events LG

This blog! Just kidding… today the wedding of Courtney Dial Whitmore from Pizzazzerie came across our news feed and we were super excited. I’ve been seeing sneak peeks here and there, so when I saw it was featured on Martha Stewart Weddings, we were super excited for this amazing professional (if you didnt know, she is the author behind Push Pops). She has this really great blend of preppy modern style, and she styled her wedding perfectly with black and white stripes with touches of greens. We are in love with her tablescaping… and if you are wondering where you can get those black and white runners… well look no further, they are one of LovelyGirls Events rentals! All photography for this wedding was taken by Tec Petaja.

Courtney use the black and white striped theme all the way thru from her table runners, accents on her centerpieces, the ribbons to hold her napkins, the ribbon that secured her favor boxes, her invitations, her programs, cocktail table linens, drink stirrerts, food picks, her bar menu, and even the plates in which her cake was served (genius!). I do not thnk there was a single item which was not adorned with such a lovely pattern. We loved it!

Here is more black and white striped inspiration with a little bit of something for everyone… enjoy the overload!

We were so thrilled when Pantone announced that their 2013 Color of the Year was going to be Emerald! What an absolutely beautiful classy color that works in sooooo many ways, but mostly, we love its bold gem colored hue! The type of bride who uses this color is looking to make a statement. Just a couple of ways it can be used in the mean time (and not just around St. Patricks Day)… enjoy!

Definition of Doily – 1: a small napkin; 2: a small often decorative mat

Now we’re sure the thought of a doily brings back memories of your grandmother but these are new fresh ways of using them. Doilies are more than just a napkin or decorative mat as listed in their definition.  They can be used as in a unique number of ways to add a pretty and feminine touch to any event.  Below are a few ideas that caught our attention.

In its fabric form, doilies can be shaped or used to create shapes.  If you soak doilies in fabric stiffener or fabric starch and drape over base of bowls or jars until dry, you create bowl shaped designs that are easily used in either home décor or events.  Don’t feel like getting messy with starch?  Wrap a doily tightly around a vase, cut excess material and hand stitch to make a delicate flower vase for any occasion.  If you are feeling really creative you can use a doily to imprint a pattern into clay that can then be shaped into bowls, plates, etc.  Just take a look at the pretty ring bearer dish above and you’ll see how stylish a doily can be.

Paper doilies are a crafter’s dream.  They can used be used in so many ways and so easily.  Some examples include using them as a place card at a table setting, folded around invites to create a chic invitation wrap or curled into a cone shape to hold flower petals or favors.  Love the idea of using them for invites but don’t want the hassle of folding all those doilies?  No problem, simply use a doily design on a printed invitation for instant charm.  Other lovely ideas are to add it to simple kraft paper wrappings as a darling detail or string them together as garland to hang on a mantle.

Edible doilies are also becoming very trendy.  It’s fun to see doily patterned fondant detail on cakes or sweet delicate lacy rosettes that can be added to anything from cookies to hot tea.  Another idea for cookies is to stamp a doily pattern on icing using edible inks.  We’re sure if you use your imagination enough, you can figure out a few more ways to add doilies to your menu.

Let’s be honest, choosing bridesmaid dresses is far more complicated than simply choosing a color. Unless you have asked identical quadruplets to be in your wedding,  it’s difficult to pick one style dress for women that most likely have different coloring, heights and figures. You also have to keep in mind that most of your friends will never actually wear their bridesmaid dress again. There are options beyond choosing the same dress with dye-able to match shoes.

Same Color, Different Style

There are several designers that allow you to choose different style dresses in the same color. This is perfect when your maids have different body types. You can accommodate your big-busted friend by letting her pick a style that isn’t strapless or the girl who prefers a halter to show off her toned arms. If you’re looking for a dress designer that offers this, we recommend TwoBirds.

If you choose this option, give the maids free range to pick out their own shoes and jewelry. Just make sure to give them direction. This way you know the girls will re-wear the accessories.

