Is there any such thing as too much wedding inspiration? I think not.
Check out my original inspiration boards, as well as other various, unique ideas to get your creative wedding brain spinning!
It's Bridesmaid time!
Lately, I have been searching and searching for a bridesmaid dress that
"wows" me. Which, with bridesmaid dresses, is hard to do. Face it,
they're boring. And unoriginal. And after a while, they all start to
look the same, and it's extremely discouraging. But have no fear! I've
got a little gathering of bridesmaid dresses that I think are actually
cute. I'm hoping this inspires you to find the perfect dress that you've
been searching for.
Cute bridesmaid dresses ARE out there. It may just take a little
digging to find them. That's why I've included a link to the website
that each one came from. Some websites you may have already checked out,
some you may have never heard of. Give 'em a shot and see what you
find!
Click on picture for source.
In the Spotlight: Which Goose
Today, while paroozing the pages and pages of homemade goodies on Etsy, I came across this lovely shop called
Which Goose.
There are so many great things here, that I can hardly stand it!
Fascinators, clutches, head wreaths, ring pillows, jewelry...you name
it, and it's there. Which Goose has a lot of beautiful, vintage,
whimsical pieces that would be perfect for a bride looking for something
different and pretty. I just love the details that are put into each
piece! And, it's extremely affordable – perfect for a bride on a budget.
Here's just a few of my favorite finds from
Which Goose. But trust me, there's so much more to check out.
Which piece is your favorite?
Chemistry-Chic Wedding
I'm a firm believer that everyone has a little bit of geek in them. I
don't care how cool you act, how fashionable you dress or how many
Facebook friends you have (ha!). Deep down, you're a dork. Some people
are just more open about their nerdy tendencies than others. So, if
you're ready to show the world just how much you love being a complete
and total dweeb, give a geek wedding a try! Trust me, it can be just as
fab and beautiful as any other wedding. Take this chemistry theme for
example. It's totally chic, right? A few flower-filled beakers, some
microscope centerpieces and a display of molecule-shaped cookies and
voila!, you've got yourself an über awesome geek-chic wedding! Go forth
and bring out your inner dork. After all, being completely uncool is
kind of cool. :)
P.S. Be sure to click the links below for the amazing hair flower and
chemistry stationery. They're handmade and can be purchased on Etsy!
Photo credits
Center:
bouquet
First row:
flower,
vases,
chemistry book,
shoes
Second row:
hair flower,
table number
Third row:
microscope,
test tubes
Fourth row:
blue flower,
stationery,
cookies,
couple
Pink, Peach & Silver Wedding
It may be on the dark and dreary side for many of us this time of year,
but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy a little spring inspiration. In
fact, we probably need it now more than ever! This pink, peach and
silver color combo is so fresh and girly. I love the way the pink and
peach contrast just enough to make a subtle yet pretty statement. A
touch of silver gives a little bit of excitement and pizazz to the whole
look. I can imagine this gorgeous wedding in an elegant ball room or a
rustic barn – it'd work equally well both ways!
Photo Credits
Center:
centerpiece
First row:
bird,
peach dress,
cake,
macarons
Second row:
favors,
groom
Third row:
ring,
place setting
Fourth row:
bridesmaids,
glasses,
couple,
shoes
A Look Back: Favorite Bridal Trends of 2011
It's hard to believe that we've been in 2012 for three whole days
already. Where does the time go? It's also hard to believe that all of
us 2012 brides are finally in the year of our weddings. We no longer
have to say that we're getting married "next year." So congrats fellow
2012 brides – we're getting married THIS YEAR!
With a whole year come and gone, I think it's only appropriate that I
take a look at some of my favorite bridal trends of 2011. These are some
of the things that I saw time and time again in weddings this past
year, and loved.
What's your favorite bridal trend of 2011?
1.) Pops of color – There's just something so fun and exciting about color in unexpected places.
2.) Bow Details – sweet, romantic and perfect for the girly bride
3.) Tights – they add such a fun surprise to a bridesmaid or even a bride's outfit.
4.) Braids – who doesn't love 'em?
5.) Ruffles – so fun and playful!
6.) Headwreaths – I love how perfectly bohemian this look is.
7.) Funky Groosmen Accessories – It's the grooms day too. Why not let him and his boys have a little fun?
Well there ya have it – some of my favorite 2011 trends! I can't wait to see what 2012 brings.
Cardigan Love
If you haven't checked out my latest giveaway yet, please do so! (HERE!)
One bridal trend that I can definitely get into is the cardigan. It's
such a cute idea for a bride who is going to have to be outside on a
chilly evening or fall day. You don't want to be cold on the most
important day of your life! Not only is this fad practical, but it's
cute too. I think a cardigan is a great way to show off a little of your
personal style. It adds some of your personality and spunk to your
outfit, and it can even be a great way to incorporate your wedding
colors into your look. I just love how much it adds to your style.
Don't want to cover up that gorgeous gown of yours even for a second?
Why not try the cardigans on your bridesmaids? They'll thank you when it
gets chilly and it really lets them have some fun with their outfits.
Have them match, or go for a more mismatched look. You really can't go
wrong.
Would you rock a cardigan on your wedding day?
Click on picture for source.
Cakes! Part IV
I just can't help but save every single awesome cake that I come across.
I just can't let them disappear into nothingness where they will be
forgotten forever. And that is why this is already my fourth cake post!
But honesty, who gets sick of looking at beautiful, delicious,
I-want-that-right-now confections?
It's about time for the finace and I to start doing some cake testing,
and I suppose I should start thinking about how I want our cake to look.
Although the way it
tastes is so much more important. But, who
says you have to sacrifice taste for beauty? I'm sure every single one
of these cakes is delicious! At least that's what I'm telling myself.
Here's some great inspiration if you're thinking about picking out your
cake too!
So, what do you think? Do you have a favorite?
Click on picture for source.
Green & Brown
I've got another beautiful reader-requested board coming your way today.
This time we have a June bride named Amanda who's getting married in a
gorgeous old tree nursery that backs up to a winery. How awesome does
that sound? I keep picturing it in my head and WOW it makes me excited
every time!
Amanda envisioned greens and browns as the main colors, cowboy boots for
the bridesmaids and grey or khaki for the groomsmen. She also loves
big, fat flowers in muted colors (who doesn't?). She really wanted a
romantic yet earthy feeling to her big day.
This board turned out to be one of my favorites! I absolutely love the
way the different shades of green pop against the deep, rich wood
colors. I'm also a big fan of succulents, and I think they pull they
whole look together nicely. Overall, I think they look is very rustic,
but still sophisticated and pretty. It's soft and cozy and so perfect
for a June wedding. I may or may not want this wedding for my own :)
Photo credits:
Center:
bouquet
First row:
ring box,
couple,
ceremony decor,
cowboy boots
Second row:
shoes,
centerpiece
Third row:
succulent,
bridesmaid
Fourth row:
table setting,
boutonniere,
bride,
table number
What do you guys love most about this wedding?
I love making boards for brides-to-be. If you're having trouble
envisioning how your big day will look, email me! I'll be more than
happy to help. Shardiy@b-y.net
Red & Green Summer Wedding
Last week I got a request from Stephanie, a Blushing Bride reader, for
an inspiration board. As you all could guess, I was really excited to
work on it! Stephanie had a pretty specific vision of what she wanted
her wedding to look like. She wanted her colors to be red and lime
green. And no, she's not having a Christmas wedding. In fact, she's
getting married in July! So, this was a challenge all on its own to take
these colors and make them look summery. She also wanted it to be
simple and elegant but have a country-look to it. She loves red tulips,
mason jars, and wanted silver as the accent color.
I think the board turned out to be so pretty! Those red tulips make the
whole thing look so vibrant and summery. I also love the use of fresh
produce at a wedding; it's usually cheap, colorful and so refreshing to
see. I incorporated apples and strawberries into Stephanie's wedding for
a "pow" of color! There's also three different uses of mason jars in
this board which I love (as drink glasses, hanging vases, and table
setting holders).
So what do you think? What's your favorite part of this color scheme?
Photo Credits
Center:
tulip bouquet
First row:
tulips,
cake,
flower girl,
dress
Second row:
table setting,
mason jar
Third row: c
ouple,
shoes
Fourth row:
apples,
bride,
macaroons,
hanging vase
I love getting requests from my readers! If you're getting married
and are having troubling envisioning your big day, email me – I'll be
happy to help. I love making inspiration boards and helping out all your
lovely brides! Email me at Shardiy@b-y.net.
XO
Movie wedding (with pink, blue, periwinkle and lilac)
On Monday I got an email from one of my readers, Belle. She is getting
married next year, and needed some help envisioning what her wedding
would look like. She had some great ideas for what she wanted, but just
couldn't pull it all together – nothing better than an inspiration board
to do the job!
I set out right away, creating a board for Belle that would reflect what her and her finace want.
Belle and her finace are big movie buffs, so what better way to
recognize that than with a movie-themed wedding? It would be a great way
to show off their unique personalities, which I love. There's nothing
better than seeing personal touches in a wedding that directly reflects
who the bride and groom are.
