How to Make The Best Wedding Memories

By Stacey Wolf, author of Never Throw Rice at a Pisces

Over the weekend, Stacey was so kind to put together the following ideas for our readers on making the best wedding memories for each astrological sign. (her book Never Throw Rice at a Pisces was reviewed in yesterday's blog entry)
Aries: Do something wild and fun—like play on some swings with the flower girls or jump in a lake (in your dress, of course) — and make sure your photographer is around to capture it.
Taurus: Have one of the guests take pictures of all the food courses. Make sure you try all the offerings down to the cake and what ever you do—don’t skip the meal!
Gemini: Make a warm and witty speech of your own. Dance with everyone you know and put it all on the videotape.
Cancer: Wrap a rose with a note telling your sweetheart, mom, dad, and best friends, how special they are. Have them delivered the morning of.
Leo: Take dance lessons so your first dance looks as graceful and romantic as if you were Fred Estaire and Ginger Rodgers.
Virgo: Plan an elaborate DIY craft—like making the favors and gift-wrap yourself—so that your guests delight in your talents and perfectionism (for the rest of your life!)
Libra: Hire a top-of-the-line photographer and leave plenty of time before and after the ceremony to take pictures. If your photos aren’t the most beautiful that you have ever seen, you will be extremely disappointed.
Scorpio: Plan a few romantic minutes alone with your groom after the ceremony so that you can sip champagne and remember what is truly important— your love for each other.
Sagittarius: Take your guests on a big adventure. Plan an usual spiritual ceremony, have foods from around the world, hire some exotic entertainment—such as a steel band or belly dancers, or even take a dinner cruise instead of booking a reception hall.
Capricorn: Hire an ace coordinator and go over your schedule a gazillion times so that the events of the day unfold exactly as you’d like and there are no negative surprises to ruminate over for the rest of your life.
Aquarius: Do something funny and unconventional. Sing a duet, plan some group line dances, or ride away on a Harley. Your wedding will delight your guests, people will be talking about it forever.
Pisces: Add fairy-tale elements and sentimental touches. Get photographed on a white horse, wear your best friend’s garter, carry your grandmother’s handkerchief, even wear your mom’s wedding dress—and don’t forget to have your husband carry you over the threshold.

Image Credits:
Aries: Carpe Icthus' flickr gallery, Cancer: Brides.com, Virgo: Brides.com, Pisces: Adam Schott flickr gallery, Aquarius: Bashed's flickr gallery

Review: Never Throw Rice at a Pisces

by Stacey Wolf
The Bride's Astrology Guide to Planning Your Wedding, Choosing Your Honeymoon, and Loving Every Second of It, No Matter What Your Sign
Stacey Wolf has written an amazing wedding planning book based on your astrological sign. In this book, Stacey gives "smart, easy-to-use, sign-specific advice" to help you plan your perfect wedding and honeymoon.

One of the best parts about this book? It doesn't tell you if you're compatible with your partners sign, but instead, you will find out how to plan for your wedding, honeymoon and life together as newlyweds using the signs that you are. This is the first wedding planner book that is guided by the stars and speaks personally to each bride.

According to Stacey Wolf, "Knowing who you are, what you want in life, and what you don't, helps tremendously. Never Throw Rice at a Pisces helps brides focus on who they are and reminds them of their unique personality and encourages them to make the choices that are right for them. Depending upon how deeply you want to dive into the stars, you can also use astrology to help you choose a wedding day that is in harmony with your emotional nature and that of your fiancé."

This book is a fun read and filled with a tremendous amount of wonderful tips, ideas and advice that are written in an easy to follow format. Also included are stories from other astrobrides. You can see more fun stories and tips from Stacey Wolf at her website - www.neverthrowrice.com

Purchase your copy of Never Throw Rice at a Pisces here and be the bride you were born to be.

Wildflower Themed Weddings

Ideas and Inspirations | Photos and Galleries

The start of my inspiration for this wildflower wedding theme collection was the beautiful Jezebel wedding dress from Allison Blake Designs - it's an ivory duchesse bodice that is delicately embroidered and beaded with field flowers. While wildflowers are fragile, they are strong enough to endure just about anything, making them the perfect floral choice for weddings, especially in the hot summer months.

