Guest book calendar

January 3, 2012   

A little while back I posed some fun guest book ideas but I just came across another one I wanted to share with you….a guestbook calendar. 

It’s a cute inexpensive idea…. Have each of your guests come in to your reception and sign on their birthday.  Not only is it a unique idea, but then you will have every friend and family member’s birthday from here on in.  Now, if you aren’t big on correspondence, then maybe this isn’t the best idea for you.  BUT if you are anything like me, you’d love the opportunity to reach out to all your loved ones on their special day. 

Pinned Image

via Swoon

Loooooong Tables

August 30, 2011   

I don’t know about you, but I love the look of a long reception table.  Nine times outta ten when you arrive at a wedding you will be greeted with round tables, which are lovely too… it’s just something about a lengthy table that I really find appealing.

See what I mean….

via Inspired Mrs Stevens

via atmtx Photography

via Exquisite Events Seattle

via Rustic Wedding Chic

via DC NearlyWeds

via Tre Bella Events

via Weddings: Chic and Cheap

 

What about you?  Are you a round kinda girl, or do you like a little length??

 

 

 

 

 

Cocktail Receptions

July 22, 2011   

I’m not sure if you remember Tornesha?  She’s my fab new friend who is currently planning her plum, bronze and ivory, Bahama wedding.  Well, she plans to have a cocktail reception, which I love, and asked if I had any ideas…… Of course I do!!!

  Tornesha, my advice for you….

#1.  Word it Right: 

Make sure on the invitation you include “cocktail reception to follow“.  This will inform your guests of the type of reception you plan on having and will allow them to prep accordingly.

#2.  The Cocktails:    

You want to make sure the bar area is large enough to accommodate a crowd.  Since it is a “cocktail” reception guests will most likely be looking for a cocktail… or 3. A signature cocktail is a fun idea and so is having an array of garnishes.  They add some elegance and dress up drinks nicely.

#3.  The Menu:    

Usually at a cocktail reception there are passed hors d’oeuvres.  While this is fine on its own, you may want to consider having a cheese and fruit display or possibly a pasta station. You could also coordinate your menu with the types of cocktails you intend to serve.  If you plan to have tropical drinks, you could incorporate some tropical foods.  You want to make sure there is something for your cocktail consuming guests to snack on or things could get a little sloppy.

 

 Food Idea:

Serve appetizers and desserts in cocktail glasses

via Mom Logic

Cocktail Reception Favor Ideas:

 

A candy buffet, filled in cocktail glasses, of course.

via For Bride and Baby

 

Wine bottle stopper favor.

via 2as1WeddingFavors

Cork key chains

via Joyful Bride Online

Personalized shot glasses

via My Wedding Favors

- Anyone else have any advice for cocktail receptions?  If so, please spill!

Sweetie-PIE

March 22, 2011   

Summer is almost here and you know what that means…. it’s almost PIE TIME!!!  Sweet delicious decadence! Mmmmm!!!

Have my spring and summer brides considered inviting Pie to your wedding?  It would make an adorable addition to your sweet table.

What’s better than a slice of pie?  An entire pie to yourself!!  These mini pies would be a hit at any wedding or party!

via Love and Lavender

Pie pops… SA-WEEEET  Don’t they look delish?

via Best Honeymoon Spots

I wonder if grammy made these.  I’d have to taste them all!

via rs Bridal

This pie looks adorable sitting at this place setting. Such a darling idea.

via Bridal Cookie

Lovin the little flags.  If you did something like this for your wedding you could use them to incorprate your color scheme.

via Tradewind Tiaras

That bride and groom make a perect pie topper.  I love them almost as much as the initials on top!  GREAT wedding idea.

via Smartbride boutique

Pie jars would make perfect wedding favors.  The hearts and tags are a lovely touch.

via Blowout Party

These pie favors should be used for every picnic wedding.  I love the way they look  piled on the table.  I bet it’s hard to take just one!

via The Modern Bride Guide

Doily decor

March 1, 2011   

Doilies.  They remind me of my grandmother, crocheting, and a stuffy tea room.  Now, don’t get me wrong… I LOVE my grandma, but doilies… Yuck!  It’s one of those words that make me cringe.  Let me rephrase, used to make me cringe.