They also knew the colors that they wanted: pink, periwinkle, ice blue and lilac. Those just sound gorgeous, right?
I have to admit, this was a tricky board to make! With a themed wedding,
it's hard to not to go overboard and make it cheesy. That's why, for
this board, I went with a
subtle movie theme, which allowed the overall feeling of the wedding to still be pretty.
Don't you love the idea of serving popcorn and bottled pop to make it
feel like a movie theater? It's cute too! And I love the tickets stuffed
inside a pretty vase. Unexpected, fun and pretty!
What do you think?
Photo Credits:
Center: b
ouquet
First row:
popcorn,
cake,
roses
Second row:
camera,
couple
Third row:
tickets,
soda
Fourth row:
stationery,
lavender,
shoes,
centerpiece
Thanks, Belle, for contacting me! I LOVE making inspiration boards
for people, so if you're having trouble getting an overall feeling for
how your wedding will look, contact me! I would love to help you out.
Shardiy@b-y.net.
Much love! XO
Cozy Winter Wedding
I don't know about the rest of the world, but here in Indiana, winter is
definitely starting to show. The cold weather and snow flurries are
sure signs that Father Winter is here! If you ask people who live here
how they feel about the weather between late November and early March,
90% of them reply with disgust. While I do hate being cold, I wouldn't
say that I'm one of the majority who hates winter. In fact, there are so
many things about winter that I LOVE. This winter-themed wedding
showcases a lot of the wonderful thing about this time of the year: cozy
clothing, hot drinks and gorgeous scenery. There's nothing more
beautiful than waking up in the morning to find everything blanketed in a
sheet of ice and snow. Granted, I probably won't want to go out in
it...but I can look at it through the window as I curl up with a
blanket, hot chocolate, and a good book. :)
What's your favorite part about winter?
Photo credits:
Center:
couple
First row:
bride,
bouquet,
owl, h
air flower
Second row:
pine cone bouquet,
hot cocoa
Third row:
hand muffs,
pine cone
Fourth row:
flowers,
shoes,
place setting,
couple
Alice in Wonderland Wedding
To continue on with my Disney princess theme, I've made a beautiful board inspired by Alice (OK, so
technically
she's not a princess, but who's counting?). The Alice in Wonderland
theme has been done many times before. But for my taste, they're always a
little over-the-top. I mean, who's
really going to carry a
fluffy white rabbit down the aisle? Or make their man wear a
ridiculously big top hat? Or have such a small wedding that you can fit
everyone onto one table that is sitting in the middle of a
mystic-looking forest? Probably not many people. So for me, the Alice
theme has always been a bit unrealistic.
That's why I set out to create a board that reflects what I think a
real-live Alice in Wonderland's wedding would look like. Everything on
this board is totally do-able. The teacups, the bows, the clocks and of
course the "Eat me" and "Drink me" signs – they're all realistic. Not
only is this wedding super charming and whimsical, but it so much fun
too! This type of wedding is definitely all about the details. They're
what take this theme from a simple garden party to an imaginative
wonderland. In my opinion, Alice is definitely a vintage-kind of girl
and I think this reflects it perfectly!
Do you think this Alice wedding is do-able? I want to hear what you think!
Photo credits:
Center:
place setting
First row:
tux,
teacups,
shoes,
clock
Second row:
flowers,
bouquet
Third row:
books,
necklaces
Fourth row:
hair bow,
drink,
teacup
Sleeping Beauty-Inspired Wedding
As many of you already know, I am a HUGE Disney fan. I've watched Disney
movies and spent my vacations at Disney World more times than I can
even count. There is just something so magical about the entire thing.
Disney just inspires a sense of imagination and whimsy that I can't seem
to get enough of. Being a girl, I grew up loving the Disney princesses.
The fairy tales surrounding each one of them was always so
awe-inspiring to me. Any of you feel the same way?
This board is my interpretation of what I think Sleeping Beauty's
wedding would look like. It's soft, romantic and all around princess-y.
Since Aurora spent a lot of her time sleeping, this board has a
dream-like, plush feeling. I think I could look at it for hours and not
get tired of it. This would make the absolute most beautiful wedding
ever. Fluffy pink flowers, a harpist and a castle give the look a very
Disney-esque feeling.
What do you think? Does this look like Sleeping Beauty's wedding to you?
Photo Credits:
Center:
tiara
First row:
peonies,
lights,
shoes,
harp
Second row:
castle,
dress
Third row:
sign,
roses
Fourth row: rings,
flower,
bridesmaid,
lantern
More Disney princess-inspired weddings to come! Any you would like to see next?
Hair inspiration Part II
It's time for another round of beautiful wedding hair styles that are
sure to inspire you! If you haven't thought about how you're going to
wear your hair for your wedding day, or simply just can't decide, have a
look at these. Some of them are simple, some more intricate. Some are
fun, some more elegant. Some boast flowers and accessories, some don't.
But, whatever your style, you're sure to find something you like in at
least one of these. As for me, I love them all. OH the choices!
Click on picture for source.
A couple days ago, I had another board request from one of my lovely
readers! There is nothing that I love more than helping people bring
their visions together into one cohesive look. Cindy knew some elements
that she wanted for her wedding, but couldn't picture how it would all
look together –which is where I come in! Cindy is getting married in
August in an old restored barn. She really wanted red to be the main
color in her wedding, with white as a secondary color. She was also
positive that she wanted all her flowers to be roses (how elegant is
that?). She wanted a romantic feeling with hints of rustic-chic and
elegance.
I got to work right away, and came up with this lovely board:
Photo Credits:
Center:
roses
First row:
mini pie,
shoes,
dress,
glasses
Second row:
roses,
boutonniere
Third row:
birch vase,
lantern
Fourth row:
dessert,
table setting,
cupcakes,
bridesmaids
Isn't is pretty? I love the combination of traditional elegance (in the
roses), and rustic elements. It's such an unexpected combo, which is why
it works so well. Because she's getting married in a barn, she has the
luxury of being able to use wood accents, lanterns and candles to create
a romantic glow in the whole place. I can just imagine how gorgeous
those roses will look when paired with all that glowing light. There is
no doubt that Cindy will be able to take this inspiration and turn it
into a gorgeous reality!
I just have to post Cindy's reaction to seeing the board because it made me so happy to see her so happy.
Here's what she said, "Omg!!!!!! I am speechless!! It's absolutely
wonderful. I love it!!! Thank you so much. It's exactly what I was
looking for and what I needed. Thank you! Thank you!! You're awesome."
Isn't she so sweet? You're welcome Cindy! It was my pleasure.
I love making boards for my readers. So, if you have a particular
theme/color combo that you would like to see brought to life, send me an
email (shardiy@b-y.net). I would love to help you in any way that I
can!
Yarn & Thread Wedding
I don't know if any of you know this about me, but I'm an avid crafter.
On any given day you can find me working on one of my many random
projects. I don't care what kind of craft is it – I've tried them all!
One of my favorite craft-hobbies, however, is knitting. As soon as the
weather starts to turn cold, I break out my needles and start making
scarves, neck warmers, hats, etc. If you have ever talked to a knitter,
you'll find that we all have one thing in common – we are obsessed with
YARN. I could spend all day in a yarn store browsing through the various
colors and textures of skein after skein. There's something so soothing
about it.
That's what brought me to today's inspiration: yarn & thread. I
think that these two items make beautiful decorations at weddings and
showers. They're organic and funky and perfect for that crafty couple.
Plus, a lot of these ideas have major DIY potential, even without having
to know how to knit! So, go buy some yarn/thread and turn your wedding
day into a crafter's heaven!
P.S. Look for a DIY project below!
Wheat Wedding Details
With Thanksgiving on the brain this weekend, I thought it was time for a
little fall wedding inspiration. What better way to celebrate this
holiday than with a display of beautiful, golden wheat-details? There's
no denying that wheat is a completely unconventional and gorgeous way to
make your fall wedding feel so very country-chic. It's a great way to
bring that autumn feeling that everyone loves so much into your wedding
decor. It's pretty, rustic and not to mention cheap! It's perfect for
the bride on a budget who wants to make a big statement without breaking
the bank. Check out these gorgeous wheat details!
Pink, Blue, Green & Yellow
A couple of days ago I had an email from one of my readers explaining
how she was having trouble with her wedding color palette. She knew the
colors she wanted for her March 2011 wedding, but was having trouble
picturing how they would all come together. Anyone who has planned a
wedding knows how she feels! So, to help her out, Andrea asked me to
come up with an inspiration board for her that would bring her vision to
life. Of course, I was more than happy to help! Wedding inspiration is
what I love, so I jumped at the chance to do this for her.
Andrea explained to me what she was looking for: something sweet and
subtle with colors that reflected the fact that she was getting married
in the spring. She wanted
green (for her fiancé's eyes),
blue (for her eyes),
yellow (for her senior prom dress), and
pink (for a pop of fun).
In fact, she found this picture from
The Perfect Palette that represented her colors perfectly:
Beautiful, huh? The colors are soft and pretty, but fun and elegant, and
so perfect for spring. My job was to take these colors and turn them
into an inspiration board that would really help her envision these
colors in a wedding.
