{Organic Wednesday} Salt Dough Favors

MARLEY & LOCKYER
http://www.etsy.com/shop/marleyandlockyer
These white clay tags are made out of white clay, not salt dough, but if you want to try and make salt dough follow this recipe here.

{Inspiration Board} Ring Bearers & Flower Girls

While working on this inspiration board, I ran across the most adorable Etsy shop I think I have ever seen. And maybe the cutest little girls I have ever seen. I'm not even lying. She's the cutie patootie to the left of the red wagon below. Check out Fluffy Tuffies by N. Moledo "Fluffy Tuffies is something I started over a year and a half ago. I have two daughters who inspired me to create tutu dresses, headbands and other items shown in my shop. I design and meticulously put together each item as if it was for one of my own girls. I hope you find something you not only like but LOVE!"
(Stay tuned for more FUN Inspiration Boards to come by Nicole!)

Sources: Ring bearer & flower girl #1 ,  shabby chic ring bearer pillow , flower girl accessory , ring bearer hat , ring bearer pillow,  flower girl & ring bearer #2 (purple tie) ,  flower girl & puppy ,  flower girl & ring bearer #3 ,  green flower basket & pillow , ring bearer bowl , ring bearer with sign , burlap ring bearer pillow , flower girl basket ,  flower girl headband & dress ,  boy with bowtie ,  wagon , little cowboys & cowgirls , ring bearer with flag ,  flower girl dress , "here comes the bride" sign

{Vendor Spotlight} Make Believe'N

I am super excited to share with you my new Etsy vendor who has been added to my list of FAVORITES! I <3 my Etsy community!

Krissy of Make Believe'N Alternative Weddings LLC located in Atlanta, Georgia hand designs high quality handcrafted keepsake bouquets, boutonnieres and accessories for your wedding day and beyond. She also does custom orders (especially for wedding flowers). Make sure you allow 6-8 weeks between order and expected completion date from the date that you will be needing your order. 

Krissy has been making these amazing accessories for two years now and is also the proud team captain of the Offbeat Weddings Etsy Team: Wedeclectic and team member of the Etsy Weddings Team: Etsy wedding team. To see more of her collection shop her Etsy store: here

She will also be spotlighted in my upcoming Inspiration Wedding Styled Shoot with a local Savannah photographer, invitation designer, and make up artist. More details to come!!!

Her moto: Live your story, Love your life!

Have a look at some of her gorgeous work: 

Her fabric flower bouquets are completely personal and customized. Each one is made with the style of the bride and groom in mind. Traditional or contemporary. Vegan or gothic. All styles are beautiful in their way and Krissy will do her best to make your flowers the very best representation of your personalities.

Each flower is individually handcrafted with high quality satin, organza, chiffon, tulle, crepe and/or veiling. 
The flowers are then centered with your choice of photographs, pearls, beads, buttons, vintage buttons, charms, rhinestones, rhinestone buttons etc. A typical nosegay style bridal bouquet measures 9 inches wide by 12 inches long. Larger and smaller sizes are available.

Packages including boutonnieres, corsages, boo hoo bouquets (matching tissue cases) flower girl wands, hair accessories, pomanders, centerpieces, pew décor, and loose petals are available.

Aren't these AMAZING!!!???

Detailed wedding dress sash on a long taffeta belt. Each flower is handcrafted and every petal is deliberately formed into delicate layers. Flowers are crafted to resemble peonies, hydrangea, and poppies.

Perfect for a stylish bride! You can also add an authentic vintage brooch to the center to add some sparkle!!

The belt are 7 feet long so you have plenty of room to tie a bow or knot it and allow it to trail down the back of your dress.

Wear this belt on your wedding day and then dress up your LBD (little black dress) for your first anniversary night out.

Many thanks to the following for the wonderful images provided: http://darlingstudios.biz/ and http://www.cheyphotography.com

Banners and Bunting!

