Delicious Menu Ideas for Your Summer Wedding

Summer brides may just have the least amount of stress when it comes to planning their wedding reception menu. Outdoor weddings and exotic warm-weather venues offer inspiration for the types of food you can serve.  Keep your guests tastes in mind but remember that it is okay to choose your own personal favorites and have fun with it. Need ideas? Check out a few of our favorite menus for summer events.

Candy and dessert buffets have been a big hit for the past year. They have branched out to encompass ice cream bars, cupcake topping bars, brownie buffets, and you name a dessert and someone's already turned it into a lovely buffet! The ever talented Amy Atlas took this idea in a new direction with a beautiful display of fruit and veggies. This Fruit and Veggie bar goes beyond that standard round veggie tray and offers your guest delicious treats. This would be a refreshing feast on a hot summer day!

Amy Atlas Veggie Bar courtesy of Pink Blossom List

Another favorite summer reception menu is a seafood smorgasbord. Beach and New England backyard weddings alike are perfect settings for a clam or lobster bake! Fry up some fish and offer your guests a raw bar of steamed oysters, clams, and shrimp. Don't forget the hush puppies -yum!

Photo Credit: Oysters from Prepare to Wed, Lobster Bake Plate from The Sweetest Occasion, Lobster Crate from Clam Bakes Etc.

Last but not least is the summer barbecue. This menu involves honey barbecued ribs, fried chicken, some mashed taters and homemade macaroni and cheese. Roast corn on the cob on easy to handle sticks and have a little fun with appetizers trays full of sliders and mini cups of ketchup and fries. Keeping with your finger food theme -add in some mini apple pies and you have an appetizing all American menu that I would choose over gourmet grub any day! If your little backyard wedding has a country chic feel, this is the menu for you and your hubby to be.

Photo Credit: Slider Tray from The Vegas Wedding Planner, Ribs from Bridal Buds, Fried Chicken from Elizabeth Anne Designs, BBQ Sauce Favor  and Corn Cobs on a stick from Manolo Brides, Buffet plate from Old Carolina, Mini Pocket Apple Pies from Darlini

While you're planning your reception don't forget the personalized napkins - all these finger foods can get messy! Adding personalized napkins or cups to your reception allows you to dress up the tables by matching your colors or decor. These practical items also give you a chance to share an inside joke, a memorable quote, or tie in that custom designed monogram you love.

Enjoy!

~Jenna

Owl Always Love You...Wedding Inspiration Board

Owls are back in a big way.  I urge all our fellow readers to jump on the owl bandwagon with me because this is one of the most adorable wedding themes I've seen in a while.  Besides being too cute, owls hold that feeling of mystery and wonder.  This theme would be perfect for pairing with softer earth tone wedding colors like the rustic browns and pale yellows seen below.

To put this 'Owl Always Love You' wedding theme together, incorporate items like sliced firewood for rustic table centerpiece bases and old stacked books to bring in the age-old wisdom symbolism.  Be sure to stamp all your stationery with owl images including your table numbers, invitations, favor bags, and wedding napkins.  Most importantly, remember to have fun with it.  This is a theme full of whimsy and is meant to showcase your personality and creativity.

Happy Planning!

Credits: Row 1, 2, 4, and 5: Bridal top hat, owl cake, groomsmen, yellow roses and owl on glasses by Whitney Lee Photography.  Row 3: Owl beer via Cute Hoots and owl favor bag from Paper Moon by Kat of etsy.com.  Row 4: Horned owl pendant from Morikaty of etsy.com.  Row 5: Wedding dress via Our Labor of Love. Row 6: Book image by Studio B. Row 7: Table centerpiece via weddingbee.com.

Honey and Pecan Color Palette for A Wedding that is Truly 'Meant to Bee'

Create a warm color palette for your casually elegant outdoor wedding with rich tones of honey, goldenrod yellow, and pecan brown. This palette when combined with a subtle honey or bumble bee theme creates the feelings of being outdoors on a sunny summer day. Guests will love little hints at your theme here and there. A bumble bee brooch in your wedding bouquet, honeycomb inspired invitations, and pure beeswax candles are few ways to incorporate your theme without going overboard. Milk glass vases, which can be found with a little creative thrift store and attic shopping, are a beautiful accent that gives your event just a little more elegance than the popular mason jars. Fill your vases with beautiful golden yellow roses for a simple centerpiece. At the end of a beautiful night, send your guests home with a decorative jar of natural honey complete with a gift tag and a personal thank you message. For more inspiration, soak up the sunny images below!