I must say, I think it turned out beautifully! The colors are just soft
enough that they work perfectly together without overpowering one
another. The navy blue adds some depth, and the pink adds that touch of
fun that Andrea was looking for. I am in love with this palette! If only
I was getting married in the spring.....
So what do you think? Do you think I captured her colors nicely?
Photo Credits
Center:
flowers
First row:
tux,
macaroons,
dress,
bridesmaid
Second row:
shoes, l
emonade
Third row:
succulent,
peony
Fourth row:
drinks,
couple,
tulips
Thank you Andrea for the opportunity to build this beautiful board for
you! If anyone else has any requests, please don't hesitate to email me.
I would love to help! Shardiy@b-y.net.
Stripes, chevrons, polka dots and more!
Today I have a post that allows me to express my great fondness for
PRINTS. What kind of prints, you ask? All prints. Stripes. Argyle.
Chevron. Polka dots. You name it – I love it. I just can't help it.
Prints have such a fun spirit to them. They're lively and energetic and
turn the most boring outfit/bag/room into something spectacular! The
great thing is that prints can (and should!) make an appearance at your
wedding. From the simple and subtle to the bold and bright, prints just
add so much...what's the word?...
pizazz to a day that should be utterly pizazz-full. So here ya go. Take a tip from these pics and add a print to your wedding day!
Blue & Brown Ranch Wedding
There are some people who are lucky enough to live on a ranch in Wyoming
or Colorado or some other great place out west. Who get to wear cowboy
boots every day and ride horses and enjoy the great outdoors around
them. Then there are the rest of us who....don't. But, that doesn't mean
that we can't still enjoy a gorgeous ranch wedding. Heck, you can still
have a ranch-style wedding, no matter where you live. Just take a few
tips from this inspiration board and it will be easy as pie. Who knew
that blue and brown could be so rustic-chic, or that cotton could be so
pretty? Well, now you know!
Photo Credits
Center:
bouquet
First row:
bridesmaid bouquet,
cowboy boots,
necklace,
centerpiece
Second row:
couple,
bride
Third row:
stationary,
lanterns
Fourth row:
boutonniere,
shoes,
horse shoes,
tags
Pink and green has always been one of my favorite color combos. I just
love the way these two colors look together. They're both so bright,
cheery, and
alive. I think the green keeps the pink from looking
too cutesy, and the pink ads a touch of softness to the green. They're a
match made in heaven! Add some gray to the mix, and suddenly – vo
îla! – they become a more sophisticated couple.
How cool are those apples with the initials printed on them? And those adorable fluffy pink cupcakes? Too cute for words.
Photo Credits
Center:
bouquet
First row:
couple,
cupcakes,
apple,
flowers
Second row:
centerpiece,
shoes
Third row:
pink tie,
drinks
Fourth row:
flowers,
cake,
balloon couple,
favors
In the Spotlight: Tessa Kim
Have any of you lovely brides heard of
Tessa Kim
before? I must admit that until today, I had not. But let me tell you,
it was love at first sight! Tessa Kim makes these absolutely stunning
fascinators and hair adornments, dress accessories and veils. Her style
is simple and elegant, with a vintage flair. Every single piece is
handmade and designed for each specific bride. They are all hand
painted, hand cut and sculpted so that each and every piece is unique.
And, with unlimited customization options, you simply can't go wrong! I
honestly cannot find one piece that I do not like.
If you're looking for a veil, headpiece or dress accessory, I urge you to stop over to
Tessa Kim and have a look around!
Here are some of my personal favorites (click on picture for source!).
Hair Adornments & Fascinators
Gorgeous Veils
Dress Accessories
Pretty, huh? Remember there's SO MUCH more in the shop! Go check it out
HERE.
Blue + Black and White Stripes
How sleek and modern is this look? The bright blue paired with the black
& white stripes is urban and funky, yet sophisticated at the same
time! Who would have thought? I've always been a sucker for stripes.
They're so classic and modern, especially when they're black and white.
However, since too much black and white stripe can remind people of
prison uniforms and Beetlejuice, it's always a good idea to rock it in
moderation. A few key striped pieces (like that umbrella and the
adorable boutonniere) can go a long way.
Photo credits:
Center:
bouquet
First row:
blue dress,
shoes,
cake,
bridesmaids
Second row:
boutonniere,
groom
Third row:
blue bouquet,
ice cream
Fourth row:
bride,
rings, shoes,
umbrella
Robin Egg & Yellow Wedding
We may be in the dead of fall (and fast approaching winter), but that
doesn't mean we can't enjoy a little cheeriness. This beautiful robin
egg blue and yellow wedding is just the cure to those drab and dreary
fall afternoons. It's so bright and cheery, that you can't help but
smile. It reminds me of summertime when the skies are blue and the sun
is bright and you can stay outside all day and let the warm rays hit
your face....sorry, I'm getting a little carried away! But doesn't that
sound so nice right now? So go ahead, close your eyes and picture how
fun and happy this wedding would be (and put yourself in those yellow
shoes while you're there!).
Photo Credits:
Center:
couple
First row:
bouquet,
shoes,
stationary,
umbrellas
Second row:
bouquet wrap,
bouquet
Third row:
cake,
rings
Fourth row:
couple,
pears,
bridal party,
cup
Cakes! Part III
I never get tired of looking at gorgeous, delicious wedding cakes! I
just can't help but save every picture of a mouth watering cake that I
come across. Ruffly, smooth, colorful, lacy...I love them all! Luckily,
I like to share all of my findings with my lovely readers! I hope you
enjoy looking at them as much as I do.
Let me know which one is your favorite!
I love a wedding that isn't color-shy. Yes, black and white weddings can
be gorgeous and elegant, but sometimes don't you feel like you just
need to put a little pep in your step? I definitely do. Color just makes
me
happy. And let me tell you, that's something I definitely
want to feel at a wedding: happiness. With a color palette like purple,
pink and golden yellow, how could you be sad? It's so vibrant and
unexpected and makes me warm all over like I just drank a glass of hot
apple cider. Mmmm. I think I'm obsessed with the way that golden yellow
color almost glows when paired with the deep purple and pink. Stunning.
This would be perfect for an early fall/late summer day...especially
with those adorable sunflowers!
Photo credits
Center:
bouquet
First row:
sunflowers,
paper cone,
boutonniere,
cake
Second row:
candle holder,
bridesmaid
Third row:
wedding party,
flower
Fourth row:
shoes,
"Mr." letters,
centerpiece,
favors
Lately I've been noticing just how many different ways there are to
"jazz-up" your bouquet, and it's ridiculous how many of them I love! A
lot of brides are using ribbons, burlap, beads, buttons, brooches,
photographs, etc to make their bouquet personalized and beautiful. I
just love looking at them in all of their beautiful glory. But who could
blame me? The only thing better than a gorgeous bouquet is a gorgeous
bouquet decked out in pretties. It's such a great way to make your
bouquet special and let a little bit of your personality shine through.
So tell me, have you thought about how you're going to wrap/decorate your bouquet?
Click on picture for source.
Wedding Dresses Galore
Let's face it – one of the best things about planning a wedding is
picking out your dress. It's probably the prettiest thing you'll ever
wear. But, it can also be one of the most stressful things. After all,
every girl wants her dress to be
perfect. And with so many
dresses out there to choose from, the task can be extremely daunting. I
know that I had a hard time deciding what kind of look I wanted.
Granted, I did know the my dress was MY dress the second I put it on.
But it was still a stressful process. What shape will look best on me?
Do I want lace? Satin? Strapless? Tea-length? One-shoulder? Ivory?
White?...See what I mean? Scary.
If you're still looking for that perfect dress, or you're just starting
to weigh your options, have a look at some of these beauties. The great
thing is that they're pictures of REAL brides in them, not models. That
way you can get a feel for how the dress really looks.
And, I've included a link under each set of pictures telling you the
designer of the dress, in case you want to go find it yourself!
Which is your favorite?
(Click on picture for source)
 |
| By Diana Woods |
Mountain Wedding
I have major wedding envy for any bride and groom that ties the knot in
front of a beautiful mountain range. As an Indiana bride, I am hours and
hours away from any type of mountain. And, you always want what you
can't have, right? To give myself something pretty to look at that will
hopefully make me feel better (or skyrocket my jealousy to enormous
heights), I've come up with this gorgeous mountain-inspired board. I
love all the pretty details like the pine needles, the pine cones, and
the awesome moose suckers. It just looks so laid back and comfortable.
Being relaxed on your wedding day would maybe be possible with a setting
like this. MAYBE.
Photo credits:
Center:
couple
First row:
kissing,
name card,
boutonniere,
bride
Second row:
canoe ring holder,
bouquet
Third row:
place setting,
moose suckers
Fourth row:
boots,
nest,
cake,
bouquet
Fall weddings are probably my favorite (and no, it's not just because
I'm a fall bride!). I love the beautifully rich colors, the crisp air
and the fun details that make these weddings perfect. When I first saw
this red bouquet (in the center) adorned with all those autumn details, I
was instantly in love. A lot of people would automatically think that a
red wedding would be perfect for winter. While that may be true, this
inspiration board proves that red can work equally as well for fall. I
especially like it paired with brown/wood details that work to soften
the red and make it more fall-appropriate. And that tier of fresh
apples? Well, it just pulls the whole look together beautifully.
