Don't forget the flower girls!

With all the attention on the dazzling bride and her lovely bridesmaids, we mustn't forget the little "belles of the ball" -- the darling flower girls! And since spring is just around the corner, and these sweethearts are flower girls after all, I dug up other cute ideas for bringing florals to their look (aside from bouquets or baskets).

Credits

Handmade floral headband

Crystal bead bracelet with engraved sterling silver flower accent

Satin ballet slippers in floral hues

Floral-print ballet flats

Great "Kids Table" Centerpieces

Weddings are family affairs after all. So, it makes perfect sense to make it fun for the kids who come along (and less stressful for the adults who bring them!) by planning a table or two just for them!

And setting the tone for the kids tables are the centerpieces. I came across 2 great approaches for these:

1) keep those little hands busy with...

An "Activity Center"-piece

via Weddingbee

2) offer a healthy alternative to cake and candy with...

An "All Fruit" Arrangement

via Wedding by Color

The effort will be worth it. Recently, a nephew of mine came away from a wedding reception that had a fun kids table, saying, "They forgot to sing Happy Birthday, but that was a great party!"

Bridal Hair Combs

It's been fun seeing what's new in bridal hair adornments this past week! But the classic accessories are still very much around. Take decorative hair combs, for instance. Lovely accents for a bridal chignon or updo, whether you choose to go elegant floral...

Monique bridal hair comb by Velvet Owl, via Events by WE

...or quaint antique style.

Vintage inspired bridal hair comb, via Recycled Bride

These can peer prettily through a sheer veil during the ceremony. Then, once the veil comes off at the reception, voila! These beauties...including the bride, of course...really get a chance to shine!

Bridal Caps, Anyone?

While we're on the subject of bridal hair adornments, bridal caps can't be overlooked! Another hot trend on the bridal scene in recent months, these stylish accessories set a definite period look for a wedding.

These two gorgeous examples from Twigs & Honey (again!you can tell I just adore their stuff), for instance, I can just see on the bride at a dreamy Art Deco inspired wedding!

Eyelash lace trim bridal cap

Vintage inspired lace trim bridal cap

both via Luna and Chloe Weddings

Besides being just so beautiful, these lovely creations combine the practicality of a cap with the lacy romance of a veil.

Bridal Hair Adornments Go Vintage

With bridal bouquets going totally creative and innovative (as our recent posts show), bridal hair accessories are definitely keeping pace, too! While the classic lace-trimmed full veil will never totally disappear, look what precious creations designers have been coming up with as alternatives.

In the area of vintage weddings alone, I stumbled upon the absolutely lovely 2011 collection of bridal hair adornments by Myra Callan of Twigs & Honey. Whether you're the dainty and demure feathery accent type...

or the more daring and dramatic bejeweled head band type...

you've go to admit brides today are sooooooo lucky to have heavenly choices like these!

Foliage and Feathers Bouquets

What will they think of next?! Want something truly unique (and fragrant) for your bridal bouquet? Go with a charming all-foliage arrangement of  herbs!

Or for something truly show-stopping at a vintage-inspired wedding, why not a feather bouquet?

Credits: Herb bouquet / Feather bouquet

Seashells and Succulents Bouquets

The options for bridal bouquets just keep getting more creative and innovative. Here are two more gorgeous ones to add to your "how will I ever choose" list!

White seashell bouquet by Kimberly Aurora (via Bouquet Chic)

Succulents and roses bouquet by FlowerDuet.com 

(via Hearts and Flowers)

Butterflies and Bows Bouquets

Two more fabulous non-floral wedding bouquets for brides to consider! This time they're made with butterflies and bows. Lovely!

Artificial butterfly bouquet by Martha Stewart

Bouquet crafted from fabric ribbons 

(both via Helen Carter Weddings)

A Sweetly Heart Inspired Wedding Cake

Love this cute heart-inspired wedding cake! Makes you want to get married on Valentine's Day.

source: D'Pasteles Cake Shop and Cafe

Brooch and Button Bouquets

You've surely noticed that weddings today are incorporating more and more handmade elements. You see it in the decor, in guest favors, and even in the bridal party's attire and accessories--such as some ultra-creative, non-floral bouquets. This idea isn't exactly new. But it still continues to amaze me at what fabulous arrangements designers (and even brides themselves) have created from all sorts of materials!

Today's "Take Two" reminds us of what gorgeous wedding bouquets have been made from fancy brooches (both vintage and not) and decorative buttons. From sophisticated and elegant, to sweet and whimsical--you can choose a style for every type of wedding!

