Cookie Table Favorites

It's all in the details, right?! Try adding a personal touch to the traditional cookie table with cute little signs to indicate the bride & groom's favorite cookies.

Photos above from Kate & Bernie's 5.26.12 wedding courtesy of Leeann Marie Photography - more to come soon!

 

Etsy Find :: Rustic Engraved Keepsake Chest

It's been awhile since I've done an 'Etsy Find' post, so I thought today would be fitting to post one of my favorite recent rustic finds (wow, say that 3x fast!). The shop responsible for this adorable keepsake chest is Bragging Bags. I have to say, this may be one of my favorite Etsy shops ever. If you're having a rustic/woodland themed wedding, then this is definitely a shop you won't want to miss - SO many fun engraved items available for purchase! Check out all of the details for the chest here, and then check out the rest of the personalized items here. 

Tip :: Use this keepsake chest as your card box, then display in your home as a decorative piece. 

Photo credit :: Morgan Hill Designs.

Rethinking Reception Entertainment

Who says your only wedding reception entertainment has to be a DJ/Band and perhaps a photobooth thrown in?! That's right, no one! When thinking of ways to entertain your wedding guests, try thinking out of the box for a change. Do you and your fiance live for nights by the fire? Do you love spending countless summer afternoons playing lawn games? Don't worry if you haven't seen it in a wedding magazine or on a wedding blog, just do what feels right to YOU. Here are a few fun ways you can entertain your guests...outdoors, of course! :) 

Firepit/Camp fire.

Lawn Games - Bean Bag Toss (Cornhole) & Croquet.

Lawn Games - Horseshoes. 

Photo credit # 1 :: Marianne Wilson Photography. 

Photo credit # 2 :: Green Wedding Shoes.  
Photo credit # 3 :: Prepare to Wed.

DIY Churro Bar

One word. Awesome. I seriously cannot even describe how much I love this idea for a wedding. I grew up eating churros. They were literally a staple in my diet as a child. When I think of churros, visions of trips to Disneyland dance in my head. Oh, and incase you were wondering, Disneyland has the best churros ever. Hands down. At least that's what my 5 year old self tells me. When I stumbled upon this DIY Churro Bar, I raced over to the blog so I could post this. 

In a nutshell, here's how it was done: 

1. First, purchase pre-formed (uncooked) churros in bulk. A good place to check out is Costco.
2. Second, set up a toaster oven with directions on how to cook. Two minutes is ideal.

3. Next, set up a roll station with ideal "rolling" ingredients - things like cinnamon sugar, oreo's, nutmeg, etc... Cinnamon sugar is a must-have.

4. Finally, set up a dipping station with various toppings - things like chocolate sauce, caramel, and even ice cream. 

5. Oh, and don't forget direction cards too. You'll need to clue guests in on how to make their churros. Set everything up on a long banquet table, and you're good to go! 

Enjoy! 

Photos courtesy of Carly Taylor via A Subtle Revelry.

Cake Pops :: Cake on a Stick!

Incase you haven't noticed, cake pops are all the rage in the wedding world right now. These super cute bite-size treats make the perfect favor to send home with your guests. They can even substitute for your entire wedding cake (as pictured above)! Lovebites, a Pittsburgh based bakery makes these delicious little sweet treats if you are interested in giving them a try. Check out their wedding section for details on cake flavors and various packages available. 

P.S. Rebekah, the owner/creator of Lovebites, has so graciously offered a discount to all SPW brides, so if you're interested, give me a buzz, and I will fill you in on all the details : )

Photo courtesy of Magic Your Way Weddings & Photography via Lovebites.

Moss Wedding Decor Inspiration

Several of our previous clients have incorporated moss into their wedding design, and I absolutely love it! Something about the rustic, natural look of it makes me think of growing up in the South. Moss is really quite simple, yet incredibly versatile. I never get tired of seeing those moss covered initials either. Seriously. I love them! Since moss is fairly easy to work with (and readily available), it's also the perfect ingredient for the DIY bride too. 

Tip :: Artificial and preserved moss can typically be found in most craft stores, but if you are looking to order it for a large DIY project, contact your florist to see if they can order it at a discounted bulk rate.

Photo credit # 1 :: The Wedding Chicks

Photo credit # 2 :: Spotted Leopard Etsy Shop

Photo credit # 3 :: Spotted Leopard Etsy Shop

Photo credit # 4 :: Wedding Dress Blog

Photo credit # 5 :: Elizabeth Anne Designs 

Vintage Book Table Numbers

I'm a sucker for pretty little details, and let's face it, these vintage book table numbers are quite charming. I think they add such an element of interest to the tables that guests are sure to love! After all, it's all in the details, right?

Photo credit # 1 :: The Found Blog

Photo credit # 2 :: 100 Layer Cake
Photo credit # 3 :: Amanda Rae Blog
Photo credit # 4 :: Next Exit Photography via Every Last Detail

Stripey Straws

Yes, stripey straws. These cute little straws pictured above are popping up EVERYWHERE lately! We have gotten dozens of questions regarding these adorable little things, so I thought a blog post would be fitting :) And yes, those are the official name. I didn't just make that up.

