Happy Friday everyone! After a long week, we’re ready to hit the beach this weekend…which got us naturally thinking about all the beach weddings coming up this summer. If sandy, sunny nuptials sound like a tropical dream, we’ve put together a few must-haves that let you celebrate in style!
Let’s tackle centerpieces first. Beach weddings can range from chic and casual to refined elegance. Whatever your style, use your natural surroundings as your decor manual. Simple touches like natural sugar starfish (also work great for invitations and place card holders), tabletop tiki torches, or even natural driftwood branches used as table decorations play up on the beachy vibe. Charger plates add a pop of color and texture to your table scape in pretty beach colors such as aqua blue charger plates, ocean blue charger plates. Or embrace beach chic style with rattan chargers in brick brown, honey brown, or sand brown.
With a carefree and relaxed vibe, beach weddings often leave guests with a feeling of not wanting to return home to the “real world” right away. Therefore, give your guests mementos that will remind them of their seaside vacation. Candies in starfish burlap favor bags or personalized favor bags, personalized tote bags, and key chain favors such as starfish chains, mini flip flops are always favorites.
Finally, event decorations can really tie your whole celebration together. Play off the natural beauty of the sea and sand, and palm trees and tropical flowers. You can choose big decor pieces for maximum impact such as seashell driftwood garlands, driftwood garlands, tiered chandeliers in blue capiz shell, parasols, and personalized photo backdrops.
In end, a little creativity and inspiration will go a long way to creating the beach wedding of your dreams! Check out our Pinterest board for more ideas!
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Today, we continue our look at favorite must-haves for your next summer bash. With summer just around the corner these days, it’s never too early to start planning. Our picks below are versatile and vibrant – perfect for those hot summer days and cool summer nights – but also easily adaptable to any celebration year-round. BBQs, beach weddings, and graduation parties…the season is about to begin!
1. Fans – A variety of colors and textures such as sandalwood, raffia fans, or folding paper fans are a perfect complement to a sunny outdoor wedding or garden party. We love that they can also double as take-home favors too!
2. Apothecary Jars – Known for their aesthetic appeal, apothecary jars are a stylish addition to any party. Cluster a few jars in various shapes and sizes for a whimsical centerpiece. Alternate each centerpiece by alternately filling the jars with candy, cookies, or even spices, thereby leaving each table with a distinctive look. And of course – if you are planning a candy bar, then these jars practically required!
3. Burlap – We’ve seen burlap as a mainstay decor fabric used in many weddings and other events. However, now in addition to traditional burlap table covers, burlap runners, and burlap ribbon, burlap is also available in countless other forms as well! Elegant chair sashes, trendy tote bags, and go-to favor bags (including imprinted burlap favor bags) are great ways to add a subtle touch of vintage charm. Burlap perfectly complements the bright hues of summer so don’t be afraid to showcase this on-trend fabric.
4. Submersible Floralytes – vibrant and color changing, submersible floralytes are must-have for nighttime summer event! They provide the ample illumination to centerpieces such as floral arrangements and ice sculptures and also work as a replacement for candle votives. Ideal for an outdoor wedding reception under the stars!
Be sure to check out our Pinterest boards for more summer-time party decor ideas!
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Happy Friday everyone! Though we’re midst of enjoying spring’s first blooms and cool temperatures, we’re also looking ahead to what summer 2013 has in store for us! Weddings, BBQs, graduation parties, and other festive summer bashes is a time to savor the summer sun and indulge in the warm weather with family and friends. And putting together a decor scheme that emphasizes summer’s spirit is easy with just a few favorite pieces – read on below for our summer-must-haves.
1. Bali Umbrellas – Add a vibrant colorful touch to table tops with these made-for-summer decor pieces. Whether you mix and match a few colors or add a hodgepodge of several different colors, the overall effect is simply stunning. They work especially well at outdoor events, both during the day and night.
2. Tiki Torches – Of course no summer event is complete without festive Polynesian tiki torches! Our new favorites are the table top tiki torches which serve a dual purpose – a decorative touch that provides light for those summer luaus or beach-themed weddings. You can also substitute mini bamboo tabletop tiki torches at your next outdoor bash.
3. Lattice Hanging Candle Holders – Intricately-designed candle holders add that extra touch of glamour and inviting ambience to any event. The warm glow of soft candlelight shining through these patterned candle holders can also be used as centerpieces themselves – just add a few silk rose petals for a romantic touch.