What do you think of this color palette?
Photo credits
Center:
bouquet
First row:
shoes,
bride,
dress,
flowers
Second row:
camera,
book
Third row:
vase of red flowers,
couple
Fourth row:
flower arrangement,
bride & groom,
apples,
suitcases
I don't know about you, but I LOVE a bold piece of statement jewelry. It just adds
so much
to any outfit that you have on. So, I've been thinking, why not wear
something bold and beautiful on you wedding day? It's your day to shine,
and a little extra bling here and there definitely wouldn't hurt.
Whether it's a big necklace, a chunky bracelet, dangling earrings, or a
statement ring, I know that you can rock it. I'm not saying you should
go jewelry-crazy. Just pick one or two. Wear a big necklace, and dainty
earrings. Or wear dangling earrings and a bold bracelet, but skip the
necklace. Whichever combo of jewelry you decide on, don't be afraid to
go big!
Here's a little inspiration for you.
Click on photo for source.
Halloween in fast approaching, and I'm starting to get excited! Since I
may be gone all weekend (partying my socks off as a lawn gnome), I
thought I better go ahead and make my Halloween post today. Personally, I
think a Halloween wedding would be awesome. Beyond awesome actually.
Just think about all the fun details you could do! And, it would just be
so much FUN. Halloween is one of those holidays where you just can't
not have fun. A Halloween wedding would be no exception.
I realize that not all weddings that fall on October 31 have to be
creepy. But, isn't it more fun that way? I think so. So, I've come up
with a fun inspiration board full of spooky details. The thing I love
most about this board, though, is that it's still pretty! Even with all
that orange, black and blood-red; those skulls and crossbones; the
pumpkins and cobwebs and werewolves – it still looks chic and
fashionable. Who would have thought?
Would you ever have a Halloween wedding?
Center:
Wedding party
First row:
bride,
pumpkin,
table setting,
cupcakes
Second row:
werewolf,
cobweb bouquet
Third row:
table,
cake
Fourth row:
bouquet,
clutch,
centerpiece,
skull
It is no surprise to anybody who reads my blog that I love romantic
color palettes. I love pretty, soft color combos that just ooze
"wedding." This pink and mauve inspiration board is certainly no
exception. I think the soft pinks and mauves are gorgeous, especially
paired with the brighter pops of color that keep this girly palette from
being too wishy-washy. It's fun, whimsical, and perfect for any time of
year. Add some darker pink and mauve to the mix to take it from a more
summery/spring look to something that would be gorgeous in fall or
winter!
What do you think?
Center:
bouquet
First row:
flowers,
wine,
dresses,
plate
Second row: dessert,
bride
Third row:
"bride" sign,
cake
Fourth row:
shoes,
hair flower,
napkin,
shoes
As many of you know,
Etsy is a
bride-to-be's dream. One-of-a-kind, handmade items for your wedding add
that personal touch that many of us are searching for. With Etsy, you
can browse through page after page of unique goodies until your head
explodes (in a wonderful way).
One Etsy shop that I recently came across during my hours of paroozing the site is
Lo Boheme.
This beautiful, romantic shop is run by a husband and wife (and their
pooch) who create awesome vintage inspired accessories that would make
any bride squeal with joy. Lauren (Lo) does the designing and creating,
while her husband and dog (Josh and Tank) tackle the computer and
technical aspects of the shop. I have to say, they make quite the team! I
am absolutely in love with their designs. They are classic, whimsical
and playful all at the same time.
I'm sure any bride could find something they love (and, most likely, find too many things they love!) here.
Here's some of my favorite pieces, but there's so many more to look at in their
shop!
See bottom for the link to each specific piece.
Row 1:
Bridal headband,
Headband & veil
Row 2:
Feather headpiece,
Bridal halo
Row 3:
Pink hair flower,
Rhinestone headband
Row 4:
Flower and veil,
Blue rhinestone headband
Row 5:
Bridal hair flower,
Lace headband
Beautiful, right? I honestly can't even pick my favorite. Be sure to check out
Lo Boheme on Etsy to see their full collection. Keep in mind that they would love to work with you on a custom piece too!
I love shoes. But, that's not really a unique statement because, well,
every female I know loves shoes. So, it's only natural that I start
looking for a pair of shoes to rock on my wedding day. I didn't realize
how hard this task would be. I literally love so many pairs, it's kind
of ridiculous. How will I ever pick? Even though I'm indecisive with
this task, it doesn't mean that I don't know a good pair of shoes when I
see one! And, let me tell you, I've see a lot of awesome ones. Which is
probably why I'm having so much trouble in the first place.
Take a look at these suckers. While not all of them are something I
would wear on my wedding day, I still enjoy looking at every single one
of them. Aren't they beautiful? I've included a link below each picture
so you know where to find them!
Do you know what kind of shoes you're wearing yet?
(Click on the picture for photo source)
 |
| Paris Hilton |
Could you even imagine a color palette any more romantic than this one? I sure can't. Everything about this just screams romance. How could you not fall in love if your wedding was decorated in this sweet, soft palette? I absolutely adore the fact that you can use so many different shades of pink and purple, and it still looks pulled together. You definitely aren't tied down to
just plum. Or
just soft pink. You can throw in all sort of different variations of these two colors, and it looks just as awesome. Plus, the gold ads a touch of sophistication and shine. And no wedding is complete without a little bit of shine, right?
Center:
place setting
First row: b
ridesmaids,
shoes,
bride,
favors
Second row:
groom,
telephone
Third row:
dessert,
bouquet
Fourth row:
centerpiece,
candle sticks, flower,
pink shoes
I know that a lot of people are into the whole "steampunk" look, which I think is awesome. But, not a lot of people incorporate that style into their wedding. So I thought, why not try it?! I think that for a good number of people, doing a full-blown steampunk wedding would be a little over-the-top. Afterall, many true "steampunk-ers" wear goggles, big top hats, and extreme Victorian outfits. That may be pretty cool, but for the majority of us, it's just a little much. But, if you're in to the whole industrial, mechanical look of this fad, you can definitely pull it off in your wedding without going crazy. Clocks, cogs and mechanical-type pieces pull the look together nicely. Don't you just love the idea of using something so
un-wedding (like cogs and wheels) and turning it into a pretty, romatic display? Steampunk CAN be beautiful!
Center:
bouquet
First row:
escort cards,
cake,
couple,
tie
Second row:
boutonniere,
earrings
Third row:
shoes,
cufflinks
Fourth row:
bride,
pocket-watch,
candles,
fascinator
Don't know what steampunk is?
Check out this article explaining where it came from! The author does a good job of breaking it down so you can understand it easily. Really interesting read!
Orange, Purple, & Plum Wedding
Orange, and purple are the perfect team. They are bold and energetic, and so much fun. I just love how perfectly they contrast with one another. They are completely different colors, and yet they work together so seamlessly to make an explosion of color that is a definite attention-grabber. Adding a dark plum color to this mix keeps things grounded and not too crazy, and even adds a touch of autumn, that allows this color palette to work equally well for fall. And isn't that fantastic since...well...it's fall! So, if you're feeling like stepping out of the box for your wedding day, why not try something like this. You certainly won't be called boring. And, you can wear orange shoes, which is pretty awesome.
Center:
bouquet
First row:
flowers, flower girl,
bouquet,
bridesmaids
Second row:
table setting,
cake
Third row:
cookies,
candle
Fourth row:
shoes,
decoration, centerpiece,
groom
Flower Girls & Ring Bearers
I'm not having a ring bearer or a flower girl at my wedding. It's just not for me or right for the type of wedding I'm having. We are barely inviting any kids at all, so I think we will just do without children in the wedding party. But, that doesn't mean that I don't love kids...because I do! And I especially love the cute little ring pillows and flower baskets they get to carry. So stinking adorable. I've been saving pictures of what I think are cute, fun alternatives to the plain white pillow and white wicker basket. There are so many unique ideas out there...most of which have the capability for a DIY project! So, if you ARE having little munchkins in you wedding, check out these adorable pillows and baskets (and a few other ideas). You'll love the creativity!
Click on photo for source.
Are you having a flower girl and ring bearer? What are you having them carry?
I've been doing a lot of thinking lately for my own wedding colors. It has been such a difficult task for me! It's so easy for me to come up with beautiful, inspiring color schemes on a daily basis...but picking one for your own wedding is damn near impossible. I want a color scheme that gives me just the right
feeling. Up until recently, I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted that feeling to be, which made picking the exact right color scheme a daunting task. I've even come up with other schemes that I thought were what I wanted...and then ended up feeling like something was missing.
Here's the criteria I finally realized I wanted to fulfill:
1. It had to feel like FALL. My fiance and I picked September 29 as our wedding date for a reason–we love the fall. Up until now I'd forgotten about that.
2. I needed color. My other inspiration boards I was coming up with for my own wedding were too drab. I needed a nice pop of color (or colors) so the wedding would feel cheery.
