Get Inspired! Pretty Peacock Inspiration Board

There is something about seeing a peacock fan its magnificent feathers that just draws me in.  It's like I get sucked into this sort of wonderland and can't look away.  Before I know it, I find myself staring in awe and amazement.  Peacocks are truly one of the most beautiful of God's creations and have thus inspired me to create a wedding palette in celebration of their majestic colors.  I bring you cobalt blue with emerald and lime green.  Heeeello fabulous.  Happy Planning! ~ Allie

Top: Peacock image from Flickr, bridesmaids dresses via theknot.com.
Middle: Green hydrangeas wedding bouquet courtesy of Blooms by Martha Andrews, blue and green satin slipper shoes via Kate Kelly Photography, blue dahlia ring from Floria of etsy.com, diamond and sapphire engagement ring courtesy of Kate Kelly Photography.
Bottom: Letterpress invitation from Bella Figura, groomsmen photo op courtesy of Our Labor of Love, white satin wedding shoes courtesy of Ryan Phillips Photography, peacock feather headpiece from Piper Riley Designs via etsy.com.

Choosing the Correct Favor Boxes for Your Wedding Favors

If you want all the details to be just right on your wedding day consider using favor boxes for your wedding favors. Instead of just putting favors on the tables for the reception you can put them in beautiful favor boxes. Wedding favors are always very appealing when they come in adorable packaging. Here are some things that you need to consider when choosing favor boxes for your wedding guests.

-How big are the tables for the reception? How are the tables decorated? You need to take these two things into account because you do not want to get wedding favor boxes that are too large for the tables. Plus you want the boxes to look right on the tables.

-You need to know what favors you will actually be putting into the wedding favor boxes so that they will fit appropriately. Make sure that you measure the favors so that they will fit into the boxes nicely.

- Decide what color of boxes you would like. Favor boxes can come in several different color options. This is the fun part. Pick colors that will coordinate well with your wedding colors and other decorations. Favor boxes when placed correctly can also be a part of the table décor.

To get some ideas for the wedding favor boxes you should shop around on the internet. There are great photos and ideas of how to incorporate the favor boxes onto your wedding tables. Talk to your friends and family to see what they suggest. They will be guests at your wedding after all, so why not have them help you choose the perfect wedding favors and boxes for your special day? They may have ideas that you never thought of.

Carrie

Wedding Tip: Insure Your Wedding Rings

Everyone knows that diamonds are a girl’s best friend and every bride will treasure her engagement ring and wedding band for the rest of her life. That’s why it’s so important to have the rings insured.

We’ve all heard stories of people being robbed while on vacation both inside and outside of the country. Tourists and vacationers are easy targets because criminals assume we have money and valuables. Whether it’s a face-to-face robbery or a staff member at your resort stealing from your room, it happens.

Along with insuring your rings consider buying a fake diamond ring if you frequently travel outside the United States. To the naked eye, it’s hard to tell the difference between cubic zirconium, moissanite (lab created diamond), and swarovski crystal, which are all great substitutes for diamonds and can be purchased inexpensively.

Establish the value of your rings by having them appraised by a certified jeweler. Check your homeowners or renters insurance policy which will most likely include coverage for a limited amount of jewelry. The limit of coverage applies to all jewelry you own, so be sure to consider the value of all your jewelry before deciding if that is enough coverage. Compare rates before you insure your ring with your local jeweler or a jewelry insurance specialist. Places like Jewelers Mutual will offer an online quote, so you can compare costs and coverage. Insurance will never replace the sentimental value of your wedding ring, but it can give you some peace of mind and protect your investment.

Renee'

Memorable Memorial Days

Memorial Day is just around the corner.  It is time to start firing up the grills and preparing for a group of people to trample your backyard! An abundance of awesome food and cold drinks is an unspoken must. There should be no plate or cup left unfilled. Aside from these elements, here are some ways to create a truly memorable outdoor party.

Give guests something that they can use at the party, but also take home as a memento. For outdoor parties these things can be reusable plastic cups personalized with a family name, design, or event date. Line with a plastic bag and fill with peanuts, candy, or drink mixes. That way guests can remove the goodies inside and use the cup for the party.  You can also place personalized matchbooks on the tables for guests to light candles later in the night and then take home with them. These are just a few examples. Use what you know about your guests to gear the party favors toward things that they are interested in.

Give your guests something to do. If the day is a hot one set out inexpensive squirt guns or a tub full of water balloons and let the "kids" have at it. Slip and slides (a.k.a a large sheet of plastic and a water hose) are also fun for kids or adults. (Though alcohol may be required for the second group.) If your party lasts into the evening a bonfire is easy entertainment when marshmallows are provided. If you have access to a lap top and can rent a projector, hang a white sheet on the side of the house or garage and make your own "drive-in movie."  Another favorite past time for summer parties that last late into the night is a card game. You can even send guests home with a deck of personalized playing cards.

Create a carefree, easy going, atmosphere. Part of why we love outdoor parties is the ability to get messy and let go of the stress we normally carry around with us. You can do this by providing entertainment, as mentioned above. Don't bring out your heirloom tablecloths or fine china. Stick to plastic or disposable plates and cups.  This will help guests feel at ease as well. You can also provide conversation starters cleverly blended into the party supplies. Styrofoam cups or paper napkins with funny quotes are a great way to do this. You could even go one step further and attach labels to the bottom of plates or cups that are printed with silly conversation topics or fun questions to ask the closest person.

It is these  fun and  personal touches that will make the day and night amazing.

Have fun!

~Jenna

Photo credit: Watermelon from liveearth.org

Get Inspired! Cornflower Blue and Yellow Inspiration Board

Hopefully you all had a beautifully, sunshine filled weekend.  Spring is definitely in the air and I can't help but get that warm and fuzzy feeling from the anticipation of fresh flowers and good weather.  If you live in our neighborhood, than you're still waiting for the warm air to hit, but one can still dream of days to come.  Till then enjoy this fresh spring inspired wedding inspiration board created from a palette of cool cornflower blue, refreshing daffodil, and golden marigold.  Happy Planning! ~ Allie

Top: Blue dress from Florahenri, blue and white gingham wrapped bottles from Martha Stewart, blue and gold wedding bouquet from The Green Vase photography by Troy House.
Middle: Chinese lantern photo from SWS, image of blue pinstripe suit and yellow daffodils courtesy of Ryan Phillips Photography
Bottom: Blue ribbon from cornflowerblue.com, calligraphy by Betsy Dunlap Calligraphy, lemon mason jars from SWS, yellow dress from Florahenri.