Fairly Fabulous

Summer is just around the corner and in our neck of the woods this means everyone is looking forward to the county fairs. Not only are they innocent entertainment for people of all ages, they are also like a slice of apple pie. As nostalgic and American as they come. In honor of this, I thought I would suggest bringing a little bit of that fair atmosphere into your outdoor wedding reception.

Some people are into the all-out theme receptions. For you, I say take this list of ideas and run (or potato sack race-hop) with them! For others who prefer to tone it down, consider incorporating only a few.

• Cotton Candy and/or Popcorn Machines
• Kissing Booths - which may be a cute substitute for a dollar dance!
• Photo Booths or a caricature artist!
• Hay bails covered in  cloth and secured with rope or ribbon to use as bench-like seating.
• Classic games such as a ball toss at a pyramid of glass bottles. I would advise against the "guess your weight/age" booths. This may not go over well with future in-laws.) These games would not even necessarily have to be working booths, but merely set up as part of the decor to give the impression of a fair.
• Fair Food! In the midwest this means funnel cakes, fresh doughnuts, caramel apples, and elephant ears. You could also have homemade ice cream and fresh baked pies set up as a mock baking contest. Or if you know some family members that want to contribute, you could actually have a baking contest.
• Drinks served in old fashioned soda bottles.
• Balloons, giant lollipops, and really the possibilities are endless!

These are just a few ideas. Choose what you love most about an old fashioned summer fair. One ambitious couple even rented a Ferris Wheel! Check out more photos from their carnival wedding here.

Of course this theme lends itself to a more casual, outdoor wedding reception or party. That doesn't mean your event can't look well-put together. Choose colors and materials carefully to present a polished look.

As always, have fun and be creative!

~Jenna

Photo Credit: Ferris Wheel Kiss - Edited version of an original photo by Glamour

An Eco-Friendly, Do-It-Yourself Wedding

The push for eco-friendly initiatives is everywhere, and this earth-loving mentality has spread to 2010’s wedding trends! Many brides are choosing to go eco-friendly while planning their wedding events. Purchasing a secondhand wedding gown, growing (and making) your own flower centerpieces, using recycled paper products for your invitations, and serving organic food at your reception are all ways to promote your environmentally savvy ingenuity.

When planning wedding favors there are several eco-friendly choises, from plantable flower seed placecards to eco-friendly note pads and pencil favors. Give Guests A Favor That Keeps the Wedding Spirit Going. The entire point of a wedding favor is to give your guests something that evokes a memory of your wedding celebration. Why not make the favor match the theme? Giving unique wedding favors such as seed packets allows them to create a growing memory of your special event. Seed packets are quickly becoming one of the more trendy wedding favors on the market, exactly because of their lovely finished product.

Some brides also decide to make wedding decorations themselves to save money – sew your own tablecloths from ‘green’ fabric or serve cocktails and drinks in recycled glassware. You could even have a donation bucket for an environmental cause of your choice, asking guests to chip in as part of your wedding gift.

Carrie

The Cricut for Cakes!

Yes! You heard right.  The famous Cricut has released a machine specially designed for cutting intricate cake and cupcake decorations called....you guessed it, the Cricut Cake.

If you are a scrapbooking fanatic like myself, then you've heard of the Cricut.  If not, here's a quick recap.  The Cricut machine is a DIYer's dream come true, introduced years back by the people at Provo Craft.  Their machine will cut intricate scrapbooking patterns out of paper at the press of a button.  Giving precious time back to scrapbookers and taking away the calluses.  Now, the Cricut designers have carried this genius idea over to the baking world.  How does it work?

All you have to do to knock out beautiful designs is load a thin sheet of gumpaste into the machine, select your design, and press cut.  Voila!  Great for novice bakers who are still working towards becoming the baking artist they dream about.  While some may argue that the machine takes the artist out of the creation and that it is technically cheating, I say potatoes, patatoes.  Whatever works for you.  Check out some of these inspirational photos to see the Cricket Cake in action.

How much you ask?  Well, while the Cricut Cake is a steep $400 bucks, if you love to bake and are apt to making gourmet treats, then this machine is the perfect investment for you.  To learn more, visit cricut.com.

Happy Planning!

Allie

Adding a Punch of Color to Your Wedding

Adding a punch of color to your wedding is a hot trend in 2010. Although white has long been the predominant color for brides, brighter dashes of color have become increasingly popular in recent years. Brides love the idea of using color to add a unique style to their weddings. A pop of color here and there is also a fantastic way to make your wedding attire feel custom.

Put some color into your hair. Headbands are a popular item among the 2010 brides and they can easily be customized. A simple fabric headband can be adorned with colorful crystals or can easily be wrapped in brightly colored ribbon. For a bit more pizzazz, add a brightly colored flower in your hair or several different color flowers. You could also add a brightly colored feather or flower onto you veil.

You may wish to consider a colorful accessory right on your wedding gown. A vintage inspired brooch can be pinned to the waist of a wedding dress for a dash of color and flair. A fabric or ribbon sash can be wrapped around the waist of a simple gown to quickly and easily transform it with color.

When you are thinking about wedding accessories, of course your shoes will be important. Even the most traditional bride can have fun with a pair of bright red pumps peeking out from her conservative white wedding gown. Colorful shoes are also a fabulous accent for short hemlines that have recently become so popular. Your accessories are a fantastic place to express your individuality and style, so have fun adding colorful accents that will make your bridal ensemble one-of-a-kind.

Carrie

Father's Day Gift Ideas

Father’s Day is a special day created for sons and daughters to express their love, appreciation and gratitude for their Dad or any special Father figure that has had a positive influence in their lives.

Gone are the days of purchasing unusual ties and grilling aprons, Dad’s today like receiving electronic gadgets, home improvement gift cards, a dinner or sporting event outing. A personalized gift such as a wallet, money clip, or pocket watch are classic ideas as a way to express your love and appreciation for all your Dad has done for you. He is sure to carry it with him wherever he goes and brag about the thoughtful Father’s Day gift from you.

Renee’

To my Dad, I love you!

They say that from the instant he lays eyes on her, a father adores his daughter. Whoever she grows up to be, she is always to him that little girl in pigtails. She makes him feel like Christmas. In exchange, he makes a secret promise not to see the awkwardness of her teenage years, the mistakes she makes or the secrets she keeps. - Unknown Author