Merry Brides

The illusion neckline is going to make a comeback this year. And I wholeheartedly approve!

via Shannon Lee Images

For a bridal shower or any special dinner, try decorating plain dishes with icing. Designs will be perfectly edible, and if you make a mistake while painting, just lick it off and start over. (Don’t tell anyone your tongue made contact with their plate.)

To make this “paint,” I mixed 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of water, and 2 drops of liquid food coloring. Apply with a paintbrush. If needed, run your fingernail around any wiggly edges to smooth them out before they dry. 

The clean lines of this elegant chocolate wedding cake topper are so lovely.

These 12.5 oz solid chocolate wedding cake toppers are available in white, dark, or milk chocolate from Delysia Chocolatier.

*Note The Delysia website is hard to navigate and I could not link directly to the topper.  Click here  Once on the Delysia site click the shop button at top of page. On the next page click the molded chocolate button on the left side and it should take you to the topper.

So cute! Send your wedding guests home with their very own mini icebox cake; tie a spoon to the pretty blue ribbon and viola…cuteness galore

This recipe is very rich, so a little goes a long way.

One thing I love about this recipe is that it is SUPER easy to make and you can store the cakes in the freezer for two months!

Mini Icebox Cakes:

Famous Chocolate Wafers or some similar cookie. (I was able to find them at Safeway)

1 pint (2 cups) heavy whipping cream 

1T vanilla extract

2T sugar  

10-12 - 1/2 pint wide Mouth Jar Canning Jars  

Whip the cream until almost stiff. Add sugar and vanilla; beat until cream holds soft peaks.

Scoop about 1/4 cup of whipped cream into the bottom of the jars. Add a wafer. Keep layering in this pattern until you have 5 scoops of whipped cream and 4 cookies.  Then pop them in the freezer (if you want to eat them the same day, then refrigerate for 4 hours before serving). 

When you are ready to eat your sweet little treats, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw for 1 hour. Then grab a spoon or fork and enjoy!

Share them with wedding guests, friends and  family or maybe enjoy one yourself.

* This cute idea was submitted by Cheryl T…Thanks for sharing!

Your wedding flowers offer ample opportunity to stretch your creative muscles and add a bit of originality to your wedding day, so don’t be afraid to design a floral scheme that bucks tradition. This list of our favorite ideas for bridal bouquets, centerpieces, colors, and other decorations is a great place to start designing a memorable decor scheme.

Arrangements with a just-picked, unstructured look are replacing the tightly bound bouquet and centerpiece shapes of previous seasons. Ensure a modern, not messy, look by choosing the right flowers. Hearty blooms like roses, orchids, and amaranthus work well in looser arrangements because of the sleek shape of the individual blooms. Seeded eucalyptus will add texture without looking messy. Also consider incorporating non-floral elements like wheat, berries, and crystals to add interest and depth.

Believe it or not, pink is back. From bright, honeysuckle, and coral shades to classic, sophisticated blush tones, we can expect to see both in the 2012 wedding color palette. Many brides are daring to think beyond basic hot pink by incorporating the softer shades into their floral schemes with garden roses, peonies, and even mini-carnations, which offer great texture. Avoid chocolate brown (so last year!), and instead pair your brighter coral pink with tangerine and lemon yellow, while warm grays and gentle golds will complement the softer, rosey, champagne pink.

Options abound beyond the basic floral vase for holding your flowers. Consider instead mixing and matching clusters of unique containers like old bottles, mason jars, vintage tins, pitchers, or milk glass to add interest and reflect your wedding theme. Some ideas: Fill watering cans with wild flowers for a garden fete, or cluster old apothecary jars with just one or two blooms in each each.

Candles, always a popular choice for centerpieces, are becoming even more popular as a budget and eco-friendly enhancement to traditional floral centerpieces. Ample candlelight lends the day a romantic, organic feel, while the natural resource saves electricity and drapes the setting with an intimate glow. A large cluster of votives in the center of the table will set things aglow. Using long, rectangular tables? Fill the entire center of the table with votives, in rows, pressed tight together.

Going green is easy when it comes to wedding flowers. Consult Mother Nature for inspiration and bring the outdoors in. Natural objects like stones, leaves or twigs can add an organic aesthetic to your reception décor. Place in rustic containers or place amongst pillar candles for added ambiance. 

Further seeking to personalize their weddings, brides are using their wedding flowers to call out specific interests by incorporating unique items into bouquets and centerpieces and creating a conversation piece for guests. For instance: Bookworms can use use intricately piled leather-bound books in place of floral centerpieces, and wine lovers can use wine bottles and decanters as centerpiece holders.

