Hangin' in Style

As I look at wedding albums and photograpers websites, I'm seeing more pictures of the wedding gown hanging prior to the bride wearing it. These make some really great photos. And a fellow wedding planner blogger, Aletha at Pearls Events had a great post about the ugly hangers that we tend to leave the dresses on that will be captured in these memorable shots.

I found some interesting options for hangers just for that perfect shot of a perfect dress. It's all in the details, right?! Right.

Image: Dann Online

I love the idea of having your monogram placed on the hangers. I absolutely love it!

Image: Hanger-Network

I must say that I went to this website and can't understand a word because the website is in a foreign language. But, I had to share this picture because I thought the names on the wooden hangers were a perfect idea to personalize your big day!

Image: Weddingish

Cute plush hangers would look great for your gown and even the bridesmaids gowns. Plush hangers come in a variety of colors such as bridal white, ivory, black. They're almost available at most bridal and lingerie boutiques.

Image: Gutzees

Now, these diva darlings are too gorgeous! Mink hangers, anyone?

Tish B.

From Pantry to Party!

Yesterday, I shared an inexpensive pantry find that could make a "talk of the party" centerpiece by using Jell-o. Well, today I'm sharing just a few more budget chic pantry finds that will help make your next party the "talk"; atleast for the centerpieces.

Image: Garden.org

Fresh garden picks such as cherry or grape tomatoes, corn, sweet peas, or green beans will make an eye catching surprise to a garden party or outdoors cookout. With fresh flowers to top it off, you're headed for the WOW!

Image: In the Details

Coffee Beans have been popular for quite some time and I think they still look great inserted in the tablescape. I used these little guys for a coffee themed book signing event and the entire room smelled of fresh coffee. I even used them on platters and placed fresh pastries on top and the coffee flavor could be tasted through the pastries. Delicious!

Image: HGTV

Lentils are some little bitty beans that are very healthy for you and could be really healthy on your party budget. And, they can double as embellishments for your candles at your fall dinner party!

Image: Do It Yourself Weddings

Asparagus stems tied with ribbon around candles...clever! And, talk about an easy day of project!

Image: Fairytale Favors

Jelly beans are far from healthy to the body but can be healthy to your budget when incorporating them into your next shower or party decor. Perfect for Easter, too!

Image: Rhonda Patton Weddings

Split peas make fantastic vase fillers and the variation the green color is even more intriguing!

Tish B.

J-E-L-L-O Centerpieces

Talk about a conversation piece, Jell-O for centerpieces! It's definitely inexpensive and comes in a variety of colors. It may take some prep time and a lot of fridge space if you're thinking of doing this for a larger event, but for birthday parties, baby or bridal showers, or dinner parties, this will be a great quick and creative project that will be the talk of the party.

Image: Rachael Ray

Image: Rosemary Company

Image: Entertain Exchange

Image: Entertain Exchange

Tish B.

Table Details: Number Cards

I really like the idea of having table numbers at all weddings that have 50 or more guests. A bride may or may not choose to have a seating chart designating where each guest should go and that's totally okay. But, even if you are a bride that is doing away with the seating chart and the use of place or escort cards, still consider numbering or naming your tables.

For buffet style receptions, it's easier to release a few tables by numbers (or names) rather than having all of your tables rush the buffet. Can you imagine the long, long line of guests? Whether you decide to designate seating or not, get creative with your table numbers. Bring out your wedding theme or colors by using photos, names, bling, or textured papers. Remember, it's all in the details.

While your guests are waiting to be served the delicious meal of the night, be sure to have some smashing entertainment for them to enjoy. It'll make the wait worthwhile...while looking at their unique table number to be called.

Image: Beau-Coup

Image: With This Ring

Image: Etsy

Tish B.

Put Your Ring In It

Have you decided where you are going to put your fabulous wedding ring after you return home from the honeymoon? Hopefully, you're not like me and put it in with your jewelry soup (that is, all of your jewelry combined). I've made a conscious effort to find something to keep my sacred piece of bling and therefore began my search for a pretty ring box. If you haven't, join me in finding our rings a perfect little nighttime home. This would even be a great gift registry item for you and your groom or a great and thoughtful shower gift to a bride-to-be or newlywed.

Monogrammed Silver Wedding Ring Box, $100.00

Swarovski Crystal Ring Box, $120.00

Silver Wedding Ring Box, $130.00

All Images from Fay Cullen.

Tish B.

Decorating with Curly Willow

Curly Willow is a curly branch that is being used in floral centerpieces for special events or for decorative accents for home or office. It's great to use in taller vases as filler and to add height and is quite inexpensive. Used as a filler or placed in a tall vase alone, curly willow has a chance of its own to give a chic and modern look to your next event.

