Unique Color Inspiration for Your Spring Wedding

The color most commonly associated with spring is – surprise – green. Other colors that probably come to mind are yellow, light blue, and pink. There's more to spring than that, though. 

  

Purple

Shake off the darkness of winter by using a pale purple, such as lavender, for a spring wedding. Avoid the usual dark purple accent color with a pale yellow, pale blue, or even a peach shade.

Flowers: Lavender, lilacs, orchids, and lisianthus are all great choices for your main flower. For flowers in your accent color(s), consider roses, hibiscuses, ranunculus, or hellebores.

Orange

Orange is used most often in fall weddings, but with the right accent colors, it can be used to make a beautiful spring color scheme.  

A bright orange paired with another bright color, like blue or pink, will add just the right burst of color and cheeriness to your wedding. To tone down your color scheme, use a bright orange with a pale blue or pink. 

Flowers: center your bouquets around tulips, dahlias, daisies, or hydrangeas. For accent flowers, try roses, calla lilies, carnations, or mums.

Deep Blue

What's the difference between deep blue, dark blue, and bright blue? A deep blue (think twilight blue or royal blue) is more of a combination of dark blue (such as navy blue) and bright blue (like robin's egg blue or electric blue). You can create the illusion of staring into space with the right shade of deep blue.

For your color scheme, use lighter shades of blue, purple, pink, or green. The contrast will prevent the color palate from feeling heavy or overwhelmingly dark.

Flowers: orchids, cornflowers, hyacinths, and hibiscuses will bring the best blue color to your arrangements. These flowers also come in many other shades that complement deep blue and can be used in an arrangement together, without becoming overbearing.

Reception and Decorations

• Use two or three of your wedding colors for the tablecloths, and alternate them through the reception hall
• Keep the fabrics light and airy, and if possible, leave the windows open in the reception venue, to enjoy the spring breeze
• Incorporate candles into the floral arrangements and centerpieces, especially if you are using bright or deep colors

Image Credits:  Purple Table Accents, Watercolor Invitations, Candle and Flower Centerpieces, Purple Bouquet, Hydrangea Centerpiece, Orange Watercolor Wedding Cake, Tall Glass Vases with Flowers and Candles, Bright Spring Bouquet, Tulip Centerpieces and Chevron Accents, Boutonniere, Bridesmaid Bouquet, Book Centerpiece with Blue Flowers in Urn, Blue and White Tablescape, Brooch Bouquet

Elizabeth is an undergraduate at Ohio Northern University with a double major in professional writing and creative writing and a minor in psychology. Liz writes for My Wedding Reception Ideas as well as creates multi-modal writing projects for Re:Media, an Ohio Northern University online publication.

Shades of Green + Ivory - A Romantic Garden Wedding Inspiration Board

We often see a few bold colors as the main focus of a wedding, but sometimes the most elegant and beautiful color scheme can be found in the simplicity of a single color in several shades, with soft neutral accents. This can be illustrated by a color scheme of soft shades of green and ivory.  

This color pallate is perfect for a spring or summer garden wedding. These colors would also bring a natural feel to your indoor wedding where you want to bring a natural feel to an indoor space.  Mismatched bridesmaids dresses and plant favors will add to the natural feel of your wedding, and an ivory wedding cake with green accent flowers will tie in perfectly. 

There are so many floral options available to compliment this color scheme.  Succulents and Dusty Miller are perfect for bringing different shades of green and textures to bouquets, boutonnieres and centerpieces.  Bay or olive leaves can be used for garland or in centerpieces, and ivory flowers will look stunning with the greens in the background.

Image Credits: Boutonnieres, Centerpiece, Bride's Bouquet, Eat Drink and Be Married Napkins (Find these napkins here), Bridesmaids Dresses, Ivory Wedding Cake, Boutonniere, Table Setting, Succulent Favors, Cocktails, Garland

Hunger Games Wedding Inspiration

If you loved the Hunger Games books as much as I did, than you were definitely one of the first to catch the premier as it hit the box office.  And now with the second movie in the trilogy, Catching Fire, out in theaters, we thought what better way to capture the fantastical world that is the Hunger Games than through a wedding inspiration board.  A collection full of rustic, woodland inspiration fit for any boho bride with an edge.

