May 27, 2011

Monogram Unity Candle Set

A classic and elegant monogrammed unity candle set.  This vanilla-scented candle is available in pure white or ivory and is imprinted with a chic, understated design featuring the initial of the couple's last name, their first names and wedding date. What more do you need?  This lovely unity candle is 9 inches long and 3 inches in diameter and the tapered candles measure 10 inches.  So simple, so elegant, so you!

May 26, 2011

Pinwheel Wedding Bouquets

Here’s an idea that’s sure to take off.  Especially for Spring and Summer weddings.  Holding a brand new pinwheel out the window of my Dad’s old Chevy on the last day of school.  Pure joy!  Consider yourself something of an unconventional bride?  Why not break with tradition, and traditional bridesmaid bouquets and boutonnieres and give your guests something to laugh about on your joyful wedding day with these colorful pinwheels from Etsy. 






 

Beach Save the Date Postcards

Weddings on the beach just got a little more pricey here in town.  The city of Virginia Beach recently began charging $200 for the privilege of exchanging your vows on our sandy white beaches.  No matter what lovely oceanside venue you choose (keeping in mind  most beach destinations are more affordable and less crowded after Labor Day and before Memorial Day) consider sending your guests these beautiful beach themed save the date postcards.


May 25, 2011

Brooch Bouquet Brooches

Yes, a vintage brooch bouquet with lovely one-of-a-kind antique brooches and pins would make a cherished keepsake, but how about mixing up those exquisite 1950 era brooches with newer, less expensive ones in charming vintage inspired designs?  A set of these clear rhinestone flower brooches, selling for $40 comes out to just over thirteen dollars each.  It might just reduce the cost of your rhinestone brooch bouquet from $500 to a more affordable $150.


 
 
 

 





 
 

May 24, 2011

Christmas Ornament Centerpiece Ideas

After Labor Day, rain or shine, I can walk into any Dollar Tree and buy a colorful tube of Christmas ornaments for less than I pay for my morning decaf. A quick detour to the Salvation Army or Goodwill and a bag of vintage Christmas ornaments, some good and some not worth keeping, are mine for just a few bucks more. By mixing similar colors, both matte and shiny, you can produce a cheap but amazingly beautiful winter wedding centerpiece.










Don't miss!  Cheaper Weddings

May 22, 2011

Wedding Stamps - Day of the Dead!

Day of the Dead, what is it? A Mexican ritual going back as far 3,000 years ago, and celebrated on November 1st, to honor and celebrate deceased loved ones. It maintains the basic Aztec ritual of using skulls, some made with sugar with the name of the dead person on the forehead, and then eaten by a relative or friend. Sounds creepy? That’s what the Spaniards thought, and after conquering Mexico, and they tried to eliminate it with no success. These colorful Day of the Dead wedding stamps reflect the joyful belief of happily married (eternal) life.


Don't miss! Vintage Inspired Wedding Stamps

Fall Silk Wedding Bouquets

At Etsy you can find beautiful fall wedding accessories.  Just look at this. A lovely fall wedding bouquet from Ardesign features gold and green silk ranunculus, burnt orange roses, olive and brown hydrangea.  A matching bridesmaid bouquet also features beige satin ribbon with chocolate french knots and pearl pin accents.



May 18, 2011

DIY Edible Wedding Favors

Looking for the very best in DIY wedding favors?  Look no further than Martha Stewart Weddings for divine inspiration and easy to follow instructions on making your own.  What makes your state or hometown interesting?  For my home in Virginia, she recommends peanuts and it’s true we’re very peanut proud here, but living close to the ocean makes the salt water taffy sound deliciously decadent for out of town guests.

Roasted Peanuts from Virginia


Caramel Corn from Nebraska


Salt Water Taffy from New Jersey

 

Damask Wedding Invitations

What is Damask?  A lovely weaving style or technique that originated in the early Middle Ages near Damascus, Syria. In history, damask was the linen of royalty.  And why should your wedding be anything less?  Very ornate and bold patterns (especially black and white) add a sophisticated elegance to all things bridal.

