Showing posts with label Bright Idea Thursday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bright Idea Thursday. Show all posts

Thursday, January 24, 2013

{Bright Idea Thursday} SIMPLY DIY: Gold Animals

I know this idea is probably going to be a little out there for some of you, but that's just my style. And I know you might even be thinking this is not a bright idea, but instead this is a really dumb silly idea for kids. But if you haven't already caught on to me then let me tell you I like love things that aren't what everyone is doing. And if I can do something that is going to make people go really? You did that? Then I am succeeding at being Nicole. And if I can do something that makes people go I cannot believe you did that/bought that/whatever but now I really want to do it/buy it too. Then I am seriously succeeding at being Nicole. And if you are wondering if I have any of these in my house the answer is yes, yes I do and if you are wondering if I felt silly spending $15 on toy dinosaurs the answer is nope, but probably only because my friend Rachel was there... and embarrassing her made it all worth it. So, I think this is a totally fun way to add some gold + some quirkiness to your wedding decor. And I think it's just something fun for guests to talk about. Plus afterwards why not keep them as a keepsake and put them in your home? If my friend had gold toy animals all over her wedding then you can bet I would be hoarding those. And then I'd most likely go home + hide them in the most random places so when my boyfriend opens up his underwear drawer he will be like seriously Nicole? Seriously I cannot believe you did this. But seriously thanks for making me forget to put on underwear because I got too distracted at the toy dinosaur in my underwear drawer. And to be completely honest you can bet your pretty dollar that I will have gold animals at my wedding. Preferably dinosaurs although maybe it would make more sense if they were desert animals like snakes and coyotes since obviously my wedding will be in the desert. Alright, enjoy this pretty little inspiration filled with pretty little gold animals. Happy Thursday ya'll. Oh + before I end my mindless rambling... this Sunday I am getting together with some of the most awesome vendors in town who totally love crazy unique stuff like this + together we have put together basically a really awesome inspiration shoot. So stay posted for some super fun awesome sneak peaks! Follow me on Facebook for all the inside scoop!


On a side note... can you tell I've been cooped up in my girl cave all day? I start to ramble lots and attempt to be silly when I spend too much time alone. It's a Nicole thing I guess.

{Photo Credits} Horse via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Kay English Photography // Gorilla with rings via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Kate Harrison // Duck Centerpiece via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Michele Beckwith // Tablescape via Style Me Pretty, photography by Carmen Santorelli // Cake via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Alec Vanderboom // Unicorn via 100 Layer Cake, photography by Max Wanger // Invitations via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Vitalic Photo // Giraffe Centerpiece via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Kate Harrison // Elephant Centerpiece via Style Me Pretty, photography by Elyse Hall // Deer via Bridal Musings, photography by Simply Jessie // Elephant via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Canary Grey

Thursday, December 27, 2012

{Bright Idea Thursday} SIMPLY DIY: Table Numbers

I hope everyone had a fabulous Christmas! I had every intention of posting 5 more inspiration boards before Christmas but truth be told I got way too busy with holiday celebrations and moving! So back to the grind now with regular blog posts!! I thought what better way to get back into the regular blogging schedule then with a DIY idea that I absolutely adore. It's also kind of a coincidence because this evening I met with one of our 2013 couples and the bride was telling me how each table will have a picture of a different historic Savannah square in it. I love the idea of having table numbers/markers that don't necessarily use numbers... why not play up your tables with names of historic squares of the town you're getting married in, or you + your fiance's favorite bands or movies, or places you've been together, or why not have a family member or friend draw your table numbers like those psychedelic table numbers by the terrariums drawn by the father of the bride?? There are endless possibilities of how you can make your reception decor more personalized and unique without spending a lot of money and I think this is the perfect way. Anyway, here are some of my favorite ideas... Enjoy!