 

 

Image Credits: Mockingjay keychain, Arrow bouquet, Halo braided hairstyle, Blackberry tart, Bride with arrows, Bread basket, Hunger Games invitation, Champagne glasses, Book centerpiece, Reception tablesetting, Bride and groom holding hands, Boho bride

 

 

 

A web designer, photographer, mother, wife, lover of the outdoors and all things crafty, Allison is the marketing director for and regular contributor to My Wedding Reception Ideas where you can find more helpful wedding tips, advice and ideas from Allison and other wedding experts.

Flaunt Your Wedding Fur

Wearing fur, whether faux or real, is sweeping the fashion world.  No longer seen on just winter brides, fur is being donned by vintage brides and by those simply looking to add a lux feel to their bridal attire.

How you wear your fur on your wedding day is a direct reflection of your style, the time of year, and the theme of your wedding.  Are you getting married in the winter?  Then you may want to opt for a warm fur bolero or coat.  Both which have sleeves to keep your arms toasty in the weather.   For a more vintage look, choose shorter wraps, collars, or capes. On the flip side you can also go big with a vintage theme and don one of your grandma's mink coats.  Don't forget color! Stay classic with white or ivory colored fur or go natural by showcasing more browns and tans.  For the fashion forward bride, choose a faux-fur that has been died a vibrant color to complement the theme of your wedding.

Whatever your style, this trend is just making me giddy with delight.  I love the expensive look that a fur accessory brings to an outfit.  I for one think this trend should be here to stay.

 

 

Image Credits: Camel fur coat, Tan fur bolero, White fur bolero, Gray fur collar, Fur vest, Brown fur coat, Wedding party in fur, Eggplant fur scarf, Gray fur wrap, Natural fur cape, Fur bolero in fall, Fox fur wrap, Cream wrap, White fur cape

 

 

 

A web designer, photographer, mother, wife, lover of the outdoors and all things crafty, Allison is the marketing director for and regular contributor to My Wedding Reception Ideas where you can find more helpful wedding tips, advice and ideas from Allison and other wedding experts.

10 Wedding Flowers that Thrive During the Winter

One of the most common words people use to describe foliage during the winter months is bare. We don’t usually think of winter as the time for beautiful blooming flowers.  When we do think of flowers that bloom during winter, however, most people tend to think of poinsettias first. If you’re anything like me, poinsettias aren't your typical wedding flower – they belong in Christmas decorations.  Listed below are flowers that are perfect for winter ceremonies, accent colors and decorations. Some of them may even surprise you!

1) Cyclamen - With their deep colors and frosted tips, cyclamens are so close to a perfect winter flower it’s scary. The blooms come in different shades of white, pink, and red and have heart-shaped leaves. These flowers look great by themselves or with small light-colored flowers as an accent.

2) Iceland Poppy - Iceland Poppy flowers come in a variety of colors and bloom on long slender stems. Shades of orange and pink, yellow, cream, and white coordinate nicely with clusters of small blooming flowers, such as ranunculus, garden spray roses, seeded eucalyptus, or baby's breath.

3) Calendula - These flowers tend to run from orange to yellow in color, including apricot and cream. The color scheme provided by these flowers looks great together, especially when trying to add a pop of color to bouquets.

4) Candytuft - Candytufts have long stems with small blooms and are pure white with evergreen leaves.  Candytuft has a soft, feminine quality and looks great with clusters of smaller flowers, such as Erica (heather).  They also create a statement when paired with larger blooms like roses, cosmos, or poppies.

5) Hellebores - These blooms are usually bell or cup-shaped and can be any color from white to green to purple, or even a combination of those colors.  Pair hellebores with seeded eucalyptus, roses, ranunculus, stock or simply use on its own for a statement bouquet.

