These little lemon muffins would be fun to serve at your summer bridal shower or a wedding breakfast.

How absolutely soft and sweet are the colors in this bridal shower that was recently featured on Inspired by This?  Mint, peach, pink and ivory wedding colors? (…sigh)  Everything about this palette is pure loveliness.  

                    We’re always fans of a cute purple succulent!

The pinata style fringe is such a fun twist on the classic wall letters!

                                             Loving these details!

                                  How cute are these little coasters?

And of course a perfect calligraphy favor for guests to take home!

Wedding fonts have become so varied over the years. There used to be a few mainstays that were widely used, but with the development of so many new styles, it can be overwhelming to select the perfect font combo for your invitations.

I’ve broken down the categories of fonts and will provide a brief explanation of what each category can mean to your wedding stationery.
We’ll begin with block fonts…

Block fonts look wonderful coupled with script or handwriting styled fonts. ALL script fatigues the reader’s eye. Using block fonts for your main invitation information and using script for the couple’s name makes your invitation panel flow nicely. Play around with the fonts to determine the most complimentary combination!

I have found that the block font, even used sparingly, is a little too harsh for some clients. I’ve found that using normal serifed or non-serifed fonts works better for this type of customer.

Again, these more legible fonts should be coupled with scripts. Designers should also remember that the body copy fonts, while devoid of imagery, ALSO creates a shape on your canvas. Be sure to come up with an appropriate shape for this type that will compliment and balance the selected script font.

Ahhhh, the script fonts! These are what most people think of when they think of “wedding fonts!” Very beautiful and romantic, there are literally hundreds of options here. These flourishes, curves and shapes help to create a mood for your stationery. Choose well and know that there are tons more out there! These are just some of my favorites!

Finally, the handwritten font style has gained momentum in the last few years. No longer does a script have to be super curly and ornate to be effective! Brides are becoming more laid back and more than anything want their stationery to be DISTINGUISHED in some way from all the others out there! These handwritten fonts also look great with normal fonts and this image reflects some of the most popular… 

Take advantage of the high cost of weddings and sign up for a credit card with a rewards program. Whether it gives you airline miles or great shopping deals, consolidating all wedding-related purchases to this card will help you accumulate thousands of rewards points (which could be used for your honeymoon).

 This garland is an easy DIY and all you will need are:

• Prints of the pink & gold heart Free (Download Below)
• Scissors
•  Pastel or gold metallic thread
• Sewing machine

I used one printed PDF for each strand on a letter weight printer paper (rather than card stock), but you can make yours as long or short as you like. Below is the tutorial for the garland and at the end of the post you will find the button to download and print the pink and gold hearts.

* Credit: Elli Blog

 
What are you waiting for? Registering for wedding gifts should be one of the first tasks you tackle when you get engaged. Friends and relatives will be looking to buy wedding gifts as soon as he pops the question. Really! Take the guesswork out of gift buying by making sure they know what you want. You don’t need to complete your list just yet, but at least have a selection for guests to browse
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Hitting the stores together is essential. After all, the gifts are for both of you. To decide what you need, take inventory of the things you already have and see where the gaps are. Talk about the style of home you’d both like, and split up the final say (you could alternate items) to make it fair. (Maybe he gets to make final decisions on electronics, while you get to choose the kitchen stuff since you’re the chef.)

 
Don’t feel like you just need to register for china and flatware. Many stores have wedding registries now, so feel free to include whatever it is that will make your new house a home, be it electronics, appliances, or even camping equipment.

 
Try to avoid filling your list with things you’re never going to use. If you two aren’t the formal party types, then you probably won’t need a crystal punch bowl, as compelling as it may seem when you walk by with that registry scanner. Also, be extra-sure before you register for anything that’s monogrammed. Once your name is on it, you probably won’t be able to return it.

