Fall Weddings - pumpkin inspired

Ideas and Inspirations | Photos and Galleries
Colors:Color Palette: Orange
Motif: Pumpkins

To celebrate fall I decided to create a fall inspiration board with pumpkins as the theme. I found so many ideas, I finally had to stop looking and start putting the images together. Would love to know what you think. Anybody planning a fall wedding? Shopping resources and image credits are below the photos.
Fashion & Accessories:
Bridesmaid Dress Alfred Angelo from House of Brides, Autumn Flower Hair Clip from Social Butterflies at etsy, Citrouille Earrings from Jennifer Rydin Designs at etsy, Handmade Fall Ring Pillow in Golden Autumn from Shabee Stiches at etsy

Decorations:
Pumpkin Paper Lanterns from Martha Stewart (love this idea - it's ordinary paper lanterns dressed up with leaves, a stem and tendrils - details project instructions here), Pumpkin Table Setting from Martha Stewart with How-To, Carved Pumpkin from Brides.com, Husk Pumpkins from Plum Party

Invitation:
Fall Wedding Invitation from Naptime Productions

Favors & Place Cards:
Glass Pumpkin Place Card Holder from My Wedding Market, Pumpkin Soap in Gift Box from Plum Party

Desserts:
I love the idea of serving pies and sweets to guests. One unique idea is to create a dessert bar and offer bakery bags or boxes for your guests to take home some sweets. The Pumpkin Biscotti and Pumpkin Ginger Nut Muffins from Simply Recipes are perfect selections to include. The pumpkin pie with orange marmalade is from Toni's Kitchen. I love the presentation of the Pumpkin Spice Cakes from Country Living, perfect for the dessert bar too. If you choose to forgo the traditional wedding cake, why not serve your guests one Pumpkin Cake per table from Williams-Sonoma? Each cake serves 8-10 and is 5 moist layers of double-chocolate cake with a chocolate-truffle cream filling. Presented on a cake pedestal, it's sure to be a spectacular presentation.

Sunflower Weddings

Ideas and Inspirations | Photos and Galleries
Colors: Yellow, Green, Shades of Pink/Purple
Motif: Sunflowers
Yesterday I celebrated my 6 year wedding anniversary. And, this week, I'll be taking a break from work to spend time with my husband and our 21 month old daughter. But, please do check back as there will be a new post each day.

Now . . . on to today's post. In honor of yesterday's special day, I decided to do our wedding all over (digitally), hence today's inspiration board. Our wedding theme was sunflowers with yellow and navy blue as the color palette. If only I knew about inspiration boards back then. I would definitely still have an outdoor wedding, but once I saw the bridal bouquet on Brides I knew those would be the colors. Yellow, green and shades of pink/purple. Since our cake didn't turn out as expected (somehow the raspberry filling was left out), I would definitely opt for cupcakes this time. Plus, I am a bit obsessed about cupcakes (I hardly ever eat them, but I love looking at artistic cupcake creations, like this one from Sugar Rush Cakes in Montreal). I love the idea of having long tables at the reception {above image from the Evan Williams Catering blog}. We had round tables, but I feel that it's always so hard to converse with the person sitting on the opposite side. I absolutely love the idea of serving guests sunflower and honey rolls in terra cotta pots, perfect for a garden reception {see link for recipe}. I would place a sunflower favor box in the center of each guests plate {available at My Wedding Market}. The Autumn Festival invitation {from Invitation Consultants} matches perfectly with the overall look of the wedding. For my wedding, I opted to not wear a veil and had my hair pulled back in little clips with a fresh small daisy in each one - the result looked like a headband. But, I really love the Sunflower inspired hair comb {from simplylin's etsy shop}. The yellow sundress {available at Nordstrom} is great for attendants as it can easily be worn again and again. And, lastly, for my own shoes, I think I would definitely go with a color this time instead of the traditional white shoes. I actually went barefoot for most of my reception as my dress sandals weren't comfortable and kept falling off my feet. I love these Franco Sarto Sally slides at Zappos.

Please continue to post comments while I'm on break as I love hearing from you. There might just be a delay in your comments being posted as my access to email will be limited.