Additional Resources and Images:
Wedding Cake: MissBeckles' flickr photo gallery, Garden Invitation: inkylivie's etsy shop, Centerpieces that name each table after a different wildflower: Brides.com, Midsummer Gold Tiara: chicallure's etsy shop, Flower Cupcake: cotton candy bakeshop's flickr photo gallery

Web Site Find: DK Designs

I came across DK Designs' etsy shop the other day and fell in love with her handcrafted clay floral designs. These flowers will last for years and each of Diane's designs are one of a kind and handcrafted petal by petal. Along with her esty shop, Diane has her own web site at dkdesignshawaii.com where she also creates stylish tropical and Asian-inspired wedding stationery.

I think these clay floral designs are perfect for centerpieces at bridal showers and even weddings, as well as for a special gift for mothers of the bride and/or groom and bridesmaids. Diane also creates wedding bouquets using clay flowers. On her web site, Diane says "Clay flower bouquets will look as vibrant as the day you say "I do" for many years to come."

Be sure to check out both of Diane's sites for more beautiful photographs of her awe-inspiring designs.

Beautiful Wedding Music

I've recently been in touch with Tony of T Carter Music and wanted to share with you his inspirational and beautifully composed wedding recordings. Each of his 3 cds contain music that is extra special and unique for your wedding.

Lyrical Vows of Unity features 3 original music compositions, each with a vocal, intimate mix, non vocal, and intimate mix/non vocal compilations. Also - at TCarterMusic.com you can view the lyrics & listen to previews of each of these heartfelt songs. According to Tony, "Lyrical Vows of Unity are special moments between the bride and groom that make a wedding day unforgettable." The 3 original songs are:
This Ring (for the ring exchange ceremony)
Here We Stand (for the lighting of the unity candle)
Dance With Me (for the bride and groom's first dance)

Serenade is a "classical wedding collection featuring 12 of the most intimate, elegant, and romantic wedding songs ever recorded". Tony says, "My vision for Serenade was to create the most intimate, elegant, and romantic classical wedding recordings ever produced". Arrangements include Canon in D, Ode to Joy, The Wedding March and other classical compositions.

Highland Serenade is a "Celtic influenced" classical wedding CD - that merges classical compositions with elegant and inspirational Celtic tradition. Tony calls Highland Serenade "a truly one of a kind recording and simply a breathtaking and groundbreaking musical achievement".

Listening to T Carter Music's wedding cd's is a treat - not only is it the perfect accompaniment for your wedding ceremony, but a wonderful way to calm your nerves as you peruse all your books and magazines to plan your dream wedding.

Eco-Friendly Wedding Invitations

Since yesterday was Earth Day and I wrote about organic wedding cakes, I decided to continue with green weddings for another day and let you know about some online resources for eco-friendly wedding invitations. I'm sure there are many more out there, so if you know of any others or you own an eco-wedding invitation business, please let me know by leaving a comment.
top left InviteSite.com carries Eco Wedding Invitations that use treefree and post consumer recycled papers. Their invitations are sold as DIY kits and you can either print them yourself at home or have Invite Site print them for you inhouse using vegetable based inks.

top right Earthly Affair strives to give you the most original and unique wedding invitations using 100% recycled paper, earth friendly printing methods, an eco equipped studio, and carbon free shipping. I absolutely love Jennifer's invitation designs.

middle left Tasha Rae Designs uses papers that are 20-100% post consumer recycled and/or made by companies that use Well Managed Forests. Also, with each eco-friendly order, a tree is planted.

bottom right Botanical Paperworks offers plantable wedding invitations and favors that recycle into flowers. You simply plant the seed-embedded paper to grow the flowers indoors or in a pot.

bottom left Naturally Ever After offers a collection of wedding invitations are made from quality, recycled paper containing at least 30 percent post-consumer fibers.