I used to think of them as frilly, old and granny-ish.  Now, I find them vintage, sweet, and charming.  Delicate and romantic.  A PERFECT decor option, especially for weddings.  Sorry grandmas, we’re taking your beloved doilies to the next level.  Let me show you what I mean…

Don’t keep the doilies on the table, use them to dress up your seating card display.  FABULOUS!

found at The Knot

Is this not adoilyable… I doily menu!  A simple way to dress up each place setting.  If you love this as much as I do, visit My Hands Made It for a quick doily menu tutorial.

Doily bunting!!  How easy and elegant, not to mention extremely inexpensive. 

found at Loveaudrey

I found these doily envelopes at Ruffled.  What a cute way to dress up your invites.  Be sure to check out their website for a step by step tutorial.

martha-stewart-weddings-paper-doily-chandelier

YES, believe it… the chair swags and chandelier are made of paper doilies.  See how to make your own by visiting The Sweetest Occasion.

With us having an photo 1442538-1

How about a doily petal toss cone.  Super cheap and easy to make.  Check out Project Wedding for a tutorial.

I think this doily wreath is so charming.  Bored Blog Almighty has a tutorial that you should totally check out.  Wouldn’t a few of these be lovely at a wedding?

How sweet is this doily bouquet?  It could be carried during a wedding or be used to dress up the reception.  Either way, it’s super cute.

found at Etsy

I love the vintage romance this doily table runner brings to the table. 

found at Madame Bonbon

DIY-Doily-Necklace-Tutorial-13

I’m loving this doily necklace.  I want to make one RIGHT NOW!  Wouldn’t this be the perfect bridal accessory?  Or possibly a homemade gift for your bridesmaids?  There is a great tutorial at Elizabeth Anne Designs.  You won’t believe how easy this one is!  Check it out!!

These doily cupcake wrappers are sooo cute.  They’d be perfect for any wedding, bridal shower, or party.  If you would like to try these there is a tutorial and free template over at Intimate Weddings

Another idea I adore and can’t wait to try… doily drink umbrellas.  A must have for a summer wedding or any outdoor party you may be having.  Check out the DIY instructions at Wedloft.

A doily bowl?!  Wouldn’t this be a darling centerpiece idea?  If you want to try making one of these, visit Design*Sponge for step by step instructions.  I even bet, if you’re crafty enough, you could turn this beauty upside down, add a light bulb, string it up and make a lovely doily lamp.  Yes, consider that a challenge! :)

Doily

This is what I’ll leave you with today… these lovely doily lanterns.  These would look great hanging in a tented reception.  For a tutorial visit Vermont Vows.

Cuckoo for cages

February 18, 2011   

Because I’m ready for bird chirping weather, I find a birdcage post very fitting for Libby Land today!  There is just something about a birdcage that I find extremely charming. I love when birdcages are incorporated into a wedding, and I’m not talking about using them for collecting cards. Been there, done that.  You know me, I like untraditional… so cage up some creativity and use those cages elsewhere…

See, I told you…. charming, right?  I love theses cages hung from the tree. Very vintage.  I wish that was MY reception table!

found at Loft Apt

The ribbon used in this set up gives the hanging cages a different feel.   I like that you can use ribbon to coordinate with your wedding colors or spray paint the birdcages to match your palette.

found at Ruffled

How cute are these?  I like how various shapes and colors are used.

found at Weddingbee

Oh, so cute… a birdcage centerpiece.  LOVE IT!

found at Always a Blogsmaid

Another sweet idea, use your birdcage centerpiece to hold your table number.

found at Pinterest

Here, birdcages were lined up on a long table.  You could keep them uniform as shown above, or spray them different colors for a mismatched look. 

found at Celebrations at Home

A single cage…. that’s all you need.

found at Merci New York

Oohhh… a cake cage.  Adorable.

found at Prima Donna Bride

Another idea I adore…. caging your cupcakes.

found at I DO it yourself

Birdcage candle holders.  They can sit on the tables, line  a walkway, or be hung up.   

found at Elizabeth Anne Designs

If it fits your wedding theme, I think these are fab favors.

found at Squidoo

These cages hung over the dance floor are spectacular.  How creative.  I love how they illuminate the evening.  Very romantic!!  Who knew birdcages could be so lovely?  Okay, I DID…  but now, hopefully you do too! :)

found at Run, Knit, Get Hitched

Take it outside

February 16, 2011   

Where are my beautiful outdoor brides??  Today, my inspiration is for you!!  I have an idea that will turn up the charm at any outdoor wedding…. FURNITURE!!