 
It’s always a good idea to inquire about a store’s exchange/return policies. The great thing is many wedding registry retailers have amazing customer service to accommodate to-be-weds’ needs (for example, you might suddenly realize that you don’t really have room for 24 chargers and want to return, say, eight of them). That said, being aware of the store’s return and exchange timelines will help you better plan and manage your registry.

 
As much as you may be hankering for that gorgeous $350-a-place-setting silver, be sure to register for items in a wide range of price points: under $50, under $75, under $100, under $200, and beyond, so all of your guests can choose gifts they can afford. You don’t want your college friend feeling overwhelmed by the fact that he can’t find a single gift; and on the opposite side, you don’t want your parents’ closest friends to have to buy you a multitude of smaller items to give you a generous gift.

 
At least one (and preferably all) of your registries should be available online. Guests should also be able to place their orders in person, over the phone, or by fax. If you’ve registered at a boutique retailer that doesn’t offer online services, you should be okay, as long as that’s not the only place you’ve registered. We live in a hectic world and you want to let guests be able to order you a gift — even if it’s 2 a.m.!

 
When a guest buys a gift for you, your registry should automatically update, allowing other guests to see what’s been purchased (and allowing you to see what’s on its way!). Make sure to revisit your registry often (trust us, you’ll be visiting several times a day once the wedding day nears), and update it with additional selections as products are purchased so that guests always have a variety of things to choose from. Aim to have at least twice as many items on your list as guests at your wedding.

 
Sure, some couples love receiving cash, but asking for it is not exactly Future Mr. and Mrs. Manners-approved. A more etiquette-friendly option? Try gift cards. Many stores allow you to register for them and you can use them to buy the things you want and need…later. If you are anxious for cash gifts, ask one or two close friends and immediate family members to politely spread the word.

 
Be gracious — let your guests know their gifts have arrived — promptly. Thank-you notes for gifts received before the wedding should be sent within two weeks of their arrival. Notes for gifts received on or after the wedding day should be sent within a month of your return from the honeymoon. In all notes, be sure to mention the gift by name.

Looking for a more traditional or vintage wedding dress? Long sleeved lace is the way to go! It’s stylish, sophisticated and quite sexy. Just all-around lovely, isn’t it?

I love the texture, dimension and color of these tropical floral centerpieces. They are such a welcome surge of summer with a bright, poppy, tropical twist and they seem to take on a life of their own.

The lemons on the bottom of several arrangements give them a little pop of yellow and add to the cheery, tropical attitude.

What do you think? Would you use tropical flowers in your wedding?

*Photo Credits: House of Ernest

This is a perfect dessert for a summer bridal shower.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups crushed Oreos
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4-1/2 gallon chocolate ice cream, slightly softened
• 1/4-1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream, slightly softened
• 8 ounces Cool Whip

Hot Fudge Sauce:

• 2 cup powdered sugar
• 2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 12 ounce can evaporated milk
• 1 stick margarine
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

Combine 2 cups Oreos with margarine and sugar.

Press into 9×13 pan.

Freeze 15 minutes.

Spread layer of each ice cream on top and freeze for 3 hours.

Combine first 4 hot fudge sauce ingredients in saucepan and bring to a boil for 8 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

Cool to room temperature.

Spoon sauce on ice cream and freeze until firm.

Spread Cool Whip on top and sprinkle with Oreo crumbs.

Freeze 3 hours.

If you’re looking for an excuse to start collecting those adorable vintage jello molds, I’ve got one for you. They are ridiculously easy to turn into candles. Once you’ve gathered all your supplies, you can make these in 15 minutes or less!

Supplies:

* Microwavable soy candle wax (available here)

* Lavender essential oil (available here) 

* Candle wicks (wicks with the metal anchors work best—available here)

* Vintage tin jello molds

How to:

Clean and dry your tins.

Follow the instructions on the soy wax packaging to melt the desired amount of wax in the microwave. 