Photo Credit: Honey and Granola Gift Box by Design'Sponge, Save the Date by Heather Jeany, Bumble Bee Wedding cake by Maggie Austin Cake, Honey and Wheat Dresses by Martha Stewart, Bees Wax by Gfits from the Earth, Beeswax Candle by My Wedding Reception Ideas, Paper Bag Honeycomb Invitation couresty of Australia Entertains.

A Refreshing Mix of Honeysuckle Pink and Lemon Yellow

Well readers, the wind chill today is -7°, making it nearly impossible for me to think anything else but...buuurrrrrrrrr.  To quell the winter chill, I've bundled up with a cup of hot coffee and put together this refreshing spring wedding inspiration board.  I'm hoping this warm mix of colors will evoke feelings of sunshine and bright, sun-shiny days for all of us.  Featuring an inviting palette of sunny yellows paired with honeysuckle pink (Pantone's 2011 color of the year), I simply can't wait until it's warm again so I can slip on a pair of these awesome yellow heels. Enjoy!

Happy Planning!

Image Credits: Row 1 and 7: Bride with parasol, child in scarf, and candy centerpieces via Shelly Kroeger Photography, wedding bouquet via In Style. Row 2 and 6: Bridesmaids in honeysuckle dresses courtesy of Cameron and Kelly Studios. Row 3 and 5: Yellow shoes, groom, wooden sign, and bicycle shot via Jose Villa. Row 4 and 6: Popsicles and yellow cake via Erin Swift and Fruit lemonade courtesy of Leesa Oreilly.

Take a Cue from These Wedding Hues

The shiny New Year is right around the corner and with it brings a whole new gamut of fresh and innovative weddings.  I personally can't wait to see what all our brides will come up with.  It is sure to be an exciting 2011 full of creativity and personal touches.

Before all the ribbon and decorations, of course comes an inspiration.  Whether it's pulled from your grandmother's vintage brooch or your favorite handbag, brides seem to be inspired by color early in their wedding planning stage.  To help with your wedding color hunt, we've pulled out all the stops, taking a cue from all our brides, Facebook fans, wedding industry giants, and fashion gurus, to bring you our top wedding color palettes for 2011 weddings.  Broken down by season, these colors are dramatic, romantic, and perfectly fabulous.

Spring - A freshing mix of fuschia and sunny yellow

Credits: Pink and yellow table setting, popsicles, wedding bouquet, wedding cake

Summer - Exciting palette of cobalt blue paired with tangerine

Credits: Bride and groom in grass, blue and orange table setting, bride against orange wall, wedding cake slice

Fall - Deep plum, orange, and earthtones make this palette a fall hit

Credits: Bride leaning on wall, wine bottle bags, bride with bouquet, blackberry pie

Winter - Wine, icy pink, and navy blue create a warm and inviting winter mix

Credits: Groom's pocket square, pink bridal shoe, wedding aisle, raspberry fudge

Happy Planning!

Fig and Platinum New Year

Eggplant (or rich purple) is proving to be one of 2011's up and coming wedding colors among brides. Rich, dramatic, and gorgeous....can I please just say, I love this color!!  With the right New Year around the corner, I couldn't help but think how perfect this dramatic shade would be for a New Years Eve wedding.  The drama of this deep purplish shade would look stunning paired with a sparkling, contrasting hue like silver and white.  For this inspiration board, I pulled my color palette from the fig fruit.  Deep purple on the outside and pink on the inside, pair with sparkling accents and you will have yourself a fabulous wedding color combo.

Happy Planning!