Vintage Dresser Wedding DecorRustic Vintage Wedding Ideas-02

Now this is right up my alley… a hutch turned guestbook table.  LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this. 

found at Elizabeth Ann Designs

Oh la la!  French inspired sign in table… je t’aime !

found at From the Heart

Anthropologie Owl Baby Shower

What a cute dessert dresser.  Very garden chic.  Now, let’s turn our attention to the branch inspired dessert stand… Sorry, I had too.  I think it’s awesome.

found at Hostess With the Mostess

This desk was made for these apple seating cards.  Cute and creative.

found at Santa Barbara Chic

A bookshelf for photos…  DO IT!!!

found at The ListMaker

How SWEET… and I’m not talking about the drinks, although, they DO look delish!

found at A Country Girl Wedding

Ahh, this rustic beverage station is soooo charming.

found at Loft Apt

Sofa seating, YES PLEASE!

found at Put a Witty Headline Here

Fortune tellers

February 15, 2011   

found at PaperSeed

Do you remember these?  I loved fortune tellers.  I have probably folded over a hundred of  these in my lifetime and have spent countless hours giggling with my girlfriends over the fortunes they told.  They were are so much fun! 

I recently saw these incorporated into a wedding.  My inner child was delighted and urged me to surf around a bit more.  To our surprise, fortune tellers (apparently also called “cootie catchers”) seem to be pretty popular in the wedding world.  I had no idea!!  But now that I do, it’s an idea I ADORE! 

Before, I show you what I found while browsing, I’d like to direct you to a couple of fortune teller folding tutorials.  The following links have illustrated instructions and  I’m sure once you brush up on your folding technique, you’ll be folding like a 5th grader all over again!

Mathematische Basteleien 

Enchanted Learning 

If you plan to make your own, I found a great fortune teller template on Ruffled Click here to download the template. 

Although, I recommend making your own… If you’d rather, fortune tellers can be purchased by online vendors. Here are two you could look into.

Paper Blooms

Etsy

Okay, this is my favorite part…. where I get to show off my fabulous finds….

Cootie Catchers-Origami Wedding PROGRAMS- Set of 25

Isn’t this such a fun program idea?  Gives your guests something to do while they wait for the ceremony to begin. 

found at Kats Krafts

Tackeff Photography - Jessica & Mike's Wedding at The Hyatt Morristown, Morristown, New Jersey - NJ Wedding Photographer - Details - Place cards - escort cards - cootie catcher - paper fortune teller

This couple used bold colored fortune tellers as seating cards.  SUPER CUTE!!

found at Tackef Photography

Real Weddings: Alicia and Rob :  wedding real weddings B1770390201.jpg

At this wedding the fortune tellers were placed on the cocktail tables.  What an adorable ice-breaker.  Would definitely have guests mingling and enjoying each others knowledge, or lack thereof, on the bride and groom.

found at Weddingbee

41

Fortune tellers could make fab favors.  I love how they pop on this table and think about how much fun your guests could have if everyone had their own.  The more questions you include, the longer the entertainment will last!

found at In the Now

Photograph by Jennifer RoperPhotograph by Jennifer Roper

Photograph by Jennifer Roper

A fortune teller menu… YES PLEASE!  They add a little extra flavor to each place setting don’t they?  What a darling idea!

found at New York Food

How about a cute cootie catcher place card holder.  Who knew they could be so versatile?

found at Weddingbycolor

found at Edible Crafts

found at Jelly Belly

What a cute little spin, a cootie catcher candy dish.  Sweet, cheap and unique.  Every guest could take one and if you personalize them, use them for play later!

