Personalized Memorial Wedding Ideas

A wedding is so much more than just the union of two people; it's about joining families together. More wedding couples are incorporating some type of memorial for close friends and family members who have passed away or cannot attend the wedding.

If either of you have recently lost a close friend or family member, you can display a nice framed picture along with a short paragraph, poem or verse as guests walk in to sign your guest book. Display a personalized memorial vase or candle holder and have your officiate say a few words during your ceremony. Another option is to decorate a table at your reception with a memory board where guests can view at any time. There are an abundant of wedding memorial ideas and options for those who cannot attend your wedding and still be a significant part of your day in spirit and in remembrance.

Warmest Wishes,

Renee'

Breaking Away From Traditional Bridesmaid Dresses

More and more brides today are breaking away from traditional taffeta bridesmaids gowns and opting for more modern, wear-again dresses.  Long gone are the days of puffy sleeves and matchy-matchy attire.  Brides want their bridesmaids to feel just as beautiful as they do on their wedding day.  With that in mind, traditional bridal stores are no longer the shops of choice to find dresses.  Brides are breaking barriers and finding their inspiration in all venues, from small boutiques to large corporation chains.

These beautiful sheer silk georgette dresses are designed by Kostas Murkudis and available at andreamurkudis.net.  Talk about a horse of a different color.  These stunning dresses come in 143 colors with a possible 21,000 color combinations when you layer one on top of the other.  The possibilities are endless.  Such a fabulous way to give your bridesmaids wearable fashion while still meeting your wedding day vision.  Check out all the other color options over at style bubble.


Other increasingly popular spots for finding bridesmaids dresses are chain stores like anthropologie and jcrew.  Choosing a corporate store is a great way to keep all your bridesmaids in the same dresses but still give them a dress they will love.  Because, many stores will be able to inventory a larger number of the same dress style.  Another great idea is to choose a different style for each girl but the same color.  Many larger corporations will carry multiple dress styles and will be able to provide many of them in the same color.  Give your girls the color you want, the store, and tell them to go shopping. (Above photo credit - J Crew bridesmaids dresses courtesy of goode green photography)

More adventurous brides have opted to mix-and-match their gown styles by hitting local thrift shops and vintage stores.  The upside of going this route is that your dresses are likely to be very inexpensive and one-of-a-kind.  Downside...you may have to set aside a lot of time and dedication to finding dresses in the right sizes and ones that match your color scheme.

Happy Planning!

Allie

Savoring Summer with these Outdoor Wedding Favors

While walking through the stores this weekend I noticed back to school supplies are out and fall and Halloween decorations are sneaking their way on to the shelves. It makes part of me long for the crisp air and crunch of leaves that autumn brings, but another part of me refuses to give up summer without a fight! We have a good month and a half of summer weather left here in the Midwest! In honor of that, here are some ideas for those who love the sunny outdoors! 

Enjoy and help preserve the outdoors with ecofriendly favors such as plantable seed packets, polished rock place card holders, and adorable notepads that definitely remind me of climbing trees as a kid. You can also find other nature inspired decor,  like natural wood plaques, at most craft stores. These would look adorable with initials or table numbers carved into them.

Photo Credit: Martha Stewart Living

You can also give guests a little bit of nature to take home with them. Small bouquets wrapped in a cone of pretty paper can be hung with ribbon along chairs or placed in an arrangement for guests. A sign reading "take your pick!" can be placed near the flowers to be sure guests know that they are not merely part of the decorations.  Another way to incorporate fresh flowers in your favors is by giving hair clips, corsages, and boutonneires made by you or your florist. These can be pinned to a linen covered peg board for guests to choose from. If flowers are too fussy for you, potted plants and herbs are a great way to go!

Photo Credit: Martha Stewart Living

If you will have your event outdoors, be sure to provide plenty of water and shade for guests. If no trees or tents are available, you can always provide paper parasols and hand fans. Fans can serve a double purpose if you have your wedding programs printed on them. It is also considerate to provide sunscreen and bug repellant wipes, or have citronella candles lit to keep away uninvited guests.

Today's summer wedding favors are available in a wide range of themes and styles to accomodate any outdoor wedding reception or party.

Remember, it is sunny days with friends and family that will keep you warm through the winter months!

~Jenna

Back To School Lunch Bags

More and more Moms today are packing bagged lunches for their children. Whether you are trying to save money, eating organic or just trying to provide a nutritional meal for your child, lunch bags are a necessity. Your child will love picking out his or her own bag color and adding his or her name and design to their very own lunch bags. This is also a great way to keep your child’s lunch from getting mixed in with the other bagged lunches at school.

Personalized lunch bags can also be used as snack bags for sporting events or field trips. Add your school logo onto a lunch bag and have them printed in your school colors to add some fun and personalization to your next school event.

Carrie

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