Other resources include:
Bella Figura
Festivale.net
Twisted Limb Paperworks
Sweet Invitations

Organic Wedding Cakes

I love receiving emails from companies that offer something special for their customers and the Tiny Tree House in New Mexico does just that. As the demand for ecologically-friendly weddings is rapidly growing across the country, many businesses that provide wedding services have been caught off-guard. And many are now finding a way to become "green".

But, for the Tree House Pastry Shop & Café, a cozy all-organic restaurant and bakery located on the grounds of Plants of the Southwest nursery in Santa Fe, they have always been "green".

According to owner Maria Elena Bustamante-Bernal, "For us, ecological consciousness is not a reaction to any particular trend, it's one of the core ideals on which our business is built." Bustamante-Bernal also says, "It may take a little more effort on our part—but we've found that using local ingredients, we can produce a better looking and better-tasting product. That doing so is better for the environment and our community—that's icing on the cake."

All of their cakes are 100% organic and yes, they do make cakes for people with food allergies. "Those planning a New Mexico "green wedding" really can have their organic, locally-made cake—and eat it, too."

If you aren't planning a wedding in the New Mexico area, here's a few other sites I have found online that specialize in organic wedding cakes. If you know of any others, please leave a comment for our other readers.
California: Edith Meyer Wedding Cakes
New Hampshire: Hippie Chick Bakery
New York: Nana Pearl's Wooden Spoon
Virginia: The Icing Cakes & Confections
United Kingdom: The Organic Chocolate Cake Company

Also - there's a great vegan wedding cake directory at about.com (according to about.com, many vegan wedding cake makers will also create custom made kosher wedding cakes or organic wedding cakes as well)

Butterfly Themed Weddings

Ideas and Inspirations | Photos and Galleries

Butterflies are a symbol of change, growth and new beginnings, therefore making them a great option for any wedding event. Here are some ideas to get you started on a butterfly themed party. Since I couldn't find just one butterfly cake and cupcake that I liked the most, you will find two separate inspiration boards for each of these desserts.
Resources and Images:
Menu Cards: Brides.com, Bouquet with Fabric Butterflies: Brides.com, Floating Butterfly Tea Light Candles: My Wedding Favors, Butterfly Cookies: Mad Baker's flickr photo gallery, Butterfly Cookie Cutter Favors:My Wedding Market, Butterfly Place Card and Photo Holders: My Wedding Market, Blossoms and Butterfly Wedding Invitation: ohmymia's esty shop, Butterflies Laser-Cut Cupcake Holders: My Wedding Favors

Resources and Images:
Top Row (left to right): Brides.com, LissiC's flickr gallery, helenocake's flickr gallery
Bottom Row (left to right): Jamie Anderson's flickr gallery, Swarovski Butterfly Cake from Brides.com

Resources and Images:
Top Row (left to right):, Kylie Lambert's flickr gallery, Violet's Cakes
Bottom Row (left to right): Zalita's flickr gallery, Lovetobake's flickr gallery

Dessert Buffets continued . . .

After posting yesterday's blog entry, I came across Rebecca Thuss' web site and just had to share it with you - her site is filled with many more truly inspiring ideas for dessert buffet tables including both cookies and candy. Rebecca's bio says "she delights in throwing parties, has a passion for packaging, a weakness for fanciful candy and confections, and an infatuation with vintage paper items". Rebecca is a dedicated 10 year veteran of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia - so you may recognize some of the photos from the pages of the Martha Stewart Weddings magazine.

Enjoy the above pics and be sure to check out Rebecca's site for even more mouthwatering photos. Have a sweet weekend!

A Wedding Buffet with Glass Jars

I love this wedding idea - using apothecary jars or any kind of glass jar for either candy buffets, cookie buffets, popcorn bars or anything else you can think of. With the items being displayed in glass, you can make any table arrangement look stunning. And you can turn the 'buffet' of candy, cookies or popcorn into a self-serve favor station. You can provide your guests with favor boxes or bags and decorative scoops so your guests can put together their own sweet treat to take home and enjoy. You can pre-attach a label to the favor boxes (maybe with your names, wedding date and 'Enjoy!' on it) and with the favor bags, you could decorate them using rubber-stamps. Adding ribbons around the glass jars and with labels identifying the candy, cookies and/or flavor of popcorn makes the display even more special.