The hand-tied bouquet continues its reign as the most popular bouquet style as brides opt for a tailored and natural look to their wedding flowers. A fresh bunch of flowers gathered and wrapped in a wide satin ribbon or lace presents the look of simple elegance, but brides wishing to up the glam of this otherwise simple look can embellish the bouquet with brooches, pins, and crystal picks.

Using a single type of bloom is a simple, elegant, and interesting approach. The texture of one type of flower can make for incredible, consistent texture. Peonies, garden roses, ranunculus, and mums are a timeless choice for this technique, while mini-carnations and dahlias are unexpected but fun. Tulips and daffodils are stunning in spring, and lisianthus looks amazing alone because of the multiple blooms and buds on each stem.

Modern brides are forgoing corsages and instead having the moms carry nosegays down the aisle. Besides the fact that corsages tend to conjure up memories of proms gone bad, there’s practical reason for this trend because it saves the dress – often made from fragile fabric – from pulling and tearing from the weight of the corsage.

At this San Antonio, Texas wedding reception, the favors were displayed in this pretty armoire. So much more interesting than just stacking favors on a table!

And check out this Tiffany inspired lamp. I love this idea for centerpieces, both indoors and out:

Click here to see more creative details from this beautiful wedding. 

(All photos by Anahi Navarro Photography)

Including family photos at your wedding reception is always a special and very personal detail.

Guests love seeing pictures of the couple as children and the weddings of parents and grandparents.

Add a stylish element to the display with a photo wreath like above. Or, arrange the photos in the shape of a heart. Or, what about in the shape of the couple’s initials

Another idea? Photo mobiles: i

ncorporate family photos into the wedding centerpieces by hanging them from branches or lights.

Every bride wants to look her best for the wedding day, but with all the wedding planning to-dos, sometimes it’s tough to stick as closely as you want to your workout regimen. Luckily, there are a few easy shortcuts you can take to look trim in your wedding dress without hitting the gym every day or driving yourself crazy with diet fads.

Though alterations will ensure your dress fits, choosing a wedding gown that shows off your best assets (and camouflages your less-than-fab spots) will make sure it flatters. Trying to hide your hips? Go with a romantic empire waist gown or a strapless, full-skirted style. Want to suck it all in? A corseted ball gown is a great option to show off your bust, whittle your waist, and hide hips and thighs. And if you want to show off your curves (or create some), try a mermaid-style gown. A good bet for every body type: an A-line silhouette, which fits at the bust and waist with a skirt that gently flares out from the hips.

Undergarments that fit well are key to a sleek silhouette. To avoid the dreaded bra bulge and create the right amount of cleavage (nothing that will scandalize the grandmas!), get a professional bra fitting to be sure you’re wearing the right size. Then, buy a few bras — check the store’s policy, but you can generally return them with the tags — so you can try them on with your gown and find exactly the right one.

If any part of the lower half of your gown is fitted, invest in some good shapewear. Our favorites are made by Spanx — they’re lightweight, breathable, and come in tons of colors and styles. They’re also available in different materials, so you can find garments that won’t cling to your gown’s fabric but will still nip and tuck you in all the right places.

Proper posture can make a big difference in how you look — and don’t worry, it doesn’t mean you have to stand at attention all day long. A couple of simple tips can keep you upright and looking svelte. First, keep your shoulders back. If you find your shoulders slouching forward (totally natural if you’re tired or nervous!), shrug them up toward your ears a couple of times to loosen yourself up and shift your shoulders back.

Second, try to keep your back straight. Again, the secret is in your shoulders — you should feel like there’s a straight line dropping from them to your hips. If one starts to get ahead of the other, shift yourself and realign. Remember, it’s not about standing still all the time — that’s actually more likely to make you slouch! Instead, shift your weight as it feels comfortable to do so, keeping the position of your shoulders and hips in mind from time to time.

We’re not going to lie and say they’re comfortable, but wearing heels is one of the simplest ways to appear thinner. Think about it: Say you’re normally five feet, four inches and you weigh 140 pounds. Put on a pair of two-inch heels and suddenly you’re five feet, six inches — but you still weigh 140 pounds! It’s not just about having longer legs; heels instantly trick the eye into reapportioning your weight over a taller frame. Worried about foot fatigue? Skip the spindly stilettos and go for something with more support, like a wedge heel, and don’t push it too high — no more than three inches.

