events LG

Favors are by no means a necessity but, if you have extra money in your budget, they are a great way to show your appreciation. The options are endless (a cd, bag of candy, candle, donation to a charity etc.) and almost everything can be personalized, so the task isn’t choosing a favor, but choosing the RIGHT favor. Before making your choice, ask yourself, “Is this worth spending money on and will my guests enjoy/use this?”

Here are a few suggestions…

Choose food, but skip the standard small box of truffles.

One delicious (and large) macaroon is the perfect two-bite treat.

A “make your own smore’s kit” is cute and creative.

Fill a mason jar with hot chocolate ingredients for a favor that’s yummy, easy to take home and adorably packaged.

Choose fun, but make sure it’s really usable.

Your guests will actually use this deck of playing cards and think of you every time they pull them out to play.

“To Have and to Hold and to Keep your Drinks Cold” Clever right? This is another favor that your guests will actually use.

Guests will be able to use sunglasses immediately if you’re having a spring or summer daytime wedding.

Choose function, if you have the time.

Fill a book with your favorite recipes and/or ask guests, months before the big day, to send you their favorites.

A potted plant is eco-friendly, decorative and can also serve as a place card holder.

Olive oil is a highly used ingredient that everyone can appreciate.

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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!

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.

DIY Wedding Décor

You want the wedding of your dreams but on a budget.  We hear this all time from brides and decided to pass along tips for some do-it-yourself projects for related to wedding décor.  Below are only a few suggestions offering ways to incorporate color or special details into the table décor.

Table Cloths, napkins and table runners

One way to dress a table on your own is to make napkins, table runners or table cloths (We don’t suggest all three at the same time).  Regardless of if you know how to sew or not, there are several ways to create your table dressing with a bit of recycled or purchased fabric.  If you can’t sew, then use pinking shears to finish the edges if the fabric allows.  Some fabrics such as burlap can have a slightly unfinished edge which adds a rustic feel to tables and makes it an easy to use option.  You can choose to use solid color fabrics or an eclectic mix of patterns.  For a low cost vintage fabric, recycle old sheets found in thrift stores.  Other options include creating your own design using block printing with fabric paint for a custom print or using dye to create an ombre effect on the fabric.  These can be a bit more time consuming but the results may just be worth the extra effort.  The options are endless.

http://www.designmom.com/2012/03/diy-confetti-sprinkled-linen-napkins/
http://bklynbrideonline.com/21335/wedding-inspiration/living-in-ombre/linens?czone
http://rexandregina.com/blog/2010/03/02/burlap-tablescapes/

Custom Flatware

Keeping with the table theme, consider creating your own custom colored flatware by dipping or spray painting the handles of inexpensive purchased or second-hand flatware.  You can paint to match your color scheme as well as use it for an added a pop of color.  Just be careful not to paint the part of the utensil used for eating since most paints are toxic.   Only the handles should be painted for health reasons.

http://creativelychristy.blogspot.com/2010/11/colored-spoons-tutorial.html
http://shannondarrough.com/tablescapes/tablescape
http://www.saniapell.com/athomeblog/diy-craft-projects/fluro-cutlery/

Menu Napkins Wraps

Finding a unique way to display a menu on an already crowded table can be daunting.  Make it a quick DIY project by creating a menu that serves a dual purpose.  A napkin wrap with the menu printed on it makes a pretty presentation on the table and gives you an easy, practical way to display the menu to all guests.  There is no need for guests to search the table for a menu because it’s right in front of them and it won’t clutter the table.  Choose to add a unique detail by using a decorative punch border or by adding ribbon.

http://wedding-ink.blogspot.com/2012/07/kathryn-and-justin.html
http://ohsobeautifulpaper.com/2011/06/wedding-details-creative-menu-ideas/
http://blog.catieronquillo.com/2011/06/inspiration-shoot-vintage-travel-with-a-dash-of-france/

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

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.