4. Paper Lanterns – Whether round, square, battery-operated, or even star shaped, paper lanterns are practically a summer must-have. It’s a quick and easy way to add an instantaneous pop of color! White paper lanterns are the most popular, bringing easy elegance to any party, but also consider mixing and matching colors, shapes, and textures for festive look that’s at once creative, whimsical, and just pure summer bliss!
We’ll be back next week with our remaining picks for top summer trends in party decor!
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One of our favorite leisure activities is to soak up some color inspiration from our surroundings – whether from nature, urban sprawl, or even in our own homes. Lately, we’ve really been feeling “cool” toned colors such as teal, violet, peacock blue, and aqua. Coincidentally, these are some of today’s hottest wedding colors!
Colors such as teal and peacock blue exude a calming and serene vibe. At the same time however, these jewel tones also add a touch of royal glam. The easiest way to make a big, bold, and cool color statement is with charger plates. Whether you stick to traditional charger plates or glass charger plate designs such as flora chargers or ripple glass chargers, this is an instant way to add big color to your table scape.
You can also bring in cooler colors, such as aqua, turquoise, and navy, as accent colors in your wedding decor – think small but significant pieces such as tissue paper pom poms, diamond crystal garlands hanging from manzanita tree centerpieces, or a candy buffet dressed to the nines in blues and greens (a perfect time to bring out those blue M&Ms!)
 When it comes to favors, tiffany blue favor boxes or personalized pyramid favor boxes brimming with sweet candies are always a favorite with guests.
 Mix and match cool colors together – violet with navy or aqua and green – and leave the overall decor effect feeling vibrant without being too overpowering. These colors work especially well for summer weddings – a perfect contrast to the hot summer sun! Check out our Pinterest board for some more color inspiration ideas!
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Happy Friday everyone! The weekend is almost upon us and we’re looking forward to the relaxation ahead! Now that we are in the midst of spring, many of you may have bridal showers lined up to attend over the next couple of weeks. Or perhaps you will be playing hostess for a loved one’s shower or as a bride, you are looking for some inspiration and ideas. With this in mind, we’ve put together a few decor ideas and themes that can help you along the way.
The first step is to decide on the theme or ambience for your bridal shower (also dependent on your choice of venue). For instance, you’re feeling the modern vibe then stick to a color scheme of muted tones and greys with accents of gold, silver, or bronze. Eiffel towers add an instant sleek modern touch. Or you could go for a more traditional and true favorite approach and host a brunch or tea party. In this case, edible favors compliment perfectly with a fete centered around a meal.
Next, plan out the menu. As mentioned above, brunches and teas are traditional favorites but don’t be afraid to try something new. Does the bride love a good party? Consider hosting a cocktail hour bridal shower. A variety of cocktail glasses and drinkware infuses a celebratory mood that guests will appreciate.
Create a signature cocktail featuring the bride’s favorite drink – a twist on a margarita or martini will be a sure hit. Add hand written menus on paper or chalkboards. When it comes to desserts, you can keep it simple but charmingly festive with an old-fashioned cookie bar or platters of ice cream sandwiches.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with themes and decor. A vintage themed wedding does not require a similarly themed bridal shower. Showers are a time when friends and family of the bride gather for an intimate party of cheer and merriment. However and wherever you choose to host the bridal shower, be sure to remember it’s all about creating beautiful memories.
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It’s a part of your big weekend, but can often times get overlooked during the planning process. However, a rehearsal dinner can set the tone for the entire weekend so be sure to spend some time and effort into putting together an event that is at once entertaining yet laid back and infused with personal touches that represent you as a couple about to embark on a lifelong journey together.
When planning, the first question to ask yourself is – what kind of ambience do you want to set for the occasion? A rehearsal dinner does not necessarily have to be tied into the the theme or decor of the actual wedding itself – so get creative! Whether your wedding is in the style of traditionally classic or modernly chic, a rehearsal dinner featuring your favorite Southern BBQ, a Moroccan theme, or even an island luau would not be out of place. Most likely, the rehearsal dinner is the occasion when friends and family of the bride and groom meet for the first time. Hence the goal is to keep things fun, a bit casual, but nonetheless organized.