{Photo Credits} 'Grece' Postcard via Every Last Detail, photography by Focus Photography // Bird Picture Table Number via Brides UK Magazine // '2012' Table Number via Style Me Pretty, photography by This Love Of Yours // Terrarium Psychedelic Table Number via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Floataway Studios // Ski Lift Postcard via Rustic Weddings, photography by Dreamlove Photography // Bingo Table Number via Style Me Pretty, photography by Lauren Brooks // '2... Number of Dates...' via Style Me Pretty, photography by Green Apple // Turtle Table Number via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Tim + Jess // 'Sun Valley' Postcard via Style Me Pretty, photography by Tana Photography // Butterfly Table Number via Green Wedding Shoes, paper goods by Minted // 'Rocky Raccoon' Bunting via Green Wedding Shoes, photography by Ashley Rose

Thursday, October 18, 2012

{Bright Idea Thursday} SIMPLY DIY: Cake Stands

I wanted to continue on with some of the weekly features Layla kept up with every week. I love her Bright Idea Thursday posts because I think they give some good ideas for the everyday bride! One thing I have been wanting to try lately is the DIY cake stand! I think this is a great idea because you can save costs rather than splurging on that $150 cake stand, but also you can personalize the cake stand and make it match perfectly with the vision of your wedding. Here are some of my favorites! I have been scouring thrift stores lately to find the perfect pieces... it will happen soon...

Also, make sure you check out more of her previous Bright Idea Thursday posts here! And also check out Layla's new blog here!

DIY Cake Stands

{Photo Credits} Cupcake Stand via Kidswall Creations // Wooden Cake Stands via Bee in our Bonnet // Stand with Lemons via Jennifer's Mentionables // Cupcake Display Using Ceramic Pots via Style Me Pretty, photography by Steve Steindhardt // Sparkly Cupcake Stand via Brooklyn Bride // Turquoise Cake Stand via A Typical Type A // Pink Cake Stand via Hi Sugarplum!

Thursday, August 9, 2012

{Bright Idea Thursday} Non-Flower Centerpieces

I recently did some research online searching for ideas on non-flower centerpieces to help a client and figured I'd share what I found! Sometimes you don't have enough money in your budget for spending a lot on flower arrangements or maybe you are not a huge fan of fresh cut flowers. Whatever the reason, you may like some of these ideas. 
Buy gift card sets and frame them to put around the tables with candles, this etsy artist does beautiful drawings of historic Savannah locations. Or buy a variety of Savannah postcards and frame them. Instead of fresh flowers use Potpourri in shallow vases, it will smell really nice too. Or combine minimal flowers cut really short that can live for awhile without water and place in vases with fruit. Another way of using minimal flowers is the example with the wine bottles and recycled glass containers, which uses inexpensive flowers sparingly. Going along with the wine theme, maybe you save your wine corks and don't know what to do with them-why not use them as decorative details for your wedding. You could also buy potted plants that are in season or create herb centerpieces to place on each table. Candles can be bought in bulk and look so pretty on their own like the example of the DIY lace candles or just wine glasses with floating candles. If you are feeling crafty and want to include photos for your centerpieces, consider trying to make the DIY photo frames with votives. Your napkins can help with adding a design element to the tables and place settings too. Well, I hope I gave you some inspiration!

Thursday, July 26, 2012

{Bright Idea Thursday} Ceremony Programs

Remember our boho beach shoot with Makebelieven? Well I just read a great blog post about her that you can read here. Krissy of Makebelieven is the etsy who made the headband that Nicole wore. One question and answer that I really enjoyed from the interview was: 
What would you like to see at more weddings?
Krissy: "I would love to see more programs that give additional background on the couple…how they met, favorite foods/songs, etc". 
Such a great suggestion - I love that idea!! Here are some more wedding ceremony program ideas for you plus Eco-friendly wedding advice too.
Humorous ceremony program handmade by the bride and MOB

Tiered ceremony programs handmade by the bride and family friend

Make sure the programs are secured really well on the fan! These are great because they are also functional!