Wedding Invitation Monogram Names Black Damask invitation


Vintage Blue Damask Wedding Invitation invitation


Deep Chocolate Brown Damask Wedding Invitation invitation



Black Damask Wedding Invitations invitation

May 17, 2011

Purple Wedding Garter with Rosettes!

So lovely!  These handmade wedding garters from plainNfancy are made with ivory white and purple satin ribbon complimented with white ivory and purple rosettes. The keepsake garter features two rosettes overlapping and two small guinea feathers to give it that special touch. Complementing the keepsake garter is a beautiful white ivory rosette with two guinea feathers on the garter to be tossed. In the center of the rosettes are beautiful, clear rhinestones accents.  A charming heirloom quality garter for only $34!


Gold Wedding Cakes

Anne Heap, pastry chef of New Jersey-based Pink Cake Box, has had her specialty wedding cakes featured in Modern Bride, InStyle Weddings, People Magazine, as well as in specials produced by Martha Stewart and The Food Network. Her specialty wedding cakes are nothing short of amazing! If you're lucky enough to live in the New York area, you can purchase one of her visually lovely cakes, or design your own with wedding cake ideas here!







May 15, 2011

Flower Girl Pomanders

An eye catching alternative to your ordinary flower girl basket or bridesmaid bouquet.  This charming vine sphere holds seashells and a large starfish resting on a bed of natural preserved sheet moss.  Carefully created for a beach or destination wedding, AprilHilerDesigns can top it off with natural jute twine or ribbon the color of your choice.  This charming, rustic pomander, or “kissing ball” measures six inches in diameter with a 6 inch ribbon loop and multiples are available upon request.


Don't miss!  Fabulous Flower Girls

May 13, 2011

White Wedding Birdcages

A stylish way to hold gift cards at your wedding reception, cream white metal bird cages with an unfinished eggshell look.  I found this set, two antique style birdcages for only $20, with ornate butterfly, leaf and heart motifs that will add a touch of French country charm to your special day.  The large cage measures 17.5" tall x 10 wide and the smaller birdcage is 13.5" tall x 8" wide.  Both metal cages have tops that lift off for easy card removal.






May 11, 2011

Vintage Ads Featuring Married Women

No doubt advertising used to be a man’s world.  Just look at these funny vintage ads from the 1940s and “fabulous” 50s.  Women just couldn’t catch a break.  Not only were they expected to be perky and cute, doing housework in their high heels and making love with common household appliances, they had to maintain those cherry red lips and an unforgiving 18-inch waist as well.  I've saved the best for the last!












May 10, 2011

15 Great Beach Wedding Reception Songs


1. Summer Lovin’ (from Grease)

2. Summertime (Janis Joplin)

3. Beyond the Sea (Bobby Darin)

4. Come Sail Away (Styx)

5. Under The Boardwalk (The Drifters)

6. Under The Sea (from The Little Mermaid)

7. Coconut (Harry Nilsson)

8. Margaritaville (Jimmy Buffet)

9. Heatwave (Martha Reeves & the Vandellas)

10. Hot, Hot, Hot (Buster Poindexter)

11. Sail Away (David Gray)

12. You Are The Sunshine Of My Life (Stevie Wonder)

13. Sea Of Love (the Honey Drippers)

14. Hot Fun In The Summertime (Sly and the Family Stone)

15. Walking On Sunshine (Katrina and the Waves)

Starfish Inspired Wedding Bouquet

Look as this stunning artificial handheld wedding bouquet with a beautiful mixture of buttercream and ivory flowers, accented with starfish and berries, perfect for a beach themed wedding.  This lovely bouquet has been seen for sale at about $90.00.  I recognize many of these same flowers and faux berries from Michael’s and other local craft stores.  Why not try to make one yourself using this photo as your guide!

May 6, 2011

Kate Middleton's Tiara

Kate Middleton's tiara?  The new Duchess of Cambridge, wore a platinum and diamond halo tiara by Cartier that was lent to her by the Queen for last weekend's royal wedding to Prince William. Given to Elizabeth for her 18th birthday, the platinum tiara was originally crafted in 1936 for the Queen Mother, and was lovingly placed on the head of William's new bride, who already looked like the most beautiful brunette bride in all of Europe.