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

Ice Cream Wedding Buffet Ideas

I absolutely love the idea of having an ice cream buffet instead of a candy buffet for your wedding. We have been withering away in the heat this summer and what a great way to cool off your guest but with a nice scoop of ice cream. Having an ice cream buffet at your wedding reception also adds an element of summer time fun to your event. Guests will love customizing their own sundaes with a variety of toppings.

Here are some ideas for creating your own ice cream buffet.

ICE-CREAM

Fill a metal or plastic tub with ice to keep your ice cream cold. If possible I would have a friend, family member or caterer serve the ice cream to avoid messy situations. There are also many companies on the internet that will rent soft serve ice cream machines.

ICE-CREAM TOPPINGS

This is when the fun begins. Add all of your favorite toppings to the buffet table. You can use large glass jars or bowls and fill them with shaved coconut, rainbow sprinkles, chocolate sprinkles or even fresh fruit. Of course you will want to include hot fudge and caramel. Be creative and add lots of color to your buffet table with different toppings.

ICE-CREAM SUNDAE DISHES

Find some cute ice cream sudae dishes. The dishes can also be a favor to your guest if you send them home with the dishes. Another idea for dishes would be to use personalized plastic cups. You can have the cups personalized for your wedding and have your guest make their yummy sundaes in the cups.

Now you have all you need to create a beautiful ice cream buffet for your wedding. Go all out; ice cream brings out the child in us all. Happy Shopping!!

Carrie

Photo Credit : Ice Cream/Float bar @ http://www.bridefly.com

Hassle-Free Delivery of your Wedding Accessories, Gifts and Favors

Planning a wedding has so many details to include from ordering your dress to ordering favors for your guests. When placing on-line orders for your wedding accessories, gifts or favors it’s a good idea to verify production time for personalized and non-personalized items. In most cases, production and processing of your order does not include delivery time.

UPS, FedEx and USPS are some of the most popular companies that on-lines stores use as a method of shipping orders. Your order is assigned a tracking or receipt number when it ships from the production facility and makes it easy for you to view the scheduled delivery date.

When you track your order, you will know the exact date to expect delivery. If you are not going to be available to sign for the package, leave a note at your door instructing the driver to leave your package in a designated location. Another option is to have your packages ship to a neighbor, family member or friend who is available to sign for your package. A required signature, in most cases and unless you specify, is left to the discretion of the delivery driver as he or she may feel comfortable in leaving your package at the front door.

One thing to remember when placing on-line orders, UPS and FedEx will not deliver a package to a PO Box. Always enter your house number, physical street address that includes Street, Avenue, Road, Circle, Court, Terrace, Boulevard, ect. If you live in an apartment, enter your apartment number, Suite and/or Building number. This information is critical and if not provided, will delay delivery to you or in some cases, the package is returned to the shipper and you may be charged to have the package resent after the correct address is obtained.

Add the following links to your ‘Favorites’ to easily track your packages and ensure delivery to you before your wedding day.

http://www.ups.com/WebTracking/track?loc=en_US

http://www.usps.com/shipping/trackandconfirm.htm

http://www.fedex.com/us/pckgenvlp/track/index.html

Renee’

It's National Ice Cream Month!

Yes, it's National Ice Cream Month.  For all you fellow ice cream lovers out there, we actually have an entire month dedicated to this savory, o-so-delicious dessert.  And if that wasn't enough to have you jumping out of your seats, this Sunday is National Ice Cream Day.  For those who didn't know, here's a short back-story to get you caught up on your history...

In 1984, Ronald Reagan designated the month of July as National Ice Cream Month and also appointed the third Sunday in July as National Ice Cream Day.  He realized that nearly 90% of the nation consumed ice cream and felt it necessary to recognize the growing popularity stating that these two events should be observed and celebrated with ceremony and activity.

So in the spirit of Reagan, go on and indulge (After-all...it is a national holiday).  If you're super ambitious, why not try and create your own homemade ice cream?  A great reason to have a cookout, invite your friends, family, and the kiddies over to compliment you on your amazing skills.  To get you started, here's a super delicious old-fashioned strawberry ice cream recipe courtesy of Allen from eatingoutloud.com.  Get the full scoop here.  (Shown here served up in ceramic ice cream bowls inspired by old-fashioned sundae bowls.)

Homemade Fresh Strawberry Ice Cream

Prep-time: 1 hour
Cook Time: Approximately 40 minutes

What you'll need:
For the sweet cream base:
2 large eggs
3/4 cup sugar
2 cups heavy cream (or whipping cream)
1 cup milk

Strawberries:
1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/3 cup sugar
juice from 1/2 lemon
zest from 1 lemon (optional)

Equipment:
Ice-cream maker

Combine strawberries, lemon juice/zest, and 1/3 cup sugar.  Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Once strawberries have refrigerated, prepare the sweet cream base.  Whisk eggs in a bowl until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.  Slowly whisk in the sugar and continue whisking for a minute longer.  Add the cream and milk, stir until fully combined.

Combine the strawberry mixture into the sweet cream base.  Pour into an ice-cream mixer and mix according to mixer instructions.  After your mixture reaches a soft-serve consistency, place into freezer to finish firming up and enjoy! ~ Allie

Mini Cakes Inspire Big Smiles!

Bigger is not always better. Especially when considering the growing cupcake and mini cake trend for weddings and parties. These adorable little cakes make it easy to give each person their own personal cake. This is a great way to make guests feel like your event has been centered around making them happy. Often cupcakes and mini cakes are displayed in tiers to create the silhouette of a traditional wedding cake. There are many other ways to use them, however.

One cute idea, is setting a mini cake or cupcake at each place setting. For cupcakes, a pick can be inserted that holds place cards or has a pennant attached for each guest's names. The mini cakes themselves can have the guest's names iced on them or on a cute little tag like the gift box shaped cakes above. If this idea doesn't appeal to you, they can be also arranged in smaller tiers to serve as the table centerpiece with a table number topping it off.  These would make a beautiful, unique, and delicious way to show your guests their place in the seating arrangement. Personalized cupcake boxes with clear windows will display and protect your treats until guests wish to enjoy them. You can either place the cupcakes in them before guests arrive, or just have some on hand for guests to transport the goodies home.

If you like little, then you will love the idea of Cake Pops, which takes cake down from individual portions to individual mouthfuls. These adorable Cake Pops are made of crumbled cake, frosting, and a melted candy coating all on top of a lollipop stick. They can be arranged by inserting sticks into a foam ball, cone, or block. They can also be covered with a cellophane wrapper and tied with a bow and tag to give as edible favors.

The instructions for how to make these and other styles of Cake Pops can be found on Bakerella.

My favorite part about the mini trend is all the room for creative license. It is also a great idea for those of us who like to "DIY", but may not have enough baking experience to make a traditional wedding cake. The most difficult part would be saving some for the party!

~ Jenna

(Photo Credit: Mini Cakes from The Sugar Syndicate. Wedding Cake Pops from Bakerella)