Whether you want banners or bunting using triangles, squares, circles, fabric, paper, they are so simple and quick to make! Plus you can always buy pre-made strands from an Etsy artist too! 

Here are a few inspirational ideas for you and a selection of my favorite Etsy shop creations:

Sources:
 

Baby shower bunting cake  

Add mini triangle fabric bunting to your cake 

Summer bunting wedding invitations 

Wedding save-the-date letterpress bunting theme designed vintage and summer pattern invitation 

Birthday bunting invitation for a nautical beach party 

DIY invitations that stand out with pop up bunting.

Custom circle banner

Banners and bunting don't have to be squares or triangles...consider using circles for your Mr. & Mrs. sign.

Brilliant bunting

Whether you're planning a baby shower, bridal shower or wedding, draping bunting can add a nice flair to your event plus give a different feel then hanging tissue poms, lanterns or twinkle lights.

Lovely Day Cake Banner with Poms 

One of my FAVORITE Etsy shops is Potter and Butler! Check out their unique cake banner that happily and effortlessly proclaims the significance of the moment - joyfully shouting for all to hear (in its own subtle way) exactly for whom or why it is that all are gathered to celebrate.  

Mr & Mrs banners 

Jennie Speakman's Etsy shop Studio1621 creates personalized banners (she is making me one for my business!!) You can buy a Mr. & Mrs. banner made of 4x4 white chipboard. Paint stamped black letters, black ink distressed edges all on black feathered ribbon. Connect ribbon for one large banner or keep separate. Lightweight and durable, but can be hung with tape. 

Just married banner 

Another great Etsy shop is Victorianstation's. This creamy vanilla burlap with chocolate brown font and blush fabric hearts creates a nice getaway car Just Married banner. 

Vintage ribbon cake bunting 

Similar to Potter and Butler's cake banner, this Etsy shop makes cute cake bunting for any special occasion! This one is made from vintage ribbon sewn together then strung onto gray thread and attached to food safe bamboo skewers.

Coloring page of bunting

Keep children occupied at your wedding reception or a birthday party with banner and bunting coloring sheets that they can also cut out.

Just married wedding banner  

Inspirationalbanners Etsy shop also creates handmade square banners connected with ribbon that can be made in the colors of your choice.

{Bright Idea Thursday} Signature Drinks

Having an open bar can be costly to your budget!! If you choose some signature drinks for your big day you could save some $$$ Here are a few ways to save, some nice ideas for presentation, a couple recipes, as well as, two Etsy shops to buy personalized accessories for your drinks that won't break the bank! 

5 Ways to Minimize Your Reception and Catering Budget Offer Cocktail Flight Samples During the First Hour from Getmarried.com
Here is 1 of those 5 ways-While you're getting your pictures snapped after the ceremony, have your serving staff prepare "flights" or small samples from your cocktail menu to try. Whether it's five microbrews, a trio of cocktails, or even a few different wine varieties, this allows your guests to taste-test each one and then settle of a specific beverage that they like. This should cut down on your costs (since most stores or outlets will let you return opened bottles or cases) AND make that post-wedding hour fly by for your friends as they learn more about each drink on the menu.

10 Easy Ways to Save on Wedding Catering Costs from Nadia Digilov of Celebrating in Style. One idea is to close the open bar an hour earlier.  Begin serving coffee and tea approximately one hour before you party will end.  This will save you money, give closure to the party and give guests a chance to "sober up."

From Budget Wedding Woman’s Day Specials:

For an informal wedding consider a brunch with signature drinks. It can be classy, unique with style. 

You could save 40%-50% of what a dinner could cost. 

Or consider 3-5pm cake and champagne or signature cocktails maybe Sunday afternoon

I always look forward to Jacin's Mason Jar Sunday on her blog Lovely Little Details because she comes up with so many great ideas! Be sure to check out her blog and these others...

Grab a jar and make it your own! Have your guests write their names on their mason jars so they know which drink belongs to them.  Or you can also make them using pink lemonade… in mason jars! Pretty + perfect for girly bridal showers. Love the fabric ribbon tied around the top. If you are having a fall wedding consider a nice leaf tag.