3. I still wanted to incorporate my finace and I's favorite colors (green & purple).
4. I wanted the wedding to be a reflection of us as a couple. We are very earthy, rustic people. I needed a scheme that embodied that, but still had an elegant flair.
And, now, I am happy to say that I came up with a scheme that embodies all of these things! I FINALLY have a color scheme that makes me happy. That makes me feel excited about pulling it all together to make one hell of an awesome day. So here it is!
Coral, Raspberry, Lime & Plum
Gorgeous, huh? I sure think so. I love how perfectly that bouquet represents everything I want. Earthy, fall-ish, and elegant all at the same time. So, what do you think? Can't you just picture it being so warm and friendly? I'm so very excited. And I hope you all love it as much as I do!
Credits:
Center:
bouquet
First row:
shoes,
lantern,
raspberry dessert,
shoes
Second row:
boutonniere,
table number
Third row: cherries,
lips
Fourth row:
bridesmaid,
drink,
table setting, plant
Today I have quite the special post for you. This just happens to be my 100th post! So, this calls for something out of the ordinary. I've decided to share with you, 100 pretties for my 100th post. This is a list of 100 wedding details that I just can't take my eyes off. 100 pictures that make my day. That make me happy. That make me want to get married right this second.
I don't discriminate against wedding styles, so this is a beautifully random collection of any and every wedding type possible. If you don't find one single thing that inspires you, makes you smile, or triggers that undeniable sense of wedding love in your brain, well poo on you. That's right, I said it.
Click on picture for source. Enjoy!
Seafoam & Blush
Seafoam and blush are not two colors that I would typically think of putting together. In fact, before this inspiration board, I might have told them to stay as far away from each other as possible and never look back. But, clearly, I have had a change of heart. I didn't realize how soft and vintage-chic these two could look together. I mean, I just love it that they give off this undeniably
retro feeling! Pretty and subtle, yet bold and in-your-face at the same time. And, if you add in some vintage details (like that totally awesome camera, and those adorable peep toe pumps), you'll have a gorgeously understated retro wedding. Love!
Center:
shoes
First row:
table & chair,
camera,
bride,
macaroons
Second row:
hair,
couple
Third row:
bride,
rose
Fourth row:
shoes,
cake pops,
cake,
bridesmaid
It's time for another round of drool-worthy, can't-take-my-eyes-off-it, give-me-some-of-that-right-now cakes! These are just some of my favorites that I happened to save while I was paroozing Style Me Pretty (my favorite wedding blog of all time). Like I said before on my first post about cakes (
check it out here), I'm not concerned with having a super elaborate confection on my wedding day. But, I still like looking at these beauties. They make me very happy, indeed.
Even wanted to feel like a Greek goddess? Well duh, who hasn't? Today I have an inspiration board to fulfill all of your exotic island dreams. With stark white details, muted blues and greens, and a little nautical inspiration thrown in, you've got yourself a beautiful Greek-inspired wedding. To pull the look off, you have to think "beach wedding" with a more refined, sophisticated feel. Serve your guests bread and olive oil, grapes, and seafood; wear a beautiful wreath in your hair; carry a bouquet of olive branches; decorate with pure white stones that look like they came straight from the beaches of Greece. Totally swoon-worthy.
Center:
couple
Top row:
napkin,
church,
plant,
glasses
Second row:
gray shoes,
hair wreath
Third row:
bridesmaids,
table setting
Fourth row:
centerpiece,
white shoes, bouquet,
groom
Yesterday I spoke with a fellow wedding blogger (
Lovely Little Adventure) who was having trouble deciding on centerpieces for her wedding. Her reception is going to be in a beautiful barn, so she loved the idea of using wine bottles and mason jars for decoration. However, her venue doesn't allow glass (or candles for that matter.)
So, I went on a mission to find some alternative centerpiece ideas that do NOT use candles or glass. It's a bit of a challenge, but it can definitely be done!
Option #1: Metal Containers. They're cute and rustic looking, but polished enough that they fit in at an elegant wedding. I love all the different colors!
Option #2: Wood Containers. I think these are so gorgeous! They're perfect for a barn wedding and are simple and elegant at the same time.
Option #3: Can Centerpieces. Aren't these so much fun? I love the rustic, vintage feeling they have. The rusted up can and the elegant flowers are such an odd combination that somehow just
works.
Option #4: Birdcages. This is a really fun, vintage idea. Get some birdcages (or lanterns) and fill them with flowers! The look awesome, and have big "wow" factor!
Hope that helps, Ashley! If you guys have any other great suggestions, I love to hear them :)
Who doesn't love a Mexican fiesta? It's so bright and colorful that you can't help but be happy. And, if you get to hit things with a stick and drink Mexican beer and margaritas, you're guaranteed a good time. I think that a wedding fiesta is such an incredibly fun idea. Just imagine: live music, Mexican treats, a big flower in your hair, and a bouquet with every color under the sun in it. Sounds amazing. If you're getting married on or around Cinco de Mayo, this is a must. A must, I say!
How fresh is this color scheme? It's such an unexpected combo, but goes together so very effortlessly, you would think navy and coral were made for each other. I love that this color palette works equally well for a preppy wedding, a nautical wedding, a beach wedding, a contemporary wedding, & could even have a vintage feel if done correctly. It's so incredibly versatile! And, how wonderful is that ombré clothespin curtain that is hanging behind the cake/dessert table? It's absolutely gorgeous and the perfect opportunity for a DIY project!
 |
| Photos courtesy of Style Me Pretty |
I'm aware that some of you will think I'm nuts for even posting this...and that's OK. But, others of you will love the fact that I embraced my love for dogs and did a "pooches at weddings" inspiration board! I mean, don't you think it's just the slightest bit endearing when a couple loves their dog enough to bring it to the wedding, or even let it be part of the ceremony? (Don't you dare answer no!) If you're thinking about having your dog make a guest appearance at your wedding, then take a gander at all of the ways you can make your pooch look his/her best for the big day. And, if you have a bulldog, it
better be in a pink tutu. No exceptions.
 |
| Photos courtesy of Style Me Pretty |
Pink & Gold Wedding
When I envisioned this wedding idea in my head, I was thinking, "Pink and gold Juicy Couture." While I'm not sure if it did the job or not, I do know that I love it. This is such a wonderfully feminine look. It's so soft and romantic that I just want to look at it for hours. In fact, it looks like a wedding that would come straight out of a fairy tale book. The shoes, the dress, the cake...all of it screams "I'm a princess...but in a super fab, fashionable, I'm-going-to eat-an-enormous-piece-of-that-cake-and-still-look-awesome-in-my-dress" sort of way.
I have no idea what I'm going to do with my hair on my wedding day. No idea at all. But, does that concern me? Hell yes it does!
Let me explain my worry to you. First of all, hair is important. No, it may not be as important as some other things, but it definitely ranks right up there in my opinion. I can put on the cutest outfit I own and feel like a million bucks, but if my hair looks like crap, it's instantly ruined. The way my hair looks directly reflects how I feel about myself. Sad, but true. I want to feel beautiful on my wedding day, and I know how I wear my hair can make all the difference.
Secondly, I don't usually like how my hair looks when other people do it. Granted, I've only ever gotten my hair done in a "formal" style for high school dances, but I hated them none-the-less. When I go to the hair salon, I can't wait to rush home and get my hands on my hair. But I don't want to do my own hair on my wedding day.
So, as you can see, I'm slightly apprehensive about the whole hair deal. I figure some of you may be in the same boat, so I'm hoping to inspire you with some of these beautiful hair styles!
What do you prefer? Up, down, half-up? Flowers, veil, headband? Braids, curls, waves?
Lately I feel like I've been doing a lot of bright, bold weddings. So, today I felt like it was time for something a little more soft and subdued...and the white and burlap wedding was born! I really enjoy just
looking at this wedding. It's so pretty and romantic. I love the idea of taking something so pure and clean (like white) and mixing it with something more rustic and rough around the edges (like burlap). It's the mixture of those two very different textures that make for such an interesting look. The white and burlap could certainly be "dressed down" to work perfectly well in a backyard or barn wedding or could be "dressed up" and be completely acceptable in a more fancy, traditional setting. I love the versatility!
I have to admit...my wedding cake isn't the most important thing on my agenda for wedding planning. In fact, it isn't even in the top 5. Why? Because all I really care about is that it tastes good. And it looks pretty. I don't plan on it being huge and elaborate. There are other things I'd rather spend my time and money on.
But, that doesn't mean that I don't appreciate a beyond-gorgeous cake when I see one! Trust me, I do. In fact, I've been saving pictures of drool-worthy cakes for quite some time...just because I like to look at them. I don't discriminate, so I actually like all kinds of different ones: formal, modern, vintage, rustic, colorful. They're all beautiful. So, for all you ladies out there who DO put a high-emphasis on their cake, this post is for you! Hopefully you can find some inspiration.