Probably, the hardest decision to make will be what colors and candy to use. All white? An array of colors? Only the wedding colors?

Glass jars also make wonderful additions to tables filled with fruit (limes, lemons, apples, etc), sea shells - the possibilities are endless.

Image Credits:
Top Right: courtesy of dnn_rchmnd's flickr photo gallery
Left: courtesy of presentpast's flickr photo gallery
Middle Right: courtesy of Brides.com
Bottom Left: Michaels Arts and Crafts
Bottom Right: Jo Gartin of Love Luck and Angels

Beau-coup's New Website

Yesterday I visited Beau-coup.com and saw they launched an amazing new website design. I've always liked their site and the great favors they offer for both brides and businesses, but they have now simplified the navigation to make it easier for you to find what you are looking for. Be sure to visit the new Beau-coup.com web site and I'm sure you will find something for any of your upcoming events including engagement parties, bridal showers, weddings and corporate parties - from favors to gifts to decorations.

Special Offer for our Readers:
Receive Free Shipping on all orders over $125 at Beau-coup.com.
Coupon Code: FREESHIP

A few of my favorites on the new Beau-coup.com website include:
• Deal of the Month (receive 10% off their showcased favor)
• Eco-friendly Favors category
• Exclusive Wedding Favors and Gifts
• Favors By Price

The Ever Popular Topic - The Bridesmaid Dress

courtesy of Karen Warren Ltd Bridal Collection
I recently received an email from Karen Warren Ltd. discussing one of the best ways to let a bride's personality shine through. This can be accomplished with something as simple as the bridesmaids' dresses. According to Karen Warren Ltd., "Reflecting youth and sophistication, the bridesmaid dress tells the story of the bridal party, depicting their fashion style, friendships and flair."

Here's the rest of the story:
Solid colors, dress separates, and sundresses are the bridal fashion trend in 2008, introducing carefree and vibrant colors for spring and summer, and jeweled "glow" tones for fall and winter. Always a classic, the A-line dress and skirt is joined by the fit and flare, with hemlines either mid-calf or more popular for 2008, right below or above the knee. Dressy separates remain an important option for the bridal party, with more-forgiving styles and comfort allowing bridesmaids to mix back into their every day wardrobe. The new seven-button cocktail coat and flat front wide leg pant promises to be an elegant wardrobe addition long after the wedding festivities are over.

Spring and Summer Color Choices: spring greens, cornflower blue, pale pinks and summer oranges

Fall and Winter Color Choices: berries, champagne, warm chocolates, dark greens and deep purples

Sundresses: spaghetti straps, one shoulder or pocket options, always flirtatious at the knee or floor length

Elegant Separates: mix and match skirts and wide-leg pants, with tops, jackets and cocktail coats

Fabrics: silk dupioni, summer linen, and classic chiffon

"We are thrilled to introduce these beautiful colors, dressy yet relaxed fabrics, and elegant style options to our wedding party division." said Karen Hipwell, President of Karen Warren Ltd. "With simple elegance ever so popular, the bridal party should be noticeable and stand apart from the guests, humbly representing the theme of the wedding."

The wedding party division of Karen Warren LTD offers a variety of colors, fabrics, styles and lengths that flatter every figure. Many of the styles are offered in ankle and short lengths and customers can pick their own mood setting colors. A sleeveless silk dupioni shell with a built in sash offers a number of looks depending on how you tie the sash. It‚s feminine and formal when tied in the front into a bow. A more tailored look comes to life as the sash ties in the back and drapes along the skirt. Finally the same top becomes a lesson in classic simplicity when wrapped around as a sash and paired with silk pants or capris. When pairing the top with a skirt in the same fabric and color bridesmaids can create the illusion of a formal dress. A classic look in silk dupioni is always in style with a simple taupe top and black skirt and sash. It is offered in a number of stunning color combinations for the more sophisticated wedding party. The separates also offer bridesmaids a better fit with the option of different sizes for top and bottoms.