1. Two stunning bouquets (top) made entirely of floral brooches from Fantasy Floral Designs 
2. "Pretty in pink" all-button nosegay from RBK Creations via Helen Carter Weddings
3. Whimsical felt and button arrangement from Princess Lasertron via Wedding Bee Pro
4. Unstructured bouquet of brooches and buttons from Simply Stephy

"Take Two" Kickoff

Announcing! Here's my attempt at organizing my blog for the new year, by offering you two nuggets of wedding inspiration to take away with you per post. Hence, "take two"!

At the moment, I'm still suffering from "pre-spring fever." So anything with an air of freshness that has been worked into a wedding is sure to catch my eye. Take these two lovely ideas: an elegant cake embraced by wildflower vines and berry clusters, and fresh fruit centerpieces in the most irresistible colors. Now, aren't you just dying to work these into your spring wedding?

1. Fruit and flower adorned wedding cake from Wildflower Custom Cakes (via Paper Olive Blog)
2. Luscious green apple centerpiece from Simply Stated, A Real Simple Blog; and cheery lemon centerpiece from The Knot (both via The White Petal)

A Wedding Show for the Contemporary Bride

Exciting news! I happened to stumble across what should be a great experience for all you brides-to-be and wedding planners out there. If you can make it to Grand Rapids, Michigan next month, this is what Pearls Events and Paper Nest Designs have in store for you...

Following on the success of GRunveiled 2010, the organizers are now in the thick of preparing what promises to be an even more exciting show this year. They graciously offer a sneak peek of what they've got planned, plus of course allow you to register immediately. Wish I could go myself! But even if I can't, there no reason why I shouldn't pass on such great news, right? Happy GRunveiling!

More Flowers on My Mind

With the fashion and events worlds all abuzz about honeysuckle as Pantone's Color of the Year, can't help it if I've got more flowers on my mind! Or should I say, on the wrist?

It may seem a bit "Victorian" but I always thought those little nosegays worn on the wrist were so charming. Not to mention practical, too. At weddings, bridesmaids have to worry about keeping their formal purses safely at hand and holding up their skirts to avoid stepping on the hem. So a bouquet could be somewhat of a bother. Enter these mini, hands-free creations!

Wrist corsages like these make lovely bridal party accessories - serving the purpose of both floral accent and jewelry at the same time:

1. A lace-and-flowers cuff features honeysuckle blooms
2. Roses and berries create a bold red statement
3. Orchids and tiny asters make a refined combination
4. A pearl bracelet is adorned with purple orchids

Bringing in the Spring Florals

Looking forward to a beautiful spring wedding? Well, winter may linger a bit longer, depending on where you are. But weddings in February and March can begin the subtle shift from winter white to spring colors by bringing in soft florals. Bridal gowns can go flouncier and frillier, with floral accents worked into the design. Wedding cakes can mimic flower arrangements. Even accessories such as the bride's shoes can have dainty floral touches, while the bridesmaids' bouquets and the wedding party's jewelry can begin to incorporate the sweet pastels of spring!

1. A bridal gown from the Spring 2011 collection of Monique Lhuillier is abloom with gorgeous white roses
2. A wedding cake, designed by Sylvia Weinstock, is a stunning floral piece inspired by the French croquembouche
3. Silver and bead jewelry from Art Beads features vintage-style floral designs
4. A bridesmaid's bouquet from Living Fresh contains pastel-hued spring blossoms
5. Bridal shoes by Brianna Leigh have dainty little rosettes as accents

Delightful Christmas Treats for The Perfectly Sweet Ending

Christmas treats--a sweet inspiration board! From peppermint candy canes to ginger bread cookies, oh how the holidays can be so filled with yummy things to tempt the palate. Enjoy these treats with egg nog, rum-spiced coffee, or your favorite tea. Perfect as a dessert bar for a memorable winter wedding. Don't you just love the holidays?!

 

1- Christmas wedding cake from susiesscrumptioussweets.com
2- Peppermint candy cane cake from sonyasfamilyrecipes.com
3- Gingerbread cookies via countryliving.com
4- Peppermint swirl cupcake from fairytalefrosting
5- Red velvet whoopie pies from teeandcakes.com

Thanksgiving weddings!

For Thanksgiving, I'm just glad to be healthy! A Thanksgiving wedding is definitely a unique opportunity to highlight what you are grateful for.

For inspiration, think of a color palette in ivory, burnt orange, and brown. Consider adding touches of brilliant gold, too. And for my own take for this event:

Wedding cake with painted leaves
Bridal gown from Amsale - love the look of this gown with the gloves
An orange and yellow wedding bouquet
Cookie favors for guests from Eleni's

Halloween Wedding Cake Ideas - BOO!