Different Dresses, Same Palette

This is gorgeous, when done well. The maids have the freedom to pick their own dress, in a shade from the color palette you provide. There are a few things to keep in mind; this look works best if all the girls are wearing short or long dresses and the material is similar (you don’t want some girls in a satin and others in cotton). Also, if all of you don’t live in the same area, you might not see the look pulled together until the big day. This element of surprise might be too much for some brides.

Mix It Up

If you’re bold, black pants and a party top work every time. The look is unified but personalized and of course, comfortable. This is great for an evening wedding and you can always give the girls a palette to work from when choosing their tops.

Skirts? Why not! There’s no reason why you have to dress your bridesmaids in dresses. A skirt is a great option. If you can’t replicate this amazing image, choose a beautiful skirt like this one from J.Crew or this one from Rachel Zoe.

Groomsmen are usually the guys that have been there for you through good, bad and yes even the crazy times in your life.  They deserve a groomsmen gift worthy of such a bond.  Instead of the traditional items usually given, considering stepping it up a notch and giving them a classy gift that can stand the test of time.   Here are a few not so typical manly-man gifts we suggest.

Humidor

A wooden humidor box is definitely a statement gift.  Even if they don’t smoke cigars, it’s a great conversation piece for any man cave.   Humidors boxes come in all price ranges so it should fit into just about any budget.

Classic Shave Kit

All men should learn the art of the classic shave.  A men’s shaving kit is a smart and timeless gift.  There are a variety of sets from simple sets with soaps and brushes to expensive more complete sets including razors.

Dopp Kit

A dopp kit is a perfect gift for any man who travels.  A well made dopp kit can last a lifetime.  You can find them in great leather, canvas and faux leather styles to fit any personality.  Many of them can even be personalized with a monogram. You can find these available on Etsy.com in the FelixStreetStudio shop!

Leather iPhone Wallet

Classic leather wallets are a respectable gift to give but why not give something better than a simple wallet.  A leather iPhone wallet that holds an iPhone, cards and cash is the perfect give for hip groomsmen.   It’s trendy but practical, how could any man not love it.

Rocks Glass (with a little company!)

What a better gift than a rocks glass for the boys with whom you have grown up through grade school, high school, and the college years. Signify where you met each groomsman by gifting them a rocks glass with their college emblem. A rocks glass is not complete without a bottle of their favorite whiskey and bourbon, plus whats a rocks glass without the brown stuff?

photography by Kate’s Lens Photography

There seems to be a consensus among many event planners that the color mint will be a huge trend in weddings next year (im not quite sure if you have seen us start using it in our branding!).  With the increase of vintage touches to weddings, mint would be a natural fit.  It’s a cool color that works well various types of weddings from country to modern.  Mint green colors mix well with several other trendy wedding colors such as poppy, lemon yellow, and blush.  For a glamorous look, pair with gold or for a more casual look, pair it with beige.

Have fun searching out vintage mint colored photo props, accent dishes and cake plates.  Feeling crafty? Make your own mint inspired wedding décor.  In regards to flowers, expect to see succulents and dusty millers added to bouquets, boutonnieres and table arrangements.

Mint also is a refreshing color to work into desserts and signature drinks.   Can you picture beautiful mint color macaroons and iced cakes?  We can and we love it!

I know what you’re thinking, it’s 2012 and the word etiquette is rarely mentioned. However, whether you want to call it etiquette or manners, a wedding is an occasion to use both. In today’s casual environment many couple’s add a dress-code to their invitation. Mostly this is for those people who think wearing a baseball cap, cargo pants or flip flips are classy choices. Yes, I have actually attended weddings where guests have worn those items.

Before you walk out to door make sure you remember that there are very few opportunities to get dressed up. Take advantage! Always think about the time of the wedding and the location. What you can wear to an outdoor wedding is different than a wedding in a ballroom.

