Merry Brides

This is a very simple, but tasty punch. It is also fairly inexpensive, which is great when a large quantity is needed. 

This recipe will yield approximately 40 servings

Ingredients:

• 4 (1/4 ounce) packages unsweetened strawberry drink mix
• 2 (46 fluid ounce) cans pineapple juice
• 3 cups white sugar
• 4 quarts water
• 2 liters ginger ale

Directions:

1. In a large punch bowl combine drink mix, pineapple juice, sugar and water.
2. Stir until dissolved.
3. Just before serving, stir in the ginger ale.

How pretty is this diamond engagement ring with a blue band? Love!

Beautiful ~ isn’t it! Wedding cake from The Pastry Garden ~

thepastrygarden.com ~ Photography by charlottejenkslew…

Guest Blog: Meredith

Hi Friends and happy Thursday! I thought I’d start the day off with a DIY project that I created for larger events like weddings, showers or anything that requires multiple tables. Instead of traditional numbered cards I thought it would be fun to number the napkins instead. They make for a striking presentation that your guests are sure to remember. The template comes in black but can be easily customized by changing the color of the napkin. (Complete instructions below photos.)

Materials Needed:

Cloth Napkins

3″ Circle Punch

Iron-on Transfers (light colored fabric)

Iron

Ink Jet Printer

Download:  Table Number Download  

Instructions:

1. Download table number: Table Number Download  and print onto Iron-on transfer paper as directed. (I recommend the light colored fabric version of iron-on transfers because I prefer to have the fabric show through where the numbers are.) Depending on what transfer paper you use you made need to revers the template before you print so take special note. Trim each circle out using a 3″ circle punch taking extra care to line up the edges. If you don’t have a 3″ circle punch than a craft knife can be used instead.

2. Determine where you’d like your number to appear on your napkin and place carefully face down on your napkin. Follow the instructions that come with the transfer paper to adhere the art work.

3. Fold napkin and place. Ta-da! Unique and custom table numbers with an impact!

Petite favor boxes are dressed up with ribbon and fresh flowers to create a simple but lovely centerpiece. After the wedding, guests can take them home.

Instructions 

Assemble favor boxes (don’t need cover)

Wrap ribbon around favor box and tie into bow at front. 

Place small glass jar inside the box.

Fill jar with flowers and a little water.

Yummy and beautiful hot chocolate sticks, what more could you possibly want? *sigh. It’s been a little on the cold side lately and these lovelies would make the days all that much warmer. The genius AmberLee of GiversLog came up with these and has step-by-step directions on how to make them. Bottoms up!

The new trend for bridal shoes seems to be flip flops. Rather than walk around for hours on end in painful heels “ouch”; the modern bride is seeking comfort so she can enjoy the day.

Flip flops can be fun for an outdoor, beach, or even a semi-formal wedding. I know some of you think I am nuts for even suggesting the idea of flip flops but remember a long gown will cover your shoes anyway; so why not be comfortable? If you have your heart set on heels, why not wear heels for your ceremony and bring flip flops to wear at the reception while you dance the night away. 

Bridal Flip flops come in all sorts of styles and heel heights. While searching the web I found some fun styles at BridalShoes.com you might want to check out.

Sparkly sequins….Eye candy for your feet.

To prevent your gown from dragging on the ground, you can wear high heel flip flops. These are 3.5” which is about about the height on the heel of the average wedding shoe.

                        If you want a medium heel go for a 2-3/4” 

                       Need a little lower go for a 1-3/4” heel

Or you can wear regular flip flops…but take a good look at how adorable these are…they  leave an impression in the sand which says “Just Married”….wouldn’t these would be cute for your honeymoon!  : ) 

All shoe photos courtesy of BridalShoes.com

Popcorn favors would be a fun unexpected treat for your guests.

Photo Credit: Thig & Thistle

While fragrant flowers look beautiful and can fill the room with a sweet, perfumey scent, they also can give you (and guests) a headache, cause an allergy attack or make your food less-appetizing. So before you order flowers to fill your venue, think about their scents. 