Photos courtesy of Style me Pretty and Brides.com
Honey just so happens to be one of my favorite foods. It's sweet and beautiful and tastes good on just about anything. So, why not incorporate a little honey into your wedding? It's a theme that you could have a little but of fun with. I love the use of bumble bees (how original!) and the warm amber color, and I especially love the honey combs used as drink stirrers. Pure genius. I also love the fact that with a theme like this, you've got instant favors! All of your guests would love to take home a little jar of honey. This would be so perfect for a late summer, outdoor wedding. Just watch out for real bees and you've got it made. In fact, drink some of that Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey and you'll be good.
 |
| Photos courtesy of Style Me Pretty |
Check out this beauty! Usually I make my inspiration boards out of a random mix of pictures that I find, well, who knows where? But this time, I just had to capture the essence of one wedding. I mean, how could I mess with the awesomeness of such of wedding by not keeping it intact?
I don't think I've ever seen a wedding quite like this one. It was designed completely around geodes (the pretty purple rocks–for any of you who didn't know what I was talking about). All of the elements of this wedding contain some type of crystal rock (the jewelry, the place settings, even the rock candy), or mimic the look of the beautiful rocks (the ombre cake, flowers). I really just can't say much more about the genius of this. It's such a unique idea. And the purple and goldish-yellow color palette–who would have thought it could look this awesome?
What do you think? Love it? Hate it?
 |
| Photos courtesy of Style Me Pretty |
If there was ever a wedding theme that would make me completely rethink what I want my own wedding to look like, it would be this one. Hands down. I am such a sucker for bright colors (especially pretty purples), great ambiance, and fun details. This Moroccan theme has all of that and more. I absolutely ADORE the lanterns and the mood that they create. I love the purples and pinks and blues and oranges mixed together so seamlessly that they don't even seem busy. I love that I think of Aladdin and Jasmine, one of my favorite Disney movies, and I love that it makes me forget that I'm just in Indiana. Pure perfection. Oh, and I forgot to mention the camel! Yes, somebody really did have a camel at their wedding. Awesome.
Coral & Raspberry Wedding
Isn't this inspiration tasty? It makes me think of sherbert and cranberries and raspberries...and every other kind of berry for that matter. I first saw the picture of the bouquet and fell in love with the beautiful colors. The dark pinkish/red and the coral pink are just so gorgeous together! And, I think it's a really unexpected color combo. It's certainly not overdone, which makes me like it even more. This would work equally well for fall and summer weddings because it's bright and cheery, and yet has a touch of richness. So, what do you think? Like it?
 |
| Photos courtesy of Style Me Pretty |
African Safari
Today I felt like going with a little bit more of an exotic theme....and this beautiful African Safari wedding was born! I have to say, that I love love love this idea so much. It's just so much fun and so pretty to look at. And, it's pretty easy to pull off. You've just got to not be afraid of animal prints, bold patterns, lots of brown, and safari animals of course! When done right, this theme can be a way for your guests to escape to an exotic place. Who doesn't want that? And, for being a heavily-themed wedding, it's crazy elegant.
A little bit of glitz and glamour never hurt anyone! In fact, I think it can be a good thing. A very, very good thing. Sparkly things just ooze fancy-schmancy, and they really add a dramatic touch to, well, anything! The great thing about using diamonds, crystals, glitter, etc is that you can go as crazy or as tame as you want. For a really over-the-top wow factor, go for lots of glitz. For a more classic, contemporary feel, tone it down a bit. I think at least a little bit of sparkle is necessary at every wedding!
Doesn't this inspiration board make you think of a dreamsicle? Well, it sure does for me...and I think it's delicious! I love how the bright orange stands out so vividly against the pure white. It really makes for a beautiful pop of color and adds so much energy to a room. If you're not into the bright shade of orange, you could always choose a lighter, paler shade and go for a peaches n' cream type look. MMMM. Can you tell I'm hungry?
 |
| Photos courtesy of Style me Pretty |
Some people say that diamonds are a girl's best friend. Well, I think that PEARLS are really our best friends. They're elegant, regal, and so classic. And, I love that they come in so many different colors! If you love pearls as much as I do, then they are definitely something that will have to make it into your wedding decor. Sure, you could just put on a pretty pearl necklace and call it done...but you could easily go much farther than that! I love the cakes with edible pearls on them. I love the idea of draping pearls in your centerpieces or decorations, I love sticking them in your bouquet, and I even love putting them on your groom! The options are endless. Can you go wrong with pearls? Nope. Definitely, definitely not.
 |
| Photos courtesy of Style Me Pretty |
Parisian Wedding oo la la!
What could possibly be better than having your wedding in Paris, the city of love? Pretty much nothing. Unfortunately, that leaves most of us feeling depressed because, well, a wedding in Paris just isn't possible. The great thing is that you CAN have a Parisian inspired wedding without being in Paris! I love everything about French culture. It's so glamorous, whimsical and romantic. Why not create that feeling at your wedding? Use French postcards for invitations/decorations, set the mood with romantic colors, place simple French words at table settings, serve French foods. The possibilities are endless, oui? (The only French word I know!)
 |
| Photos courtesy of Style me Pretty |
Modern & Contemporary
Sleek. Modern. Contemporary. Three words that make for a stunning, breath-taking, beautiful wedding. This minimalist look is all about sharp lines, cool architectural patterns, and bold black and white with pops of color. I love it that it makes you feel like you are in an expensive penthouse in New York city, sipping champagne. Honestly, it's just so
cool. I can hardly stand it!
 |
| Photos courtesy of Style me Pretty |
Pink & Navy
I love this pink and navy combo. It's preppy and tailored and extremely energetic feeling. Plus, I think it represents a man and a woman so perfectly. I love it that you can take two bold colors, mix them together, and neither of them are competing with one another. It's pure wonderfullness. (I think I just made up a word). And, I love those pink and navy Nikes in the left upper corner. Yes, a groom really did wear those, which is way cool. But it would have been even better had they been worn by the bride :)
With school having just started (and me thanking my lucky stars that I've graduated), I thought a literature-themed wedding would be so appropriate. I love the idea of a literary wedding because it's so effortlessly classic and vintage. There's even something extremely romantic about books. The great thing is that you could even get your centerpieces and decor from second-hand shops! Buy some vintage books and you've got instant decoration. Couldn't get any easier than that. Also, notice that the bouquet in the right corner is made of paper...not just any paper, but book pages! I love that. You could really get creative with this theme. Some couples name their tables after American classics, some send out personalized pencils as favors, and some even cut their books up to make literary works of art. Give it a shot!
I can't possibly be the only one who thinks this golden-yellow color is completely under-rated. I mean, it's just so beautiful and rich and completely perfect for a fall wedding. This would be especially perfect for a bride who loves yellow, but isn't getting married in the spring or summer and needs something a little less sunny. The golden hue is so appropriate for a wedding in late Sept, Oct, or Nov. because it mimics that color-changing leaves so perfectly. I, for one, think it's divine. For an even more fall-ish color palette, pair it with a deep, rich brown; for a lighter, airy feel, pair it with white. The great thing about it is that it can stand on it's own and still make a huge impact on the ambiance of your wedding. And, it reminds me of mustard, my favorite condiment. Woo hoo!
 |
| Photos courtesy of Style me Pretty |
Since purple is my favorite color, it comes as a surprise to me that I have yet to make a purple inspiration board! (Seriously, what is wrong with me?!) So, here it is. A beautiful, bright, cheery, drool-worthy purple-inspired wedding. Because there are so many different shades of purple out there, it was hard for me to focus on just a couple shades. But, I feel like most brides opt for a deep, dark, plum-ish purple for their wedding (myself, included). So, here I am to show you that bright purple can be pretty too! And elegant. And completely appropriate for a classy wedding. I'm seriously re-considering the shade of purple at my own wedding now. Dang me! I am my own worst enemy :)
How about you? Is purple of any shade making an appearance at your wedding?
 |
| Photos courtesy of Style me Pretty |
Pale Yellow and Green
Yellow and green are two colors that could be an eye-sore together. They are both so intense and bold that I wouldn't normally think about putting them together unless you went a citrus-overload! But, if you love these two colors and can't imagine not pairing them for your wedding, here's a great way to do it. Pale shades of the two are absolutely gorgeous together! They complement each other instead of trying to compete with one another, and the effect is so nice. It's soft and sweet, but fun and energetic at the same time. I, for one think this is such a fresh look that hasn't been overdone, which makes me love it even more!
 |
| Photos courtesy of Style Me Pretty |
I'm going to let you in on a little secret: you don't have to have your wedding at a vineyard to have a wine-inspired wedding. No really, you don't! (Notice that I didn't include one picture that shows an actual vineyard!) All you've got to have are details and decorations that scream "You're at a fancy vineyard in Napa Valley!" and you'll start to think you really are.
A wine-themed wedding can be so elegant. It could be especially fun if you're from somewhere that doesn't have very many vineyards. It will be like a mini getaway for you and your guests. The trick is to make your friends and family feel like they're at a vineyard. Think: corks, grapes, lots of wine, cheese, bread, wine barrels/crates and of course, a color palette to match. When I think of wine, I imagine dark purples, plums, reds, pinks. Stick to some of these things and you'll be able to pull off a fun, chic, sophisticated vineyard wedding, without the vineyard!
 |
| Photos courtesy of Style Me Pretty |
Red Hot!