Now that I've covered the color palettes of my favorite birthstones, I've decided to switch gears and focus on my next topic of interest. Halloween, of course! In this series, I'll be going over what's wacky, cool, and stylish when putting on a wedding during one of the funnest times of the year. And today, I'm kicking it off with my favorite wedding cakes. These four cakes really caught my eye and I'm sure you will be inspired just as much as me. {from left to right - click to enlarge}



Pumpkin Wedding Cake
A Nightmare Before Chirstmas Wedding Cake Theme
A "Wonky" Themed Cake
An Unusual Halloween Themed Cake

Green Wedding Color Palette

Seeing green ain't all that bad especially if it's the color of emerald. Truly one of my favorite birthstones. This brilliant stone brings to mind, a cool and chic palette that you can match up with easily in a monotone way or with hues such as navy blue or chocolate brown! In this design board, you will find that an emerald green can't be just as elegant as long as you apply it properly:

1. The Wedding Cake from Venus Cakes
2. The Bridesmaid Dress from jlm couture
3. For the Groom, a lovely striped tie to wear from the Tiebar
4. Crisp green and white wedding invitations
5. Mint chocolate squares for guests! Put them in a white sachet bag and they're ready to give.
6. Don't forget the engagement ring, of course!

A Red Ruby Wedding Color Palette

I'm totally seeing red right now! A ruby wedding color palette is one that speaks classic elegance no matter what season of the year. Match red with black and you've got a totally modern yet sophisticated look. When paired with brown, you can instantly turn the palette into a modern and chic one. For a more daring combination, a gold and red pairing simply says opulent and glamorous! My personal favorite is a black and red palette:   

The Dress from Jenny Yoo
The Invitations from tgkdesigns.com
The Cake from Sweet Retreat in Canada
The Ruby Diamond Engagement Ring from bluenile.com
The Party Favor Fillers from candydirect.com

Topaz Wedding Color Palette

Whether you call it light blue or sky blue, topaz still remains one of my favorite birthstones. While you would think that the December birthstone would be something like blue or red, this pretty blue stone steals my heart away especially if you think about the "something blue something borrowed" aspect of as wedding. And who doesn't have something that is blue!? Imagine a topaz palette that is matched with gold or silver. You can even consider pairing it with a lovely hue of pink or fuchsia for a truly girly palette! Check out my favorites below:

Jlm Couture bridesmaid dress - gorgeous blue hue!
Light blue cake with scrolls via Flickr user Diane's Sweet Treats
Invitations from Southall Eden - unusual yet elegant color pairing
Topaz engagement ring from Diamond.com
Light blue candy coated chocolate balls via Amazon.com

A Blue Sapphire Wedding Palette

I'm thinking of sapphire this September! So classy a color and teeming with refinement. It speaks conservative, but also elegant at the same time. You can match it up with a variety of hues from ivory to fuchsia. Sapphire was also the color of Princess Diana's engagement ring so this brings loads of style and class with it. The inspiration board below shows just how you can match a sapphire blue palette:  

from left to right: 

A navy blue tuxedo from neimanmarcus.com
Navy blue and white wedding cake via swankcakedesign.com
V-neck taffeta bridesmaid dress via davidsbridal.com
Blue hyrdangea bridal bouquet via flowersbyboots.com
Crisp blue wedding invitations from sandstoneweddinginvitations.com
Diamond ring via bluenile.com

Apple Green Wedding Color Palette

Peridot is the birthstone for August! So, I went nuts over this pretty hue of apple green, which became my inspiration for putting together this inspiration board consisting of apple green and lemon. Imagine crafting a color palette matching this color with anything from plum to chocolate brown. You can even infuse some touches of gold to make it truly glamorous! And of course, don't forget it can also be coordinated with vibrant hues of fuchsia, yellow, and orange. Check it out:




Gorgeous cake made with buttercream and topped with lilies
via http://thatsmycakeblog.blogspot.com

Strapless silk bridesmaid dress from AnnTaylor.com - luv the pretty sash and bow

Apple green wedding invitations via ModernGirlInvitations.com

Cymbidium orchid bouquet via Designsbyhemingway.com in Hawaii

14Kt peridot engagement ring via Ross-simons.com - luv the pretty diamond accents

Citrine Wedding Color Palette - Oh WOW!

