Personalized Photo Napkins To Make Your Event Picture Perfect

'Picture Perfect' personalized photo napkins are simply fabulous.  So inventive and unique, we love, love, loooove these napkins and had to share our excitement.  They make a wonderful keepsake idea for your scrapbook, they double as favors, and they are a super easy way to showcase your guest(s) of honor.  Not to mention they are a great way to make your event picture perfect (hee...hee...).

Have an engagement photo, graduation picture, or a candid birthday shot printed with your own special message.  (The perfect opportunity to embarrass the birthday boy or girl!).  Check out these before and after shots to see personalized photo napkins in action.

'Picture Perfect' Personalized Luncheon Napkins with Framed Photo
'Picture Perfect' Personalized Luncheon Napkins with Circle Photo

Happy Planning!

Allie

Four Fabulous Wedding Favor Ideas

As most of the readers know by now my daughter is getting married and I am planning the wedding. Favors are the topic of discussion this week and I have to say with all the great ideas out there it is definately hard to choose. Here are my top four favorite wedding favor ideas.

Exquisite Silver Wreath Design Candle Holders

1. Votive Candle Holders  - I love candles as I think most people do. Not only can the votive holders be a great favor to send home with your guest but most of your guest will use the favor again at home. Votive candle holders can also be economical if you shop around.

Personalized Natural Bamboo Eco-Friendly Coasters
2. Eco-Friendly - Everyone is going green these days and so are favors. I have found many great eco-friendly favors from note pads to coasters.  I also love the ideas of flower seeds. A friend of mine gave flower seeds as the favor at her wedding with a lovely card that read; Love in Blossom.
3. Donations - Many people are decided these days to give to their favorite charity in stead of spending the money for favors and I love this idea. In the past few years my daughter and I have lost a few loved ones to cancer and I think making a donation to the American Cancer Society may be a wonderful way to honor them.

 'Razzle Dazzle' Raspberry Iced Tea Mix

4. Seasonal - I also love the idea of going with the seasons. Giving ornaments for winter themed weddings or fall leaf cookie cutter for a fall themed wedding. My daughters wedding will be a summer wedding and I have been thinking of raspberry ice tea mixes as the favor.



So many chooses but some many great ideas to choose from. Whatever favor you decide on should be something that fits in with the theme of your wedding. Make it fun and make it creative!! Good luck brides and mothers of the bride.

Carrie

Shopping Advise For Brides On The Go

You have sent your invitations, picked out your dress and tuxedo, and booked the location of your wedding ceremony and reception. Now it’s time to think about wedding favors for your guests, accessories for your ceremony and gifts for your bridesmaids and groomsmen.


Don’t wait until the last minute to place your order as you may find that a particular item is out of stock and will not arrive until well past your event. Or you find the perfect wedding favor that matches your theme only to receive an email or phone call that it has been discontinued and is no longer available.

With new trends and high demands on popular wedding favors, accessories and gifts, start by visiting bridal shows to get ideas and help from vendors. Shop at a local boutique or visit a wedding website that specializes in gifts and accessories. I recommend ordering at least 2 to 6 months before your wedding day so you don’t find yourself stressed out over the small stuff at the last minute.

Renee'

The Perfect Match

One of my fondest memories from childhood is of my sister and I swinging our polka dot legging clad legs on the side of our bunk beds as she somberly explained to me the rules of matching. We all know them. Patterns are paired with solids. Colors must be paired with a neutral. And the list goes on and on. These may have been suitable rules for navigating color palettes at one time. Luckily for those who love to play with color, most of them are now obsolete or like most rules of thumb, do not have to be followed exactly. Unfortunately these rules have been ingrained in all of us and have had the sad side effect of making a lot of people afraid to use color and patterns at all.

This strict "matchy-matchy" frame of mind can actually make planning your wedding, event, or even your outfit more difficult than it really needs to be. I am happy to free you from your neutral prison and inform you that it is now possible to be trendily mismatched. You may now often hear the phrase, "It doesn't have to match, it just has to go." As in go together and have some sort of unifying theme. Take a look at these adorable tea tins from http://www.marthastewart.com/. The patterns and colors do not strictly match. Yet  they all have a vintage feel and use muted colors. Instead of clashing, they say "of course, we all belong together!"