Red Leopard Bridal Shower

Ideas and Inspirations | Photos and Galleries
Ideal for: Lingerie Themed Bridal Shower
Motif: Leopard Print

I came across the Red Leopard Style&co. "Jules" Slide from Macy's and loved them. From there, the inspiration for a red leopard bridal shower began (although this could easily be used for a bachelorette party too). The leopard handmade bodice sachets from Beau-Coup are the cutest. They could be used as either favors or used in centerpieces. Another idea for guest favors is the personalized Leopard Print Mint Tins from Wedding Favors Unlimited. The Leopard Print & Sparkly Shoe Cake is from the flickr gallery of Debbie Does Cakes. The Leopard Bridal Shower Invitation is from Angel Custom Creations and is only $1.35 each for smooth paper and $1.65 each for a linen finish. You customize the invitation with the wording of your choice. The Betsey Johnson Leopard Charm Bracelet from Macy's is a stylish accessory for the bride to either wear to the party with a red dress or as a themed shower gift. And lastly, the Leopard Nightie from Sleepy Heads with matching Leopard Cosmetic Bag set is a wonderful gift for the bride's honeymoon bag.

Another perfect invitation for a lingerie themed bridal shower (not shown) is the Leopard Print Bra and Panties Die Cut Invitations from Paper Style.

Strawberry and Lemon Weddings

Ideas and Inspirations | Photos and Galleries
Color Palette: Red, Yellow and hints of Orange
Motif: Strawberries and Lemons

I love the idea of a strawberry/lemon theme for an outdoor summer or early fall wedding (could be used for a bridal shower too). Maybe instead of a cake or cupcakes for dessert, you might consider serving pies or strawberry shortcakes. It's something unexpected for your guests, but one I'm sure they will love.
Image Credits and Resources:
Berry Basket Favors from MarthaStewart.com {send your guests home with fresh strawberries and scones to enjoy the next morning}, Table Setting with gingham napkins from Brides.com, Citrus Centerpiece from Brides.com, Red Beaded Silk Chiffon Dress from Nordstrom, Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes from Deirdre Jean's flickr gallery, Polka Dot Chrysanthemum Wedding Invitation from Sutherland's flickr gallery, Red Crinkle Patent Leather High Heel from Zappos, Sweet & Refreshing Homemade Lemonade and Strawberry Daiquiri from Hostess Blog, Cultured Pearls Swarovski Fire Opal necklace {with earrings} from ynakeelady2's etsy shop

Damask Weddings

Ideas and Inspirations | Photos and Galleries
Color Palette: Black and White (or Cream)
Motif: Damask
Today I decided to put together a black and white inspiration board with a damask theme - I've kept the board to just black and white as you can easily add any color to be the accent. But, be careful to not overdue the damask - not everything has to have the damask pattern on it. For example, I wouldn't pair the damask dinnerware set on top of the damask table runner. If using the dishes, I would have the table runner be a solid of the chosen accent color. If you use a solid color table runner, the Damask Table Cards from The White Aisle would look wonderful on each table. (thank you to Teresa of The Homestead blog for the table setting photo)

The Black Damask Wedding Invitation Set from Social Circles is absolutely beautiful and the bow matches the one that's on the back of the Blue by Enzoani wedding dress (image courtesy of Brides.com) If you are looking for a wedding invitation that pairs well with the damask theme, but doesn't have the pattern, you might want to consider the Falling Petals Wedding Invitations from Wedding Paper Divas. The Damask Wedding Ring Bearer Pillow from Chubby Monkey pairs well with both the invitation and wedding dress. At the Chubby Monkey shop, you can also find Mint Matchbook Style Party Favors in Damask (not shown).

For your bridesmaids, the Victorian Damask Acrylic Heart Necklace from Heatherly Designs would be a wonderful gift and one they could wear the day of the wedding with their Kimba Travel Dress from White House Market.

The Damask 16 piece Dinnerware Set from Target is a perfect registry item or, if the budget allows and the bridal shower is kept to a small number of guests, why not purchase this dinnerware to serve food in at the shower? Then, the bride can keep the dishes for use after the wedding. For a truly amazing damask bridal shower in black, white and green, please check out Jennifer Skog's blog - she's a talented photographer in Northern California and the bridal shower shown was her very own.

For favors, I selected to show the Simple Sophistication Favor Kit from My Wedding Favors to show that it doesn't have to have the damask pattern on it to fit in with the overall theme. This favor box is elegant and features a monogrammed circle seal with gold dot border.