Daisy Theme Bridal Showers and Weddings

Ideas and Inspirations | Photos and Galleries
Motif: Daisies
Color: White and Yellow
One of the most popular sayings to use with the white daisy is "he loves me, he loves me not, he loves me ... we tied the knot!" Here are more ideas and inspiration for incorporating the Shasta Daisy into your event.

Daisy Table Setting: image courtesy of Brides.com
Daisy Pomander: image courtesy of Brides.com
Wedding Bouquet: Daisies, Stephanotis, Hypericum Berries and Plumosa. Image courtesy of Brides.com
Table Centerpiece: from Anderson Florist's flickr photo gallery
Daisy Wedding Guest Platter: from Serendipity Crafts's ETSY shop
Daisy Favor Boxes: from the Best Wedding Sites Shop
Cake: image courtesy of MarthaStewart.com
Invitation: Daisies in Bloom t-length invitation from Invitation Consultants
Cupcakes: from ansy's flickr photo gallery

Special Discount for our readers from Invitation Consultants:
$5 Off any order over $100 at InvitationConsultants.com. Order Invitations for any occasion today. Coupon Code CJ34495.

Fairytale-Worthy Weddings on any Budget

Today's post features insider tips to make your bridal dreams come true. From finding discounted dream dresses to cutting the cake costs . . . Tatiana Byron, Founder of The Wedding Salon and a longtime wedding planner herself, shares insider cost-cutting knowledge and tips for getting the biggest bang for your buck. According to Byron, "Every wedding planner and industry expert knows that you don’t have to have a million bucks to make your wedding look like it costs that much."

(please see the post after this one for details on how you can receive complimentary tickets to the NY Wedding Salon, taking place on April 21st. I have 5 tickets to give away, each ticket admits 2 into the event.)

THE BRIDE
• Sample sales, trunk sales and high-end consignment shops can save you up to 50%.
• Consider alternative fabrics: Silk organza, crinkled silk and silk faille give the look and feel of a designer gown for half the price.
• Nix the fancy bouquet: Opt for a few exotic flowers that are local and in season.

DÉCOR
• Use less expensive filler flowers: Choose bargain flowers in season or in your color scheme. Pricier blooms can be final touches.
• Blend fruits with floral to create vibrant, unique and money saving centerpieces.
• Pick a beautiful site that doesn’t need a lot of embellishment to save tons on décor.

DINING
• Use costly ingredients sparingly, like lobster or caviar, in hors d’oeuvres which still give an expensive impression. Heavy appetizers can replace a dinner course!
• Cut out the fancy beef or fish dish; opt for a delicious chicken or vegetarian entrée.
• Lunch or brunch menus are less pricey but can still be exquisite. You can also save on bar and venue fees.

LIQUOR
• Switch out champagne for the trendy Prosecco or a sparkling white wine.
• Limit the free liquor: Keep the open bar to beer, wine and a signature cocktail or nix the top-shelf liquors.
• Bring your own alcohol; stock up at Costco, but find out about corking fees from your venue first

OTHER
• Smaller wedding parties save money on boutonnieres, bouquets and gifts.
• Off-season and Friday night weddings usually include lower rates.
• Timing is everything: A longer engagement gives you time to find the best deals and delaying your honeymoon till the off-season can save you thousands.

"Just by making a few adjustments, you can save a lot of money," Byron confirms.

Ticket Giveaway for NY Wedding Salon

If you will be in the NYC area on Monday April 21st and would like to attend the NY Wedding Salon taking place from 3 pm - 8 pm at Gotham Hall (1356 Broadway), I have 5 complimentary tickets available. Each ticket admits you and a guest into the show. (reg. price is $75 for 2 tickets)

To receive your free admission, please email me directly your full name, city/state, and email address to:
brenda (at) bestweddingsites (dot) com
The first 5 respondents will receive the complimentary tickets. Good Luck!

