like cake cutting and bouquet toss. After the wedding we hit the local clubs and bars in the area. It was a good alternative to the typical reception activities!

Keep the foods you love close to your heart

Whatever option you choose to go with, you will be sure to have an event that will please even the pickiest of eaters. I love this trend and hope to see it stick around for another season. There are so many yummy selections to choose from and even create! Keep the foods you love close to your heart and share them with friends and family at your wedding reception. It will be a delightfully delicious day!

Images from howto-simplify.com, macheesmo.com, pickycook.com, designspongeonline.com, thevegasweddingplanner.com, foodnetwork.com, ordinaryrecipesmadegourmet.com, manolobrides.com, capetowndailyphoto.com, chicago.grubstreet.com, and cookinglight.com

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A Modern-Day Vintage Wedding

Lauren Boardman — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 15:00:30 +0000

Oh how we love to reminisce of times past. Thinking back to days of youth and sharing fond memories. Now it’s your wedding day and time to make new memories! The thought of planning a wedding can seem like a daunting task for a lot of brides-to-be, but it doesn’t have to be! I understand the pressure of not knowing which linens will go best with the lighting, and what flowers go best with the china and room decorations. My advice to you busy brides; pick a theme first and the rest of your ensemble will fall neatly into place. By choosing your theme you will then be able to research ideas that will make your decision-making process less tedious.

A “history” of the vintage style

Today I want to inspire you with some pulls I found while researching for this blog. I’ve chosen to write about an extremely popular trend right now, which is Vintage. If you have read other Cachic Design blogs about trends, you may have seen our Retro Wedding piece. In that blog we defined “Vintage” from “Retro”. Vintage holds the style, ideals, and literature from the early Victorian periods up to WWII. Retro, follows the second world war all the way into the early 1980′s (anyone feel old yet!). Vintage style has a special place in my heart. I love everything it encompasses: the flashy golds, diamonds, and pearls, the beautiful use of soft romantic color, the clean lines of the architecture and art, the ideals, the literature, and the clothing!

Vintage defines a time when class and sophistication were the defining factors in ones’ life. You strive to look your best and present your best self. Now doesn’t that sound like something you want for your wedding day? Your best self image? Vintage inspired weddings are beautiful. They allow a range of options to choose from and will give your guests a warm and romantic feeling as they celebrate your nuptials. By choosing a Vintage inspired theme for your wedding day, you will truly create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.

Beautiful inspirations

Don’t be intimidated by this era. Yes, the Prohibitionist and a world war does cast a shadow over the time period, but be inspired by the beauty of it! Think of books like The Age of Innocence and The Great Gatsby… both with dark times, but beautiful romantic stories. Picture ladies in lace and pearls having tea in glass-enclosed parlors. Men in suites sipping brandy and smoking cigars in oaken-walled chambers, and large gardens laden with flowering vines and flowers in soft gentle hues…starting to sound better isn’t it? Use these images as you begin to plan your wedding motif.

Start with choosing your wedding dress

I always like to start with the dress, because it will serve as a platform for your inspiration. I love silk, but it does not always hold up the best. Especially if you choose an outdoor venue and if it will be humid. Instead look at pieces that are made of lace and tulle with satin detailing. They are true to the vintage fashion and the materials will hold up much better. Let’s face it, it will be a long day and you want to look you best! Nataya is a Russian vintage gown designer. Her designs are true to the vintage fashion, but are newly made gowns. You can choose to go with a contemporary designer who makes vintage gowns, or go find a “true” piece to wear. Now that you have chosen your dress, you have a better idea of which materials will work with your theme.

English garden theme or an elegant dinner party?

I do have to add, there is a small distinction you must decide at this point. Do you want to have a less formal English garden theme, or an elegant dinner party? Both yield beautiful results, but the time of day you have your wedding will really determine this for you. If you choose an early to mid-day outdoor wedding, then use a lot of florals. I mean florals on everything… cake, tables, china, and table linens. You cannot go wrong with flowers and floral patterns. Use it to your fullest benefit by picking soft hues of pinks, greens, and blues. One rule of thumb; if you plan to use a floral pattern on your table linens, forgo the use of chair covers. The beauty of this choice is that you can mix and match. Go to a thrift store and find old chairs and scatter them in between the regular chairs at your tables, or use them for the head table. Same with the china. It doesn’t all have to match! This option is perfect for the budget bride. Forget the public gardens and have it in your backyard (or family, or close friends yards)!

On the other hand, the evening weddings should be a little more cohesive. Think regal… big candelabras, lush florals, golds, diamonds, and sleek linens. I love satin for this choice of wedding. There are plenty of synthetic materials available if satin is not in the budget (and they look just as amazing!). Chair covers are still not my favorite choice. If available, the chivari chair is a great option. It comes in a variety of colors and can be dressed up with a bow or fresh flowers. I like a monochromatic color theme or the use of just a few colors. My pick for this theme is cream and gold. You can choose to add a few colors here and there, but this color choice really gives a powerful feel but is still soft and romantic. My suggestion is to add as much candlelight as allowed by your vendor. It will look amazing in person and in your photos.