Red. It's the color of love. The color of passion. The color of romance. So, why not incorporate it into your wedding? It certainly represents the burning love you and your fiance have for one another. If, however, you're kind of scared of the intensity of red, try pairing it with white. The color white is so simple and pure, that it kind of offsets the boldness of the red, making for a very soft, romantic color palette. See, you CAN do red and still be soft and pretty.
 |
| Photos courtesy of Style Me Pretty |
A Traveler's Dream Wedding
Travel-inspired weddings are just so....exciting. You can have more fun with maps, globes, suitcases, and postcards than you ever would have thought possible. And, you can pick up most of this stuff at vintage stores. Saving you money and looking expensively antique is what it's all about. It will make your guests feel like they're about to jet-set off to some exotic country, and who wouldn't like that? Vacation is the best part of the year, so why not make it part of your biggest day! Makes me want to take off right now.
"LOVE" for 7 points
It's the details in a wedding that make it a memorable, special event. Details are what make your special day stand out from every other wedding you've ever been to. One of the detail ideas that I absolutely love is the use of Scrabble tiles. The use of these adorable game tiles are fun and whimsical and are perfect for the word-loving couple. The great thing is that you can even use Scrabble tiles to personalize your wedding. Since you can make any words your little heart desires (that's what they're for!) you can use the tiles for names on placecards. Or, you can go with more generic words (you can see that "love" is a popular one, for obvious reasons). Think about adding this detail to your wedding and your guests will love the thought you put into it.
 |
| Photos courtesy of Style Me Pretty |
Bold, Bright & Beautiful
I love it when a couple isn't afraid of a little (OK, a lot) of color. Most brides think that they're only allowed to choose a couple different colors for their wedding scheme...but these pictures prove that's completely untrue. In fact, it's possible to not have to pick a color scheme at all (Gasp!). Just go with an array of bold, bright colors and you'll have a fun, inviting, un-stuffy wedding. There are a ton of different colors in this inspiration board, and they all look great together. Proof that there is no such thing as too many colors.
Also, check out my fellow blogger,
Mimi, who is using bright colors in her beautiful wedding!
 |
| Photos courtesy of Style Me Pretty |
Isn't it crazy how something so simple that you've been familiar with your entire life could all of a sudden turn into a chic wedding decoration? That is exactly what buttons have become. They are so versatile and can be stuck pretty much anywhere in your wedding decor to give it a DIY, vintage feel. Not only will your wedding have "I made this with my own two hands" charm, but you actually CAN make it with your own two hands! Buttons can be used on place cards, or name tags and are even being fashioned into hair pieces and bouquets. The great thing is that if you have lots of buttons lying around, you can finally put them to good use, and you won't even spend a dime. Doesn't get much better than that.
Oh, and if you like the button bouquet featured in the center picture, check it out
HERE. It's handmade by a talented crafter on Etsy, and you can purchase one for yourself! At just $100, it's more affordable than flowers, and it will last forever. Talk about a great keepsake!
 |
| Photos courtesy of Style Me Pretty & Really Bad Kitty |
Stripes, Please
Does anybody else have a huge obsession with stripes like I do? Like to the point where you hyperventilate when you see a zebra, or a pirate, or even candy cane? Ok me neither. But, I do love them. I love the fact that they are so clean, simple and structured. For just being simple lines placed next to one another, stripes make for a huge impact. I love that they have the power to look really preppy, fun & whimsical, elegant or extremely bold. It doesn't really matter what look you are going for because stripes can be applied to them all.
 |
| Photos courtesy of Style Me Pretty |
Pretty in (HOT) Pink
It's no secret that women of all ages are obsessed with the color pink. Representing love, beauty and caring, it's no wonder so many brides take the plunge into the sea of pink. With an overwhelming array of different shades of the color, it can be impossible to decide which exact hue is right for you. Let's start with the most obvious: beautiful, bright, girly-to-the-max hot pink. Not only is this color ultra feminine, but when used so boldly, it brings such a great energy to your wedding. It's vibrant and exciting, and just so FUN. Isn't that exactly what you want your wedding to be: fun?
 |
| Photos courtesy of Style Me Pretty |
Dolphins & Canaries
I'm a huge fan of a gray and yellow color combo. It's ultra sleek and modern and oh-so chic. It's a great way to pull off yellow without making your entire wedding looking like a giant bumble bee. The gray really softens the yellow, but makes it pop at the same time. I don't know how it does this, but it does! If you love the idea of a really contemporary, clean wedding, this color combo is sure to do the job. And it makes me thinks of dolphins and canaries. But that has nothing to do with anything.
 |
| Photos courtesy of Style Me Pretty |
Time For Tea
There is just something so wonderfully...what's the word?....ah yes,
British, about a tea party. That's the only way to describe it. Oh, and maybe, elegant, romantic and regal as well. But
British pretty much sums it up. Who doesn't want to feel like the Queen of England, sipping tea out of expensive china on her wedding day? And no, you don't need expensive china to pull it off, you just have to feel like it's expensive. In fact, you can go to vintage stores and garage sales and pick up miss-matched tea cups and saucers and pull off a fabulously vintage-chic look while you're at it.
And, while you're thinking about having a tea party themed wedding, you might as well go all out and have your guests where big hats and talk in accents. You'll be saying things like, "One lump, or two my dear?" in no time!
 |
| Photos courtesy of Style Me Pretty |
I love the idea of having a garden-themed outdoor wedding. It's fun, laid-back, and super outdoorsy. This would be perfect for the couple that's not looking for a stuffy, traditional wedding; it allows for so much freedom! Think watering cans, seed packets (which would make a great favor), and lawn games like croquet. Your guests can sip lemonade and enjoy fresh herbs and spices. And, if you have your reception literally IN a garden, you've got it made. What do you think?!
 |
| Photos courtesy of Style Me Pretty |
It's time for a confession: I am absolutely, positively IN LOVE with this color. I want to propose to it, give it a ring and walk it down the aisle.
I'm not quite sure what it is about the color that I love so much. Maybe it's the fact that it's not overdone (I've hardly seen it used anywhere), or that I can't decide what color it is. It's not purple. It's not blue. Periwinkle perhaps? Or maybe I love it because it's soft and elegant and makes me feel like I'm walking through clouds. Whatever the reason, I am smitten. Meet my new husband: blue-y, purple-y loveliness.
 |
| Photos courtesy of Style Me Pretty |
I recently talked with a fellow bride-to-be who is struggling with choosing out a color scheme (aren't we all) for her October wedding.
Check her out here! Since I'm a semi-fall bride as well, I had already done all kinds of research on fall colors. Instead of posting tons of inspiration boards highlighting the different color schemes that I've found, I'm just going to post bouquets. Why? Because often times, bouquets reflect the colors of the entire wedding. I think looking at the flowers is a quick way to see what a certain combo of colors would look like together.
Here's some of my favorites. While some are what we would typically think of as fall colors, others are kind of outside-of-the-box (personally, I love the one on the bottom right). But, no matter what colors they are, they all have that distinctive "fall feeling" that makes me want to play in the leaves and drink lattes.
 |
| Photos courtesy of Style Me Pretty |
This country-themed wedding is rustic, without screaming "I'm a cowboy!" in every detail. More obvious cowboy items (boots & hats) are paired with country-chic pieces to make a very subtle and classy spin on the barn wedding. This just shows you can have a cowboy wedding without making your guests sit on itchy hay bales in their fancy clothes and they will still feel like they are at an elegant affair. It's a win-win!
I especially love the use of mason jars, and the wild-flower-almost-weed bouquets. Who would think you could cut flowers right out of a field and they could look so darn beautiful? Oh, and the smores. How could I forget about the smores?
 |
| Photos courtesy of Style Me Pretty |
The Roaring 20's
The 1920's were full of all kinds of wonderful trends: jazz, the Fox Trot, Mickey Mouse, and most importantly, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Aside from these things, one of the most prominent trends that we can take from the 20's is their fashion. Think flappers: fringe, lace, pearls, feathers, and all kinds of other vintage-chic items.
The 20's can be a great inspiration for a wedding. It adds a vintage flair, but can still be soft and romantic at the same time. Modern day flapper dresses for your bridesmaids is a MUST, as is old-school foods (like homemade pies and root beer). It's the type of theme where you've got to be ready to go all-out. Trust me, you'd have fun with this one. And, if you could get your future hubby to learn the Charleston, you're all set.
One trend that I've noticed popping up into weddings lately is origami. Cute little (or big) pieces of paper are folded into any shape you want and placed throughout the wedding decor. In many cases, the origami IS the decoration for the wedding. Often, couples prefer to use paper cranes because their presence wishes a thousand years of happiness and prosperity onto the couple. A thousand years of happiness sounds pretty fantastic, huh? I certainly think so.
 |
| Photos Courtesy of Style Me Pretty |
Mini-sized appetizers
Appetizers can be great for a wedding, especially if you're planning on giving your guests a cocktail hour between the ceremony and the reception. Plus, everybody loves food that comes in tiny, bite-sized portions. I mean, c'mon, they're just plain fun to eat! But what's even better than small portions, are food that are actually mini-sized. Typically, you take a food that is normal-sized, and shrink it down so that people can eat it in one bite. Mini foods are cute. And they're smart. They'll keep your guests occupied while you're gone. Just don't be surprised if you walk in and find them all pretending to be giants.