Image: Love and Splendor

Image: Project Wedding

Image: Lucie's Events

Other types of Willow Branches:

Corkscrew

Twisted

Straight

Prairie

Pussy

Tish B.

Rosey Aisles

I truly can't say that aisle runners are out of style because they're definitely not. But, some aisles are definitely without them and are created by using lots and lots of rose petals. It's a very dramatic and quite romantic look.

Image: Events by Showstoppers

Image: Wedding by Color

Image: Martha Stewart Weddings

Image: TGIS Flowers

Whether you're planning on heavily covering your aisle or using rose petals as accents on your table, it's best to order the right amount you need to get the job done right. I found this Petal Calculator that may help you determine how many petals you'll need.

Tish B.

Last Minute 4th of July Bash!

Tomorrow our country will celebrate it's birthday and there will be many cookouts and parties across the country. And, we will be out of the office beginning today until Monday so that we can spend some quality time with our friends and family. We hope you do, too!

Just in case you waited to the last minute to decide on having a festive get-together, I provided some quick, easy, and inexpensive elements to incorporate. And, they should be easy to find at your local grocery store and craft stores. Have a safe and happy 4th of July and talk to you on Monday!

1. 4th of July paper plates and things: I'm sure you've seen them at your local Wal-Mart, Target, or even Dollar Store. They're inexpensive and definitely will go with the theme of your party. If you're unable to find the striped wear, go solid!

2. Flags: You probably can't have enough of these wavy guys. Big ones, small ones, mini ones. You can use them in your buffet centerpiece, cupcakes, potted plants, along the driveway, you name it.

3. Desserts: Strawberries, blueberries, and whip cream on almost anything will say 4th of July. There are several recipes online for parfaits, cupcakes, sheet cakes, and tarts that will certainly make a hit at your party.

4. Decorations: Hurricane vases filled with layered and dyed rice will look great either on your buffet table, guest tables, or lining the patio. Add a white candle and Voila! If you don't have the time to dye your rice, craft foam beads found at your local Michael's or Hobby Lobby will do the trick.

Red and white carnations placed in striped or solid colored galvanized buckets will look fabulous. Carnations are very inexpensive at about $.50 ea. Add ribbon to the bucket or vase for an extra eye intriguing detail.

5. It's hot!!! So, don't forget about something both the adults and kids can enjoy. POPSICLES. Rocket popsicles are an American favorite and just so happen to come in the colors of our theme.

6. Beverages: Whether it's alcoholic or non-alcolholic, go for color! Try adding frozen strawberries and blueberries for an extra...umph and it'll serve as ice! Or, tonight make ice cubes with the berries mixed in them. Now, that will look great.

7. Favors: Right before you head to the light show, give each of your guests sparklers to light up. Either hand them out or place them in a bucket filled with sand and let guests serve themselves.

8. Food: C'mon...we already know what to serve, All-American Food! Hot Dogs, Grilled Barbecue Chicken, Burgers, Steaks, Potato Salad.... must I go on?!

9. You must have a great time. Laughing is mandatory and mosquito spray, if you're in the South, is a must.

Happy 4th of July!

Images:

Bliss Tree

Veranda

Dianna's Desserts

Flickr

Budget Dream Weddings

Bliss Tree

Foto Bank

Food Network

Tish B.

Photographic Feet, pt. 2

Notice a similarity in the photos below? The brides went with color! And, certainly they will be able to wear these shoes again with a smashing outfit afterwards.

Image: Brenda's Wedding Blog

Image: I Do Signature Events

Image: Wedding Paper Divas Blog

Image: Glamour

Tish B.

Photographic Feet

It took you three months to find the perfect wedding day shoe and you look at them everyday until it is time for you to put them on before the ceremony. Many years after the wedding, you'll see photos of your veil, gown, rings, and your groom's tux...but what about your shoes?! I never really thought about it but in traditional photos, your shoes (or perfect pedicure) are more than likely not captured. It's a great thing to have modern photographers that will keep in mind all of the little details while shooting your pictures.

There are some great photo ops that can include the footsies. After posting about colorful socks for the groom to wear on the wedding day, I thought it would be neat to take a look at photos that capture your wedding day soles. Take a look at what I found.

Image: Intimate Weddings

Image: CJC Photo

Image: Flickr

Image: Clementine Blog

Image: Guelph Weddings

Image: Orlando Weddings

Image: Luxury Yacht Charters

Image: Palm Cove Australia Guide

Tish B.

His Best Foot Forward

Do you have a groom with a fun and humorous personality? Colorful and patterned socks will add a certain twist to the traditional tux. And, it makes for great pictures, too!

Image: Bella Fiore

Image: Martha Stewart

Image: Groom Stand

Image: Project Wedding

Tish B.