When it comes to decor, we like the idea of keeping things fun, simple, and recyclable! Keep things budget-friendly by using pieces that can be re-used again at your wedding ceremony or reception (maybe even both!). A few of our favorite decor ideas for table centerpieces: clusters of colorful votives or frames filled with pictures of you with your fiancé, the parents, the grandparents, or any other close loved ones. Or perhaps a scattering rose petals across white linens for a vibrant look. Consider saving money on your florals by opting for silk flowers (this especially works well if your wedding is taking place during the off-season months when florals are harder to come by). A popular trend we are seeing these days is the use of succulents – a great idea if you are already going big with florals at your wedding and you want to change up the theme for the rehearsal dinner.
However you decide to celebrate your wedding rehearsal dinner – remember this is a joyous occasion where you and your fiancé can share an intimate, fun-filled evening with close loved ones before the big day. Eat, drink, and be merry…..and don’t forget to put on your best party dress!
Check out our Pinterest board for the latest decor ideas!
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Budget is a huge consideration when planning your big day and your wedding florals are a significant portion of that budget. Your wedding flowers will be one of the most photographed details of your wedding so it’s understandable why you want to spend the time and money. However, with a little creativity you can achieve an exquisite floral look without breaking the bank.
1. Go Green
Consider using more greenery than flowers in your centerpieces. Using flowers as accent pieces in your centerpieces rather than as the main focus allows you to incorporate your favorite florals in a budget-friendly way. Succulents are another way to add a trendy green vibe – use them in centerpieces, wedding bouquets, or boutonnieres!
2. Use Substitutes
Many times, you can swap one type of flower for another less expensive flower. For example, swap calla lilies for tulips, which are similar in shape. If you love the style of orchids, switch cymbidium orchids out for less expensive dendrobium orchids. Lavender and daffodil are also excellent substitutes.
3. Kissing Ball Pomanders
Wood curl kissing ball pomanders add instant color and texture to your wedding style without breaking the bank. Pomanders are especially versatile – use them to adorn pews, as bouquets, or as centerpieces. You can also combine them with fresh flowers or crystal elements for a dramatic reception decor look.
4. Silk Flowers
Sometimes you may come across a gorgeous floral arrangement and find yourself asking if the flowers are real or fake. Silk flowers are extremely convenient because they don’t wilt or require water, are lightweight and thus easier to handle and transport, and are durable in any setting. They’re also just as gorgeous as the real thing!
Remember, it’s possible to have the wedding of your dreams on a budget with a little creativity and planning! Scour our Pinterest board for more ideas!
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A while back, we introduced emerald green as Pantone’s Color of the Year. A stark contrast from last year’s red-hot tangerine tango, emerald green invokes lush and regal feelings. As a clean, classic, and jewel-tone hue, emerald green can easily be infused throughout your wedding – from your cake and cutlery, to your jewelry and dancing shoes!
One way to ensure that Pantone’s Color of the Year will prominently display at your wedding is by dressing your bridesmaids in lush emerald green. Whether you choose matching dresses or let your friends decide on their own style of dress, emerald green will suit any manner of dress.
If you’re a DIY kind of bride, consider going creative with fabrics such as emerald green tulle bolts or organza bolts. Use them as drapery, table covers, table runners, or chair sashes for an instant pop of lush green. We also love emerald green leaf garland trim to accent gift boxes, vases, tablecloths, and more.
You can also showcase emerald green as your primary decor color and use alternative shades of green as accent colors. For example, green pom poms or green kissing balls are perfect accent decor pieces.
Or save the color for the very end – let your cake and dessert table explode in radiant emerald green. Stock your dessert table supplies with green vintage paper drinking straws, mason jars, and green cupcake wrappers.
We especially love that Pantone chose emerald green because it’s perfect for any style of wedding – glam, classic, rustic, or vintage. Play around with this bold green hue – it’s impossible to go wrong with it!
Scour our Pinterest board for more ideas!
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Today we return to our top 10 list for artisanal wedding ideas for 2013. Read on for ideas you can use to incorporate artisanal trends into your own wedding.
6. Wedding Cake
The tradition of a wedding cake is a time-honored one and one that many couples choose despite trendy alternatives such as macaroons, pies, and candy bars. However, sticking to a traditional wedding cake doesn’t mean you have to forgo new trends. Put an artisanal spin to your cake by looking for bakeries that work with local farms and that use high-quality ingredients. Choose flavors that have an artisanal appeal – marzipan almond cake, vanilla cake with fresh strawberries, or lemon poppy cake with buttercream frosting.