Flowers with strong scents 

Oriental Lilies (most commonly used: Stargazer and Casablanca varieties)
Gardenias
Lily of the Valley
Lilac
Hyacinth
Herbs
Paperwhites
Christmas Greens
Eucalyptus

These lovelies are much less intense, but still fragrant:

Freesia
Stock
Peonies
Garden Roses
Sweet Pea
Some Rose, Sweetheart and Spray Rose Varieties
Dahlias
Stephanotis
Marigolds
Mums
Wax Flower

Subtle/minimal-to-no fragrance:

Most roses
Hydrangea
Callas
Most Orchids
Ranunculus
Tulips
Lisianthus
Gerbera Daisies
Carnations
Iris
Amaranthus
Celosia
Billy Balls
Brunia
Gladioli
Kale
Larkspur
Asiatic Lilies
Snapdragons
Bells of Ireland
Anemones

While working on a project, I was in desperate need of gold staples but couldn’t find any locally and didn’t have time to order them. Then I remembered this great idea from “Thig & Thistle” about how to improvise with a gold permanent pen/marker and violá instant gold staples!

While staples come in a plethora of colors now a days, it’s fun to make your own. I imagine that this would work with any permanent marker as well and it’s a good trick when you’re in a bind!

They say Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend but I disagree because I think Shoes are a Girls Best Friend! With summer fast approaching I have been lusting over these shoes from Briella Accessories. I love these shoes as they are hand-crafted and feature genuine Austrailan Crystals which will add a touch of glamour and pizzazz to any outfit.

These would be fun shoes for a special night out on the town with your sweetheart dancing the night away.

Check out these flip flops… aren’t they just the cutest! They would be great for a casual outdoor party or beach wedding.

Now I can’t decide which pair I want…which is your favorite?

All photos courtesy of Briella Accessories

Some of you have been asking where you can purchase the cute pyramid box featured in the last blog post DIY Truffles. This box is sold by one of my favorite Etsy stores called  Expressions of You. 

These boxes are handmade with lots of love and care so they are higher quality then the normal favor boxes you usually see. Also they are a little larger than the standard pyramid box so they are great for all sorts of goodies you can wow your guests with. You can order the boxes in different colors to match your wedding palette.

Boxes are also available in metallics and can be embellished with custom made monogram stickers and tags.

Photo Credits:  Expressions of You

If you want to make your wedding guests swoon, make them some Chocolate Truffles and put them in prettypyramid favor boxes. Truffles are the simplest of candy to make; cream, chocolate, and time is all it takes to create something blissfully elegant, decadent, and delicious. 

Basic truffle ingredients

• 8 ounces of semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate (high quality such as  Ghirardelli) well chopped into small pieces
• 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Optional base flavorings:

• Mint leaves (1 bunch, stems removed, chopped, about 1 cup)
• Cinnamon and cardamon (1 cinnamon stick, 2 cardamom pods)
• Amaretto (1-2 tablespoons)
• Almond extract (1 teaspoon)

Truffle coatings

• Cocoa powder
• Finely chopped walnuts
• Finely chopped almonds

Method

1. In a small, heavy saucepan bring the heavy whipping cream to a simmer (this may take a while, be sure to stir and scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula every few minutes).

If you are using one of the other recommended flavorings, stir it in with the cream (and ignore vanilla in the next step). If adding mint or other solids, after the cream simmers, remove from heat and let seep for an hour. Then strain away solids, and return the cream to a simmer and proceed with recipe.

2. Place the chocolate in a separate bowl. Pour the cream over the chocolate, add the vanilla, and allow to stand for a few minutes then stir until smooth. (This chocolate base is called ganache.)

3. Allow to cool, then place in the refrigerator for two hours. Remove and with a teaspoon roll out balls of the ganache. Roll in your hands quickly (as it will melt from the heat of your hands) and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place in the refrigerator overnight.

4. Roll in cocoa powder or chopped nuts and serve, or place back in the refrigerator until needed.

Makes 30-40 chocolate truffles.

Once the truffles are made place them in cute pyramid favor boxes and attach a ribbon.

If you don’t want Truffle boxes as wedding favors, why not make some boxes for your guests to take home after your bridal shower or even your engagement party as a little thank you treat. Your guests will love them!