Your wedding photos are how you’ll remember your wedding day, so ensure you’ll remember that you looked fabulous! Keep your shoulders back, and flatter your jawline by pushing your chin forward. If you can, keep your body slightly turned — you’ll look slimmer than if you’re facing straight at the camera. The most ideal look is to tilt your shoulders toward the photographer with your hips on an angle, which makes your waist and hips look instantly narrower.

Especially key for brides. Hold your arms slightly away from your body rather than pressing them against your sides. It can be tough (especially if you’ve been holding that bouquet all day!) but it makes a huge difference. While it seems like a lot to keep track of, don’t forget that you can practice! With all of those prewedding parties, you’re going to have your picture taken pretty often — take advantage so that on your wedding day you can give ‘em your best shots.

I am not sure if it’s just my paranoia but I find it incredibly uncomfortable when I go to the ladies room at a fancy club or hotel and find a very friendly bathroom attendant trying to hand me a towel for a tip as I walk out of the bathroom stall.

I am always left with the vague feeling that this sweet person was just assigned there to make sure guests wash their hands properly.

Being from the old school of what goes around comes around, I never know what tip is appropriate. Fifty cents hardly seems enough, a dollar probably about right…but then, of course, partly out of guilt or generosity I end up over-tipping.

I strongly suggest that if you do plan to offer this service at your wedding, please pay the bathroom attendant beforehand and have them refuse any extra gratuity.

How do you feel about bathroom attendants? Do you think it’s a luxurious touch or an awkward encounter?

Brr! It’s cold outside. Good thing we’re inside warming up with some cheery spring inspiration:

Have you ever thought about having a cookie buffet table at your wedding? This idea is a becoming just as hot as the ever popular candy buffet table.  Both tables are full of sweet, sugary goodness.  Whichever you decide, I highly doubt your guests would be disappointed with either option.

You could incorporate a table full of many different varieties of cookies, maybe even some that are native to your home town or country.  You know, those cookies that you swear EVERYBODY will love if they just try one.  Well, your wedding reception is the perfect time to give your wedding guests the opportunity to try some of your favorite cookies!

You could also keep it pretty simple and just offer a small selection of cookies but have them displayed in a eye catching way so your guests won’t even realize that there are only three options of cookies to choose from.  If you want to keep it simple, pick some tried and true cookies that everyone will love.

I love the idea of offering cookies in beautiful array of cake plates. Also having a name card placed in front of each different cookie is a wonderful way of eliminating the many questions that would surely follow if the cookies are unlabeled.  Clearly labeled cookies will prevent anyone with food allergies from eating something they shouldn’t.

The use of all types of plates, jars and dishes of varying heights will only make for an amazing cookie buffet table.  The lighting nestled under the table linens is the perfect added touch for your table.

The good ‘ole fashioned cookie jar will never get old!  Homemade labels are adorable … love them!  This idea would be perfect for a country themed wedding reception.

The more elegant, black and white decor cookie buffet table is simple and stunning.

… the shots of milk are an adorable idea!

The hand-tied bouquet continues its reign as the most popular bouquet style as brides opt for a tailored and natural look to their wedding flowers. A fresh bunch of flowers gathered and wrapped in a wide satin ribbon or lace presents the look of simple elegance. Brides wishing to up the glam of this otherwise simple look can embellish the bouquet with brooches, pins, and crystals.

Soak nails in olive oil for a few minutes every week. This natural remedy moisturizes nails and softens cuticles without weakening them.

So you’re not a froofy-floral-arrangement girl – that doesn’t mean you can’t still have unique wedding decorations that wow. 

Think outside the proverbial wedding-flower box with this list of blossom-free wedding decoration ideas:

Use interesting and ornate frames throughout your wedding décor. They can be found inexpensively at flea markets and spray painted to match your wedding colors. 

Add some color with fun paper poms.  The poms looks amazing when strung high in the tent or hung all together among twinkle lights. Colorful pinwheels are fun and playful, while paper crane garland can be a beautiful and unexpected addition to your décor.

Simple strips of patterned or floral fabrics can be used to tie things together, while simple ribbons can jazz up any space or tablescape. In addition, DIY fabric pennant flags that match your color scheme are super fun to hang throughout your venue or tent.

Fill cylindrical glass vases with fruits and vegetables reflecting your colors. Lemons and limes have been done, so try for a unique, more contemporary look with texture-rich earthy vegetables like asparagus, cabbage, or artichokes. If citrus suits your color scheme and you’re using flowers, slice the lemons or limes and place them in the jar surrounding the stems.