THE FLOWERS
If you use the flowers that decorate your wedding ceremony space as your centerpieces at the reception, you’re getting more use out of the blooms and won’t be throwing them away right after “I do.” It’s also more eco-friendly to choose flowers that are in season, and even better if they’re locally grown. That way less fuel is used to ship them to you. 

THE PAPER
Print your ceremony programs on recycled paper, or make them as short as possible. If you’re having them professionally printed, ask about soy-based inks, which are less harmful to the environment. If you had planned on getting fans for your guests, save paper and make programs that double as fans instead.

THE LOCATION
If you have your wedding ceremony and reception in the same place, no one has to drive from one place to the other, which saves gas. You can also try to have the ceremony and reception within walking distance of each other.

THE FAVORS
Most places do not let you use rice since it's not good for the birdies, but bird seed is a great alternative. Also consider biodegradable paper confetti or bubbles or ribbon wands!

Thursday, July 5, 2012

{Bright Idea Thursday} Calligraphy Fonts

Here are 6 beautiful free calligraphy fonts that are perfect for using on bridal shower invites, wedding invites, table numbers, escort cards, thank you cards, and more. I love all of these, but Windsong may be my favorite. Which is your favorite?
download young-love-es font
download windsong font
download lainiedaysh font
download english-essay-regular font
download respective font
download channel font

Thursday, June 14, 2012

{Bright Idea Thursday} Sunday Wedding

Update to this post! OMG!!! Someone actually did a brunch-picnic style wedding with donuts and coffee like I did a post about!!! So cool!!! Here are their details and more on Green Wedding Shoes.


Having a brunch wedding reception or a lunch reception is a great way to cut reception costs.
There are many advantages to having your reception earlier in the day. One of the biggest is cost. A brunch reception is generally less expensive than dinner. Also, if the wedding venue is a popular one, you might have a better chance finding an opening earlier in the day.
If you are having a buffet brunch reception or luncheon, chances are your guests aren’t going to drink as much as they would at an evening reception. If you choose to serve alcohol, wine and champagne are all that is necessary, although some couples still choose to have an open bar with mixed drinks available. See my Signature drink post Also having a coffee station with help guests sober up so they can drive home! Although, having your reception run too late on a Sunday night may lead to people leaving too early or not coming because they have to drive home and work the next day.
Choosing to have a wedding on an ‘off day’, can also be a great pick for brides who don’t have a lot of time to plan. You’re much more likely to get the vendors you want (and possibly a special rate) for a Friday or Sunday wedding, as opposed to the traditional Saturday. This is great if you’re a bride with your heart set on getting married soon, but can't find who and what you want for your wedding. You're more likely to get your first choice on a Friday or a Sunday.


Or maybe there is an emotional significance behind a certain date you want for your wedding and want that date no matter what day of the week it falls on. 
Sunday Option 1: start at 3 reception is from 4-9
Sunday Option 2: 1pm cocktails at 1:30 and the reception runs until 6:30pm

Things to consider: if you want a church wedding then Sunday isn't a good day to have a wedding. You would have to work around the churches service schedule, but may be able to do one after their service if they allow it.
Jewish weddings generally have to be on Sundays (the Sabbath is Saturday), so there's not much choice.
Food ideas: Omelet Station, blueberry muffins, scones, donuts, bagels, biscuits, etc
Drink Ideas: Mimosa Bar, Champagne Cocktail, French breakfast or English Tea Time, or a Coffee station

THE ST-GERMAIN COCKTAIL
2 PARTS Brut Champagne or Dry Sparkling Wine
1½ PARTS St-Germain
2 PARTS Sparkling Water or Club Soda
Fill a tall Collins glass with ice. Add Champagne first, then St-Germain, then Club Soda. Stir completely. Garnish with a lemon twist, making sure to squeeze essential oils into the glass. St-Germain is heavier than wine, thus it will settle to the bottom so mix thoroughly.
 