I seem to be on a jewel hunt lately! Citrine is my next adventure with its beautiful yet understated elegance. Imagine yourself in a citrine-inspired wedding decorated with sparkly details of this wonderful stone. I can highlights of gold painted with soft touches of ivory, ecru, or vanilla cream. The look is just stunning! Think of Hollywood glamour here! The following are my favorite elements to put this scene together:



The Wedding Invitations via wedding-calligrapher.com/
The Citrine Engagement Ring via diamond.com/

The Bridesmaid Dresses via modcloth.com/
Wedding Cake with Gold Accents via sugarcraft.com/
The Shoes by Stuart Weitzman via amazon.com/

Purple Wedding Color Palette

I'm somewhat mesmeried by the color purple. It's one of those colors that's mysterious yet the more you get to know the color, the more elegant it becomes. Whether you choose to have a monochromatic palette of purple or a combination of colors, purple will speak to you as if it is saying "c'mon, do you dare try me?" Here, I've put together a few of my favorite purple themed wedding items:

view from left to right




Amethyst & Diamond Ring - gorgeous rock via Max & Chloe. Be sure to see the matching earring set!

Purple and black wedding cake via Jeneza Cakes in Utah - love the look of these gum paste flowers!

Bridesmaid dress via helenebridal.com - the taffeta fabric is so luxurious! I think this can also make a beautiful substitute for a wedding gown, if you don't plan on having any bridesmaids. Think unconventional here!

Twig purple invitation via zazzle.com - so simple yet chic

Remember that purple comes in varying shades from lavender to aubergine, so consider how to match these colors by deciding on what shade you want to use. For instance, do you want the look dramatic with a dark shade or one that is light and elegant with lilac. And then find matching hues to coordinate with these colors.

Inspiration Board for A Fall Wedding Theme

While we may be almost a month and a half away from fall, I just decided to fall into autumn anyways! This fall-inspired inspiration board sums all that I could imagine for a romantic autumn wedding with vibrant hues that seemingly bring the beauty of the outdoors in.


images via
1 - Fall Ivory Cake from Sedona Wedding Cakes - featuring dark ivory fondant with chocolate swirls and sugar flowers

2 - Orange Callas from Beautiful Blooms - I can't say enough about this! Speechless!

3 - Brown Bridesmaid Dress from Eden available at Perfect Bridal

4 - Organza Wrapped Porcelain Boxes from Bellenza

5 - Floral Chiffon Wedding Dress from David's Bridal

6 - Maple Leaf Invitation by Vera Wang from FineStationery

Wacky Wedding Venues

I was feeling a bit quirky today, so it seemed logical to come up with some wacky ideas for wedding venues. After all, sometimes, you need to see something totally off the wall to be able to get those creative juices going!

One of the ideas that I stumbled upon was a wedding in a bowling alley. For all of you avid bowlers, this would be wonderful theme idea!

Check out this article "Bowling alley wedding: How creativity is priceless in a bad economy."

Or how about attending camp? This couple had an entire weekend of camp activities leading up to their wedding ceremony. It's a fun-filled event that can get everybody involved. Also perfect for acquainting the two sides of the bride and groom. Check out "The Bride Wore Bug Spray."

Do wild animals and an African safari interest you? Then perhaps you can have a wedding in a zoo. The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical garden features the perfect wedding location!

A Wedding by a Golf Course TPC Valencia

If you're an avid golfer, you will most likely be familiar with TPC golf courses, which brings me to today's idea for a wedding by a golf course. The TPC in Valencia is one example! You can have a breathtaking golf course wedding overlooking the beautiful Santa Clarita valley. The venue itself can accomodate parties as small as 40 to as larger 250 or more guests. You can even have a lovely ceremony wedding by the golf course. They also have menu packages for brunch and breakfast so it's great when you're watching your budget. Check out the place:

Real Life Artwork for your Wedding

I was at the dentist's office yesterday and stumbled upon my favorite magazine Dwell where I found a company called CanvasPop! It's basically a cool way of putting any photo into a life-sized canvas. They offer various dimensions and layouts for the canvas. Best of all, you get to customize the look yourself using their various online tools. I say that this is a great way to personalize your wedding with a life-size shot of your engagement pics. Or how about as a lovely way of decorating your guest book table. Check 'em out at www.canvaspop.com!

Ball gown wedding dress from Pronovias

I must be a hopeless romantic for ball gown wedding dresses have always been my favorite! And the 2011 collection from Pronovias is a must-see. They're all gorgeous, but my absolute favorite is this one (Felisa):



Just imagine a romantic church wedding in a historic church as your setting. Or an elegant garden location in a botanical garden. Then consider bridesmaid dresses in a summer color like aqua or apricot! The groom is all dressed up in an ascot tie, while your groomsmen are handsomely attired in tuxedos. It's definitely a wedding fit for a princess!

Would you sign a pre-nup?