For the rest of your décor, keep with your initial theme

For the day weddings; put your girls in soft, light dresses. The guys can wear suites and ties. Evening weddings should be formal with your ladies in a more refined dress. It doesn’t have to be ankle or full length, but it should have more mature lines and detailing. Men should wear tuxedos…no question. You still have the option of a vest and tie in place of the bow tie, but men should really be in tuxes. Decorate you cake with ribbon made of sugar or fondant. Find an old broach and use it in your design, either as inspiration or on the cake itself. Pick shimmery paints and leafing for the evenings. You day girls can go crazy with the fresh flowers on your cake. If budget allows, rent a vintage Ford or Mercedes as your get away car. Have a photo booth for your guests enjoyment and ditch the DJ and go with a Swing band instead. You can use old picture frames and hat boxes as decorations on your sign in table. Really, the skies the limit for you. Just be inventive and a little experimental with it. I promise you then end product will be totally worth it!

Images from chasingdreams.net, uberbrides.com, touchofblissevents.com, slatersparke.com, oncewed.com, projectwedding.com, maisiefantaisie.co.uk, dolcesposa.com, pksrent.com, vinatran.org, and ruffledblog.com

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Have a High Rollin’ Wedding: Vegas Style

Lauren Boardman — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 13:32:57 +0000

Out in the middle of the dry Nevada desert comes an oasis sprawling with palm-lined streets that flash neon at all hours of the day. You guessed it… Vegas baby!! Unfortunately the celebrities do ruin the appeal a little with their own Vegas quickie weddings, but it truly is an amazing place for a destination wedding. No surf, but plenty of sand and eye popping sites await you and your guests in the entertainment capital of the world.

Destination weddings: it’s all about location

There are plenty of places to throw your Las Vegas wedding while in Sin City. You have a multitude of hotels and wedding chapels at your disposal, not to mention public areas such as parks. I’m sure you could even get a permit to wed in front of the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign. The famous Little White Wedding Chapel offers packages that let you get married by Elvis (well, an impersonator) and even have a “Drive-thru” special starting at $40! After you say your “I do’s”, hop in your limo and cruise the sunset strip before partying it up at your reception. Just remember to keep some cash ready for the vendors. After making all your payments and leaving tips, it’s up to you and lady luck!

I know the thought of a destination wedding is appealing, but keep in mind you may not be able to have all the guests there that you want. Travel is expensive and not everyone invited will be able to attend, especially with our current economic situation. If you can afford a destination Vegas wedding then go for it, but if not there are plenty of ways to bring Las Vegas to your neck of the woods!

Bring Vegas to you

Start by deciding on your theme…is it Vegas, is it Elvis, or is it going to be more of a casino theme? All are great ideas and will be totally fun to plan. My suggestion is to combine the whole lot (unless you have a strong aversion to the King!). Look to your local vendors for help. Find a picture of what you’re looking for and use it as inspiration in your planning. Most high schools have a “casino night” that they use to raise money, check with them to see where they get their props. I’m sure they can give a rental supply company to use. You don’t have to go all out with roulette or black jack tables, you just want to give the illusion of Vegas. You aren’t legally licensed to provide gambling, so why bother with the elaborate table set ups?

Theme specialty venders

You might be able to find a baker who can make a cool cake with Elvis’s face or a cake with fondant poker chips and cards on it. Black, white, and red are all good choices for color themes. I like mixing contemporary with a little Retro feel, like black linens and red polka dots! Use old records as as chargers for your place settings or to set your centerpieces on. There are plenty of neat decorations you can use from secondhand stores. Look for old pins and buttons you can use to decorate tables with. Even pull the pink flamingos from the yard and use them as decorations! Keep it simple and whimsical, it will be more endearing and heart-felt.

Be creative with your décor

Look online for nostalgia pieces, like old movie posters, adds, or life-sized cut out of Vegas stars. Use the cut outs as props and set up a red carpet section where your guests can get their photos taken with the stars! It sounds a little corny, but I guarantee as soon as one person does it everyone else will! You will create great gifts your guests can enjoy that evening and in the future. Don’t underestimate bulk online candy stores. Some of them offer great deals on candy of yester-year! One site offered mini slot machines that dispensed gum balls, while another idea was personalized card decks with the name of the bride and groom and wedding date. Another option I’ve seen done before was using chocolate coins. You can usually get them in bulk and can be used not only as gifts, but décor on your tables.

Music and Entertainment

For entertainment try using a band instead of a DJ. Going with live music can be more costly, but if it is a Vegas theme, then I couldn’t imagine a better way to go. As you audition each band, have sheet music available for songs you want to hear. You don’t want your first dance to be ruined by an off -key singer. Make sure you hear them first! They won’t be the genuine “Rat Pack”, but they should be familiar with the tunes and the artists. Just because going to Vegas isn’t an option for your wedding, it doesn’t mean you can’t bring it home for you and your guests to enjoy. Your groom can take a tip from Frank, and “Luck be a lady tonight”! Have fun and let me know how your wedding day turns out.

Images from instyle.com, beau-coup.com, paper-source.com, brianphillipsblog.com, norasweddingblog.com, australiaentertains.com.au, bridgettesdetroitwedding.com, theweddingwizards.com, eastcoastmark, mandalaybay.com, todaysbride, and alldolldup

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