Tatiana Byron, Founder of The Wedding Salon, will bring together the most prominent talents in the business for the NY Wedding Salon including:

• Celebrity Event Designers David Tutera and Thomas Noel
• Fabulous Florals By Michael George
• Cake Connoisseur Sylvia Weinstock
• Million Dollar Wedding Band by Daniel K. and Celebrity Wedding Jewelry by H. Stern
• Top registries like Bloomingdale’s, Crate and Barrel, Scully & Scully and Bed Bath & Beyond
• Martini & Champagne "Bubbles & Blue" Bar by HPNOTIQ Liqueur
• Hottest Honeymoon & Destination Wedding Locations by The Leading Hotels of The World, Cayman Islands, Barbados Tourism, Royal Plantation
• Venues, Invitations, Photographers, Videographers and much more

With intimate book signings by David Tutera and Michael George, one-on-one consultations with the industry's best, and a meet-and-greet with Sylvia Weinstock, couples at the Wedding Salon get exclusive insider access to top bridal resources all under one roof. Brides save months of planning time in the creation of their own flawless, fairytale weddings.

The Wedding Salon New York will be helping to benefit Brides Against Breast Cancer, a Making Memories affiliate with a campaign to raise funds by giving gowns a yet more meaningful purpose. Additionally, attending brides will receive Complimentary Beauty Treatments as well a top of the line gift bag.

The Latest Trends in Bridal Gown Styles

The current trends for wedding dresses include:

Trend 1. Shorter Lengths - satin short party dress with floral embroidered bodice in ivory from the Vineyard Collection at Priscilla of Boston.
style Ricki.

Trend 2. Side Seam Pockets - full skirt with pleats and a bustle - featuring silver embroidery and beading from Eden Bridal (image courtesy of Brides.com). I love the idea of pockets in a wedding dress - they are perfect for stashing away a few tissues, warming up chilly hands, or just a comfortable place to rest your hands for pictures.

Trend 3 and 4: Open Back and Lace - v-neck double satin and tatted lace floor length gown from Lela Rose
(image courtesy of Brides.com)

Trend 5: Cotton - empire waist, slight A-line skirt, spaghetti strap with concealed back zipper in white cotton eyelet from Simple Silhouettes.

Trend 6: Belts - strapless v-neck dress with 2" wide ribbon belt - sequined lace on an A-line skirt from Forever Yours Bridal.
(image courtesy of Something Special Bridal)
style 48109

Trend 7: Covering Up - vertically shirred tulle overlays the strapless, empire bodice onto the slimfitting gown with appliquéd and cascading lace with matching bolero jacket. Available in 3 lengths and in White, Ivory, Cream from Mori Lee.
style 2181

Trend 8: Corsages - satin and lace dress with satin flower and sweeping train by Alfred Angelo. Dress available in White or Ivory with Trim in 55 colors.
style 1149

Luxury Wedding Accessories

Shopping at Eliza Fig is lots of fun when you "Shop Like a Diva" in their cleverly named categories that include:
Beach Bound
Bow-licious
Champagne and Caviar
Espresso Yourself
Love and Lace
Glam-a-rama
Make It Personal
Oh So Jackie O
Pick a Color
Pistachio and Marmalade

Some of my favorites at the site:
DIY Chic Save the Date Magnet Card Kit - the design is already on the card . . . so you simply print your names and information onto it with a laser or inkjet printer, add the magnet back, insert into the backer card and slip into the envelope. The DIY kit is $17 for 10 save the dates with envelopes.

Bridesmaid's Shawl - also a great gift for mothers and perfect for fall weddings. $18 each and available in 9 colors.

Scalloped Edge Favor Boxes - with lace being popular for weddings, these are the perfect way to present your favors to guests. $20 for 25 boxes with ribbon.

Baroque Favor Cards - Choice of 16 colors to coordinate with any wedding scheme. $9.60 per 20 cards.

Starfish Favor Card - Can be used as either a place card or favor card. $9.60 per 20 cards.

Best Wedding Sites - a top 10 Recommended Wedding Site

While looking thru the latest issue of Bride's magazine (May/June 2008), I saw an advertisement for rentalHQ.com that caught my attention (probably due to the heavier weight paper that was used). While looking at the ad, I saw they listed "10 Recommended Wedding Sites" . . . and bestweddingsites.com is one of them!!! I'm so excited and honored about the recognition. Thank you rentalHQ.com

The advertisement promotes the chance to register and win $5,000 towards your perfect wedding. RentalHQ.com is your free comprehensive rental resource provided to you by the American Rental Association - where you can rent just about everything to make your wedding perfect. The contest expires on June 30, 2008.