Thursday, June 7, 2012

(Bright Idea Thursday} Monograms

So you're engaged now and considering changing your name once you're married, isn't it exciting to practice writing your new name plus buying fun new monogrammed items! Monograms have been around for ever and they vary from ornate traditional script to modern bold sanserif fonts. Let's refer to 2 resources to find out more about the etiquette behind monogramming.

A traditional 3-letter monogram has the initial of the individual's last name (surname) set larger, or with some special treatment in the center, while the first name initial appears to the left of it and the middle name initial appears to the right of it. For example, if the individual's name is Mary Ann Jones, and Jones is the surname, then the arrangement of letters would be thus: MJA, with the surname initial set larger in the center, the M for Mary to the left and the A for Ann to the right.[5] 

Married or engaged couples may use two-letter monograms of their entwined initials, for example on wedding invitations. Married couples may also create three-letter monograms incorporating the initial of their shared surname. For example, the monogram MJA might be used for Michael and Alice Jones.[5] However, monogramming etiquette for the married couple varies according to the item being monogrammed. Linens, for example, typically list the woman's given initial first, followed by the couple's shared surname initial and then the man's given initial (AJM).  - Wikipedia

Traditionally, a woman was not given a middle name with the expectation that her maiden name would, by default, become her middle name once she married. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to monogram. I am a firm believer that the groom’s initial should come first in a shared monogram; after all, it IS his last name. Although others believe that the couple monogram should be wife on the left, husband on the right "just like they stand at the altar" - Southern Weddings

At your wedding you can incorporate your monograms maybe with a moss green letters, toasting flutes, cake topper or on the cake with the design, or napkins. One suggestion though, don't give your guests anything that has your monograms on them as favors, since they will probably not use the gift. Instead use your bridal registry and wedding registry to add items for you two as a couple, like pillows, hand towels, luggage tags, china, and more ideas that you will find below for inspiration. There are countless fonts and designs to choose from so you can make your monograms traditional or modern. What is your favorite style? Did you get any new monogram items from your wedding???

find these here: 123456, 7, 8

Thursday, May 31, 2012

{Bright Idea Thursday} PEWS

Recently, I was contacted by a sweet girl with a new business that really WOWed me! Her company is called - P.E.W.S. (Purely Elegant Wedding Statements) and she rents church pews. Rebecca explains, "Our previously loved pews provide traditional charm for your ceremony, comfortable sturdy seating for your guests! We believe that church pews give weddings a unique, personal, and traditional touch with their history and beauty. PEWS commits to providing beautiful and stylish church pews that will make your wedding the wedding to remember!" You can mix and match, like the image below, or have all the same style. Now this is such a unique idea that I would love to see in person for one of our clients in the future!!


More information about renting the pews:

Why Church Pews?
We believe that our historical church pews are the best seating option for an outdoor, Southern wedding. Not only are they beautiful and stylish, pews offer guests a comfortable, sturdy seat from which to view your big day! You also get to “bring the church outdoors” into beautiful landscapes as a compromise if others want you to get married in a traditional church.


Where are you located? 
Our business resides in Indian Springs, Alabama just a few miles south of Birmingham, Alabama.


How far can items be transported?
In most cases, if you are willing to pay the agreed upon transportation fee we will have them there on to add that extra "umph" to your wedding day! They went from Alabama to Colorado with 2 trucks for under $1,000!


What size weddings is P.E.W.S. able to accommodate?
Currently our largest set of pews, Golden Oak, will seat approximately 150 people. However, don’t let this deter you if you have a larger wedding! We can combine our different styles of pews in many unique ways to seat up to 350 people. We have more on the way to almost double those numbers!


What if it rains on my wedding day?
We will hope and pray that everything goes as planned, but if not, we will be happy to transport pews to the Plan B location. If it does end up raining on your wedding day after we have transported the pews to your location, we will not be able to refund your payment.