From left to right: 1.Mini potato skins 2.Mini ice cream cones 3.Mini corn dogs 4.Mini pies 5.Mini hamburgers 6. Mini pancakes 7.Mini doughnuts 8.Mini pop-tarts 9.Mini grilled cheese/tomato soup 10.Mini champagne bottles 11.Mini cheesecakes 12.Mini caramel apples 13.Mini milkshakes.
Etsy Finds Part II
I think it's time to feature another round of gorgeous Etsy items! I absolutely adore Etsy and all of the creative professionals that spend their time and energy creating one-of-a-kind items for us to buy. It's the perfect place to go for wedding shopping. You'll find pieces that are unique, special, and oh-so-creative. Trust me, your head will be swimming with all of the wonderful things you'll find. I can literally spend my entire day (and paycheck) on there! Go check out
Etsy today and see what you can find.
In the meantime, check out some of my favorite items at the moment.
1.Here's a to-die-for headwreath by
Blue Orchid Floral. I love this for the whimsical bride who wants to feel like a woodland fairy. With this beautiful headpiece, you'll look like something straight out of a fairytale.
2. I adore the simplicity of this monogrammed cake topper by
Better Off Wed. The wood is so pretty and would go well with an outdoorsy, vintage, or rustic-chic style wedding. Plus, it's easily customizable!
3. I love banners. They're funky and fun and have a vintage-flair to them. There are tons of different ones out there, but why not shop for them in one spot?
Funky Shique has a huge variety of hand-made, customizable banners that are all so effortlessly cool.
4. I swear, I am in love with this dress.
Coralie Beatrix is a genius. The dress is just so soft and feminine and looks like it would be flattering on any body type. In fact, this dress is completely convertible so it can be worn in an endless amount of ways to fit each of the girls in your bridal party. How awesome is that?
5. This headpiece is kind of a gasp-er. By that, I mean that I literally gasped out-loud when I saw it. Holy Toledo, it has more bling than a rapper's grill. I just can't stop looking at it. Thank you
Myra Kim for such a beautiful creation.
6. This bouquet by
Really Bad Kitty is so stunning. It's simple and elegant and unique at the same time. It's made of satin and vintage/antique buttons; a beautiful combo! It's different than just a plain satin bouquet, or an entirely-button bouquet. I think it's a great mix. And, you could keep it forever, a definite bonus! I'm pretty sure I could look at it for the rest of my life and never get sick of it.
P.S. Check out my post about button decor, featuring another of Really Bad Kitty's creations!
See it here!
There's my top 6
Etsy picks for now. See anything that you love? Have you found your own Etsy treasures? I'd love to see them!
There's no getting around it, flowers are expensive. And I mean, really expensive. The problem is that most brides think that they can't get away without having flowers everywhere: at the ceremony, the centerpieces, even the bouquets. But, they can get away with it! How, you ask? With fruit, of course! It may sound weird, but fruit makes for beautiful arrangements. They work for centerpieces, name cards, place settings, virtually anywhere that you would normally have flowers. As you can see, I've shown examples for oranges, limes, lemons, pears, apples, and peaches. But, the possibilities are endless. Pineapples would work great for a tropical wedding. Grapes would work for a vineyard wedding. You've just got to not be afraid of trying something new and fresh.
The great thing about using fruit for decoration is that it's cheap. Much, much cheaper than using fresh flowers. They won't wilt, they won't need watered, and heck, your guests can eat them! How many people can say they doubled their centerpieces as decoration AND a snack? Not too many. In all seriousness though, try it. You'll save money and you'll have great looking decorations without much fuss.
What's Etsy? If you don't know what Etsy is, or have never been on their website, you are in for a real treat. The website is dedicated to selling vintage and handmade items from all over the globe. For a small fee, the average Joe, and known artists alike, can put their creations up for sale. The variety on Etsy is unbelievable, as is the talent that these people have.
If you haven't checked it out yet, let it be known that Etsy should be on the top of your list of websites to visit for wedding inspiration, as well as to purchase one-of-a-kind items. You'll find such great treasures on there, you'll know that noone will have the same thing as you, and you'll be supporting artists from across the world.
Click here for homemade treasures:
ETSY!
Here's just a few of the awesome things I've found, with links to find them yourself. Now go, search, and find a handmade item that's just screaming you name!
It's happened. You've got a gleaming rock of awesomeness on your left ring finger. After the shock and excitement wear off and the daunting task you have ahead of you starts to set in, you wonder, "now what?" Good question. Here's some advice that I've learned (sometimes the hard way) about where to start planning for the big day.
1. Start a wedding binder. Yes, you can go to Barnes & Noble and pick one up for $40. They are all decked out and ready for you to start filling in information and clipping pictures for your big day. The most helpful ones have a ton of information about how to figure out the budget, proper etiquette, how to address invitations, etc. OR you can go to Walmart, buy a cheap binder, some page protectors, and get creative. Either way works. Trust me, having a place to keep all your ideas is a MUST. You don't want to forget about that awesome picture you found of a black lab as the ring bearer, right?
2. Set your budget. I know this is pretty common advice, but come on, it's crucial! Especially if you are paying for all, or some of your wedding. You will find really quickly that meeting your budget won't be easy. Things for weddings are over-priced and add up very quickly. Start with a number, and don't go over it!
3. Start looking for venues. The location for you ceremony and reception set the tone for the entire wedding. You can't plan any details without knowing the type of venue you will be in. I mean, what if you start planning for a vintage-themed wedding, but end up falling in love with a super-contemporary art museum as the locale? Then you have to scratch your original idea and start over. You want everything to feel cohesive. Pick the venue, and everything else will fall into place.
4. Don't be afraid to accept help. The second you get engaged, your friends and family are going to be chomping at the bit to help you get rolling with the plans. This can either be a good thing, or a horrible, awful, I-want-to-stab-myself-in-the-foot thing. The difference between these two is determined by your ability to delegate and lead, not give full reign to whatever your crazy Aunt Mildred wants. People want to help, and you should let them, but it's your wedding. You will feel better if you give your loved ones jobs to do (that will take the load off of your shoulders), but with instruction that shows that what YOU want. Find a happy medium.
5. Don't be a Bridezilla. Please, for the love of God, no. The second you start freaking out about how your mother-in-law bought cream napkins instead of ivory or that your soon-to-be-hubby wants to wear a bow tie because he thinks he'll look like James Bond, you'll will lose all the help you so desperately need. Nobody wants to help someone that wants to control everything. You have to realize that not everything can or will be perfect. You'll be much happier with your friend's and family's support, even if the napkins don't match.
6. Last, but certainly not least, look for ways to save money. Yes, it can be done. There are so many options out there for DIY projects ranging from invitations, to party favors, to the actual wedding cake. You can do it. And if you can't, well, there's certainly someone in your family who can. Also, use your connections. Does your best friend know a photographer? Is your co-worker's wife friends with a man who's uncle knows a guy who's a chef? Perfect!
This blush wedding is absolutely the most romantic thing I've ever seen. It's soft, girly, and has that fresh "I just got pinched on the cheek" look.
This color palette is definitely worth looking into if you want all of your guests to fall in love at your wedding. Hey, I really think it could happen! Just know that you will be solely responsible for the bad choices they make during the reception. Can't say I didn't warn you.
 |
| Photos courtesy of Style Me Pretty |
1940's Wedding
At the end of June I was lucky enough to be in a wedding for two of my good friends Nick & Kayla. Their wedding was such a unique 40's themed affair that I felt the need to make an post inspired by their wedding. The 1940's have such a classic vintage feeling. Suspenders, bird cage veils and pin curls pull the look all together to make you feel like you're living in this booming era.
 |
| Photos courtesy of Style Me Pretty |
Rustic-Chic Wedding
 |
| Photos courtesy of Style Me Pretty & The Knot |
Rustic & chic. Two words that, by definition, should not go together. However, when they are blended seamlessly into every minute detail of a wedding from the bouquets, to the setting, to the centerpieces, they make for a beautiful experience. There is something so elegant about a wedding that can take non-traditional mediums and make them into a wedding more stunning than one that decks everything out in rhinestones. Who am I kidding? FAR more elegant. This type of wedding is great for outdoor venues because it has a kind of airy, woodsy feeling that is further solidified by being in the great outdoors! Find your inner tree-hugger and enjoy.
Nautical Wedding
There is something so fresh and crisp about a nautical-themed wedding that just makes me want to visit the East Coast. Bright blues, reds, and yellows can be paired perfectly with anchors, stripes, and sailor's knots to make a seamless, cohesive feeling of being in Nantucket. Anchor's away!
 |
| Photos courtesy of Style Me Pretty |
Cinderella Theme
For a girl who loves princesses, Cinderella is the ultimate motivation. A wedding built around the things that she is so well known for (baby blue, glass slippers, timeless beauty) comes together so elegantly when done correctly. The white and blue color-combo is fresh and airy, perfect for a spring or summer wedding. This collection will make you want to float away into the clouds (or perhaps take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage to meet your prince).
 |
| Photos courtesy of The Knot |