Pink and Chocolate Brown Weddings

Ideas and Inspirations | Photos and Galleries

I found these adorable pink and chocolate brown buttercream and handmade fondant cupcakes in the Just Cupcakes! flickr photo gallery and it was the start of my inspiration. While chocolate brown is currently being paired with just about any color for wedding events, here's all things pink and chocolate bridal showers and/or weddings.
Image Credits and Resources
Cupcake: Just Cupcakes! flickr photo gallery
Favors: Color Favor Boxes from Beau-coup
Apparel: Chocolate and Berries Crystal Bridal Party Tanks from our Wedding Shop
Cake: prettyadversity's Wedding Bells flickr photo album
Invitation: Chocolate and Pink Mod Flowers Wedding Invitation Set from charmingpaper's esty shop
Flowers: Brides.com
Bridesmaids and Flowers: Brides.com
Bridesmaid Dress: Brides.com

Poppy Theme Weddings

Ideas and Inspirations | Photos and Galleries
Motif: Poppies

Poppies are considered the flower of joy, making them the perfect accent for weddings. Two popular color schemes for the poppy wedding theme can be seen in the photo collections below - they are:
- red and black
- light blue and orange

Poppies: Red and Black
Image Credits and Resources
Invitation: Poppy Fields Wedding Invitation from MewPaperArts's etsy shop
Favors: Poppy Topped Favor Boxes from our wedding store
(coordinating poppy napkin rings are also available)
Centerpiece: Brides.com
Wedding Cake: Jaime Anderson's flickr photo gallery
Cupcakes: image on left from Jaime Anderson's flickr photo gallery and image on the right from Clares Cupcakes in London.
Hair Accessories: Recycled Poppy Bobbypin Set from foundling's etsy shop

Poppies: Orange and Blue
Image Credits and Resources
Invitation: from Wedding Paper Divas (also available in 2 additional color palettes along with a coordinating Poppy Bridal Shower Invitation)
Wedding Cake: Studio Cake's flickr photo gallery
Mini Vase of Poppies: Brides.com
Tablesetting: Brides.com

"Good Advice" Bridal Shower

In the current issue of Better Homes and Gardens - there is an article about a lighthearted wedding shower that puts a fresh twist on sharing words of wisdom. The article contains ideas, tips, photos, and a suggested menu with items like "Confucius Says" Noodle Salad and Sage (Advice) Biscuits with Chicken Salad. Dessert included cupcakes topped with advice flags that were printed on the computer and attached to toothpicks.

When sending the invitation, the hostess included a blank card and asked the guest to write down a bit of wisdom/advice to go with their gift. Reading the card aloud before opening the gift makes the event fun and interactive. The hostess then collected the cards and presented them in a pretty album to the bride after the shower.

A couple of the advice/gift ideas from the article includes:
Gift: champagne flutes or a beautiful cake plate
Advice: "Celebrate every day"

Gift: cookbook with kitchen tools
Advice: "Take turns cooking for each other"

One of my favorite presentation ideas was the stylish salad bar that showcased colorful veggies in square glass vases for guests to make their own salads. Another clever idea is the bread sticks being wrapped in print-outs of old newspaper advice columns pages. The party hostess found them online at newspaperarchives.com.

Small vases filled with bouquets of single flower types scattered throughout the party room help to add a simple but elegant feel to the shower, along with establishing the color scheme.

Guests left the "Good Advice" wedding shower with a sweet treat - 2 chocolate-dipped fortune cookies featuring customized messages that were wrapped in a cellophane bag and sealed with a ribbon and a vintage wedding announcement newspaper clipping.

The easy elegance tips offered by the party's hostess would easily work for other bridal shower themes as well. For more ideas on giving a "Good Advice" bridal shower, you can find the current issue of Better Homes and Garden on newsstands until April 15th. Additional recipes and photos from the wedding shower article can be found at BHG.com/weddingshower.