Another way to ease a little stress in a wedding and go with the intentionally mismatched look, is to let your bridesmaids choose their own dresses. There are a couple ways to do this. You could specify a color, or a few colors for your bridesmaids to choose from and let them choose the dress style.  You could also choose a dress and allow them to choose from a selection of colors.
This photo by Jose Villa photography, courtesy of Plum Invitations,  shows how these bridemaids each wear a different dress, yet still coordinate. The key is to make it appear intentional, not thrown together. You do this easily by picking one characteristic that is uniform, like style, fabric, or pattern.



When choosing your colors don't be afraid to use color combinations that you would not usually see together. A good way to think about color is, if it exists in nature it can exist in your color scheme! Gain inspiration from flowers for bright color schemes. For example, yellow and purple are often thought of as clashing. Take a look at this painting by David Wagner. It is a perfect example of how well these colors do compliment one another.
Use your colors confidantly and creatively. Remember that as long as there are a few basic cohesive elements, you can tie virtually anything of your own interest together to create a unique theme.

~ Jenna



A Tribute to Earth Day: Eco-Friendly Wedding Favors

As a tribute to Earth Day, we wanted to share with you some of our favorite ideas for eco-friendly wedding favors.

No matter how adorable and fabulous you may think your wedding favors are, the real truth of the matter is many of your guests are going to end up throwing them out.  And unfortunately, most plastics and packaging materials that are used today are pretty tough on the environment.  From potted plants to flower seeds, thank your guests with a gift that will give back to Mother Nature.

Organic Lunch Bags and Tasty Treats
DIY Organic Lunch Bag Favors from Twig & Thistle
Say thank you with recycled lunch bags filled with edible treats and locally grown goodies.  Add a personalized touch, by stamping your monogram or favorite image onto the front of your bags.  To learn how to make these adorable lunch bags created by Twig & Thistle, check out these DIY instructions at stylemepretty.com.

Potted Trees and Planters
Potted Plant and Herb Favors from theknot.com and marthastewart.com
Thank your guests with a favor that will live on past your wedding night.  Potted plants and herbs can be purchased from any local nursery or greenery and can double as table centerpieces.  For a unique twist, plant your herbs in vintage tins for a charming, eco-friendly packaging idea. (Photo Credit: First photo from knot.com, 2nd photo courtesy of marthastewart.com)

Plantable Wildflower Seeds
'In Favor of a Cure' Awareness Ribbon Wildflower Seeds
Biodegradable seed packets are a great way to give back to Mother Nature while still giving your guests something beautiful to remember you with year after year.  Many companies provide pre-made seed packets that can be planted directly into the ground and include easy-to-follow instructions for your loved ones.  These awareness ribbon wildflower seeds do double duty, allowing you to give back to your environment and your favorite charity as a portion of the proceeds are donated to the Young Survival Coalition; a charity devoted to improving the lives of women living with breast cancer.

Happy Earth Day!

Allie

Wedding Cake Trends for 2010 Summer Season

I am currently planning my daughters wedding and of course cake is one of the big topics for conversation. There is so much to choose from. The trends are becoming much more creative with many new flavors, styles, and choices in wedding cakes. Here are some of the hottest trends in wedding cakes for the summer of 2010.

Cupcake Tower photo from marthstewart.com
Cupcake Cakes

One new trend that is happening for wedding cakes is leaving the traditional cake altogether and choosing cupcakes instead. This allows you to have several different kinds of cake and frosting and it can also be less messy than cutting the traditional cake. Cupcake cakes are usually much more budget friendly compared to the traditional cake.