Image Credits: 1st Row: Blackberry and fruit centerpiece via Martha Stewart Weddings, Eggplant chair sashes from theknot.com, diamond band and scattered diamonds via White Flash Diamonds.  2nd Row: Figs via Thayer Photo, Chandelier wedding invitations from Wedding Paper Divas, Peonies from The Laurel Hedge, Hanging chandelier from Sheri Crystal Designs. 3rd Row: Love sparklers via weddingbee.com. 4th Row: Blackberry cocktails via Matt Armendariz Photography, Bride and groom toasting from Melissa Mize Photography, Plum ring bearer pillow, pink dress via Etsy. 5th Row: Sparklers via Adrienne Page

Nothing But Blue Skies with this Bluebird Wedding Theme

As the days get chilly and autumn sets in, our blue skies are numbered for this year. That doesn't mean we have to wait for warmer days to create a Blue Skies and Bluebirds wedding theme inspired by the classic song "Blue Skies" as sung by Frank Sinatra. The lyrics  invoke feelings of both nostalgia for simpler times and optimism for a new love, particularly the whimsical line that reads "bluebirds singing a song, nothing but blue birds all day long."  To create a look that gives off similar vibes, think vintage bluebirds and a soft French blue paired with white or other muted colors like khaki and pale yellow. You could also use a soft tawny brown like the color often found on a bluebird's breast. 

As with any theme, you don't have to overdo it and stamp a blue bird on every table, fork, and favor. Weave subtle reminders in and out of your decor with a focus on making everything appear as if it came together naturally. Feathered and flowered headpieces are increasingly popular and look as if they have been crafted artfully from objects found outdoors. On the same note, tiny birds nests with blue candy-coated chocolate eggs make novel little favors for your guests. For outdoor weddings in the warmer months, presenting guests with a blue hand fan will complete the feeling of stepping into a Jane Austen novel. Top the wedding cake with adorable bride and groom bluebirds.



Photo Credit: Row 1- Images 1 and 2 by Once Wed, Birds by Frances Janisch, Blue Bird Gift Set by Gift Hunger.com, Blue Bridal Shoes by Perfect Details, Blue Wedding Gown by RS Couture via Wedding Inspirasi.com, Bluebird gift tags by Shanna Michele Designs, Bluebird cake top by Country Squirrels R Us, Bluebird Invite by Jak Heath, Blue-Silk Wedding Fan at My Wedding Reception Ideas.com, Bluebird's Nest by Beverly Tharp, Flower Hairpiece by Twigs and Honey, Khaki and blue tux by Elizabeth Messina, Blue Cupcakes by Lolita Jayne Scarlet



While this would make for a beautiful outdoor wedding on a summer's day, it might be refreshing for guests to step out of the cold of the later months and into the warm and cozy atmosphere you have created. If you would like to keep your wedding theme relevant to the season, you could always pair your blues with shades of brown for fall. For winter, think birch trees and use black and white to accent your blue. After all, everyone loves seeing little birds huddled on snowy branches with their feathers fluffed out. It is a metaphor for facing the elements and beating the odds, which as a married couple, you will undoubtedly do. Don't forget to cuddle up with your groom and sway on the dance floor to the song that inspired it all!

~ Jenna

The Appeal of an Apple Theme Wedding

While most people think pumpkins, leaves, and gourds are the way to go for an autumn theme, apples definitely come to my mind as the perfect autumn fruit! This would be a great way to go for the couple who loves autumn, but doesn't want their fall wedding to be just like all the others. The fun thing about an apple theme is that you can play off red, green, or yellow as your main color!

I, myself, am a fan of red delicious apples. They are the most traditional looking apple and because they are red, would incorporate a more traditionally autumn color scheme. You can pull colors from favorite apple desserts, such as caramel apples and apple pie, by grouping your deep, shiny apple red with a pallette made of caramel, a lighter shade of golden brown (think pie crust),  and a creamy ivory. The inspiration board below, courtesy of TheCakeBlog.Com, is an example of just how lovely an apple red wedding can be. It also shows how red, while typically considered dramatic, can also give a wholesome and earthy feel when used in the right places and combined with more subdued colors.

If you want your autumn wedding to look even more unique, try basing your colors around green and yellow apples. The muted yellow of a golden delicious apple and the vibrant green of a granny smith are both gorgeous shades.  Yellow would be wonderful paired with a September Sky Blue, reminding one of corn fields against a blue sky right before the harvest. Either yellow or green will look fabulous with a rich chocolate brown. If you prefer green, these apples are easy to find and will give the most unexpected color pallette for your fall wedding. These images, also found on TheCakeBlog.Com, show how a green and brown wedding offers an autumn feel with a modern flair.