Stir the lavender essential oil (1 ounce of oil per 1 pound of wax) into the melted wax. Add a little extra oil if you prefer more strongly scented candles. Pour the wax into your tins.

Carefully center the wicks in each tin of hot wax. Allow the candles to cool. Then, trim the wicks if necessary.

Enjoy and remember not to leave burning candles unattended!

Doilies and silk ribbons combine to make graceful garlands to be draped over pews at the wedding ceremony or festooned along reception tables.

Size: 6.25” x 5.5”

Share your exciting news to all your friends and family members with free wedding party invitations. These free printable invitations can be used for your engagement party, rehearsal dinner, bridal shower or bachelorette party. These printables are nice to pair with A6 vellum envelopes. Have fun!

* Photo & Design Credit: Love vs. Design

With many couples hosting destination weddings, shared villas are becoming more and more popular. Make it easy for guests to nibble at their own pace by placing fruit, muffins, croissants, fruit and a variety of cereals out on a pretty table with flowers, utensils, bowls and plates.  Be sure to have coffee, tea and juice nearby!

DECOR

1. Take Stock of Your Location

Do a walk-through of your venue as soon as you’re able, noting features to highlight — a grand staircase or a grove of trees, perhaps — and areas that need to be spruced up or downplayed.

2. Get Glowing

Lighting can make or break an event, but to create the right ambience, you don’t necessarily need to hire professionals to cast patterns on the dance floor. You can set the mood simply by flanking an outdoor walkway with dozens of luminaria or setting dining tables with elegant candelabra or clusters of small candles; you might also replace harsh white bulbs in fixtures with more flattering amber ones.

3. Dress Up Your Entryway

Beautiful front-door decorations, which can be as low-key as swags of greenery, serve as a visual welcome whether adorning a building or a tent and ensure that everyone’s first glimpse of the party is from its best vantage point.

4. Work with What You Have

An all-white theme won’t do in a hotel ballroom papered in red and gold, nor does it make sense to try to transform a rustic lodge into the Crystal Palace.

5. Choose a Theme

Whether it’s a monogram, a color pairing, or a food or flower that evokes a favorite place, a repeated element helps to both personalize and unify your event.

6. Don’t Overlook Small Details

A few well-placed touches, such as monogrammed cocktail napkins or an interesting charger, can go a long way toward making your party look extra-special.

7. Think Outside the Box

A silver bowl of sugared fruit makes a stunning and unexpected alternative to a traditional floral centerpiece, and one long banquet table may fit a sleekly modern space better than several round ones do.

8. Size Up Your Centerpieces

Keep floral arrangements and other table decor under 14 or over 20 inches high, so guests can view and converse with each other across the table.

PLANNING

9. Build in Flexibility

Look for ways that allow you to change things easily at the last minute. The seating cards below keep names and table numbers separate, so you can shift guests’ assignments without having to rewrite the cards.

 10. Tackle Big Tasks First

Your immediate “to do” list: Book the venue, hire a caterer, decide on basic decor. With these major tasks done, you’ll be ready to focus on the smaller details.

11. Know Your Time Line

You’ll need to choose your florist at least six months ahead of time and reserve your party rentals two months after that.

12. Send Save-the-Dates

Especially if you are planning a destination wedding or marrying on a holiday, ask guests to mark their calendars. Ideally, mail out these announcements at least four months before the wedding.

13. Invite Carefully

Be prepared: Up to 80 to 90 percent of those invited may attend. (The smaller the list, the more yeses you should expect percentage-wise, because you will likely be asking only those closest to you.)

14. Get It in Writing

Make sure you have signed contracts from all your vendors and that you’ve read the fine print and resolved any questions.

15. Map Out Your Space

Be sure you have ample room for tables (figure 10 to 15 square feet per person, assuming that the tables are round and seat six to 10 guests); also check that the dance floor is big enough (four to five square feet per guest is about right).