Berry Wedding Cake photo from marthstewart.com
Summer Time Fruit

Take advantage of the season. Use fruit on the top of you cake or cupcakes instead of icing. A beach wedding may lead to a cake topped with tropical fruits, or a spring wedding may lend itself to a cake topped with luscious strawberries. Not only is fruit much healthier, but it is beautiful for decorating and great tasting!
Brushed Aluminum Single Monogram Initial Cake Topper
Monograms

Many couples will have monograms put on their cake that match those on their wedding invitations, napkins, and so forth. This highly sophisticated look can be accomplished with a monogram cake top or sculpted fondant.

Do your research and find out what will work for your wedding. The cake should be a fun part of the wedding ceremony and a great way to show off your personality.

Carrie

Personalized Picture Frames for Mother's Day

Mother's Day is right around the corner and now is the perfect time to start planning how you are going to wow her this year. When my kids were in elementary school they would bring home a decorated flower pot or crafty item from art class, create a hand made card that was given to me while being served breakfast in bed. I can still remember how excited they were at surprising me with thoughtful gifts and the hugs and kisses I received. 

Any mom would enjoy the day off from chores, breakfast, lunch and/or dinner at her favorite restaurant, and spending the day with her kids creating fun memories.  You can't go wrong with a personalized gift to show her how much she means to you. Imagine the tears of joy when you present her with a favorite picture inside a personalized picture frame she will cherish forever. Just remember that the number one gift you can give your mom on Mother's Day is to say how much you love, admire and appreciate all she's done for you.

Have a Happy Mother's Day!

Renee'

Brooch Bouquets Live on KABC Channel 7

A while back we did a post on Amanda Heer of Fantasy Floral Designs and showcased her amazing ability to create one-of-a-kind bouquets out of brooches.  All of her designs are so inspiring, crafted from one-of-a-kind pieces and vintage inspired accents.  Here's a sneak peek at one of her arrangements.

Brooch Bouquets by Fantasy Floral Designs

Today, we want to give a big congratulations to Amanda as she was voted Trendsetter of the Year by ABC 2010 along with having her inspiring brooch bouquets featured live on KABC Channel 7 last Thursday.  We feel so honored that she has shared this wonderful video with us and we are so excited to pass it along to all our readers.  Hit play to see her bouquets in action and for other great wedding tips and ideas.



Happy Planning!

Allie

Planning on Renewing Your Wedding Vows?

As a married couple renewing your wedding vows is a perfect occassion to reflect on the memories you have created and gives you the opportunity to share with your children the love you still have for each other. Can you imagine a more romantic and beautiful image than your children watching you join hands and pledge before them to love honor and cherish all over again? What a great life lesson and a wonderful example to set for your children and grandchildren.

A significant anniversary is a popular time for renewing your wedding vows and sharing your commitment and love to each other. Some couples choose to renew their vows to mark a new beginning after a difficult crisis such as overcoming a serious illness, a period of separation, or simply to reaffirm the tremendous love that has matured and deepend throughout the years.

Whether you are renewing your vows on your anniversary or have chosen a new day to celebrate a new beginning, your renewal ceremony should be casual and fun and completely reflect the two of you. As you walk down the isle together you could play 'your song' rather than the traditional wedding march. Include your children and/or grandchildren by having them read poetry or share a memorable moment of the two of you. If your first wedding was video taped, play it at your reception or place photo albums and framed pictures on a decorated table for your guests to enjoy. Whatever you plan to do, remember the most important thing is to be surrounded by family and close friends who will be honored to share this special occasion with you.

Renee'

Make Your Black and White Pop with a Pattern

Personalized 30 Strike Matchbooks in Assorted Colors
Black and White. It's the go-to color scheme for brides that want simple and elegant. It's a clean, classic look that, let's face it, can be a little bit boring if not done well. One way to keep your guests from stifling a yawn over your decor and get them "oohing and ahhing" is to use a trendy pattern. The use of black and white damask patterns has become a popular choice for weddings. To vamp up this look a bit more, splashes of bright color can be used. Our favorites are Sunshine Yellow, Lipstick Pink, or Bermuda Blue. The end result is playful and modern, with a sophisticated nod to tradition.