Just in case you haven't gotten inspired enough, I wanted to offer a few suggestions on favors and decor. Cute apple peelers or boxed caramel apples are wonderful favors. Hot cider mixes or tiny jugs of spiced cidar are also unique ways to thank your guests for joining you. Don't forget about apple butter, mini apple pies, or applesauce - all easily made at home or purchased at bakeries and farmer's markets at this time of year. Of course you'll want to use  fresh apples in your centerpieces and decor. It isn't necessary to go too overboard with them, but clever touches like the adorable apple swag below will make guests smile. Swags can also be made of dried apple slices in all colors. You can use clean wooden sticks taken from nature to create decorative handles for your carmel apples. These ideas will help create a traditionally fall, crafty and wholesome look.  Get started on these delicious projects now! After all, there are only a few months to enjoy the season!

(Photo Credit Clockwise: Apple Swag: FactoryDirectCrafts.Com, Apple Cidar Mix: MyWeddingReceptionIdeas.Com, Apple Cake: TheWeddingWire.Com, Love's A Peel Apple Peeler: MyWeddingReceptionIdeas.Com)

 

~Jenna

Deliciously Rustic Fall Wedding Inspiration Board

While browsing over on Etsy, I came across these amazing salt shaker lights which immediately got my wheels turning. Wouldn't they make an absolutely adorable idea for wedding reception table lighting?  So unique and since many venues are putting their foot down about open flames, they are a great alternative.  You could even string them up outside to light the way for guests.  But why stop there when you could do a whole theme on a kitchen inspired motif?  (Even more perfect if you and your fiance are chefs.  But still just as cute even if your not).  In celebration of all the gourmet chefs at heart, here's a little rustic fall inspiration board inspired by all things kitchen.

Top: Place card escort chalkboard created by Unscene, mismatched vintage plates courtesy of Onada Photography, cheese plate photo by Matt Armendariz.
Middle: Salt and pepper shaker lights by surthrival of etsy.com, menu chalkboard courtesy of Beth Helmstetter Events, potted herb favors via In The Now Weddings and Events.
Bottom: Cocktails, homemade jam, and apples all courtesy of Matt Armendariz, vintage wedding dress and mirror photograph by Marlin Munoz.

Happy Planning,

Allie

Black Tie Elegance: Inspiration to Reality

A black and white wedding color scheme is one of the most versatile color themes to put together.  You can go glam with damask patterns, sparkle, and pops of pink or create a modern look by choosing elements that are classic and mixing them with clean lines and less ornate pieces.  To make a more modern and classic look come to life, here's a table setting to inspire you and all the little details you'll need to pull it off.

The Inspiration - Modern and Elegant Black and White Wedding Reception Table Setting

After creating a base of table linens/runners, choose a centerpiece that's clean and crisp.  Different varieties of white flowers will keep your look fresh while still adding visual interest.

1/2. Help guests find their seats with ease with round table numbers that can be seen from a distance.  The circular shape will tie in the classic lines of a modern look.  Carry this theme from start to finish, by placing the numbers in round table number holders.

3/4/5.  Tall pillar candles are a great way to add ambience and warmth to your table settings.  Keep your black and white color scheme by setting candles in glass cylinders filled with expanding water beads.

6. Add a subtle ornate decorative element to your each guest place setting by presenting escort cards on filigree favor cards, shown here in black to offset the white cup and saucer sets that sit next to them.

7.  The contemporary swirl pattern of these cup and saucer favors pulls in a modern element while still keeping a classy feel.  Set the cup and saucers at each plate for guests to enjoy.

8.  To create an eye-catching effect, the sparkle of these diamond ring napkin holders adds a Tiffany's feel to your classic palette and will catch the light from every angle  (giving guests another accent to ooh and ahh over....).  Add the napkin holders to black linen napkins to really make each guest place setting pop.

9/10. Add a hint of whimsy to your tables with adorable black and white bride and groom candy bags.  A great way to say thank you to guests, fill the bags with black and white colored candies to carry your color palette one step further.  Add matching bride and groom favor tags to complete the look.

11. To match those adorable engagement ring inspired napkin holders, diamond shaped candle holders will add more sparkle....and you can never have enough sparkle.

12.  Don't forget the finishing touches.  Adorable heart shaped interlocking salt and pepper shakers are a must come dinner time and match your palette.