Cut your cost – Centerpiece ideas

January 26, 2011   

Weddings can  be extremely expensive but they don’t have to be.  There are lots of ways to cut your wedding costs.  Today I want to focus on saving money with your centerpieces.  You can really break the bank with expensive flowers and over the top pieces but with some creativity and a little help from me, I’m hoping to save you some cash.  

 Here are some perfect penny-pinching ideas…

** Use your bridesmaid’s bouquets  ** 

found at Preowned Wedding Dresses

You have already paid for bridesmaid’s bouquets so why not use them for table decor.  They make a great centerpiece option and already coordinate with your wedding look.  Your ladies only use their flowers for the ceremony so why not get use out of them at the reception too.  In my opinion, it’s a waste to have the beautiful bouquets that you so selectively choose  just sitting unappreciated at the head table.  Turn them into centerpieces so they can be admired by your guests.  Oh, and don’t forget your bridal bouquet.  It would be lovely at the head table, cake table, or even placed by the guest book.  Of course, you may still need to purchase centerpieces for the rest of your tables but this is a definite money saver.

** Candles  **

found at Wedding Vendors

Candles can be an amazing wedding centerpiece option.  Not only are they extremely inexpensive and come in an array of colors, sizes, shapes, and  scents but the ambiance they add is stunning and irreplaceable.  Candles bring intimacy and romance to any room.  You could place them in tall hurricane vases, have them float in martini glasses, use small tealights, place candlesticks in wine bottles, purchase candelabras or mix and match shapes and sizes.  The possibilities are endless!   Which is why I love the idea of using candles for centerpieces.  You will want to check with your venue before purchasing your candles though because some do have restrictions.

** Single flowers **

found at Wedding Flowers

If you must have floral centerpieces, how about using a single bloom.   This is such a money saver and can be extremely beautiful.  I personally love the simplicity of it and you can stretch a bouquet of flowers so much further by splitting them up.  If you decide to try this it is better to keep a few single blooms on each table.  Don’t try to place one in the middle of a table and think that will suffice.  It will look measly and out-of-place.  You could pair this idea with some candles or maybe some petals scattered on the table.  Whatever you do, be creative.  The photo above shows a single flower placed in a bud vase slipped inside some yarn…  and it looks GREAT.  Simple, inexpensive and easy to assemble!  Now that’s my kind of centerpiece!

** Grow your own  **

found at Lily Spruce

Growing your own wedding centerpieces is a very eco-friendly way to save some money.  Succulents and daffodils are popular homegrown options that I have seen put together beautifully.  But really, anything you grow can be turned into a lovely centerpiece.  Now, I don’t recommend trying to grow something just for your wedding, but if you are a natural gardener and are growing things anyway, why not use them for your wedding.  Be sure to keep in mind your wedding colors and season before deciding on what you would like to use.  If you do not have a green thumb… please go a different route!  If you do however, go for it.  The centerpieces would be homegrown, heartfelt and truly special.

** Baby’s Breath **

found at Always Fabulous Events

Baby’s Breath?  That’s right… BABY”S BREATH.  Look how absolutely gorgeous it can be.  The picture speaks for itself…. And do you know how extremely cheap it can be??  This is a wonderful wedding centerpiece idea.  Not much can be this inexpensive and look as elegant and dramatic.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE this option!  What a wonderful way to cut your wedding costs.

** Grass **

found at Perfect Wedding Guide

Grass is another cheap eco-friendly centerpiece idea.  Find some cute containers and get growing.  There is so much you could do with this.  I think this is great for summer weddings and a perfect choice for any garden celebration.  Once your grass is grown, you could place candles, flowers or anything else on top.  I like the idea of sticking your table numbers inside the grass.  Again, be creative!  You could really dress this up and make a magnificent green centerpiece!

** Branches **

found at Craft Stylish

Purchasing branches online or from a craft store can be pricy.  You can find deals and coupons to save you on some money if you want to buy your branches.  However, why buy when you could gather your own?  Finding your own branches is FREE!!  The only thing you would need to spend money on is whatever you decide to doctor them up with.  I think this is a must have for any fall or rustic wedding.  There are tons of ways you could turn some boring old branches into a fabulous wedding centerpiece.  Pretty up the branches with some spray paint, ribbon, flowers, bows, crystals, berries… I could go on and on…. but I won’t.   I’ll leave the brainstorming up to you!!  That’s the fun part!!  Just be careful if you plan to hang anything from them that the branches are strong enough to support it.