Haute Wine Country Weddings

According to Kelly McLeskey of the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa in Sonoma Valley, CA - The white wedding is back, as is vintage (think re-use) and weekend themed events. Kelly reveals What's Haute for our readers . . .

White Hot
"Last year a lot of weddings focused on bright robust colors, this year we are seeing more neutral tones with shots of color in flowers, etc. Soft, sheer fabrics and floral prints are (also) back in all shapes and sizes. I think you will see bright and bold in the bridesmaid dresses then hints of those colors through out the wedding but the color won't be the main focus it will accent or compliment the wedding."

Vintage Chic
"The eco-chic bride is incorporating vintage elements and touches into their galas. Vintage Wedding Gowns, Vintage Rings, Vintage Cars, Vintage China & Crystal are the new California rage."

Put it on Paper
"Invitation and wedding stationary is hotter than ever! Lots of brides are putting a lot of time and money into their invitations...creating a monogram, a logo, a motif for their wedding that is carried through out the entire wedding. This original design work in being incorporated into the wedding cake, menus, escort cards, and welcome letters."

Make it Last
"The WEEKEND WEDDING is definitely growing in popularity. Today's fashionable bride is planning an entire weekend of (themed) planned activities- not just the wedding ceremony, but 2-3 days of events where every guest is included. For example I recently planned a weekend wedding that included a Thursday (evening) welcome reception, Friday golf for the guys and Spa Day for the girls with lunch, Friday night the entire party was invited to the rehearsal dinner, Saturday wedding, and (morning after) Sunday brunch send off. Weddings are smaller and more intimate too, 125 guests or less."

Renowned for natural mineral waters, unparalleled charm and gracious service, the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, is located 40 miles north of the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge at 100 Boyes Blvd. in Sonoma Valley, the heart of Northern California's wine country. A recipient of both the AAA-Four Diamond and Mobil-Four Star Award, the resort consistently provides the country's finest European spa experience. For reservations please call 1-800- 441-1414 or (707) 938-9000, or visit the Inn's website.

above images courtesy of Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

2008 Wedding Flowers Trends

We are happy to share with you the following trends for 2008 in wedding flowers provided to us by Clara Varga-Gonzales, owner of Tiger Lily Florist in Charleston, SC (named Elegant Bride Magazine's Top Wedding Designers for 2005 and The Knot Best of Flowers 2007).

above photos courtesy of Tiger Lily Florist

2008 Wedding Flowers Trends
• There is definitely still a curiosity about natural elements. Flowers and botanicals, such as grasses, pods, herbs and lichens, are incorporated into all aspects of the wedding from boutonnieres to pew markers and cake flowers.
• Designs that focus on grouping materials such as chocolate artichokes, fern curls and green Goddess Callas Lilies are presented in artisan containers and gracing the tables at outdoor receptions.
• In color palettes, green is still the most sought after color with accent shades of creams and white or hot pinks and mango coral. However, combinations of deep burgundy red Black Magic roses, Black Forest mini Callas and rich purple, almost black, tulips are striking against ornate damask linen. No more white linen on guest tables for sure.
• Ceremonies that are being held outdoors are letting nature provide the backdrop, which can be quite dramatic here in the Lowcountry. Emphasis on ornate aisle starters and chair markers allow the bride and groom to be the main focus for guests during ceremonies.

About Tiger Lily
Located in downtown Charleston, SC, Tiger Lily is an upscale florist, taking inspiration from the area's long legacy of flowers and gardens to bring Charleston residents the highest-quality, most impactful arrangements. Only working with the world's best suppliers and growers to ensure the freshest and most beautiful blooms, Tiger Lily’s arrangements are long-lasting and carefully designed to meet the unique vision, whether traditional or modern, of each customer. The company's many accolades include runner up to Florists' Review's America's Best Retail Florist of 2006, Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year 2004 and one of Elegant Bride Magazine's Top Wedding Designers for 2005. For more information, visit www.tigerlilyflorist.com.