{Bright Idea Thursday} Plaid-Checkers-Gingham-Stripes

What is the difference between plaid, gingham and checkered? 

And what is a Tartan?

Well, we must refer to Wikipedia on this one : )

•  Plaid (pattern) is also used as a synonym for tartan or, in the USA, any checked cloth pattern.
•  Gingham is a medium-weight balanced plain-woven fabric made from dyed cotton or cotton-blend yarn.^[1] The name originates from an adjective in the Malay language, ging-gang, meaning striped.^[2]
•  A check is a pattern consisting of crossed horizontal and vertical bands in two or more colors in woven cloth.
•  Tartan is a pattern consisting of criss-crossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colours.
•  Pin stripes are a pattern of very thin stripes running in parallel found in cloth.

I love the idea of combing stripes with checkers, but you have to make sure not to go overboard with all the patterns. Plus you should stick with a color scheme: Black and white is very popular. Also navy or green are good choices. Make sure if you choose one color, that you keep it monochromatic (Monochromatic colors are all the colors (tints, tones, and shades) of a single hue) or if you choose two colors, that they go well together.

I've put together a few collages of different ideas and styles. You could go for a retro look, classic, or preppy depending on which style fits you the best.

Choosing your style invitations is a very important decision since it sets the stage for your wedding. If you going for a formal event consider this nice plaid design. Or if you are planning a whimsical informal event check out this wonderful company Tear Drop Weddings.

What should you wear for your rehearsal dinner? These are a few fun ideas:

Flounced Gingham Dress - Anthropologie

Gingham pleated skirt

Euro style gingham dress

This must have gingham print dress features the ultimate giant bow, and pouffy tiered layers.

Nouveau Cloudscape Headband - Anthropologie

Studded Scarf - Anthropologie

Now the fun part choosing your wedding details!

Make a Checkers Cake

Checkered inside cake for a surprise WOW factor! 

 Use striped ribbon for a preppy or more classic style event.

Modern table design

Whimiscal pattern cake

Beautiful bridal bouquets of white anemones

Striped chair decor 

Gingham linen napkins

{DIY} Pom-Pom Pretty!

 How to Make the Pom-Poms full blog post here

{Bright Idea Thursday} Button Button - Who’s Got the Button?

I love collecting buttons! 

Whenever you buy clothes and there is a little bag attached with spare buttons I always keep them and add to my collection. You can never have too many buttons!!! Here are some great wedding ideas that use buttons in unique ways.

1. Linen napkins 2. Table escort cards 3. Napkin rings 4. Etsy fabric boutonniere

5. Table escort cards 6. Handmade wooden buttons 7. Cake 8. Table escort cards

Unique Ring Bearer Idea

Paloma's Nest is home to the *original* Ring Bearer Bowl™...
creating a new tradition in modern weddings around the globe!
Paloma's Nest is dedicated to creating pieces for the home and for the heart. These pieces are intended to become modern heirlooms, to be cherished by you and for many future generations to come.
Each and every piece in the Paloma's Nest collection is designed and hand-crafted by Caroline Colom Vasquez in our studio in Austin, Texas, with care, pride, and passion. Caroline uses only all natural materials including fine clays, wood, paper, and cloth, knowing that these items will be passed on for many generations.
They also make great bridal gifts such as Words on wood that wrap around your wrist, as seen on Good Morning America and The Today Show!
Paloma's Nest combines the simplicity of natural wood and the purity of some great words (or special names or dates) to make a striking statement. Let us stamp special names (perfect for Moms and Grandmothers!), phrases or dates on your custom bracelet to create a piece that will be cherished!
You have your choice of a thin 3/4" bracelet, or the thicker, chunkier 1" width. The bracelet is sealed to protect the inked words, but it is NOT shiny or glossy.
Check out their Etsy Shop Here