** Fruit **

 

found at Weddingbee

Is this not fruitastic?  I think this is a great idea.  Fruit comes in so many colors you could do almost anything with it.  Apples, grapes, oranges, pears…. you could use just one or mix and match them.  Filling a vase is a popular way to display fruit in a centerpiece but you could also just arrange them directly on the table if you’d like.  For a long table, place a runner and space the fruit evenly.  You could accent with candles or florals.  Really, there is sooo much fun you could have with your fruit centerpieces.  What a sweet wedding idea.

For more fab fruit ideas, Click here ->Lemons and Apples and Pears… Oh my!

** Veggies **

found at Project Wedding.  Visit their site for a veggie tutorial.

Whoever said “don’t play with your food” was crazy!  I say “play away”!  Just look how cute these vegetable centerpieces are.  If you are interested in using veggies I say DO IT!  They are way more budget friendly than premade floral centerpieces and you can find vegetables almost anywhere.  Some are pricier than others but even the most expensive will be easy on your wallet.  There are many colors and textures to choose from and the more creative you get the more extraordinary your wedding centerpieces will be.  Since veggies will expire I suggest doing a trial run months in advance but saving the actual centerpieces for a day or two before the wedding. 

** Around the house  **

When it comes down to it there is no better way to save money than by using items you already have.  Again, creativity is a must but I bet there are plenty of things in your own home that could  be transformed into beautiful wedding centerpieces.    Here are just a few ideas to get those wheels turning ….

found at ‘I Do’ It Yourself

found at PTIT Chef

found at Backyard Bride

found at Kojo Designs

found at Weddings and Pretty Things

found at Booklicious

 

Where do I sit?

January 14, 2011   

It has been awhile since I have posted anything about seating card arrangements.  And you know me, I live for the small details… so today is the day.  Here is some escort card inspiration….

Love this idea for a beach wedding.  Super cute and inexpensive.

found at One Beautiful Blog

I’m crazy about clean lines and simplicity so this is an obvious Libby choice!

found at Oh So Beautiful Paper

What a darling idea. I just a-door it!  You could also add a welcome mat or hang a sign on the door knob.  A must have for an outdoor wedding!

found at Hanle Productions 

A card catalogue!  Some younger guests will have NO idea what this is but who cares….. this is AWESOME!!

found at The Groom Says

This is an easy way to display your seating cards and customizable, which I love!  A few frames, some ribbon,and  a little fabric…. totally do-able!

found at Every Last Detail

Seating cards on keys…. YES PLEASE!

found at Weddingbee

This idea ROCKS!  How simple.

found at Weddingbee

Here is an elegant option.  It’s lovely, isn’t it?

found at LI Weddings

Did you meet your better half in college?  This is a cute idea if you did!

found at Offbeat Bride

A chalkboard is a simple solution for a seating card dilemma.  You could use a large one, as shown here, or several small boards.

found at Beaucoup de Papier

This is a super cute idea and as easy as they come.

found at Project Wedding

This is perfect for a vineyard wedding.  Don’t think you can save enough corks?  No worries, if you ask a winery, they will save corks for you.

found at Weddingbee

I love the look of this display.  I also love that they are buttons.  If these  are worn by the guests, everyone will know who is who.

found at Martha Stewart Weddings

It doesn’t get any easier than this.  I suggest spraying the clothes pins or using some colored stationary to jazz it up a bit.

found at Real Simple

Seed packets would be perfect for a garden wedding.  Name your tables accordingly and write your guest’s name directly onto the package.  A very green idea!

found at Adventures of Wedhead

How sweet!

found at Oh So Beautiful Paper

Having a summer wedding?  Drinks would be perfect for your seating cards.  A refreshment for your guests as they find their seat is guaranteed to be a hit.

found at Manolo Brides 

Paper cranes are often used for weddings.  Get creative and use them as seating cards.

found at Tickled Pink