Is anybody having black and white wedding? A damask wedding? Has any photographer or wedding planner worked with a bride and groom on a wedding with this particular theme or colors? Please email me at brenda{at}bestweddingsites{dot}com to have your wedding featured here.

And lastly, here are a few additional items I found that I just didn't have room to fit in the inspiration board:
Black and white pattern cake from Pink Cake Box
Personalized Mint Tin from My Wedding Favors
Damask Mint Tins from Wedding Things

Green and White Weddings

Ideas and Inspirations | Photos and Galleries
motif: green apples
A green and white wedding theme with apples would be ideal for a late summer or fall wedding. My inspiration began with the cake from Sweet Pea Bakery (photo taken by Herbert Harper at flickr). The small berries reminded me of green apples.

Additional Image Credits:
Green Apple Escort Cards, Flower Bouquet, Reception Centerpiece, Bridesmaids in apple green silk dresses from Simple Silhouettes, and the Apple Martini are all from Brides.com, Radient Rose in Green Wedding Invitation is available from Invitation Consultants

Western Theme Weddings

Ideas and Inspirations | Photos and Galleries
Gather all your family and friends together for your Western Wedding with this "wanted poster" invitation from Invitations by Dawn. My favorite idea for a western or ranch style wedding is the cowboy boots with flowers for centerpieces. If you will be serving your guests a picnic style meal complete with burgers, mashed potatoes, ribs, watermelon, lemonade, iced tea and more - why not give your guests bottles of personalized BBQ sauce to take home as favors? For those planning a western theme wedding or party, what will you be including? I'd love to hear your ideas.

Additional Image Credits:
Bride and Groom, Horseshoe Place Cards from Brides.com
Cowboy Boots Floral Arrangements from Angela Stormer's flickr photo gallery
Western Wedding Cake from MammaTessies' flickr photo gallery

Japanese Theme Beach Weddings

Ideas and Inspirations | Photos and Galleries
I received the following email from Ashley and wanted to post my ideas and see if anybody else could share theirs.

"I want to do a beach type wedding, but I would like to have it more in the traditional Japanese style. Any suggestions?"

Dear Ashley ,
If you will be having the wedding on a beach, maybe consider having a stone pathway as the aisle. You can also include Japanese elements in your beach type wedding, including:
- Koi fish (maybe on the invitation?) Koi are symbolically associated with strength and determination
- white fans for you and your bridesmaids to carry, or for your guests
- parasols
- bonsai trees as centerpieces
- bamboo bowls and dishes for food presentation
- paper lanterns
- napkins tied with ribbon and adorned with an orchid
- marry under a bamboo chuppah
- have guests sit in bamboo chairs

Photo Credits:
Japanese Koi Wedding Invitation Collection from SandyPhotoArt's etsy shop
Necklace from beadsss' esty shop (features Vintage Japanese glass, coin pearl and swarovski crystal necklace)
The following images courtesy of Brides.com - Wedding Cake featuring sugar bamboo and accented with sugar river-rocks and orchids, Bamboo Placesettings, Bamboo Guest Chairs, Orchid at place setting, Candle Wedding Favors featuring sand dollars affixed to bamboo-molded candles, Escort Cards displayed in sand and secured with river stones, Rice-Paper Parasol

Fairy Tale Weddings

Ideas and Inspirations | Photos and Galleries
motif: Cinderella, Carriage, Glass Slipper
Every bride dreams of a fairytale wedding - here are some ideas to help your dreams come true. (the following post has some cute ideas for a Cinderella themed bridal shower)

You can have your baker create a castle wedding cake, or if cupcakes are your preference, I think coconut cupcakes are just perfect as they look dreamy and resemble clouds. MyOwnLabels.com has the perfect fairytale favor tags and labels that can be personalized with the names of the bride and groom and the event date (many sizes, colors and shapes are available to choose from). The Cinderella Castle Invitation from Invitation Consultants will let all of your guests know that romance is in the air. Favor ideas for your guests include: Carriage Place Card Holders, Cinderella Slipper Candles and Happily Ever After Candles from MyWeddingFavors.com.

