Guys a la mode - quirky boutonnieres

Today's post is for the grooms -- well, really for brides dressing their grooms! 

I absolutely LOVE the  Junebug Weddings Blog.  This weekend, while I was catching up on my blog reading, I came across these totally awesome boutonnieres

Like Junebug says,

Wedding boutonnieres are an often overlooked accessory when it comes to a groom's wedding day style, but it's amazing how much personality can be packed into such a tiny little space! Case in point, the Bespoke Boutonnieres by Fritts Rosenow. No traditional flowers here, these boutonnieres are strictly for the playful, the quirky, and the fashion fun-loving. If that sounds like your guy, what could be better?

What do you think?  Would your guy like something a bit different?

Saturday Spotlight - Katie Whitcomb Photographers

Katie Whitcomb Photographers

Here's what Katie has to say about her business:

"If a married couple could only salvage one item while fleeing their burning home, most would choose their wedding album. Photos are priceless, celebrating a time in your life where you’ve never been happier, never looked better and are sharing the most precious moments of your life with the people you love most. We don’t take this responsibility lightly.

Our objective is to make you look the best you have ever looked in your life, while telling the story of your dream wedding. Of course you can and should have confidence that we will capture the precious moments on your big day without direction from you. Our style of photography is glamorous andfashionable yet classic and natural at the same time."

Stop by the Brides a la mode studio to see some of Katie's work, check out her blog here.

Friday Fun Find - DIY Candy Favors/Placecards

Isn't this the cutest for a Spring wedding?  Martha Stewart Weddings has all kinds of great DIY projects and this one is one of my favorites!

The directions are very simple: sugar-coated Jordan almonds are used to look like robins' eggs in a delicate faux nest and parchment paper threaded among them acts as a simple place card. The almonds are available from candy stores or online in a range of colors (but I just love the blue!).  The nests can be found at floral-supply or craft stores. Then, simply cut 3/4-inch-wide strips of parchment paper long enough to reach across the nest, and write a name on each strip. Cutting a inverted "V" on the ends of the paper gives it an extra special look!

Wednesday Wedding Tips - Your wedding stationery

Today's tips are from Ginny Schumacher at Designs by Ginny

Today's bride has a lot of exciting choices when it comes to invitations. It can be very overwhelming.

My best suggestion to brides is to start with a budget. The biggest mistake I see couples make when setting their budget they don't take into account all the stationery needs and make this part of the budget too small.

Here are things to keep in mind when setting your budget:

• Save the Date plus postage
• Invitations plus postage for the reply and outer envelope 
• Extra cards to send with invitations for a map, directions and accommodations 
• Programs
• Menu Cards
• Place cards
• Table Numbers
• Guest Welcome Booklet
• Labels for favors, or water bottles and other gifts 
• Thank You Cards

I mention postage because I think that is overlooked until the invitations need to be mailed and it can be sticker shock. The more layers to an invitation and the more weight the higher the cost of postage. If you have a bow or other embellishment and it creates bulk to the envelope that will also cost more. With the rising cost of postage this can add up.

A good start in picking out your invitations is to have a color in mind. Most use the colors that will be used in their wedding. Next decide if your wedding will have a theme or a particular look and choose an invitation that best reflects your special day.

I always encourage couples to make their invitations personal to them, after all it's their special day. The invitation sets the tone for the entire wedding so make sure it makes a great first impression!

Need more info?  Contact Ginny

What's inspiring me today.....

Preston Bailey's newest book is FULL of pictures of amazing events, flip through a few pages and I'm sure you will be inspired, too! 

Stop by Brides a la mode Tues-Friday bewtween 11-6 to browse through this book and lots of other wedding inspiration books!

Saturday Spotlight - PicFlips!

PicFlips!

First, it might help to explain what a flip book is. Think back to the days when you began doodling on the side of your notebook. One page of a ball bouncing...the next of the ball slightly lower on the page....then hitting the ground....the next page bouncing a little higher. This went on for a while until you flipped the pages back and watched the ball bounce up and down via animation.

So, what is PicFlips, you ask? Simply put, PicFlips is a way to bring your parties to life with the newest craze in customized party favors. How? We set up a display in a 10'x10' area at your party or event and invite guests to step behind the camera and make a short video clip. In a minute-and-a-half, we turn the video clip into a personalized flipbook while partygoers watch. It creates a buzz as your guests watch each other make a short video clip and give each other ideas. PicFlips averages 45 flipbooks per hour and is versatile enough to fit into any party setting, from casual to couture. Sure, there are other companies who make flipbooks, but PicFlips differs from the competition because we make the flipbooks right in front of the party guests. No waiting for flipbooks in the mail - it's immediate gratification!

Want PicFlips for your wedding?  Call Shelley at 574-532-5179

Friday Fun Find - Fascinating Fascinators

Fascinators are head coverings, very popular in the 1920s made from lace, feathers, beads, pearls and crystals.  The were worn at occasions such as weddings and other glamorous occasions. Unfortunately, by the 1970’s fascinators had become passe’.

Luckily, in the early 21st century, fascinators made a comeback. A fascinator may be worn instead of a hat to occasions where hats were traditionally worn—such as weddings—or as an evening accessory, when it may be called a cocktail hat. It is generally worn with fairly formal attire.

Carrie Bradshaw made fascinators quite popular in Sex in the City:

 

And even wore a "fascinator style" veil at her failed wedding to Mr. Big

Wearing a fascinator for your wedding can make a real statement if you'd like to add a bit of color or a fun statement to your wedding attire.  Fascinators can be found at most bridal salons (Andrea's Bridal has a GORGEOUS one), but if you are looking for something truly unique and handmade, try Etsy.com.  Here are just a few I found by typing "wedding fascinator" in the search box on Etsy:

                From Etsy seller Damselfly Studio              

From Etsy seller Satanica         

From Etsy Seller Londonxox

As you can see,  fascinators come in many styles -- try one on and let me know what you think!