As with any theme, there is the possibility of overdoing it. An ornate pattern and a bright color will automatically pull  eyes toward them. This means that too much of either will seem chaotic. Find ways to showcase both pattern and color in small touches. Other details can be left beautifully simple using primarily black or white. For example, a white tablecloth is an excellent backdrop for black and white damask favor boxes topped with a colorful ribbon. Other fun ways to feature a damask pattern are in things like bridesmaid dresses, the cake, and even the bride's own gown for our brave brides-to-be.

Black and Fuchsia Pink Filigree Favor Boxes with RibbonYour color accent should be bold and bright. Pink and red are seen most often paired with a black and white damask, but the choice is yours. Remember that you are looking for your color to pop, not overwhelm. It should be used sparingly and in places where it will create a high contrast. Save your color accent for things like the pocket square in a groomsman's tux, ribbons on your favors, and napkins at your place settings.

Don't forget the flowers! They are one of the best ways to use your ration of color. White Daisies with a sunny yellow center, bright pink Gerbera Daisies, or the classic Red Rose will all be eye-catching - and not only when you toss your bouquet!

Personalized Kraft Gift Bags in Assorted Colors
The most important tip, is to make it your own. This high drama look is trendy because everyone loves it. Just remember rules are made to be broken! One way to create variation in this look is by using a different pattern. For example, polka dots are another trendy pattern that creates a fun, vintage feel.

We can't wait to see what you come up with!

Jenna

Paper Wedding Sculptures by Etsy's Concarta

While perusing through some of my favorite blogs, I came across this post over at Mackenzie's blog something old, something new.  Simply adorable.  Have you ever seen anything as charming as these stunning handcrafted sculptures by Gwen of Etsy's Concarta?  Made entirely of acid-free paper with archival quality glue, Gwen's attention to detail is amazing.  Such a fabulous and unique idea for a wedding cake topper....or possibly a 1st anniversary gift idea (since traditionally the gift is supposed to be paper).

Paper Sculptures by Etsy's Concarta

Based out of Los Angeles, California, you can view all Gwen's amazing sculpture designs and place an order through her online Etsy shop, www.etsy.com/shop/concarta.  To learn more about Gwen and where she finds her inspiration, check out this great interview between her and the people over at theweddingco.com.

Happy Planning!

Allie

Adding a Personal Touch to Your Summer Time Parties

Well spring has sprung and it is time to start planning some summer time fun. I can't wait to get out the grill and get started planning my first cook-out. When I am planning an outdoor event I try to think of new and fun ways to add personal touches. Here are just a few of my ideas:

16 Oz. Personalized Stadium Cups in Assorted Colors

• Add personalized cups to the party. Personalized cups are a great way to add a personal touch as well as allow your guest to take home something special that they can use again. It is also great fun to think of new phrases to add to the cups each year, for example: The Smith's 3rd Annual Barbeque Bonanza or Fun in the Sun at the Thompson's
Personalized 8 x 5 x 10 Graduation Gift Bags

• Include personalized gift bags. Using personalized gift bags is a great way to send home left-overs with your friends and family. Personalized bags are also great for sending home favors. For graduation parties you can include a picture of the graduate or for 4th of July parties you can include some sparklers and a cold bottle of water for cooling off on a hot summer day.

By adding personalized cups and bags to your outdoor party you are making it creative and fun. That is what summer time is all about.

Carrie


Personalized Photo Album Gifts

As a parent, I love going through old photo albums and reminisce about all the fun and memorable times our family has shared throughout the years. Looking at photos of our children's first day of school, each holiday and birthday celebration and all the special moments in between brings feelings of sentimental joy and pride. Even with today's popularity with digital cameras and downloading images to CD's they don't have the intimacy of sharing those moments than with an actual photo album or brag book.

After your wedding and honeymoon is over, imagine giving each of your parents their own photo album with photographs telling the story of  your engagement, wedding ceremony and reception.  A personalized photo album is one of the most thoughtful gifts any parent would take pride in receiving as a treasured keepsake of your special day.

Renee'
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