16. Arrange for a Backup

Planning an outdoor reception? You can’t count on sunshine, so either reserve a tent or opt for a location with an indoor alternative in the event of inclement weather.

17. Enlist Help

Even if you’ve decided against an overall wedding planner, you’ll want a cool-headed pro on hand to ask guests to be seated for dinner, help organize toasts, and handle any problems. Ask if your venue can provide this service; if not, some independent planners will work for a single day.

18. Don’t Let the Seams Show

If possible, designate a separate cocktail area and close the reception space to early arrivals. To create a sense of drama, neither you nor your guests should see the behind-the-scenes machinations and last-minute setup gaffes. Keeping the doors closed will also let your photographer take unhurried shots of the reception decor before the crowd arrive

19. Whip Up Affordable Favors

Stylish tokens needn’t be expensive. These biodegradable bowls (below) look sumptuous when wrapped with gauzy fabric and labeled with paper strips that are laser printed in a pretty font. Fill with mini meringues, an economical treat; either make them yourself or ask your caterer to provide them.

20. Go for Daytime Drama

Many venues charge more for after-dark affairs. With an outdoor reception, if you opt for a luncheon event, you’ll also cut back on or eliminate costs associated with lighting, such as setup and generators.

21. Narrow Your Tables

By seating diners family-style at long tables no wider than 36 inches, you’ll shrink the amount of empty space to decorate, cutting down on centerpiece costs. Guests will still have plenty of room and will find conversation easier as well.

22. Reuse Your Blooms

There’s no reason why ceremony flowers can’t come to the reception. Ask for altar arrangements that will also complement the party site. Alternatively, your florist may be able to refashion them into small gift bouquets for your bridal party.

23. Play with Time

You’ll save on liquor, food, and possibly vendors’ fees if you shave 30 minutes or an hour off the party. So it doesn’t feel rushed, cut a little from everything (make the cocktail hour a “cocktail 45 minutes”) instead of eliminating events.

24. Consider a Full-Service Deal

A site with a fee that includes necessities such as linens and furniture may at first appear more expensive than an a la carte venue, but once you factor in rental fees, you may ultimately keep costs down.

25. Stay in One Place

Have your wedding and reception in the same location. You’ll spend less on decor as well as on transportation costs for you and your wedding attendants.

26. Rethink Humble Decorations

Balloons have long been used to fill party spaces at low cost. For a sophisticated feel, opt for a few large balloons instead of masses of birthday-party-style ones. Those with a diameter of 36 inches have an elegant globe shape.

HOSPITALITY

27. Put Big Smiles on Little Faces

Young guests will enjoy goody bags that are all theirs. Fill a toteable container like below with treats that aren’t messy, such as age-appropriate toys, or animal crackers. Add paper and washable crayons, and kids might even create one-of-a-kind cards for the bride and groom.

28. Eschew the Receiving Line

If you will be hosting more than 50 people, the traditional meet-and-greet can take an hour or more. For groups of this size, it’s more gracious of the newlyweds to thank guests by visiting every table.

29. Tame the Toasts

An unplanned ramble can interrupt the flow of a party and make everyone uncomfortable. Encourage spur-of-the-moment speeches at the rehearsal dinner so the reception includes only words from the host, the newlyweds, and the best man and maid of honor. If you’re concerned that your speakers may overindulge, schedule toasts to take place early in the festivities.

30. Break the Ice

At a less formal reception, a short written quiz about you and your new husband, with questions about where you met and how he proposed, can get conversation started between guests who’ve never met.

31. Set a Time Limit

Your guests have already spent hours, if not days, at prewedding events and at the ceremony itself; they’re likely to be tired. Though you may wish the reception would never end, it should last no more than five hours. Also, make it clear that any after parties you schedule are entirely optional.