For those looking for true princess style gowns - designer Kirstie Kelly has created a line for Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings collection - you can see the gowns here. Each gown is said to "capture and illuminate the style and spirit" of the Disney Princesses.

Additional Images and Resources:
Wedding Dress from Brides.com, Cake Topper from That's My Topper, Carriage Ice Sculpture from Eisbeertje's flickr photo gallery, Chocolate Coconut Cupcake from simply anne's flickr photo gallery, Wedding Castle Cake from be cheery's flickr photo gallery, Cinderella Wedding from phoenixfeather's flickr photo gallery

Cinderella Themed Bridal Shower

Ideas and Inspirations
Above Images and Resources:
Frog Prince Bridal Shower Invitation from eInvite.com
Kiss Me Frog Chocolate Favors from Plum Party
Glass Slipper Cake from Pink Cake Box

Lime Green Weddings

Ideas and Inspirations | Photos and Galleries
Spring is the perfect time to think about lime green in your color palette for either bridal showers or weddings. This color also works well for summer events and particularly for those held in an outdoor garden setting or a tropical location. Green is the color of nature and often associated with growth and harmony. Here I've put together some images with a green and white color scheme, but you can also use the lime color and carry it through in a citrus theme (maybe even introducing lemons mixed with limes). I particularly love seeing the actual lime fruit placed in glass jars or vases - stunning either by themselves or mixed in with a floral arrangement.

Invite your guests in style with the Spring Bliss Wedding Invitation from Invitation Consultants (currently part of the Celebrate Earth Sale running until May 15th)

The 1-800-FLOWERS® Margarita Bouquet® makes a creative centerpiece idea for bridal showers or as a gift for the bride and groom to congratulate them either on their engagement or marriage.

A favor idea is give your guests the Green Woven Favor Boxes and place a tin of Wedding Sprinkles (flower seeds) inside each one, both available from Beau-coup Wedding Favors.

And now you can Go Green with these eco-fashionable Bride and Bridal Party tank tops or tees, available in our wedding store. These tops are natural 100% organic ribbed cotton with emerald green crystals that read: Bride, Bridesmaid, Maid of Honor, or Matron of Honor and come complete with a soft organza butterfly pin.

Other Images and Resources:
Spring Fling Cake from Brides.com, Bride and her Wedding Party from Brides.com, Wedding Bouquet from Brides.com, Dessert of Kiwi-Lime Sorbet from Epicurious.com

Mexican Theme Weddings

Ideas and Inspirations | Photos and Galleries
In honor of Cinco de Mayo, I've put together some inspirational ideas for a Mexican themed wedding. Bold and rich colors signify the festive spirit of Mexico - key colors include red, purple, orange, yellow and turquoise. You may even consider offering your guests a DIY taco bar. Along with your wedding cake, you might like to offer your guests the traditional Mexican Wedding Cookies (a great favor would be to package 2 of these cookies in a clear box and attach a label). Another favor idea for your guests is personalized hot sauce bottles. And of course, a fiesta party wouldn't be complete without having a mariachi band.

Image Credits and Resources
Mexican Wedding Cookies with Recipe: Epicurious.com, Wedding Cake: InStyle Weddings, Bridal Bouquet: Brides.com, Drink: Brides.com, Table Setting with Mexican Paper Decorations (papel picado): Brides.com, Black Bean Cakes with Mexican Rice and Slaw with Recipe: ^-^liz's flickr photo gallery, Guest Favors with tin wedding milagros (devotional charms): Brides.com, Floral Centerpiece: MarthaStewart.com, Fiesta Invitation: eInvite, Mariachi Band: Brides.com

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

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

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.

Love Birds Theme for Weddings

Ideas and Inspirations | Photos and Galleries
Motif: Love Birds
Main Colors: Pale Blue and Bright Orange
Birds have a longstanding tradition as a symbol of love - here are some ideas for a love birds theme wedding. The perfect start to your bird theme would be this Love Birds Wedding Invitation Set from fubabee's esty shop This invitation has two quiet love birds hanging out in the breeze, enjoying each other's company. The set includes an invitation and a response card. Lisa, the fubabee's shop artist, also has Love Birds Folded Note Cards available which are perfect for your wedding thank your cards. Lisa is happy to customize colors to meet your needs as well.