Too add the final elements to your look, add plates/chargers, glassware to each guest place setting, silverware, and your look will truly be complete.  You can even hang a Victorian style chandelier over each table to give your look a Breakfast at Tiffany's feel.

Happy Planning!

Allie

Falling For a Lovebirds Theme - Inspiration to Reality

Since I am a hopeless romantic, a love bird wedding theme is one of my personal favorites.  Love doves have long been a symbol of romance, fidelity, and love.  Once a dove finds its mate, they've bonded forever and their love lasts a lifetime.  Perfectly fitting for wedding themes, don't you think?

Making a lovebird theme come to life at your wedding is easy to do.  With just a few nature inspired elements, you too can turn your inspiration into a reality.

1. Go simple with centerpieces - Stray for the normal floral arrangements and infuse these nature inspired wooden evergreen trees.  After your ceremony, encourage guests to take the centerpieces home as a keepsake from you special day.  Tip: Add visual interest by weighting cedar plants in glass votives with decorative rocks.

2. Set the tone of your love bird theme as soon as guests walk into your reception by assigning table numbers on these adorable love bird table numbers.

3.  So guests can easily see your table numbers, display them on tall table number holders.  Featuring a classic round silhouette.  The small compact design of these holders make them ideal for small spaces.

4. Frosted glass candle holders are one of the simplest ways to add warmth, ambience, and romance to your guest tables. The bonus leaf shape cutout design will cast around your reception hall also adding an element of nature.

5. Matching love bird tags, used here as place cards, will complement your love bird theme perfectly...and your adorable table numbers.  By keeping your design consistent through your stationery, your look ties together seamlessly without being overwhelming.

6. To hold those adorable place cards, lovebird card holders are a must.  So cute, your guests will love taking these home as favors, too!

7. & 8. To complement your nature infused table decor, wooden willow tree leaves and maple leaves will add dimension and a pop of color.  Tip: For the perfect finishing touch on your reception, tie natural grasses around your guest napkins for an easy and affordable napkin holder idea.

Happy Planning!

Allie

Something old, something new, something vintage inspired...

Whether you call it vintage, shabby chic, rustic, french bohemian, or country, the theme draws inspiration from the same place - real life with a touch of whimsy and a strong dose of nostalgia. Styles like these remind everyone of a more innocent and playful time in our lives when we were playing dress up in grandma's attic and catching fire flies in mason jars.

The great thing about this effect is that it is so easy to create! Thrift stores, attics, garage sales, and junk yards (yes, I did say junk yards) are just begging to be picked through to find the perfect something old to be your something new!  Mason jars, various mismatched wine glasses, vases, and toasting flutes can be found in abundance at these places for next to nothing. Also, never underestimate what can be found for free in some of the above mentioned places. Of course it takes a little work to clean it up and make it fabulous, but that is part of the fun!

You can play up this theme by incorporating vintage accessories in your wedding as well. Cute vintage inspired flasks and engraved compacts with an old hollywood look would be great gifts for the wedding party. Lacey flower girl baskets and accessory sets also fit right in. Check out the pictures below for more inspiration!

Photo Credit:

Vintage Inspired Flask, Flower Girl Basket, Round Compact, and Ivory Favor Boxes - myweddingreceptionideas.com. All other images courtesy of Green Wedding Shoes Blog.

Have fun!

~ Jenna

Vintage Sweet Shoppe Inspiration Board

Don't you wish we could all go back to the days of old-fashioned ice cream parlors and soda fountains?  Back when life was simple and the hardest decision you had to make was what flavor of ice cream to have.

Well, while I wander off and continue to have visions of ice cream cones and trips to the water hole, I hope you enjoy this vintage inspiration board I've put together in honor of past days.  Combining the light and airy shades of my three favorite flavors of sherbet ice cream; orange, raspberry, and grape.  What flavors would you put together? ~ Allie

Row 1: Bridesmaids dresses via Martha Stewart Weddings. Row 2: Mason Jars from Emerald Weddings, letterpress invitation by Starshaped Press of etsy.com. Row 3: Wine barrels via Jason and Anna Photography, purple bouquet from Martha Stewart Weddings.  Row 4: Bride and groom courtesy of Jason and Anna Photography.  Row 5: Flower bouquet and vintage bird seed favor via stylemepretty.com, photography by dandelionandgrey.  Row 6: Hanging dresses courtesy of Jason and Anna Photography