6) Stock - This feminine flower is great as a filler or accent flower. It also works well in centerpieces because it grows wide rather than tall, which means your guests will be able to see each other over the decorations.

7) Winter Jasmine - With its vine-like appearance, winter jasmine will add whimsy to a winter bouquet.  Seen with bright yellow or white blooms, add this into your bouquet as an accent or filler flower. 

8) Kale - This unexpected vegetable will add a punch to any winter bouquet.  If choosing ornamental kale for its giant, frilly blooms, you can opt to use the flowers or decorative foliage itself. The flowers bloom in lavender, rose, and yellow. Use long-stemmed single-bloom white flowers to fill your bouquet.

9) Pinecones, Nuts, and Berries - So, these aren’t flowers, but they can still look stunning in a winter bouquet. Consider dipping the tips of pine cones in glitter to give your bouquet sparkle. Nuts and berries are a festive accent to any winter bouquet and should be considered as a must-have filler item for any of the flowers listed here.

10) Dusty Miller - While not necessarily a thriving winter bloom, dusty miller can easily be found all year round through any florist and it's striking silver color lends perfectly to the season.


Image Credits:  Winter berry bouquet, Cyclamen, Iceland Poppy, Calendula, Candytuft, Hellebores, Stock, Winter Jasmine, Kale, Pinecones, Dusty Miller

Elizabeth is an undergraduate at Ohio Northern University with a double major in professional writing and creative writing and a minor in psychology. Liz writes for My Wedding Reception Ideas as well as creates multi-modal writing projects for Re:Media, an Ohio Northern University online publication.

Pretty Pine Cone Wedding Inspiration Board

As much as we look forward to summer and the fun it brings, I think the fall and winter are just as wonderful in their own way.  This is especially true for weddings.  Where the bright colors of summer have faded, there are now rich tones of reds, oranges and browns to enjoy.  There is a beauty in the changing of the seasons, with fallen leaves and pine cones in abundance this time of year.  If you are planning a wedding during fall or winter, try incorporating pine cones in your wedding.  Not only are they easy to find, but they are simple but stunning accents to any wedding.  We have put together some pine cone wedding inspiration for you to help give you a few ideas of how to include pine cones in your wedding.

Image Credits:  Bouquet, Ring Pillow, Personalized Wedding Welcome Bags, Boutonniere, Place Setting, Pine Cone Place Card Holders, Wedding Ring Photograph, Bride with Bouquet, Pine Cone Wedding Cake, Pine Cone Lined Aisle, Invitations, Pine Cone Garland

10 Easy Halloween Treats

Can you believe Halloween is right around the corner? Time to dust off the fake spiders, cotton batting, and pumpkin carving tools.

Just for fun we thought we would share some of our favorite Halloween treat recipes and ideas for your spooktacular party this year.  Have fun picking out your favorite poison (cue cackle).  Or mix and match to create a true monster bash.

For other great ideas, be sure and check out all our Halloween party decorations and favors.

 

See numbered links below for more details and to get the recipe

Image Credits: Pumpkin Carving Stencils, 1. Zombie Eyeballs, 2. Fizzy Pumpkin Party Drinks, 3. Tombstone Cookies, 4. Personalized Hershey Miniatures, 5. Spider Deviled Eggs, 6. Halloween Bundt Cake (with eyes!), 7. Design Your Own Halloween Cocktail Napkins, 8. Vegan Witches Fingers, 9. Yummy Mummy Cheese Spread, 10. Design Your Own Halloween Stadium Cups

A Great Gatsby Themed Wedding: The Party of the Year

One of this summer’s most anticipated movies was The Great Gatsby. Whether you loved reading the novel, parties, the 1920s, or any of the cast members, this movie appealed to almost everyone.
Although the movie failed in the eyes of those who read the book, there is still a lot to be said for certain aspects: the parties, the dancing, and the music. It was a movie that appealed to the senses, and it exceeded expectations in that regard.