The above pictured favor does double-duty as a place card holder - the Birds Nest Place Card Holders - are made of twig and can be filled with egg-shaped chocolates, jordan almonds, etc. They are available in 2 sizes and the place card banner can easily be made by cutting 3/4 inch wide strips of paper that are long enough to reach across the nest. Then write in your guest names on each strip and finish the ends by cutting out an inverted "V". Another idea for favors are Love Nest Soaps which are straw nests filled with four pale mini blue egg soaps in a pleasing floral scent and wrapped in cello bags.

The Tiny Lovebirds Round Sticker from Invitation Box (item # SCB-SM-46493) would be perfect for either sealing your wedding thank you's or used as a label for the top of favor boxes filled with pale blue jordan almonds. The favor label could read "from the lovebirds" as the text is completely customizable at Invitation Box.

This has to be the cutest ring bearer pillow I've ever come across - the Moss Bird Nest Cushion is from EasterYu's esty shop and would also be ideal for a nature-inspired wedding.

For dessert you might like to serve a wedding cake like this Yellow Birds 4 tier cake from Kate Sullivan of Lovin Sullivan Cakes. (Photo © Kate & Georgina) The Contemporary Love Birds Cake Topper would match this cake beautifully. Or if you want to serve each guest their own cupcake, these Orange Carrot Cupcakes with cream cheese frosting topped with a candied orange peel nest couldn't be cuter. (image from Chockylit's flickr photo gallery) The cupcake recipe can be found here.

An idea for your table centerpieces might be little craft birds perched on tree branches in vases.

Lavender Weddings

Ideas and Inspirations | Photos and Galleries
Colors: Shade of purple
Motif: Lavender Flowers
A lavender theme is ideal for both bridal showers and weddings - especially if you are having an outdoor garden wedding. Traditionally, lavender has been linked with nuptial good luck and placing lavender in the bride's flowers will help to insure a happy and long-lasting union. If you decide to carry an entire bouquet made of lavender, Lavender Fanatic has 3 sizes to select from. Smaller lavender bouquets would pair perfectly with this bridesmaid dress that includes a matching shawl from Bari Jay (style 759). The best part about lavender wedding bouquets is they will last for years and years without preservation, lavender is a wonderful dried flower. Guests will love to be invited to your event with lavender wedding invitations from fubabee's etsy shop. Favors ideas include either eco-friendly lavender sachets or white chocolate truffles in purple flower pots. Depending on your preference - this wedding cake is absolutely gorgeous and ties into the lavender/purple theme perfectly without overdoing the lavender flowers. Or, if cupcakes are more your style, you can find the recipe for these Lavender Cupcakes here. And serving your guests Lavender Champagne (recipe available at MarthaStewart.com) would make your event complete. If you have any other ideas for a lavender event, please leave me a comment.

Image Credits:
Lavender Wedding Invitation: fubabee's etsy shop
Lavender Cupcake: creampuffsinvenice's flickr gallery
Purple Wedding Cake: m_ke2's flickr gallery
Lavender Bouquet: Lavender Fanatic
Bridesmaid Dress in Silver, Lavender & Wisteria: Bari Jay
White Chocolate Truffles: cc_ryder65's flickr gallery
Lavender Champagne: Martha Stewart

Beach Wedding Theme Inspirations & Ideas

Photos and Galleries
Motif: Starfish
Today's post is the first of what will be many 'Wedding Inspirations and Ideas'. Please look for these regular posts on motifs and color schemes for both weddings and bridal showers - links to each of the sources will be provided, along with related wedding articles.

If you have any other ideas that you would like to add to each theme, please leave a comment. And, if you have any requests for future 'Inspirations and Ideas', please let me know.

Source List:
Invitation:
sand and starfish square pocketfold from kiss 'n tell cards
Bridesmaid Gift:
pearl bracelet from Ice.com
Bouquet:
from Humphrey Florist
Starfish Bridal Bouquet Jewel:
from My Wedding Accessories
Favors:
starfish wine bottle stoppers from Beau-Coup
seaside beach candles from Cheers Favor Company
Wedding Cake:
image courtesy of flickr

Related Articles from the Best Wedding Sites archives:
Planning a Beach Wedding
Beach Theme Wedding Cakes
Wedding Cakes - Do's and Don'ts
Cutting Wedding Cake Costs