While there are many stripey straw resources out there, our favorite place to get these from is Shop Sweet Lulu. If you have not been to Shop Sweet Lulu's website yet, I recommend you check it out immediately...like now! There are SO many delightful details available that you just have to see it if for yourself!

Photo courtesy of Leeann Marie Photography. 

For Your Dancing Feet :: Flip Flops

Some say flip flops at weddings have gone "out of style". I disagree. What girl doesn't like to kick off her heels, throw on a pair of comfy flip flops and let loose on the dance floor?! Comfort doesn't go out of style. See my point? Not to mention, I still see flip flops at over half of our weddings each season. This "trend" doesn't seem to be letting up anytime soon. In fact, I've had at least 3 brides contact me within the past few weeks asking for advice on flip flops. Therefore, I thought I would write up a few helpful tips on this subject. 

• How many? Go through your guest list and count each woman/girl attending. I recommend having enough pairs for just about every single one of them. You don't want to leave anyone out. They will go quick, trust me!
• What sizes? This is tricky. Obviously, you aren't going to ask each guest their shoe size; therefore, I recommend purchasing the most common sizes: 7, 8, & 9. Be mindful of the little girls too - if you're inviting children, you should also think about purchasing a few smaller sizes as well.
• How to display? Get creative...there are no rules here! Think about your wedding style, and what type of container would suite your style best. Most common way of displaying? In a tub (as pictured above), basket, bucket, or even wooden box. Don't forget a cute sign too ;)
• Where to purchase? Hands down one of the most popular stores to get cute & cheap flip flops is Old Navy. Don't forget about stores like Target and Kohls too.

Tip :: If you have the ability to color coordinate the flip flops by size, I highly recommend doing so! As you'll see in the photos above, the bride not only color coordinated them, but also added fun little size tags to each pair as well. Totally optional, but definitely practical! 

Photos courtesy of Leeann Marie Photography.

Skeleton Key Wedding Inspiration

Sometimes, the most simplest of things can make for such interesting displays. Enter...the skeleton key. Little known fact: I am obsessed with skeleton keys. I've had my eye on a Tiffany skeleton key necklace for quite some time now. Hint, hint dear husband of mine ;) Anyways, the skeleton key made a quick appearance on the blog with this creative save-the-date last February, but today I wanted to share some other unique ways you can incorporate the skeleton key into your wedding. I'm sure many of you have seen the skeleton key escort card display (pictured above), but did you know you can also use them in your bouquet, guestbook, and even have skeleton key inspired stationery created? Are you incorporating the skeleton key into your wedding? If so, we want to hear all about it!  

Photo credit #1 :: Kate Headley via Ritzy Bee
Photo credit # 2 :: Diana Marie Photography via Elizabeth Anne Designs  
Photo credit # 3 :: A Gray Blog 
Photo credit # 4 :: Larissa Cleveland via Style Me Pretty  
Photo credit # 5 :: Gabriel Harber Photography via Inspired Bride

Sunday Brunch Weddings

I absolutely LOVE weddings that are held on "off" days and times. Something about switching it up from the typical Friday or Saturday evening excites me. Not only are "off" days/times extremely cost-effective, but you also have more opportunities to set your wedding apart from the rest. Think: Sunday Brunch! Then, think about all of the amazing delicious treats you could serve your guests...pancakes, anyone?! Sunday brunch weddings are becoming a bit more popular than they were in recent years, but they are still not considered mainstream by any means. I've seen Sunday brunch weddings out West and down South, but haven't seen many up here in the Pittsburgh area. I'm just dying to have a couple interested in a Sunday brunch wedding come my way! Any takers?! :) 

More on Sunday brunch weddings coming later this week!

Photo credit # 1 :: One Stylish Bride

Photo credit # 2 :: One Stylish Bride  

Photo credit # 3 :: Green Wedding Shoes  

French Macaroons

You've probably seen these colorful little beauties popping up everywhere in wedding magazines and blogs lately. These cookies really are just about the cutest cookies out there, so today I thought I would share some macaroon inspiration with you. Enjoy!

Photo credit # 1 :: Rowell Photography
Photo credit # 2 :: Talia Events
Photo credit # 3 :: New Zealand Weddings
Photo credit # 4 :: Bakerella

Wheat Grass Inspiration

Wheat grass is such a simple little thing, yet versatile in so many ways. You can use wheat grass for almost every element of your wedding design - centerpieces, escort card displays, place settings...you name it! Pictured above are just a few of the many ways you can incorporate wheat grass into your wedding. Talk with your floral designer for more ideas.

Tip :: Looking for a fun eco-friendly project? Try growing your own wheat grass at home. 

Photo credit # 1 :: Sweet Monday Photography via Elizabeth Anne Designs

Photo credit # 2 :: Unknown  

Photo credit # 3 :: Hostess with the Mostess

Photo credit # 4 :: Wedding to Be 

Photo credit # 5 :: Park Place Design