White Tie
This is the MOST formal and the least-common. I’m fairly certain only royalty and celebrities attend white-tie events but if just in case you meet Prince Harry…Fellas should wear a tailcoat, a formal white shirt, white vest and tie and white gloves. I know, crazy! Ladies should wear a formal floor-length evening gown.

Black Tie
Since White-Tie events are few and far between, Black-Tie is considered the most formal dress code. Black-Tie weddings are usually held in the evening so it’s a fabulous opportunity to get in touch with your inner Fergie and dress “G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S.” Excuse my outburst. Guys should wear a black tux (hence the name). Ladies can choose between a formal floor length gown or a short cocktail dress. When you’re deciding what to wear, think about the venue. If it’s more on the casual side, then a black suit and cocktail dress are the way to go.

Black Tie Optional (or Formal)
There isn’t a lot of difference between this and Black Tie. It’s still a formal dress-code. Men can wear a dark suit instead of a tux and they aren’t expected to wear a bow tie. Ladies should still wear a dress.

Semi-Formal
This is the hardest dress-code to decipher because “semi-formal” seems to mean something different to everyone. Make your decision based on the location and time of day of the wedding. When in doubt, choose something dressier. It’s better to look over-dressed than under-dressed. Ladies can choose between a cocktail dress or a blouse and skirt. Men should still wear a suit but it doesn’t need to be dark or evening wear.

There are so many ways to get creative with your wedding decor. If you are a gal who enjoys a good DIY project or has a love for attention to detail, then get out there and show your personality.  All of these table numbers are easy to recreate and give your decor a little something extra.

For photo-lovers | A table number with pic of you and your future hubby is a great way to show off some of your cutest moments together. Add an interesting tid-bit like “this is from our trip to the beach where Sarah beat John in 6 rounds of mini-golf. It’s simple, personal and gives your guests something to read at the table. Let your guests have an inside track on your relationship with numbers that represent important dates in your couple history. These are easy to print. The hard part is coming up with significance for each number.

Love a good board game? | Whether your Scrabble aficionados or just looking for a clever concept, this one is entirely unique. Definitely better for smaller sized tables, make sure the game pieces can be easily seen and are not blocked by your centerpieces.

What’s better than a multi-functional centerpiece? |  If you already have a beautiful centerpiece, why stand in the way? Add a number to one of the flower vases or place your flowers in a wooden crate and paint a number (as seen here).

Frame it! | Now a days we are seeing a lot of our couples take picture frames from the local dollar or discount store, a can of gold/silver spray paint from the local hardware, some fabric or scrapbook paper from your local craft supplies store and turning into something unique for their wedding day. Its a great alternative to spruce up your centerpiece. One rule to go by though… make sure the size of the frame does not overpower your centerpiece. The longer the table, then we say, yeah go for those 5×7″ but for round tables, we suggest nothing bigger than a 3×5″ if you can manage it. More modern than vintage (or a little bit of both)? Than we love the idea of these simple ikea frames below and using a printable that is consistent with the rest of the stationery from your wedding!

All-in-one | Want to  have a table number and a menu all in one without having to sacrifice space? We love this idea because tables can end up being overcrowded with all of the sugars, coffee cups and sauces, bread and butter plates, so why take up more space than you have to.

Sparkling water or wine enthusiast |  so you love kicking back with your honey after a long day of work (or wedding planning at that) and taking in a glass  (or two, or three, or more – we wont tell!)… so why not take your love and recycle those bottles and use them as table numbers. Better yet, take a full bottle and give it aways to an unsuspecting guest at the end of the evening!

knock knock, hello are you there? |  so this idea may not be door knockers, but they let your friends and family help to find where you live. Again sourcing your local hardware store, use house numbers as a way to lay flat on the ends of your tables if you have long family style tables, or consider using these in the scaping to your  centerpieces. A new use for an old item. And oh yeah, this really is just a number (ignore our post header – you didnt read anything!)