These bite-size cake balls are a whimsical alternative to a traditional wedding cake. I love that they’re unique but still throw a nod to tradition. After all, they’re still cake!

 Images: Cake Ball Wedding Cake, Bride & Groom Cake Ball, Festive Cake Balls, Cake Balls With Daisy, Chocolate Cake Balls

I will admit I was never a fan of Amazon until last Christmas when my niece Jada gave me an Amazon gift card.  Now I find myself checking out Amazon quite often for all sorts of goodies. (Shhh…don’t tell my husband).

What makes Amazon so fun is that they offer this great Discount Coupon Program which can save you anywhere between 10%-90% off all sorts of merchandise for men, women and children.

Just recently I purchased this quilted Damask Bag. I think a bag like this would be a great gift for your bridesmaids.

Besides the normal Amazon merchandise you can find all sorts of discounted items for your DIY wedding projects such as:

       DIY Fan Kits                                          Mason Jars

          Candle Molds                        Monogrammed Candy Wrappers

To check out the Amazon Discount Coupon Program for yourself visit: Coupon-World.org 

Miss Sarah Cake designs these fabulous custom typography cake toppers. Such a great alternative to the traditional bride and groom figurines!

I would love to see a couple match the font to their wedding invitations!

Credit: Preston Bailey & Miss Sarah Cakes 

While we would hope that one’s wedding day would be perfect in every way, there are bound to be a few snags here and there. Your maid-of-honor gets a blister from her new high heels, one of your bridesmaids comes down with a headache due to a few too many glasses of wine at the rehearsal dinner the night before, and another bridesmaid dribbles a bit of her shrimp cocktail sauce on her mint colored dress. Thankfully, you thought ahead and prepared a cute survival kit for them.

Aspirin, band-aids, spot remover, breath mints, alka seltzer, and tissues are all good items to include to help your maids through the long day, so they can focus on what really matters: you and your groom.

Jillian from “100 Layer Cake” came up with this cute idea you can make WAY ahead of time and pass out to your ladies before the wedding. You can make your kits as simple or elaborate as wish.

 All you have to do is create a label (or use the templates below), print, cut it out, fill your cellophane bag and staple the label over the top. Sooo easy.

Bridal Party Survival Kit Templates Here and Here

Photo Credits: 100 Layer Cakes 

Leave it to Martha! I love this DIY wedding organizing idea from Martha Stewart. Store your wedding decorations in separate boxes according to what they are and where at your wedding they will be arranged and displayed. Take a photo of what every decoration should look like when it’s assembled, and tape the corresponding picture to the top of each box.

This is such a good idea I might have to steal it for all my holiday decorations, too! Every year I forget where stuff goes and how it’s supposed to look.

Q. My fiance and I are paying for most of our wedding and we are on a tight budget. We would like to invite as many people as possible, which makes it tough to invite singles with guests. Is it acceptable to invite single family and friends but not include “and guest” on their invitations? My fiance says we have to allow wedding guests to bring a date out of courtesy. I just don’t want to eliminate people just because we’re obligated to let them bring a guest that we can’t afford. What should we do?

A. This is an age-old debate. Your fiance has a point — it is gracious to allow single guests to bring a date so they won’t feel awkward or left out. But your point is valid too — if you can’t afford the extra guests, it may be even worse to cut people from your guest list just because you can’t let them bring a friend. Deal with this problem on a case-by-case basis. If you have unmarried friends and relatives in long-term relationships, you might want to consider inviting their partners. (Even though they’re not married, they’re committed.) Then, invite your more single friends and relatives without dates rather than crossing them off your wedding guest list altogether. If anyone complains, simply explain your dilemma — it was important that they be there, but that you couldn’t afford to invite dates. Then, carefully consider where to seat them at the wedding; you may want to put them with other singles so they won’t get stuck at a table of couples. Who knows, two of your guests might even make a match at your wedding!

I love the idea of bridal braids adorned with ribbons and floral garlands as they are so delicate and feminine.

Did you know that braided hair is an ancient Irish symbol of feminine power and luck.

Photo Credit:  Shane O’Neil of Aspect Photography