Stacks of books intricately piled can work in a number of different ways. For sophisticates, choose antique leather-bounds and vintage classics. For a more fun approach, use books with bright spines and kitschy titles. Or, tie it to your wedding location – if beach-side, go with maritime classics like Moby Dick and The Old Man and the Sea.

Consult Mother Nature for inspiration, and bring the outdoors in. Natural objects like leaves, pinecones, and even twigs can add an organic aesthetic to your reception décor. Place them in rustic containers, or dip them in a gold or silver paint and scatter amongst pillar candles. This idea will nicely complement a fall wedding theme.

Glass cloches and pedestals can take a tablescape from average to amazing. Place small potted plants under the glass covers or top the pedestal with colorful fruit and place the cover over the delicious cluster. Or go green with the mossy terrarium look by filling jars, pedestals, and cloches with lush, live moss and lichen.

Guest Blogger: Suzanne

This simple balsa-wood heart is inspired by the minimalist, nature-inspired interiors I’ve been admiring lately. This heart is so, so easy to make and very versatile for display at your wedding reception or even around the home. Stick it to a wall, hang it in a corner, prop it on a shelf — it’s pretty easy to make use of it.  

Materials

• two balsa-wood strips (1/32″ x 2″ x 35″)
• wood stain
• foam brush for staining
• hot-glue gun
• scissors

Instructions

1. Remove stickers and any sticky residue from the balsa strips and stain one side of each strip. Be careful not to let any stain drip over the edges or get on the other side of the wood, and leave the strips in a well-ventilated place until the stain is completely dry.

Note: You’ll notice that in the process shots, the wood is not stained. This is because the wood was stained at the end, so you can see what the heart looked like completely untreated. If you are sure you want to stain, it’s best to do this step before assembly; however, if you want to wait to make the decision, it is relatively easy to stain the interior of the heart once you’ve assembled it.

2. Take one strip and gently pull one edge until itoverlaps the other edge, forming a teardrop shape out of the strip. You want the edges to be almost exactly perpendicular to each other when they overlap, but then pushed to a slightly more acute angle, as you can see here. Put a big dab of hot glue between the edges, then press firmly and hold until the glue sets. Repeat with the second strip. 

3. Once both strips are in identical teardrop shapes, hold them so that their bases overlap (similar to the way you assembled the strips in step 2). The right side of the left teardrop and the left side of the right teardrop should overlap each other and form a straight line until the shapes begin to curve away, forming a heart shape.

4. While holding the heart shape in place, put a dab of hot glue between the two bases and pinch firmly while the glue sets. Now your heart shape is firmly adhered and cannot be adjusted.

5. Snip off the overlapping edges with a sharp pair of scissors to clean up the bottom edge of the heart shape. If they fray a bit, you can easily clean up the edges with a fine-grit sandpaper.

6. Now your heart is ready to hang or prop up for display. The piece is so lightweight that you can attach it to a wall with adhesive or sticky glue dots, but if you wish to make the display more permanent, you can use a very tiny tack or nail through the base to hold it in place. You can also hang the heart or prop it up on a tabletop or shelf for a simple, modern display.

YOU’RE DONE!

Soft, supple skin is a cinch with any of the following:

1. Almond oil: Use as a primer before foundation or as a night moisturizer.  
2. Banana: Mash and apply to face; let sit for 20 minutes.
3. Mayonnaise: Apply to face; let sit for 20 minutes.

Slough off dead skin cells with these simple solutions:

1. Coffee: Mix a quarter cup of ground coffee with a tablespoon of salt; rub on face then rinse off.  
2. Pineapple: A natural acid exfoliant; puree pineapple and apply to skin; let sit for 20 minutes. 

These chocolate covered strawberries are absolutely adorable! They would be so cute as wedding favors.

 How can strawberries dipped in chocolate not taste heavenly? Even better, how can something dipped in two different types of chocolate not taste heavenly?

There is no way.

STRAWBERRY TUXEDO RECIPE

Ingredients

• 15 strawberries
• 3 ounces bittersweet chocolate
• 3 ounces white chocolate

Method

1. Chop chocolates and place in separate bowls.
2. Place these bowls over a pot of barely simmering water and let stand until melted.
3. Stir until smooth, set aside and let cool for a few minutes.
4. Dip strawberries in white chocolate and place on a baking sheet. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.
5. Dip sides of the strawberries in bitter chocolate. Back to the refrigerator for 10 more minutes.
6. Dip a thin paint brush in bitter chocolate and draw the bow tie and buttons.

Recipe and Photos: Cafe Fernando (Thanks for the fun idea!)

This made me laugh. Which are you?