32. Add Thoughtful Extras

A few small comfort items are always appreciated. Consider stashing a basket of inexpensive slippers near the dance floor for women who are tired of their high heels. Have hand lotion, tissues, or hair spray in the restrooms. At an outdoor fete, stock sunscreen, bug repellent, paper fans, and perhaps even a few cozy wraps for the women in case of a sudden evening chill.

33. Restrain Yourselves

Less is more when it comes to a wedding reception, so consider ditching the 30-minute video montage or the fireworks display for something less elaborate. Even a gesture as simple as distributing sparklers at night’s end can charm guests and keep them from feeling overloaded.

34. Keep Your Helpers Happy

Your hospitality should extend to photographers, videographers, waiters, and musicians, as well as any other vendors working at your reception. Make sure they have water, scheduled breaks, and, most important, a meal. It need not be the same one that you’re serving to guests, but it should be nourishing and delicious.

35. Offer Small Amusements

Unexpected entertainment is wonderful when your guests tire of dancing. A portrait station of do-it-yourself Polaroids, a cigar roller, or a strolling palm reader can offer a touch of surprise and whimsy.

36. Have Fun with Finger Food

Hors d’oeuvres are best when they are easy to serve and eat. You’re offering a choice, so go ahead and pick something exotic; plan on about six options and six pieces per person. 

37. Show Off a Beautiful Cake

You may be able to afford a premium baker even on a tight budget. Skip labor-intensive iced decorations and ask for a simpler style, then dress it up with ribbon and fresh flowers. Be sure the flowers you use are food safe and pesticide free.

38. Be Seated

If your budget allows, pamper guests with a plated meal instead of a buffet — it’s an especially nice gesture. If you’d prefer a buffet, be sure to have enough serving stations to prevent long lines, and ask your caterer to prepare and serve plates of food for any elderly guests in attendance.

39. Set Up a “Nonalcoholic” Bar

For an event that includes many children or abstaining adults, consider having a separate table with sparkling and flat water, as well as a spirit-free version of your signature drink if you’re serving one.

40. Streamline the Bar

There’s no need at many weddings to stock your bar with a full selection of liquor. A red and a white wine, a sparkling wine, and a signature cocktail (like the “mintinis”) are plenty, and they’re economical to boot.

41. Limit Your Courses
Unless the meal will be the focus of the evening, as with an intimate party at a five-star restaurant, your menu can consist of an appetizer, an entree, and a dessert (the last could even be the wedding cake).

42. Serve a Mini Meal

If you choose to have an after party, you’ll need to provide refreshments, such as a light buffet of snacks or breakfast treats. Plan on enough for about one-quarter to one-third of your total original invitees.

MUSIC

43. Have It Both Ways

Can’t decide — or can’t agree — on whether to have live entertainment or a DJ? Split the difference and hire musicians for cocktails and a disc jockey for dancing.

44. Build the Best Band

If you’re hiring a cover band, a good one requires a male and a female vocalist, a guitar, bass, keyboard, trumpet or sax, and drums to make the most versatile combination.

45. Offer Guidelines

If there are specific songs you must hear, make a list beforehand for your band or DJ. Are there tunes you absolutely don’t want? Draw up a do-not-play list as well.

46. Keep Mealtime Tunes Soft

If your entertainers aren’t taking a break during this time, they should be considerate of diners by turning down the mike and avoiding any energetic selections.

47. Ask What They’ll Wear

Most DJs or bands will don tuxedos or suits, but it’s best to clarify attire with them to avoid surprises. For a casual event, such as a beach reception, you may want them in something less formal.

48. Depart in Style

Ask your site manager beforehand whether rice, rose petals, sparklers, and the like are allowed. When it comes time to leave, have someone round up guests and pass out props, then say a heartfelt goodbye.

49. Show Appreciation

Make sure you’ve designated someone, such as the best man, to distribute gratuity envelopes you’ve prepared at party’s end. You’ll need to tip all service providers, including the catering and reception staff (unless gratuity is added to the total bill), cleanup crew, and limousine drivers.