Yes, I do, but wait. Please sign here first! Would you sign a pre-nup? Read about it in the WSJ article: I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Sign Here

Alternatives to Bridesmaid Dresses

Today, I am looking beyond traditional. In fact, it's all about going out of the box and unconventional. When you think about bridesmaid dresses, you probably won't consider prints and florals, but they can be just as pretty! Perfect as an alternative to traditional bridesmaid dresses, which have no printed patterns at all. So, if you want to try something totally different consider these dresses that I found at Nordstrom's:

Paisley dress by Ralph Lauren


Halter dress by Donna Morgan - me like a lot!! so pretty!


Cutout neck cotton sheath dress by Arthur S. Levine


And one you find that perfect outfit, dress it up! Add a pretty accessory like a bangle. Match it up with some lovely shoes and end finish it up with an elegant purse. Just remember to add accessories!

The Wedding Registry - Tips To Keep you Sane

Ah, the wedding registry! If you've ever had to put one together, it can be both fun and nerve wrecking simply because there are so many things to consider. But before you bonkers, let me give you a few tips to remember.

1) First think of the essentials like dinnerware and linens. This is best done with an exhaustive list.

2) Register at places that make the lists easily accessible. I personally love stores like Sur La Table, Williams Sonoma, and Pottery Barn. It's best to limit the list to a few stores because when there are too many stores, you won't be able to keep track of the things you've chosen.

3) Keep the list manageable so that you actually do get what you want.

4) Share the list with your fiance and see if it is realistic. You may end wanting so many things that it will end up sitting in the closet forever.

5) Identify things that you absolutely want to have, but be sure to consider the prices. We don't want to break etiquette here. For example, the Cuisinart® PartyPop Popcorn Maker would definitely be on my list:

via Sur La Table


Among other things in the "want" list, coffee maker, toaster oven, microwave, and food processor. These are appliances that you will surely use!

The Cutest Little Flower Girl Dresses from JCrew

I'm going small today. Small as in turning my attention to the littlest members of the wedding entourage. The flower girl! And when it comes to looking for cute dresses, J Crew has some of the nicest pieces. Some may find them pricey, but they're just oozing with cuteness! Take these three lovely ones:

Coral, sleeveless with ruffles


Pink organza with tulle underlay - luv this! it's on sale, too!


Metallic gilded with crinkled design - unusual yet pretty, too.


And if you find that these are a bit over your budget. Get creative with the outfits. Try dressing them up as little ballerinas or fairies with wings. Or consider other costumes that would be appropriate. These are ideal for an elegant garden ceremony in the summer. Imagine that!

Casual Wedding Attire for Beach Weddings

With the lingering effects of the past recession, I think casual weddings are definitely a mainstay this season! Consider going casual without going totally informal by having a "smart" casual look. The look I'm talking about is especially ideal for a beach wedding! So today I'm focusing on how you can dress up for your wedding this summer sans the tux and formal gown, but still being high on style.

Enter first the groom! For him, I suggest the Seersucker sport coat from Brooks Brothers. A Cuban straw hat would look equally handsome as well. If you don't want to have a bowtie, a tie would work, too.

via Brooks Brothers


And for the bride, I just love this white eyelet sheath dress from Talbot's. It's simply elegant. Imagine yourself with a beautiful hydrangea bouquet while outfitted in this dress. Accessorize your look with a lovely shawl or wrap because beach weddings can get cool at night!

via Talbot's


If you tally up the total you'll spend on the above outfits, you won't be spending any more than $500-800 total. Plus, you can wear them again. Lastly, with the money that you will save on your wedding attire, what do you do? Splurge on your honeymoon, baby.

Classic Weddings of the 50s

Today is about looking back. Way back at weddings during the 50s. Romantic, nostalgic, and pure elegance is what comes to mind. It is also so inspiring to have a wedding crafted in the style of stars such as Grace Kelly or Audrey Hepburn. Imagine what it would be like?! Check out the wedding galleries at Life Magazine, they cover great pics which offer up not only the fashion of the time, but you will also notice the photography style is also quite unique!

via Life


Be sure to see their slideshow on Royal Weddings and other classic weddings, too!

Chartreuse Wedding Color Palette

Chartreuse. I just love the name as much as the color itself. It is versatile and can be matched up with a beautiful hue of purple to a sunny shade of orange. You can even pair it nicely with aqua or brown. See the possibilities! This wonderful color is also elegant and understated. To build your own color palette, consider these options below from your bridesmaid dress to the invitations:

Chartreuse A-line tea-length bridesmaid dress - via JLM Couture


Oak tree invitation - via minted.com


Grid pattern wedding cake - via LovinSullivanCakes.com


Bride's Bouquet (Cymbidium Orchids) - via Dellables.com