So whether you prefer Jay or Nick, Daisy or Jordan, here’s how to throw a roarin’ 20s wedding that would make Jay Gatsby’s parties look like a backyard barbecue:

The Venue and Decorations

Pick a location that is open and has plenty of space for dancing. Choose big, fancy lighting and decorations in elegant colors: think white, black, and gold.

A venue that has both indoor and outdoor seating is ideal for a summer wedding. Use lanterns for lights outside, and trail ivy around the furniture or any railings or fences.

Inside, choose tall, leafy plants, so the centerpieces on the table are big, but the blooms are high enough that your guests can see the people they are seated with.

F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote many beautiful sayings about love. Use these quotes as part of your centerpieces.

The Dress

Dress to the nines for this glamorous occasion. You can choose to completely embrace the theme and dress like they did in the 1920s, in dresses with dropped waistlines and single-breasted suits.

Ladies, wear lots of long strands of pearls, gloves, and feathers or a headband in your hair. Remember, the more sequins, the better! Gentlemen, top hats, bowties, and pocket squares are encouraged.

The Music

Anything you can dance to! The 1920s were a fun, fast-paced, casual age. They loved to party and dance. The most popular music during this decade was jazz, so choose music with lots of brass instruments and swinging rhythms to stay true to the theme.

The Food

In the 1920s, party hosts tended to be more concerned with appearance and drinks than the food. However, one food they did love was oysters. Their drink of choice was champagne – they were always celebrating!

Decorate your wedding cake with golden art deco, and complement it with black and white desserts.

The End

End the night with a fireworks show and drive away in a vintage car, leaving your guests happily lost in the past.

Image Credits: Quote, Staircase and Feather Centerpieces, Picture Frame and Hanging Dress, Art Deco tablesetting, Beyonce, Groomsman, Oysters, Champagne tower, Cake, Trumpet player

Elizabeth is an undergraduate at Ohio Northern University with a double major in professional writing and creative writing and a minor in psychology. Liz writes for My Wedding Reception Ideas as well as creates multi-modal writing projects for Re:Media, an Ohio Northern University online publication.

Autumn Apple Inspiration Board

Fall is that exciting time of year when there is a sense of electricity in the air that seems to radiate around everything.  The air is crisp, the leaves are changing colors, the weather is getting cooler and there is nothing better than curling up with a warm mug of apple cider.  Of course we couldn't help but put together this darling apple inspiration board in celebration of the season.  Chop full of charming details, how cute would your wedding reception be if it was hosted at an apple orchard?  Hand out personalized apple bags and allow guests to pick their own apples to take home as fall wedding favors.  Love it.

 

Image Credits: Apple butter, Couple with apples, Apple with Rings, and Pies via Style Me Pretty, Apple Slice Favors, Couple on picnic blanket via Polka Dot Bride, Apple garland via Snippet and Ink, Monogrammed burlap favor bags, Mason jar lighting, Apple cider favors, DIY apple pie favor kits, Pick your own apple favors via Gabriel Boone Photography

Spring Wedding Flowers

Congratulations Spring bride!  You get to be married during one of the most beautiful times of year; springtime.  A time of rebirth and renewal.  Lucky for you, the Spring season brings with it some of the most beautiful types of flowers for your wedding day.  By sticking with blooms that are found during the Spring season, you can save cost and have fresh flowers at your wedding without breaking the bank on out-of-season blooms.  The flowers that bloom during the Spring season will greatly depend on your location.  This handy flower guide shows common Spring blooming flowers typically seen in the Northern Hemisphere.  When choosing your flowers for your Spring wedding, an easy way to create a cohesive look is the carry your flower choice throughout your wedding decor into your bridal bouquets and table centerpieces. Don't be afraid to mix and match your spring flowers to create the perfect arrangement.  Blooms like Ranunculus and Wax Flower make great filler flowers and look beautiful when paired with complementing stems like roses or peonies.