7. Lollipops
Made from scratch lollipops add a perfect artisan touch – because they are customized, artisanal lollipops can be designed to your aesthetic satisfaction – delicious pieces of art made to be eaten! If you’re planning a candy buffet for your reception, be sure to include this candy favorite.
8. DIY Artisan – Clothespins
Sometimes going artisanal can significantly add to your wedding budget. However, you can create your own handmade look with just a few accessories. One of our favorites – clothespins – are so versatile in use. Create your own signs – “Love” or “Here Comes The Bride”, or hang photographs by clipping these pins to a clothesline. It’s an easy and budget friendly way to add instant artisan charm.
9. Mason Jars
Here’s another way to save big and still embrace the artisan trend – for bridal shower favors, send loved ones home with your favorite made-from-scratch cookie recipe beautifully packaged in pretty mason jars. Each jar should include all the necessary dry ingredients for one batch of cookies. It’s an adorably personalized made-from-scratch favor guests will appreciate.
10. Artisanal Cocktails
The ceremony is over and now you want to wow your guests with out-of-this-world cocktails and mocktails at the reception. Bartenders specializing in artisanal drinks can feature spirits that are rich in rare fruits, dried spices, and fresh herbs. Work with your bartender to choose a signature cocktail – one that showcases your tastes – and leave guests happily content.
We’d love to hear how you plan to incorporate artisan trends into your wedding – leave us a comment below!
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We’re continuing our 2013 wedding forecast with top wedding food trends for the upcoming year. Food plays an integral part on your special day and becomes an important part of your wedding day narrative for both you and your guests. With food, it’s not just what you eat, but also how and where. Though remember – you don’t need to blow your budget to wow your guests. Take a look below for some of 2013′s hottest wedding food trends.
1. Local and Fresh
Keeping food near and dear will be a huge trend in 2013. Menus sourced from local and fresh ingredients allow you and your guests to enjoy the scene. For instance, if you’re going for a dream Hawaiian destination wedding, serve up a local favorite like fresh shave ice.
2. Dessert Tables
A popular hit in 2012, dessert tables are here to stay in 2013. We love dessert tables because the options to get creative are endless – stick to your favorite colors, or pick an era like the 1980s and stock your table with nostalgic treats, or choose sweets representative of your heritage. There’s never a wrong way to stock a dessert table!
3. Food Trucks
Another hit from 2012, wedding food trucks are a super hit with guests and wedding party alike. Before hitting the after party, make sure you hit the food trucks first. Korean tacos, grilled cheese, or falafel sandwiches – treat your guests to something extra at the end of the night.
4. Key Menu Items
Rejected by mainstream diners in the past, 2013 will be a good year for kale, beet greens, chard, and mustard greens. Ask your caterer to serve up appetizing creations with these on-trend veggies.
5. Family-Style Servings
A new budget alternative to buffets, family style tables with large platters of food are a great way to have guests mingle at the table while having the comfort of sitting throughout the meal.
6. Homemade Desserts
If you’re having an intimate wedding with close friends and family, then this 2013 trend is perfect for you! Whether it’s crumbles, pies, or cupcakes, homemade fits in divinely with your cozy affair. Have friends or family collaborate to make delicious homemade treats.
7. Family Roots
Whatever your background, highlight it with your favorite foods from the old country. Ask your caterer to stay traditional or mix elements to create a fusion masterpiece.
8. Tales From the Bar
Forget cosmos and martinis – 2013 is the year of artisanal cocktails! From champagne to tequila bars, the key is the infusions used to concoct these drinks. Think fruits, fresh herbs, and dried spices.
9. Fruit-Flavored Sodas
Give your guests a break from typical fast-food sodas and go with a more colorful, unique option in fruity sodas. Try hibiscus, pomegranate, or lemongrass for variety.
10. Shot-Glass “Amuse-Bouches”
Food served in shot glasses is the latest trend to allow guests a satisfying quick bite before hitting the dance floor. If you’re planning a reception heavy on dance and good times, ask your caterer to create these fulfilling, amazing bites.
Ready to say good-bye to 2012? Tells us about some of your favorite wedding trends from this year!
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