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

Bright Ideas for Candle Centerpieces

Candles are a classic way to bring charm and romance to your wedding or event. You can go the simple route and plop down a candle in the middle of the table, but there are so many ways to be creative when using candles on your big day. Here are some ways to light up your event.

One of my favorite ideas is using long neck vintage glass bottles for candle holders. These can be found at garage sales and thrift stores or in your own kitchen (after you have used all of the wine for "cooking" of course.) Tall tapered candles can then be stuck into the mouth of the bottle. This looks the most authentic when the candle has burned for a little while and the wax has been allowed to drip down the bottle. If you do not like the idea of letting the wax drip, you can purchase wine bottle stoppers that actually have candle holders on them. These are adorably called "wine bottle-abras." Don't be too concerned with finding a ton of matching bottles for your candle holders. Variation in the height and glass color will only create a more interesting and eye-pleasing arrangement.

If you like the idea of using wine bottles for your candle holders, you may also enjoy using wine glasses. Here you can, once again, go for simple and elegant by placing a single small votive candle in the glass. For more customized looks add flower petals, sand and sea shells, shiny stones, or virtually anything that fits your wedding theme to the bottom of the glass and set the candle on top.  You can also cover the glass with an adorable wine-glass lamp shade. These can be purchased, but can also be homemade. For the do-it-yourselfers out there, Casasugar.com has great instructions on how to make these fun shades.

Lastly, if you are having an outdoor or evening event, paper bag luminaries can create a pleasant glow to light pathways or accent any area you would like to draw attention to. For example; the perimeter of an outdoor dance floor or on the floor along the front of the bridal party's table. Flame resistant bags can be purchased for this purpose, but any white or light colored paper bag can be used.  Personalized paper bags would look great backlit with a flameless LED candle. Just add a little sand or rice to keep the bags weighted.

~ Jenna

Photocredit clockwise from top left:  1. Vintage bottle candle holders from Design Shrine 2. Colored glass bottles from Shamrock Affiliations 3. Paper bag luminaries from Bridal Buds 4. DIY Wine Glass Lamp Shades from Casa Sugar.

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