Image Credits: Feverfew bouquet, Tulips, Daisies, Peonies, Lilacs, Anemones, Daffodils, Wax Flower, Ranunculus, Orchids, Forget me nots

A Carefree Bicycle Wedding Inspiration Board

With spring having just arrived, I can’t help but think about pulling my old bicycle out of storage and going for a long relaxing bike ride.  Listening to the birds sing and feeling the cool, crisp spring air would be a welcome change in pace!  Today, we are bringing you an inspiration board full of charming ideas for incorporating bicycles into your wedding day.  If you and your special someone love to hop on a tandem bicycle and enjoy some time together, using bicycle accents in your ceremony and reception may be a fun way to bring some personality to your wedding.  

You will surely evoke fond memories of bike riding for young and old alike by adding a bicycle design to napkins, invitations, or even custom gift bags for your guests.  There are many little touches that will bring a smile to your guests’ faces.  Bicycle bell favors with a custom sticker make for a perfect keepsake.  Try decorating with various styles of miniature bicycles with flowers woven through the handlebars or wheels.  Any of these ideas will make for a nostalgic and carefree atmosphere at your spring or summer wedding!

Image Credits:  Couples on Bicycles(Sources Unknown), Bicycle with Rings, Custom Printed Bicycle Gift Bags, Invitation, Bicycle Belt, Bell Favors, Bicycle Wheel, Programs, Cake Topper, Bags, Miniature Bicycle Decoration, Bicycle Arch, Just Married 

Things We Love - Creative Food Stations

Gone are the days of traditionally catered food selections like baked chicken and lasagna.  Today's couples are serving up more stylish food options in the form of fun and creative food stations.  Whether you are treating guests with pre-dinner appetizers, the entire main course, or dessert, food stations are a great way to inject a bit of interest into your wedding reception.  To pull off a successful food station, keep a few simple rules in mind.  For build to order menu options, have more than one cook so lines do not back up.  The same goes for multiple food stations.  Create two lines at popular stops to prevent line congestion.  Lastly, keep your theme in mind, let loose and get creative with your displays.  

Appetizers - Appetizer stations are a great choice during cocktail hour.  Guests can enjoy your tasty and creative treats while they wait for the newlyweds to arrive.  Popular appetizer food stations are vegetable displays, soup stations, sushi bars, cheese buffets, and breakfast and crepe stations.  One trend we love are miniature sized foods that typically would be seen as a main course.  Think mini sliders, mini fries, and itty bitty grilled cheese with shots of tomato soup.

Sources: Thirsty sign, Vegetable buffet, Bruschetta, Shrimp cocktail, Mini grilled cheese and soup shots, Man holding slider and fries, Mini sliders and beers 

 

Main Course - Serving your full reception menu in the form of food stations requires a bit more planning than smaller appetizer, drink, or dessert stations.  Keep in mind the quantity of food you will be needing to satisfy guest appetites.  Build your own buffets are a popular choice among couples and include anything from build your own taco buffets to upscale grilled cheese stations.  Other popular main course selections include potato bars, authentic inspired food stations, fair food inspired stations, and street vendor food carts.  Street vendor food carts can be found on nearly every busy city street these days.  Don't be afraid to consider renting one or more of these carts in lieu of traditional catering options.  Your guests will love your unexpected food choice.  Tip: We recommend staying away from miniature foods for your main course unless you plan on including other side dishes to create a balance of dishes for guests to fill up on.

Sources:  Food truck, Taco station sign, Taco buffet, Striped food tents, Grilled cheese station, Baked potato, Cheddar cheese

 

Dessert - Candy buffets can be attributed as one of the original wedding food stations.  More recently, this wedding staple is taking a more creative turn in to form of themed dessert stations.  Popular options include a S'mores bar, build your own yogurt station, cookie buffet, and ice cream station.  Put a unique twist on typical dessert options by including a miniature dessert bar full of delectable itty bitty treats.  Mini stations full of bite sized cheesecakes, pies, cookies, and cake will have guests coming back from more.  Set out personalized candy bags next to your buffet so guests can also take their goodies home to enjoy later.

Sources: S'mores bar, Snow cone station, Yogurt buffet, Cotton candy machine, S'mores station, Mini cheesecakes, Mini pie buffet