PEWS - http://www.rentPEWS.com
http://www.facebook.com/rentPEWS 
Birmingham, AL 
(205) 527-8368

Thursday, March 22, 2012

{Bright Idea Thursday} Group Hug Photos

I am definitely a hugger so when I see big group hugs it makes me smile. People are letting go of their stress, having a good time and enjoying the moment. Those are some of the best wedding moments for me to witness. ((((BIG HUG))))

Thursday, March 1, 2012

{Bright Idea Thursday} Doily Love

Don't you just love doilies? There are so many options and fun ways to use them. They are NOT just for your granny anymore! There are the paper ones or hand crocheted ones. You can use them to decorate a cake, add to your table setting as a runner, or put under a plate for place settings, and maybe even have a calligrapher put your guests name on the place setting. You can use them for invitations, wrapping presents, or use as a texture for molding clay dishes. Plus they are great for any occasion!

Thursday, February 9, 2012

{Bright Idea Thursday} Groom's Cake


Where do you have the grooms cake? What's the history of the grooms cake?

GOOD QUESTIONS! Here are some resources for you to read and help make your decision. My husband and I had such a small wedding we did not even have a rehearsal dinner and decided to just have 1 small cake that we each got to choose the flavors for "our" layer, but since I love chocolate we actually went with a little non-traditional look and had chocolate frosting. We also probably won the messiest cake cutting award!

Traditionally, groom's cakes were served at the wedding. Years ago, you could only get a wedding cake in one flavor. To give guests options, brides (initially in the US South) introduced a second cake. The bride choose the wedding cake flavor, and the groom chose a different flavor for the second cake (hence "groom's cake"). Now, in most wedding cakes you can get each layer as a separate flavor, basically making the grooms cake more of a tradition than a functional component of a wedding. Here in the south, most people have the grooms cake at the reception, not the rehearsal dinner. http://answers.yahoo.com

A long-standing tradition in the southern United States, a groom's cake is a gift from the bride to the groom. Think back to a scene in "Steel Magnolias" where all the women are having a discussion about a red and gray cake in the shape of an armadillo. That armadillo was the groom's cake Shelby was planning to give her husband-to-be. (Probably one of my favorite movies, and I STILL cry at the end!) A groom's cake is typically smaller than the couple's wedding cake, one layer only, and is decorated to reflect a particular hobby or interest of the groom. or example, a hockey fan's groom's cake may be made in the shape and color of a hockey puck. The groom who enjoys shooting hoops could have a groom's cake resembling a basketball. If the groom likes to strum a few tunes from time to time, then a guitar groom's cake is perfect. 

The history of a groom's cake goes like this. The groom's cake was not to be served to the guests while at the wedding reception, but rather it was to be sliced up, placed into packages and given to them as favors when they departed. Single women at the wedding would take their pieces of cake home and sleep with it under their pillows in hopes of dreaming of their future husbands. www.online-weddings.com

"Where we are having our rehearsal dinner they don't allow outside food, and I was told that you have the grooms cake at the rehearsal dinner. So does that mean you have the grooms cake at the reception along with the actual wedding cake"?

Even if the rehearsal dinner location doesn't allow food, they may allow a cake, so ask (they often charge a "cake cutting fee"). You can honor him with something humorous like a beer keg, teddy bear, sports car, cowboy boots, cigar, football or a computer. Go online to view samples, ask his friends for suggestions, and check with your baker for photos of previous work.

The groom's cake can be served at the rehearsal dinner or at the wedding reception. Because the rehearsal dinner is hosted by the groom's family, and involves a smaller number of guests, this would be a good time to serve the groom's cake.  www.weddingvendors.com

Even though the groom’s cake is usually displayed alongside the wedding cake at the reception, I see no reason why you shouldn’t have it at the rehearsal dinner. It can be a wonderful surprise for your fiancĂ©, especially if it reflects an interest or a hobby www.bridalguide.com

Here are some more ideas for your designs. Carrie of Two Cakes does an amazing job!!


I wish we had this cake for our wedding since I'm originally from Massachusetts and a big fan of the Red Sox!  

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